Sukkot Symbols
During Sukkot, one of the most beautiful and meaningful traditions is the waving of the lulav and etrog. These symbols connect us to the natural world and represent unity, spirituality, and the blessings of the land of Israel.
🌿 The lulav is a bundle of palm fronds, myrtle branches, and willow branches tied together. These plants are often considered to represent different types of people; those who have knowledge (palm), those who do good deeds (myrtle), and those who are humble (willow). By binding them together, we symbolize the unity of the Jewish people, diverse yet united in faith. 🌱
🍋 The etrog, a citrus fruit resembling a lemon, represents beauty and purity. Its fragrance symbolizes the sweet spirit of the Jewish people. The etrog is often compared to the heart, while the lulav is seen as representing the hands and actions. Together, the lulav and etrog create a holistic symbol of Jewish devotion and spiritual harmony.
✨During Sukkot, Jews wave the lulav and etrog in all directions—north, south, east, west, up, and down. This practice emphasizes the idea that the omnipresence is everywhere, from the heavens to the earth.