7. The Four Kinds

"On the first day, take the fruit of the etrog tree, unopened fronds of the date palm, myrtle branches and willows of the brook and rejoice before G‑d, your G‑d for seven days." —The Five Books of Moses, Book III

Each one of us discovers a small corner of some galaxy, but together we perceive the wonders of an entire universe. So now, get networked—with your Arba Minim ("Four Kinds") device.

Here, four very diverse floras create one integral whole. If one is missing—even a humble willow branch—the circuit is broken. Just like us, the Jewish People: Regardless of knowledge or observance, each individual is unique and essential.

Four very diverse floras create one integral wholeHow to do the Arba Minim thing:

Easier than eating cake: The lulav (palm branch) comes wrapped with three myrtle branches and two willow bush branches. Hold those in your right hand and say the following blessing:

Ba-ruch A-tah Ado-nai E-lo-he-nu Me-lech ha-olam a-sher ki-de-sha-nu be-mitz-vo-tav ve-tzi-va-nu al netilat lulav.

[Blessed are You, L-rd, our G‑d, King of the universe, who has sanctified us with His commandments and has commanded us concerning the taking of the lulav.]

Now pick up the etrog (stem down) in your left hand.

First time this year? Then say the blessing for new things:

Ba-ruch A-tah Ado-nai E-lo-hei-nu me-lech ha-olam she-heche-ya-nu ve-ki-yi-ma-nu ve-higi-a-nu liz-man ha-zeh

[Blessed are You, Lord our G‑d, King of the universe, who has granted us life, sustained us, and enabled us to reach this occasion.]

Hold the etrog together with the other three species. You did it. Repeat every day of Sukkot excluding Shabbat.

The custom, however, is to wave the arba minim three times in all six directions: Face east and wave three times to the south, three to the north, three east, three up, three down and finally, three west (over your shoulder).

Click here for more about the arba minim.

Hoshana Rabba

The seventh day of Sukkot is when the global rain factor is set. We circle the Torah reading table in the synagogue seven times with the arba minim while reciting special prayers, and then beat a bundle of five willow branches on the floor. You have a better way to make it rain?