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During Sukkot , we gather four species together – the etrog (citron), lulav (palm frond), hadassim (myrtles), and aravot (willows branches) – to fulfill a beautiful mitzvah. But, while the etrog gets all the accolades for being both fragrant and flavorful, and the lulav and hadassim also hold their own. It's the humble aravot that often fly under the radar. These leafy underdogs, with no taste and no fragrance, seem like the least likely to make a splash. Yet, on Hoshana Rabbah , the last day of Sukkot, the aravot take center stage with a holiday all to themselves.
What's the deal with these seemingly unremarkable branches?
The Four Species and Four People
The Sages teach us that the Four Species represent four types of Jews. The etrog, with its delightful scent and taste, symbolizes someone who has both Torah knowledge and good deeds. The lulav, tasty but not fragrant, stands for someone who knows Torah but may be light on the mitzvot. The hadassim, fragrant but flavorless, represent those with good deeds but less Torah learning. And then, there's the aravot, which embody the person who seems to lack both Torah and mitzvot.
At first glance, the aravot may not seem like much. But in the grand scheme of things, they have a profound lesson to teach us about humility, unity, and the hidden sweetness in serving G-d.
The Aravot and Layers of Service: Good, Better, Best
In life, we often categorize things by how they benefit us – whether they're pleasant, good, or truly beneficial. In the physical world, we cherish things that are sweet and enjoyable, then things that are good , and finally, those that are beneficial , even if they’re not the most delicious.
But in the spiritual world, the hierarchy flips. Serving G-d purely out of duty, without any personal gratification – like the seemingly plain aravot – is actually the highest form of service. When we do a mitzvah without looking for any “taste” or “fragrance,” we're tapping into a deeper, more genuine relationship with the Divine. It's in this selfless service that we find a sweetness beyond what we could ever imagine.
The Willow's Secret: From Lowly to Lofty
The aravot, with their lack of taste and smell, symbolize this pure form of service. Despite their modest appearance, they remind us that true spiritual sweetness – “araivus” in Hebrew – doesn't come from being flashy or fragrant, but from being humble and connected to G-d.
On Hoshana Rabbah, we wave the aravot alone, giving them the spotlight they deserve. This act symbolizes our own spiritual journey – refining ourselves until we can serve G-d with pure intentions, just like the willow.
The Peacemaker’s Touch: Aravot and Aaron the High Priest
The aravot also represent Aaron the High Priest, known for his ability to make peace between people. Just as Aaron brought people together, the aravot remind us of the power of humility and unity. Throughout Sukkot, the aravot are bound with the other species, teaching us that even those who seem spiritually lacking can be uplifted by those around them.
Conversely, those who might be “spiritually fragrant” are reminded to stay humble by the presence of the aravot. It’s a beautiful cycle of influence and humility, encouraging everyone to grow together.
The Grand Finale: Hoshana Rabbah's Humble Hero
As Sukkot draws to a close on Hoshana Rabbah, we embrace the willow branches in all their unassuming glory. The aravot, through their humility, teach us that true greatness comes not from seeking glory but from sincere, selfless service to G-d. On this day, we recognize the power of humility, and in doing so, we elevate ourselves – and the world – just a little bit higher.
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