AN OCTOBER BOUQUET.

As of this Sunday evening Jews around the world will be thankful for their present days by remembering a time when they were vulnerable to the elements. They will remember the time when God led them through the Sinai Desert for 40 years. They will remember how in those days, God not only miraculously provided them with food literally from “thin air” and water from a Rock, but also kept their shoes and clothing from going threadbare. He also went before to combat their enemies.
 
In honor of this remembrance, they will build a”Sukkah” - flimsy booth or shelter in their yard, balcony, terrasse or side street, and make sure to spend some time in it fellowshipping with family and friends every day. At this time of the year, Israel has very nice weather so it is a pleasant custom, but it is not always the case everywhere, especially in our Northwest, and yet still it is nice to cozy up in the Sukkah even in bad weather..
 
Here is another thing they will do. They will gather what they call “The 4 species.” 

1. A palm branch: the palm tree has fruit but no scent.
2. A Myrtle branch: the myrtle has scent but no fruit.
3. A willow branch: the willow has neither scent not fruit.
4. A citron: which is like a big lemon with an attitude. It represents both fruit and scent.

 
Here is the code to decipher the meaning of this strange custom. The 4 species are made to remind Israel of their social make-up.
 

• Fruits equal good deeds
• Scent equal spirituality

 

1. Some people live their lives doing a lot of good, but are not very spiritually hungry.
2. Others are very spiritual, but are  not able to do much as far as good deeds go
3. Still others do not do good deeds, and are not spiritually hungry.
4. Some live a life of good deeds and are also spiritually active.

 
This is a beautiful reminder that it takes all kinds to make a world, and that all included in the beautiful bouquet of society.

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