The question is asked in Halacha, what is the proper way to make the Hoshanot according to the Sephardim. Now there is a great Machloket (argument) amongst the Poskim how we shake the Lulav in the Halel. Now it’s clear and we all know that we wave the Lulav back and forth in the different directions as we say ‘Hodu LaHashem Ki Tov Ki Liolam Chasdo,’ and ‘Ana Hashem Hoshiana.’ Today we are discussing the question about shaking the Lulav as you move it forward and back. According to the Sephardim, is it proper to give a shake to the Lulav, as you move it back and forth? We know that some people do that. In Halacha it’s called Kishkush (rattling). They shake the Lulav a little and one can hear a little rattling noise coming out of the top tip of the Lulav. Is that proper?
Actually, according to Shulchan Aruch, Maran’s opinion holds that it is proper that while you are moving the Lulav back and forth, to make that Kishkush (rattling) sound. A lot of the Poskim (Rabbis who render Halachot opinions) also concur with that. However, the opinion of The Arizal as brought down by Rav Chayim Palachi and is quoted by his student Rav Chayim Vital, was that The Arizal held that you just make a forward and backward motion without Kishkush, without shaking the Lulav. And therefore, the Halacha, we are very careful to follow the opinion of Arizal, even though it argues on the opinion of Maran. So therefore , the Halacha it would be more proper not to make the shaking sound on the Lulav, but just to make the motions back and forth.
It should be pointed out that when we move it back and forth, it should be all the way back and forth. Meaning, all the way extended out and then back to your chest. Not like you see some people where they just make shortened motion. It should be a full degree of back and forth. It comes right to your chest and then goes back out.
Our custom also is to turn to the side we are making the motions. In some communities they have a custom where they just send the Lulav in the direction. They send it over their shoulder or over their back. But our custom is to turn towards the direction. Also, we always turn to the right. It’s a rule, so you don’t get confused. Whenever you are making your turnings in the synagogue or at home, and for the Hoshanot, you always turn to the right. Even though that might be the longest route, where you can make a left and be right there. But you should take the long route and turn towards the right in order to get to the west, the north, etc, according to the Hashanot.
