"and you shall take of yourselves on the first day (of Sukkot) the
fruit of a goodly tree, a palm branch, the myrtle branch, and the
willow of the brook; and you shall rejoice before the L-rd your
G-d seven days"
Leviticus 23
Of the many symbols associated with Sukkot the most important are the Four Species. The Four Species are:
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Etrog - The fruit of the goodly tree, also known as the
citron
Palm branch - know as the lulav
Myrtle - the hadas
Willow - the aravah
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Together these items make up the Etrog and Lulav, which are important ingredients in the celebration of Sukkot in the synagogue .
When choosing an etrog, look for one that is clean and free
of blemishes. Make sure that the crown is intact. A texture that
is rippled is preferred over a smooth finish. And a green etrog
is recommended over a yellow one as the yellow is already ripe,
while the green one, which will ripen quickly, lasts longer.
To make the Lulav you will need to gather a palm branch (also called a lulav), myrtle branches (hadas), and willow branches
(aravah). When choosing the Etrog and the Lulav,
remember it is important that they be "beautiful" or hadar.
The palm branch should be as green and straight as possible. Make sure that the center spinal leaf does not spilt and the leaves are not damaged. Choose 3 myrtle branches that are between
12 and 15 inched long. As well as two willow branches which need
to be longer than the myrtle. Then bind the myrtle and willow to the lulav with a piece of
string or a rubber band.
When used in temple the Lulav, in the right hand, and the Etrog, in the left, are carried as the Hallel (a group of psalms) are sung. At the end of the service the Etrog and Lulav are again held during the Hoshanot, the processional in which the entire congregation circles the sanctuary singing hymns of joy and thanksgiving.
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