The Lulav and Etrog: A Teaching from Rabbi Yael
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On the 15th of the month of Tishrei gather an etrog, with branches of the myrtle, palm and willow trees and rejoice with the Source of All for seven days. -- Lev. 23:40
Our sukkot celebration includes shaking the lulav and etrog, (the branches of three trees and the fullness of one fruit) in four directions and up toward the heavens and the earth. Our ancestors performed this ritual to honor the harvest and to give thanks for the bountyof this time.
We too offer up our thanks for all that has grown and become this year, and we ask for guidance and protection as we seek our dreams and visions.
Shaking the Lulav and Etrog
We begin facing east, then south, west, north, up, down and then to the heart.
EAST
Ruach spirit
Vision, Perspective
The rising light of dawn
Opening to the light from beyond
We give thanks for the gifts of each new day.
We give thanks for the gifts of insight and perspective.
SOUTH
Aish Fire
Passion, Creativity
Energy that sustains, loves, and inspires
Warmth, Yearning
We face toward the south and ask to open to the gifts it brings.
We give thanks for the love that sustains us
We give thanks for the passions that inspire us.
WEST
Mayim Waters
Change
The wonder of movement and transformation
We ask for bitachon, the trust to go forward
To engage in the movement, to be part of the unfolding
We give thanks for all we learn as we watch the passage of time.
NORTH
Adamah Earth
Ancient Wisdom
Reverent relationship
We give honor to our ancestors.
We give honor to the earth
And ask to carry the wisdom
That is ours to receive and bestow
With humility and strength.
UP: Into the heavens, to all that is beyond our knowing—we give thanks and ask to live with awe.
DOWN: Into the earth—our home-- we give thanks and ask to live well in relationship with all beings.
BACK TO THE HEART: We give thanks and ask to live with compassion and to act from love.
