Can I Help You Pick a Lulav and Etrog?

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 Our Sages taught that during these days between Yom Kippur and Sukkot people don’t have time to sin. This is based on a Midrash, which says:  You shall take for yourselves on the first day [of Sukkot] … (an etrog, lulav, willows and myrtles).  The Midrash says that the words “the first day,” in addition to the simple meaning of the first day of the holiday, alludes to “the first day of accumulating sins.”  

 

During Rosh Hashanah, the first day of the year, and Yom Kippur, and the days in between, we are involved in Teshuva. On Yom Kippur we achieve atonement and are like righteous people. Then come the four days of preparation for Sukkot. 

 

We build a Sukkah and cover it with branches. We buy the four species (we still have some available to order), cook for the holiday and study its laws and customs. We read about the spiritual and mystical meanings of the holiday and its observance. 

 

Doesn’t leave any time for sin. These four days, Chassidus tells us, correspond to the four letters of Hashem’s ineffable name. It is a busy time, a holy time, a joyous time. 

 

For me, personally, this is one of my very favorite times of year. Since I came to Palo Alto in 1980 I have had the pleasure and merit of providing four species sets to the community. The number of people grows from year to year. 

 

I remember in 1980 I had a box of 30 sets shipped by United Airlines (yes that was the only way for fast shipping in those days), arriving at SFO three hours before the holiday. This year we have over 250. 

 

What is most exciting to me is to personally welcome so many people over a few days to help them select an etrog and lulav that “speaks” to them. 

 

Sukkot is known as Zeman Simchateinu, the time of our joy. One of the ways we celebrate is by getting together in the Sukkah. Sitting with friends for a meal or a drink, or just to hang out together completely surrounded by a Mitzvah, it doesn’t get much better than that. 

 

This is especially appropriate this year, the year of gathering known as Hakhel. You can see more information about this Mitzvah, its meaning and observances here, and here.

 

We will be having celebrations every night of Sukkot in our community, and you are warmly invited. Let me know if you would like more information. Also it is a wonderful thing to invite people into your Sukkah, or, if you don’t have one, to join someone who does. 

 

I wish you a very joyous holiday!

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