THE ANATOMY OF UNITY

TAKE A DEEPER LOOK AT THE FOUR KINDS, AND YOU'LL FIND A MORE UNITED AND LOVING WORLD:

World Unity Is In Your Hands

Sukkot is all about the power of unity. The four kinds you are holding symbolize the diversity that becomes one community. The different kinds represent individuals with varying levels of knowledge (taste) and observance (fragrance). By bringing these different types together, we symbolize our nation's unity and collective strength that transcends our external differences.

Bah-rookh ah-tah ah-dohnoi eh-loh-hay-noo meh-lekh hah-oh-lahm sheh-heh-khehyah-noo veh-kee-mah-noo ve-hig-ee-yah-noo liz-mahn hah-zeh.

(Blessed are You, L-rd our G-d, King of the Universe, who has granted us life, sustained us, and enabled us to reach this occasion.)

Step 3

Bring the Lulav and etrog together, and you've done the mitzvah!

Step 4

The custom is to wave the "Four Kinds" in all six directions—south, north, east, up, down, and west and bring it back to your heart.

Important Note: The Lulav should always remain vertical during the wavings, so "down" means lowering the stem, not flipping it upside down by pointing the top towards the ground.

Best Practice: Sure, it's best to shake the Lulav in a sukkah, but it is not required.

PALM BRANCH (LULAV)

The Image: looks like a spine. The Torah scholar and the unwavering law are the backbone of our people. The palm branch has taste (knowledge) but doesn't have the fragrance of action or community involvement.

Stay Together: The different leaves of the palm branch must be tightly united for the Lulav to be kosher.