Symbolism of Lulav and Etrog | Shaking directions of Four Species
Sukkah as a temporary dwelling | Completing the Torah and starting again

Sukkot and Simchat Torah: Symbolism of Lulav and Etrog

Motivational Tools:

Children are curious by nature.  All lessons should have a motivation to learn what is introduced via various curiosities.  This lesson should have available on a small display table the following items: Etrog (real or plastic) kept out of sight in a  decorative etrog container, and a lulav. The authentic lulav and etrog are costly to purchase.  Often however school settings have a set that rotates from room to room.  It is very important that children hold the authentic article to solidify the learning process.

Lesson Plan:

1. Teacher holds the etrog box first without opening it.  “I have something extra special inside this box.  It helps us to celebrate a wonderful holiday called Sukkot. Lets see what’s inside” Hold up the etrog, and see if the children recognize it and allow them to share what is in their memory.  This will allow you to pre-assess what the children already know about Sukkot or the etrog.
2. “ The Jewish people use an etrog during the holiday of Sukkot.  What color is an etrog? Is it smooth? What fruit does it look like? It looks like a lemon, but it is not a lemon.  It even smells like a lemon!”  The etrog has a very special part that is called the pitam. This little spot on the etrog is so important that if it falls off the etrog cannot be used for important blessings.  When you hold the etrog, be careful not to touch or bump the pitam.
   This would be a good time to show the etrog individually to each student as you walk past each child.  Let them touch it and smell it.  Place the etrog back in the container for safe keeping.
3. “ The Jewish people also use a lulav during the holiday of Sukkot.  The lulav doesn’t smell but it has its own special job.  (Shake the lulav at this point) The lulav makes a nice sound.  “Do all the parts of the lulav look the same?”  Point out to the children that there are myrtle leaves (hadas) willow leaves (aravah) and palm branches.  All these things when they are held together make the lulav.
4. The etrog and the lulav remind us of the parts of our body.  Have the students make a fist with one hand.  “Place you fist on your chest.  What is inside your chest? Your heart!”

Point to the willow leaves, “what is on your face that looks a little like the thin leaves of a willow? Your lips!”   Now point to the myrtle leaves, “what on your face looks like the hadas leaves? Your eyes!” And finally, what is left over? The palm branch. At this point have the children stand at their places, and have them stand straight and tall. “ What helps you to stand so straight? Your spine!”

Song: Shake the lulav (Tune of Skip to my Lou)

           Shake the lulav
           shake,  shake, shake
           Shake the lulav,
           shake,  shake, shake
           Shake the lulav,
           shake,  shake, shake
           Shake it on Sukkot.

Reinforcement Activities:

Mr/Mrs Etrog

1. Pre-draw etrog shape on construction paper.
2. Pre-cut strips of colored construction paper 1”x4”
3.  Have selection of “googlie eyes” for gluing
4.  Crayons for decorating
5.  Have children cut out etrog pieces.
6.  Fold 4 strips of paper strips in an accordion fashion.
7.  Glue eyes and paper strips (for arms and legs) onto etrog
8.  Decorate with crayons
9.  Glue magnet piece on back for home use