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: Shaking Directions of Four Species

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) in a container, and a lulav.  To have children practice shaking the lulav, a stuffed or plastic etrog can be substituted.  Also have a small compass on the table.

Lesson Plan:

1. Teacher holds up  the  compass. “ Can you tell me what you know about this object?”  If the children have no idea, simply explains it shows 4 directions of the world: north, south, east and west. Pass the compass around to each child.
2. “ The Jewish people live all over the world.  Do you have family that live in a different place?  Let the children give their answers.
3. God  is also all over the world.  At this point have the students use their pointer finger and point up, down, right left and all around.
4. The lulav reminds the Jewish people that God is everywhere.  Hold the lulav straight up and shake, then shake it downwards, shake it to the right and to the left.  Don’t forget behind and directly in front as well.

Reinforcement Activities:

1. Be a lulav (5  minutes) This is a simple activity to have the children move.  Have the children stand straight and tall.  They are to be a lulav.  Call out the directions (Right, left, up, down) and the children bend in that direction.
2. What is missing (5-15 minutes depending on number of children) Place a picture of palm branches, willow leaves, myrtle and an etrog facing up in front of the students.  Have a student cover their eyes, while you turn over a picture.  The student has to say what is missing.  This is a good review of the Hebrew words: lulav, aravah, hadas, and etrog