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Sukkos: What’s the Shake all About?

Although m’ikkar ha’din one can fulfill the mitzva of lulav and esrog by merely picking them up, the משנה tells us to shake them during הלל when saying הודו לה׳ כי טוב and אנא ה׳ הושיעה נא.

Based on medrashim, the תפארת ישראל explains that shaking the four species symbolizes shaking of every part of our body and soul in fervent prayer to Hashem, to both thank Him for all He’s given us and to request that His kindness continue to surround us.

‎לע״נ דוד חיים בן ישראל דוב הכהן
‎לע”נ ר׳ חיים דוב בן ר׳ בןציון שלום