“On the first day you are to take branches from luxuriant trees—from palms, willows and other leafy trees—and rejoice before the LORD your God for seven days.” (Leviticus 23:40)
The Jewish people are currently celebrating the festival of Sukkot, known in the Bible as the Feast of Tabernacles. Besides dwelling in temporary shelters called sukkahs — to remind them of the years the Israelites spent in the desert — Jews also follow the biblical command to rejoice with the Four Species: palm fronds, myrtle boughs, willow branches, and the fruit of the citron. May our Jewish friends have a joyous rest of Sukkot. Shabbat shalom!
