Unity Within Unity
In the Messianic Age we will experience two forms of unity in their fullest. We will all enter in one figurative Sukkah in which we are all seen as one. On the other hand, each of us will realize the fullness of his or her individual qualities. Yet, all of these qualities that reside in different classes will all unify to form the most perfect mosaic of G-dly energy that incorporates all of these elements.
The Underlying Theme of the Sukkah and the Four Species
Judaism is based on the principles of unity. There is one G-d, one Torah and one Israel. But, nowhere is the theme of unity more pronounced than in the Mitzvot that are associated with the Holiday of Sukkos.
The Sukkah, from which the Holiday gets its name, symbolizes unity. According to one opinion in the Talmud, the Sukkah we dwell in during the Holiday of Sukkos commemorates the Clouds of Glory that enveloped the Jewish people when they traveled through the desert. These were no ordinary clouds. They protected the Jewish people from their enemies as well as from the elements. In addition to all the great miracles that were associated with these Clouds of Glory, they were also unique in that they enveloped the entire Jewish people and unified them.
Unifying the Four Seasons
Sukkos is also the Holiday when we take the Four Kinds of plants and hold them together. The four plants known as “lulav, Esrog, hadassim and aravot (palm branch, Citron, myrtles and willows) are also illustrative of unity. The Esrog needs all four seasons within which to grow. Unlike other plants that grow in certain times of the year, the Esrog literally thrives on all seasons. It can thus be said that the Esrog unifies all of the four seasons.
This symbolizes the way we must look for growth not only in times when it would appear that the climate is right for it. On the contrary, all the vicissitudes of life contribute to the positive changes in our developments. Every experience, regardless of the way it appears, contributes to our spiritual growth and development.
Diverse Opinions: One Source
The theme of unity is similarly reflected in the shape of the Lulav. Despite its multiple leaves that – if left to its own devices – would spread in all directions, the Lulav is only fit for use when the leaves are still all together as one.
The message of unity conveyed by the Lulav is that all of the possible directions that our minds can take; all of the diverse approaches that the Torah allows for (and, indeed, as we shall see shortly, according to the Midrash, the Lulav symbolized the Torah scholar), must all come together and point to the same G-dly source and objective.
Similarly, the myrtle branch has to have rows of three leaves each coming from one common stem, once again emphasizing the need for us to recognize that despite difference in the way we develop, we all come from the same source.
And finally, the willows’ nature to grow together in clusters is expressive of the need for the recognition of our need for friendship and community. While there are many things we can accomplish on our own, Judaism believes very strongly in group efforts.
All Four Species Must be Taken Together
But, the message of unity during the Holiday of Sukkos goes even further. Not only should there be unity within each species and category, but even when there are four distinct kinds, they must nevertheless all be taken together in order to fulfill the mitzvah .
Our sages explain how these four species represent four levels of Jews, The Esrog with its pleasant fragrance and good taste symbolizes those who are both righteous and learned. The Lulav, which comes from a date tree, symbolizes those who have taste or knowledge. The myrtle with its fragrance symbolizes those whose main preoccupation is with good deeds. The willow which lacks both the qualities of taste and fragrance, represents the lowliest class who is devoid of both qualities of knowledge and good deeds.
Yet, notwithstanding their differences, a Jew cannot fulfill his mitzvah unless he holds them all together. , This provides us with a deeper understanding of the concept of unity. It does not suffice for us to all dwell under the same roof (or Sukkah). Sure it is nice to have times when we can all shed our individual identities and unite, but it is even a greater measure of unity when despite the difference that exists, the four kinds can come together Two Forms of Unity of the Future In the Messianic Age both forms of unity will be experienced in their fullest.
On the one hand we will all enter in one figurative Sukkah in which we are all seen as one. Our experience of the Divine will be shared equally by everyone to the extent that we will not need any teachers to expose us to the G-dly revelations that will occur then.
On the other hand, each of us will realize the fullness of his or her individual qualities. A Torah scholar will reach the peak of his intellectual capabilities. Our emotional attachment to G-d will be enhanced immeasurably, our commitment to the practical observance will be flawless and even our simplicity will be seen as the great quality it is because, as the Ba’al Shem Tov taught, it derives from the “simple” Essence of G-d that transcends description and sophistication.
Yet, all of these qualities that reside in different classes will all unify to form the most perfect mosaic of G-dly energy that incorporates all of these elements.
In the days of Moshiach we will all sit in the ultimate Sukkah of Peace and experience the bonding of all classes of Jews: the Esrog, Lulav, Hadas and Arava.
From the book Light from the Future: Sukkos by Rabbi Heschel Greenberg, published by the Jewish Discovery Center.
