עברית
Women
Are Women Obligated to Shake the Lulav?
Question
Greetings, esteemed Rabbi, I read somewhere that Ashkenazi women shake the lulav on Sukkot—is this true? Are they obligated to do so, or can they choose to do it voluntarily? Thank you in advance.
Answer
Dear Sir,
All women, both Ashkenazi and Sephardi, are exempt from shaking the lulav, but if they wish, they can fulfill this mitzvah.
The distinction between Ashkenazi and Sephardi women is that Ashkenazi girls may recite a blessing over the shaking of the lulav (see Rabbi Moses Isserles, Orach Chaim 644:6), whereas Sephardi girls may not (see Shulchan Aruch there, and Responsa Yabia Omer, Part 1, Orach Chaim 640).
Best wishes,
Hillel Meirs
