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October 2006

By Rabbi Simkha Y. Weintraub, LCSW

Arba Minim — The Four Species

Below is an excerpt from The Outstretched Arm: Sukkot. For a copy of this issue, contact us at 212.399.2685 ext 216.

As a central ritual of Sukkot, Leviticus 23:40 commands us to gather together four species: the three branches which make up the lulav (the palm, the myrtle, and the willow), and the etrog, or citron. This custom, combined with the particular qualities of these natural elements, has provoked many interpretations over the centuries.

In one interpretation, the arba minim are seen to represent four types of Jews, each rated according to taste (learning) and fragrance (good deeds). Joining all four together reflects our hope that our respective strengths will enable us to complement one another rand overcome our individual limitations.

Another popular approach is to assign parts of our bodies and human abilities to each of the four species: to the etrog — the heart and emotion; to eh palm — the spine and action; to the willow — the lips and speech; and to the myrtle — the eyes and insight.

One way to expand and deepen the daily ritual of saying a blessing while joining lulav and etrog is to add a special kavannah, or meditation based on the healing potential of these interpretations. We offer the following example, but encourage you to think about composing your own personal prayer.

Meditation on the Arba Minim

May it be Your Will, Adonai our God,
that in joining together these arba minim
I may unite my body and soul
in a complete and peaceful healing.

Just as these four species represent the coming together
of different types of Jews
and the ultimate reunion of our people in Zion,
So may they be the harbinger of a try refuah shleimah,
a total healing of all aspects of my being;
of organs, limbs, senses and faculties;
of mind, heart, spirit, and soul;
of thoughts, feelings, actions, and words.

Let me share fullness with all,
gathering strength from all in my community
and from You and Your Shelter of Peace,
Sukkat Shalom.
Amen.

These "Spirituality Notes" are excerpts from our monthly E-newsletter. Articles are © JBFCS Rita J. Kaplan Jewish Connections Programs and may be reprinted free of charge as long as this credit line is included.

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