Q&A: Blessing on the Lulav for Seven Days
Originally published:
This is an English translation (via GPT-5.4). Read the original Hebrew version.
Blessing on the Lulav for Seven Days
Question
Hello to dear Rabbi Michi.
We wave the lulav for 7 days and recite a blessing over it, but in principle, by Torah law one only has to wave it for one day outside the Temple, and the rest is only in remembrance of the Temple. And this also was not established by the Sanhedrin, so there is no issue here of reciting a blessing because of obeying the words of the Sages. So why do we recite a blessing?
Answer
First, why do you think this was not established by the Sanhedrin? Rabban Yohanan ben Zakkai was part of the Sanhedrin that relocated to Yavneh. Second, the Talmud has the status of a Sanhedrin as well (because of public acceptance).
Second, in the view of many medieval authorities (Rishonim), one recites a blessing even over a custom.