Lulav and Etrog 101

What’s a Lulav and Etrog?

If you’ve ever heard someone talk about a “lulav” and “etrog,” and you weren’t sure what they were talking about, don’t worry—you’re not alone! Let’s break it down.

The lulav and etrog are key parts of the Jewish holiday of Sukkot, a festival that happens in the fall, right after Yom Kippur. Sukkot is all about celebrating the harvest and remembering the time the Jewish people spent wandering in the desert after leaving Egypt. It’s a time to focus on gratitude, nature, and togetherness.

So what exactly is a lulav and etrog?

• Lulav: This is a bundle of three plants: a palm branch (the actual lulav), two willow branches (called aravot), and three myrtle branches (hadasim). They’re held together as one big bundle.
• Etrog: This is a special yellow citron fruit, kind of like a bumpy lemon.

During Sukkot, Jewish people shake the lulav and etrog in six directions—north, south, east, west, up, and down—to show that G-d is everywhere. It’s a way to connect spiritually, bringing all of creation into our prayers.

Spiritual Meaning

Beyond the physical act, there’s also a lot of deeper meaning behind the lulav and etrog. One famous teaching is that the four species (palm, willow, myrtle, and etrog) represent different types of people:

• The lulav (palm) represents people who are full of Torah knowledge but may not always do kind deeds.
• The myrtle (hadas) represents people who do good deeds but aren’t so focused on learning.
• The willow (aravah) symbolizes those who may not be strong in either Torah or deeds, but they’re still an important part of the community.
• The etrog represents someone who combines both Torah and kindness.

When we hold them all together, it shows that everyone—no matter where they are on their Jewish journey—is important and essential to the Jewish people. It’s a beautiful reminder that community is about unity, not uniformity.

Why It Matters

The lulav and etrog aren’t just symbols—they’re tools for connection. They remind us to be grateful for nature, for community, and for the opportunity to bring more holiness into our lives. Whether this is your first time hearing about them or you’ve known about them for years, Sukkot offers a moment to pause and reflect on the beauty around you and the role you play in the bigger picture.