THE FOUR ELEMENTS

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Introduction
THE FOUR ELEMENTS
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LULAV
Lulav is an important part in the celebration of
Sukkot in the synagogue. To make Lulav palm
branches are gathered together along with myrtle
and willow branches. The palm branches have to be
as straight and green as possible, this
represents a straight back and an upright back.
The Lulav is carried in the right hand in the
temple. It is carried along with Etrog as the
Hallel (a group of psalms) are sung. At the end
of the service the 2 elements are held again
during the Hashanot in which the congregation
circles the sanctuary singing hymns.
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Willow
In the sukkot,four different types of plant are
used, and they all have different meanings. They
all represent different parts of the body. The
willow branches represent the mouth for affection
and honesty.
Myrtle
The myrtle also represents a part of the body.
The twigs of myrtle represent the eyes and clear
vision.
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An introduction to the four elements of Sukkot
How Sukkot is celebrated Jewish families build a
sukkah in their garden and live in it for the
duration of the festival. All families eat meals
in the sukkah and some sleep there as well. The
sukkah is built from wood and the roof is
decorated with palm branches, flowers and fruit.
The stars must be seen through the roof. Jews do
this so that they can experience some of the
physical life of their ancestors in the
desert. In synagogues, a procession is made and
the congregation carry one or more of four
different types of plant lulav (palm leaves),
aravot (willow), etrog (a type of citrus fruit)
and hadasim (myrtle). These four types of plant
play an important role at Sukkot.
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Etrog
Etrog along with Lulav are important ingredients
in the celebration of Sukkot within the
synagogue.an Etrog should be clean and free of
blemishes and its crown should be intact.a green
Etrog is recommended over a yellow one.The four
elements all match a certain part of the
body.This is a type of Citron fruit which
represents the heart as it is believed to show
signs of deep emotion. The Etrog is carried in
the left hand into the synagogue, and the Lulav
on in the right.whilst being carried Hallel a
group of psalms are sung.then at the end of the
service, the Etrog again is held during the
hoshanot.