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Which four plants are used in the Sukkot prayer ritual?

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During the Jewish festival of Sukkot, four specific plants—collectively known as the Four Species—are used in prayer rituals to express gratitude for the harvest and acknowledge the omnipresence of God.1

The four plants are:

  • Etrog: A citron fruit, which must be perfect in stem and body for ritual use.1
  • Lulav: A palm branch.1
  • Hadas: Myrtle branches.1
  • Arava: Willow branches.1

In practice, the etrog is held in the left hand, while the lulav, with the myrtle and willow branches bound to it, is held in the right. During the recitation of the Hallel (Psalms), these species are waved in all directions to symbolize God's presence throughout the world.1