And you shall take to you on the first day the fruits of the fairest tree, and branches of palm trees, and boughs of thick trees, and willows of the brook, and you shall rejoice before the Lord your God.

“פרי עץ הדר THE FRUIT OF THE TREE HADAR — a tree the wood of which (עץ) has the same taste as its fruit (פרי) (Sifra, Emor, Chapter 16 4; Sukkah 35a). הדר — It is called הדר because it is the tree whose fruit remains (הַדָּר) on the tree from one year to another (several years) — and this is the “Ethrog”. כפת תמרים A BRANCH OF PALM TREES — The word כפת is written defective (without ו, not כפות) to intimate that only one branch is intended (Sukkah 32a). וענף עץ עבת AND BOUGHS OF THE TREE עבת — i. e. of a tree whose boughs are, as it were, plaited (intertwined one with another) like ropes (עבתות) and cords; this is the myrtle plant which is indeed formed as a plait (three leaves issuing from one point of the branch and covering it) (Sukkah 32b).”

“AND YE SHALL TAKE YOU ON THE FIRST DAY ‘PRI EITZ HADAR’ (THE FRUIT OF GOODLY TREES). “[That is, a tree] whose bark has the same taste as its fruit. Hadar [a fruit] that ‘remains’ on its tree from one year to another, and this is the ethrog.” This is Rashi’s language. But these interpretations are merely Scriptural supports which our Rabbis taught as a basis for their tradition [that the reference here is to the ethrog]. And Rabbi Abraham ibn Ezra wrote: “And they [i.e., the masters of tradition] have said the truth [that pri eitz hadar refers to the ethrog], for there is no fruit of the tree more beautiful (hadar) than the ethrog. The Rabbis’ interpreted that hadar means [the fruit] that ‘remains’ on its tree [from one year to another], but this is merely a Scriptural support for a matter of tradition.” The correct interpretation appears to me to be that the tree which is called in the Aramaic language ethrog, is called in the Sacred Tongue hadar, for the meaning of the word ethrog is “desirable,” as [Onkelos] rendered: ‘nechmad’ (pleasant) to the sight —” dimrageig to see; “‘lo thachmod’ (Thou shalt not covet) — “thou shalt not theirog.” is given as the translation of the Hebrew ‘lo thithaveh’ (Thou shalt not desire) — in Deuteronomy 5:18. In Exodus 20:14, the Aramaic is the same as the Hebrew: lo thachameid. — The general point, however, is clearly established, that the term theirog means “desire,” “delight” or “pleasant.” The name ethrog is related to this expression. And we also say: “from all the best, arag (most desirable) properties.” And the terms hadar and chemdah are alike in meaning [“desirable”]. Thus the tree and the fruit [ethrog] are both called by one name [as hadar in Aramaic is ethrog], for such is the customary usage of names for most fruits: t’einah [denotes both the fig tree and the fruit]; egoz (nut); rimon (pomegranate); zayith (olive) and other fruits [in all of which cases both the tree and its fruit have the same name], and similarly this tree and fruit are both called in Aramaic ethrog, and in the Sacred Tongue they are called hadar. In line with the plain meaning of Scripture the verse is stating that we should take for ourselves a pri eitz hadar [“the fruit of a tree called hadar” in Hebrew, which is called ethrog in Aramaic], and that we take branches of palm-trees, and one bough of thick trees [known as hadas, the myrtle], and one bough of the willows of the brook [known as aravah]. Thus [we are to take] one of each of the [four] species, for the [plural] expression branches of palm-trees is connected with And ye shall take you, which refers to many people [so that each person is to take only one of these branches], as meaning that the taking of the four species is to be done by each person, therefore Onkelos translated it: “and you [all] shall take ethrogin, lulavin etc. [in the plural] since the Torah is speaking here to all individuals together. Hence even though it is written branches of palm-trees in the plural, yet we only have to take one branch of a palm-tree, the plural being used because the phrase is connected with and ye shall take you, which refers to many people. since the final decision of the law is like Rabbi Akiba who says: “Just as only one palm-branch is needed and only one ethrog, so also [we need only] one myrtle-branch and one willow-branch.” Therefore Onkelos translated all these four species in the plural [ethrogin, lulavin, etc.], since they are all connected with the [preceding] phrase And ye shall take you, which refers to many people. as meaning that the taking of the four species is to be done by each person, therefore Onkelos translated it: “and you [all] shall take ethrogin, lulavin etc. [in the plural] since the Torah is speaking here to all individuals together. Hence even though it is written branches of palm-trees in the plural, yet we only have to take one branch of a palm-tree, the plural being used because the phrase is connected with and ye shall take you, which refers to many people. And in [explanation of] the reason for this commandment, by way of homiletic discourse, the Rabbis have said that these [four] species are used to obtain the favor of G-d that He may give water. And by way of the Truth, [the mystic teachings of the Cabala], ‘pri eitz hadar’ (the fruit of the goodly tree) is the fruit in which there is a great deal of desire, and the first man sinned with it, as it is said, And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat. Thus the sin consisted [of taking the ethrog] alone, in his commentary to Ricanti who quotes the language of Ramban. and we obtain His favor [by means of the ethrog] together with the other species … From here you will understand and know that the ethrog is not bound up with the other three species, and yet it invalidates [the performance of the commandment] if it is not taken together with them, for it is comparable to Atzereth (the eighth day of Tabernacles) which is a festival of its own, and yet is supplementary to the first days. connected with the first seven days. Thus they are one in potentiality but not in actuality. I have already explained the reason for this. Thus the meaning of the whole section is as follows: “Ye shall keep the feast of the Great Name for the seven days of creation, and join on to them the eighth day, Atzereth, similar to what is said, For the leader with strong-music on the ‘sheminith’ [literally: ‘the eighth’]. And also on those seven days ye shall take the fruit of the tree called ‘hadar’ [i.e., the ethrog] together with the palm-branch in union [with the myrtle-branch and the willow]. is not in the union (Abusaula). That is why He mentioned first the ethrog [for it is not tied together with the palm-branch, which is in union with the other two species, since the ethrog alludes to the eighth day of the festival which is a feast of its own], but on the eighth day it is not necessary [to take these four species], for it is itself hadar.” And this is the explanation of the verse, ‘v’chagothem’ (and ye shall keep it a feast) unto the Eternal seven days ‘in the year,’ meaning that you are to keep it seven days “with the year,” that is with the surrounding and circular movement [around the altar in procession with the four species], related to the expressions: ‘v’chug (and the circuit) of heaven; and he marketh it out ‘bam’chugah’ (with the compass), and so also: a multitude ‘chogeig’ (keeping holyday). Our Rabbis have already alluded to this secret. Thus they have said in Vayikra Rabbah: “Pri eitz hadar, this alludes to the Holy One, blessed be He, as it is said, Honor ‘v’hadar’ (and majesty) are before Him. Branches of palm-trees, this refers to the Holy One, blessed be He, as it is said, The Righteous shall flourish like the palm-tree., 92:13. And boughs of thick trees [i.e., the myrtle-branch], this applies to the Holy One, blessed be He, as it is said, and He stood among the myrtle-trees that were in the bottom. ‘V’arvei’ (and willows of) the brook, this refers to the Holy One, blessed be He, as it is said, Extol Him that rideth ‘ba’aravoth’ (in the skies).” And in the Midrash of Rabbi Nechunya ben Hakanah it is stated: “What is meant by pri eitz hadar? It is as we translate it in Onkelos’ Targum: ‘fruits of the tree, ethrogin and lulavin.’ And what is hadar? It is ‘the majesty’ of all, which is ‘the majesty’ referred to in the Song of Songs, as it is said, Who is she that looketh forth as the dawn, etc.? And why is it called hadar? Read not hadar (majesty), but hador (‘who resides therein’), this being the ethrog which is separate from the group of the lulav [and myrtle-branch and willow], and yet the commandment of taking the lulav is not fulfilled without it [the ethrog]; and it is tied to all, since it is with each one, and all together they are combined as one. And what is the lulav? It is symbolic of the spinal cord. And boughs of thick trees, meaning a tree the branches of which cover its larger portion. This may be likened to a person who with his arms protects his head. Thus the bough is to the left, and the thickness to the right, and the tree in the middle., the word eitz (tree) being in the middle, and anaph (bough) and avoth (thickness) at the sides. This in its simplest sense is the meaning of the Midrash of Rabbi Nechunya ben Hakanah: “Thus the bough is to the left etc.” And why is it called eitz (tree)? Because it is the root of the tree. And what are ‘arvei nachal’ (willows of the brook)? They are so called on account of the name of the place wherein they are affixed, which is nachal (brook, river), as it is written, All the rivers run into the sea etc. And what is ‘the sea’? I must say that it alludes to the ethrog. And how do we know that each midah of all these seven, one lulav, three myrtle-branches and two willows, totalling seven, which allude to the seven lower emanations. is called nachal? Because it is said, and from Mattanah to Nachaliel. Read not Nachaliel [the name of a place], but nachalei E-il (the brooks of G-d) etc.” Now this Midrash [referring to “these seven”] is in accordance with the opinion of the Sage who holds that we are to take three myrtle-branches, two willows, one lulav, and one ethrog, which is the final decision of the law according to the words of the Gaonim and all Rishonim., the great scholars of northern Africa and Europe, such as Rabbeinu Chananel of Kairowan, Rabbeinu Gershom, Rashi, etc. It is to them that Ramban refers when he writes in the Introductory Verses to his commentary: “To go forth in the steps of the former ones, the lions of the group, the exalted of the generations” (Vol. I, p. 4).”

“And ye shall take you the boughs of goodly trees,.... Which the three Targums interpret, of citrons; and so Jarchi and Aben Ezra; and the Jews are so tenacious of observing this, that in those countries where this fruit grows not, they will send for it from Spain, where there is plenty of it: the Targum of Jonathan, paraphrases it, "ye shall take of yours"; suggesting these boughs must be their own, or the bundle of them, with others they call the "lulab", must be their own property, and not another's; though it is said (u), if it is a gift it will do, even though it is given on condition to be returned again: branches of palm trees: which were very common in the land of Judea, and especially about Jericho; see Joh 12:13; the Targums of Jonathan and Jerusalem call them "lulabs", which is the name the Jews give to the whole bundle they carried in their hands on this day: and the boughs of thick trees; which the Targums and Jewish writers in general understand of myrtles, being full of branches and leaves: and willows of the brook; a sort of trees which delight to grow by brooks and rills of water: these, according to the Jewish writers, were not taken to make their booths of, though that seems to be the use of them, from Neh 8:15; but to tie up in bundles, and carry in hands; the citron in their left hand, and a bundle made of the other three sorts of boughs of trees in the right hand, which they called the "lulab": and ye shall rejoice before the Lord your God seven days; because of the blessings of his goodness bestowed upon them in the plentiful harvest and vintage they had been favoured with, and in remembrance of past mercies, showed to their fathers in the wilderness, giving them food and drink, and guiding and protecting them with the pillar of cloud and fire; and at the same time, also, thankful for the different circumstances they were in, having cities, towns, and houses to dwell its, and fields and vineyards to possess, when their fathers lived in a wilderness for forty years together; and especially such of them expressed their joy before the Lord, who had any knowledge of this being a type