Welcome friends to Torah Thoughts from Adas Israel the Jewish Congregation of Northern Iowa and based in Mason City. Before we get
into our "thoughts" for this week we're pleased to let you know that we'll be holding services on Friday the 20th of October at 7:00PM and our Midrash (Torah Study) will take place on Shabbat the 21st of October starting at 10:00AM. All of this at the shul. Hope you can be with us!
Sukkot Part Two
This week we read Lev. 22:26 - 23:44 which sets out the Torah mandated holidays which includes Sukkot and also this being an "agricultural festival". During this month we take the four species, the etrog, the palm, the myrtle and the willow and wave them in four directions while dwelling in the sukkah.
So, what's up with that? I know, explaining this festival to non-Jews is a task that is often hard to understand. But there is great symbolism in all of it. Let's go!
The etrog is sort of like a large lemon. It has a wonderful aroma and it's shape is that which represents the heart. The palm (Lulav) represents the spine of a person. Long and straight. The myrtle (Hadass) represents the eyes and the willow (Aravah) represents the lips or mouth of a person. When we bind these all together it represents a person. The heart, the spine, our eyes and our lips which are all dedicated to the service of G-d.
The other interpretation of the four species is this:
- The lulav has taste but no smell, symbolizing those who study Torah but do not possess good deeds.
- The hadass has a good smell but no taste, symbolizing those who possess good deeds but do not study Torah.
- The aravah has neither taste nor smell, symbolizing those who lack both Torah and good deeds.
- The etrog has both a good taste and a good smell, symbolizing those who have both Torah and good deeds.
Enjoying this holiday has real meaning. Oh, and one other thing tomorrow is not only Shabbat it is also Shmini Atzeret or an "extra day" of Sukkot. Then on Sunday we dance with the Torah as we conclude the final "book" and start reading again from "the beginning". It is a joyful day full of song, dancing, food and drink...and called Simchat Torah or "rejoicing in the Torah"
Enjoy my friends and Shabbat Shalom!
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