Hoshana Rabbah circles

Hi,

During the "Hoshanot" on the morning of Hoshana Rabbah, we circle the synagogue's Bimah while carrying first the Lulav and Etrog, and then the "Hoshanot" bundles of willow branches.

There is some debate as to when one puts down the Lulav/Etrog and picks up the Hoshanot, and we don't want to overlap lest we add inappropriately to the Mitzvah. Therefore, standard Ashkenazic practice is to carry the Lulav and Etrog until we get up to specific prayers for rain, and then to put down the Lulav/Etrog and pick up the Hoshanot bundles.

(Code of Jewish Law Orach Chaim 664:7, and Mishneh Berurah there)

Moadim l'Simchah,
Mordechai