“There are many ideas represented by the Daled Minim (four species). One of the more well-known ones (Vayikra Rabbah 30:14) is that they correspond to four parts of the body. By performing the mitzvah of taking and shaking them, we rededicate our body to the service of Hashem, an act especially fitting immediately after Yom Kippur, when we start with a clean slate.
The etrog (citron) represents the heart, the lulav (palm branch) the spine, the hadassim (myrtle branches) the eyes, and the aravot (willow branches) the lips. By taking them all together, we proclaim our commitment to open our hearts to Hashem (God) and to our fellow man and refine our character, to align our actions with His will, to guard our vision and look kindly upon others, and to refrain from negative speech, using our words only for mitzvot. In the same spirit, on Hoshana Rabba we beat the aravot on the ground, as if striking our mouths and declaring: no more evil speech!” (Source: Why We Shake Lulav and Etrog | What the Four Species Represent - Jewish Resources)
This is a very interesting prospective of the four species of plants used during Sukkot. It reminds me of how often the Bible reminds us that there is a difference between outward and internal observance how we are not to confuse the two as equal in the eyes of God. So Adonai says,
“Since these people draw near with their mouths and honor Me with their lips, yet their hearts are far from Me, and their fear of Me is a mitzvah taught by men. Therefore, behold, once more I will do a marvelous work among this people—a marvel and a wonder— so the wisdom of their wise will perish, and the discernment of their discerning will be concealed. Oy, those who go to great depths to hide their plans from Adonai! Their works are in the dark. They say, ‘Who sees us? Who knows us?’” Isaiah 29:13-15
I have noticed firsthand how people will claim to believe the Torah and honor the ways of God will come up with excuses as to why they don’t have to apply their principles consistently when confronted about hypocrisy. Sometimes people will bring up the teachings of their favorite leaders or media sources to defend not actually following what the Torah says. And yet they will still flatter themselves with the belief that they are the faithful ones bringing the light of Adonai to society when they reject that very light whenever it conflicts with the opinions of their favored subculture. In order to honor God with a consistent life we need to bring all of us to the Lord-not just the parts of our lives that are convenient. We should not idolize our opinions so much that we will not change when confronted with our errors and hold parts of ourselves back from service to God and others.
Resources:
Why We Shake Lulav and Etrog | What the Four Species Represent - Jewish Resources by Rabbi Chaim Mintz from https://www.torahmates.org/jewish-resources/why-do-we-shake-the-four-species-what-do-they-represent/
Photo by Eftodii Aurelia: https://www.pexels.com/photo/green-leaves-1088107/
