Do the Lulav Shake!

Sukkot is one of the most joyous and festive holidays on the Jewish calendar. One unique mitzvah connected with Sukkot is the taking of the lulav. More properly referred to as the four species, the lulav is a bundle of four specific products of four different trees: an etrog (or citron), a lulav (palm frond), three hadassim (myrtle twigs), and two aravot (willow twigs). On each day of the Sukkot festival (except Shabbat) we take the four species in our hands and recite a brachah (blessing). Holding them together, we then shake the bundle in all directions, right, left, forward, backward, up and down. Nearly all siddurim will have the proper blessing. Check with your rabbi for the correct manner of shaking the lulav.

According to the Midrash, the four species represent the unity of the Jewish people. The etrog has both a delicious taste and a wonderful smell. It represents Jews who are both learned in Torah and observant of the mitzvot. The lulav comes from a fruit bearing tree: dates have good taste but no aroma. This represents those who are Torah scholars but are not as careful to observe the mitzvot. The hadassim have a fine fragrance but no taste. They represents Jews who perform mitzvot but are deficient in Torah knowledge. The aravot have no smell and no taste. They represent Jews who have neither Torah learning nor mitzvot.

All four must be brought together to fulfill the mitvah of taking the four species. Leaving out even one branch, no matter if it is a palm or a willow, makes the bundle incomplete and renders it unfit for the mitzvah. Each and every Jew, no matter how great or how humble, regardless of his or her Torah knowledge or lack of it, is part of the whole Jewish people .In order for our people to be complete - to fulfill our divinely appointed mission - we must all come together as one.

As you celebrate this festive holiday, even if for the first time, remember the lesson of the four species. May we all find joy and fulfillment is coming together to rejoice and praise Hashem. Chag Sameach!

Related links:
About the Lulav and Etrog
Why Shake the Lulav and Etrog?
How to Shake the Lulav and Etrog (video)