After Succos
Most of us held the four species in our hands this last
Succos. And we can still do so with our minds, our
imaginings. More important, though, we can BE them -- we can
be all that they represent.
As we move through our day, let us be the lulav, a
straight offshoot of the luscious date palm. Let us be
upright -- fair with others, honest with ourselves -- doing
what is right and again what is right and again what is
right.
Let us be hadassim, the scented myrtle branch with its
handsome eye-shaped leaves. Let our eyes also be handsome,
looking kindly upon others, wishing them success, happiness,
good health and strength. Let us look to help them where we
can -- and as much as we can.
Let us be arovos, willow branches with lip-shaped
leaves. Let us focus on our lips so that the words they
produce are complimentary, positive, encouraging. Let us use
them to enhance our appreciation of Hashem, to speak out
Torah wisdom, to communicate with family and friends with
insight -- that we may beautify our world.
Let us be the esrog, the heart-shaped citron. Let us
put heart into all that we do, all that we view, all that we
say.
Let us live today with heart -- in a full rich way.
(Based on Vayikra Rabba 30)
