Living Torah Archives

The Four Species taken on Sukkos represent four types of Jews, from the citron which has both flavor and fragrance, and represents the Jew who studies Torah and fulfills its commandments, to the willow which is neither tasty nor fragrant, represents the simplest of Jews, who lacks both Torah and good deeds.

During the festival of Sukkos, the Torah commands us to take a citron, a date palm frond, a myrtle branch, and a willow twig and bring them all together. The Midrash adds that each of these represents a different kind of Jew.

The seventh day of Sukkos is known as Hoshana Raba, during which we fulfill the custom of making seven circuits around the bima while holding the Four Species and reciting prayers for blessing and prosperity in the coming year.