One of the special commandments of Sukkot is to take "The Four Kinds," the citrus, the palm branch the willow and myrtle branches. We hold them close together, recite a blessing and, as is customary, wave them to all the four winds and upward and downward.
Like all other commandments the mitzvah of Four Kinds should be performed because it is the will of G-d. However, it has its particular significance and meaning. One of the most known explanations is that the Four Kinds represent the unity of all Jews.
The citrus, or etrog, combines both delicious taste and a fragrance which is enjoyed by all. It represents the Jew who is both learned in Torah, as well as observant of the mitzvahs.
The palm branch, or lulav, is of a tree that bears fruit; dates with good taste, but is odorless. It represents those among Israel who are Torah scholars but do not particularly emphasize good deeds.
The myrtle twigs, or hadasim, are fragrant but tasteless. It represents Jews who are filled with good deeds but are not learned in Torah.
The branches of willow, or aravot, have neither taste nor smell. It represents those among Jews who are unlearned in Torah and void of good deeds.
Putting these four Kinds together teaches us that no one, not even the citrus or the palm branch can be complete without every single Jew - even without the willows. Without unity the citrus alone is no mitzvah at all.
We wave them on all sides to signify that G-d is everywhere.
