Why the Willow Need Not Grow Near Water

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, neither tasty nor fragrant, represents the simplest of Jews, who lacks both Torah and good deeds.

While, there are many laws concerning the halachic eligibility of the first three of the Four Species, the willow has almost none.

The lesson: when you have the opportunity to interact with the “willow Jew”, don’t set conditions, a simple Jew is precious because, as the Baal Shem Tov relates, he is already connected to G-d.