Sukkot

Mark Podwal (b. 1945)
Digitial archival pigment print on paper
7 7/16 x 7 9/16″
USA, 2020
© Mark Podwal

The Torah commands no less than three times to rejoice and be happy on Sukkot, the celebration of the fall harvest (Leviticus 23:39–40; Deuteronomy 16:14-16). Symbols of the harvest, the lulav (palm branch, myrtle, and willows) and etrog (citron), are blessed and waved and a sukkah (booth) is built and decorated. There are elaborate customs associated with how to hold and bless the lulav and etrog, including instructions for right-handed and left-handed people, and different customs depending on whether one is of Ashkenazi (Eastern European) or Sephardic (Spanish) descent. In every tradition, after reciting the blessing, the etrog and lulav are brought together so that they touch. The four species are then held up and shaken three times toward each of the four directions, as well as up and down, to signify God’s omnipresence.