Q&A: Waving the Lulav During Hallel
Waving the Lulav During Hallel
Question
Hello Rabbi, the Mishnah Berurah writes in סימן 651, subparagraph 37: “And one should not wave [the lulav] while saying God’s Name.” I haven’t found a reason for this. Does the Rabbi have sources for this Jewish law or for a similar one? I was thinking of suggesting that one cannot combine an action or practice while pronouncing the Name of God, similar to spreading out one’s hands and feet while pronouncing the Explicit Name, or to standing erect during the Amidah. The self-nullification needs to be total, and adding an action or some accessory could detract from the worship of God itself and make it resemble idolatry.
I would be glad for an answer.
Answer
I don’t know what the source is. I assume it’s because when saying God’s Name one should concentrate, so it’s preferable not to be occupied with something else. I don’t think there’s any real source for it, but I haven’t checked.