ARBAH MINIM - THE FOUR SPECIES

There are four kinds of plants known in Hebrew as the Arbah Minim. These are called the Four Species and are said to stand for the unity of Israel (amongst other things). They are: Aravot - willows that have neither fruit nor smell. Lulav - palm branch that has no smell, but has fruit which can be eaten. Etrog - citron, similar to a lemon, that has a sweet smell and can be eaten. Haddasim – myrtles, that have a pleasant smell but cannot be eaten. The three myrtle twigs and the two willows are tied together to the palm branch and together this is called the lulav. The four species represent the final harvest and the richness of the land.