Four Species' Blessings: Etrog for Livelihood, Willow for Protection

In a segment of the "Ushpizin Elain Kadishin" program, hosts Rabbi Mimoun and Yossi Avdo explored the traditional customs and blessings associated with the "Four Species" used during the Sukkot holiday: the etrog, lulav, hadassim, and aravot. These traditions are believed to offer protection for the home, aid in learning, promote restful sleep, assist with childbirth, ensure livelihood, and bring healing and success.

The special sanctity of the Four Species, according to Rabbi Mimoun, stems from a Midrashic idea that while other fruits are overseen by angels, the Four Species are under God's direct supervision. This divine connection imbues them with unique holiness. He also referenced the Gemara in Sukkah, which states that remnants of a mitzvah can avert misfortune, linking this to the protective power of the Four Species, which are described in a Midrash as "weapons."

Various specific customs were detailed. The lulav, for instance, is placed above a doorway as a safeguard against thieves, according to Rabbi Chaim Palagi. It is also used to help children struggling with literacy, by having them point to letters with the lulav, a practice linked to the lulav's gematria value equaling "wise." A lulav used in the mitzvah can also be placed under a mattress for back pain relief.

For the willow (aravah), placing a branch near a bed or under a pillow is a remedy for fears, anxieties, and sleep difficulties, referencing a verse about peaceful sleep. Willow branches placed in luggage or a car are believed to ensure safe travels. A custom involving skewering an apple on a willow branch and eating it is said to prevent toothaches for the year.

A specific ritual for couples seeking to conceive involves boiling willow leaves, drinking the water, and bathing in it. Another tradition, originating from Rabbi Kadoori and attributed to Rabbi Ben Zion Abba Shaul, involves using three willow branches from the "beating of the willow" ceremony on Hoshana Rabbah. These branches are designated for the husband, wife, and the hoped-for child, with meat skewered on them and grilled. Each person eats from their designated skewer, and the couple shares the third, praying for a child.

Other traditions include using a willow infusion to reduce appetite for weight loss. Business owners can hang willow branches, obtained from a scholar, above their shop's entrance for prosperity. For those with non-Jewish enemies, a custom involves piercing the enemy's name written on a note with the lulav used in the mitzvah.

Further customs involve using the willow branches from the Sukkah for protection and to annul troubles, by praying and striking the ground where the Sukkah stood. A charm made from willow branches, arranged in the shape of divine names and sealed with wax from a Havdalah candle, is believed to bring protection, favor, successful matches, and salvation.

Regarding the etrog, eating its pith on Hoshana Rabbah is a known custom for a healthy pregnancy and easy childbirth. Cooked etrog is used for stomach pains and childbirth. Gazing at an etrog is said to heal the eyes, and contemplating it during distress can bring peace of mind. Placing an etrog in a bowl of water and washing one's hands and face in it is believed to bring livelihood, symbolizing the holiday's abundance.

The hadassim also have traditions related to the eyes, and blessings are recited over them. A custom for memory enhancement involves writing a sacred phrase on a hadas branch and dissolving the writing into wine.

Many of these customs are attributed to various rabbis and ancient texts, including the "Midrash Tanchuma," "Gemara Sukkot," "Sefer Refuah v'Chaim," "Sefer Ruch Chaim," "Sefer HaMidot," "Kaf HaChaim," "Menorat HaMaor," "HaEmek She'elah," "Likutei Amrei Kodesh," "Sefer Yissod Yosef," and the writings of Rabbi Tzaddok HaKohen of Lublin, Rabbi Kadushat Levi, Rabbi Raphael Yishai Azulai, and Rabbi Moshe ben Makir.