of the Messiah tabernacling in human nature, they had the promise of, to be their spiritual Redeemer and Saviour: these seven days are kept by the Jews now, chiefly in carnal mirth, and so for ages past, as by carrying the above boughs in their hands, and going round about the altar with them, and, shaking them, and crying Hosanna, and by making use of all sorts of music, vocal and instrumental, piping, dancing, leaping, skipping, and various gestures, even by persons of the highest rank, and of the greatest character for sobriety (w); and particularly by fetching water from Siloah, when in their own land, and pouring it with wine upon the altar, which was attended with such expressions of joy, that it is said, that he who never saw the rejoicing of drawing of water, never saw any rejoicing in his life (x): the Jews give this reason of the ceremony, because at this feast was the time of the rains, see Targum of Jonathan on Lev 23:36; and therefore the holy blessed God said, pour water before me, that the rains of the year may be blessed unto you (y); but others have thought there was something more mysterious in it, and that it had respect to the pouring out of the Holy Ghost; for, they say (z), the place of drawing water was so called, because they drew the Holy Ghost, as it is said, "ye shall draw water with joy out of the wells of salvation", Isa 12:3; to this our Lord is thought to allude; see Gill on Joh 7:37, Joh 7:38, some of the ceremonies used at this feast have been imitated by the Heathens: Strabo (a) says, the carrying branches of trees, dances, and sacrifices, were common to the gods, and particularly to Bacchus; and there was such a likeness between these and the rites of Bacchus, that Plutarch (b) thought the Jews at this time kept two feasts to the honour of him; whereas, as Bishop Patrick observes, the profane Bacchanalia of the Gentiles were only a corruption of this festival. (u) Misn. Succah, c. 3. sect. 13. & Maimon. & Bartenora in ib. R. Alphes, par. 1. Succah, c. 2. fol. 376. 1. (w) Maimon. Hilchot Lulab. c. 7. sect. 10. c. 13, & c. 8. sect. 12, 13, 14, 15. (x) Misn. Succah, c. 5. sect. 1. 4. (y) R. Alphes, par. 1. Roshhashanah, c. 1. fol. 346. 2. (z) T. Hieros. Succah, fol. 55. 1. (a) Geograph. l. 10. p. 322. (b) Sympos. l. 1. prob. 3.”

“Fairest tree, branches of the orange or citron tree, laden with blossoms and fruit. (Tirinus) — Josephus ([Antiquities?] iii. 10,) says, they took branches of myrtle, willows, and palm trees, on which they fixed oranges. This is the fruit which the Hebrews generally understand to be hereby designated. In the same sense the Arabic and Syriac translate “golden apples.” — Thick trees, of any species; though Josephus, &c., restrain it to the myrtle, which was certainly used on this occasion, 2 Esdras viii. 12. — Willows. Septuagint adds also, “branches of agnus from the torrent.” Perhaps Moses only meant, that these branches should be used in forming the tents; but the Jews hold them in their hands, while they go in solemn procession round the pulpit in their synagogues, during every day of the octave, before breakfast, crying out Ana hosiah na, &c., “Save us we beseech thee, O Lord; we beseech thee, grant us good success.” They gave the title of hosannah to those branches; in allusion to which, the children sung in honour of Jesus Christ, Hosanna to the Son of David. — Rejoice; dancing and singing before the altar of holocausts, 2 Kings vi. 14. The wisdom of God shines forth, in thus attaching to his worship a carnal people, by intermingling with the most solemn ceremonies some relaxation and pleasure. By calling them together so often in the year, they became also better acquainted with one another, and more in love with their religion and country. The ancient lawgivers entertained the like sentiments. (Seneca, Strabo x.) But the pagans generally carried these diversions to excess. (Calmet) — In this chapter we find six festivals specified: 1. sabbath; 2. Passover; 3. Pentecost; 4. trumpets; 5. expiation; 6. tabernacles, lasting till the octave day of assembly and collection. These three last were celebrated in the 7th month, the 1st of the civil year. There was also a feast on all the new moons, Numbers xxviii. 11. (Haydock)”