How To Shake the Four Species

Ah, Sukkot . The time when we build makeshift huts ( Sukkahs ), dwell under leafy canopies ( Schach ), and shake a bundle of greenery ( the Four Species ) like it’s a divine maraca. Let’s dive into the intricacies of ‘shaking’ the Four Species – the lulav (palm branch), etrog (citron), hadas (myrtle), and aravah (willow) – and find out how it’s loaded with meaning.  

While simply holding the Four Species might technically check the mitzvah box, the preferred method involves shaking (waving) the lulav bundle [interlink to the article on tying the bundle] in all six directions. That’s right, we’re talking a full-on plant parade: forward, right, back, left, up, and down.

According to the Talmud, this multi-directional waving of the Four Species isn’t just for show. It’s like presenting our green goodies to the ultimate Owner of the Universe. Forward, back, up, and down – each wave is a reminder that everything (including the directions themselves!), everywhere, belongs to Him. The Four Species, and all that is connected to them, are an allusion to G‑d's creation of all that is, and that there is none besides Him.

The talmudic Sages also told us: “He takes and brings them [i.e., waves the Four Species in all directions) to restrain the harmful winds. He raises them and lowers them to prevent harmful dew.” So just to spice things up, this means we also shake the Four Species to fend off any pesky winds and dew that might mess with our upcoming divine blessings for our crops. Because, let’s be real, no one likes a soggy harvest.

Sukkot is also the time when the heavenly waterworks are under review. The amount of rain for the coming year is being tallied, and we’re here to make our case. The Four Species serve as our leafy lawyers, pleading with G-d for a good year of rain. Why do these particular plants make up the Four Species, you ask?

• Etrog (citron): A thirsty companion, the etrog needs more water than your average fruit tree.

• Lulav (palm branch): Grows in lush, well-watered valleys.

• Hadas (myrtle) and Aravah (willow): These guys love hanging out near water.

When we wave these water-loving Four Species in every direction, we’re essentially saying, “Just like these plants need water to survive, so do we. So, about that rain ...”

And that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Find out about the four kinds of people the Four Species represent. 

The grand lulav-wave, or na’anuim, is performed when one recites the berachah (blessing) upon taking the Four Species, and several times during the Hallel prayers. Each day of the festival (except Shabbat), you’ll recite this blessing while holding the lulav bundle in your right hand, and the etrog in your left.

On the first day of Sukkot (or the first time you perform the ritual on Sukkot), you'll add another blessing ‘shehecheyanu’ while holding the Four Kinds. And that’s when you shake.

But, like any good dance, there are variations. 

Some folks go with the following sequence: front, right, back, left, up, down. 

Others prefer: right, left, front, up, down, back. It’s like the Sukkot twist – follow the moves and you’re all set.

Don’t have your lulav and etrog set yet? Pick one up or dive into our handy Guide on Buying the Four Species.

So, there you have it. When you spot someone waving a lulav and etrog like a pro, remember it’s more than a simple shake – it’s a heartfelt plea to the heavens for blessings of rain, a nod to divine ownership, and a traditional wind-and-dew defense strategy.