Shalom from the heart of Jerusalem!
I greet you in this beautiful season of Sukkot, the Feast of Tabernacles. Right now, the city is alive with joy. All around, you can hear the sounds of families building their sukkot, temporary shelters covered with branches and decorations, reminders of the wilderness journey when God Himself was Israel’s shelter. In the evenings, the streets glow with lights strung across these booths, children’s laughter fills the air, and neighbors gather to share meals and prayers together. It truly is one of the most joyful times in all of God’s calendar.
What makes Sukkot so special? Of course, there are many things—living in the sukkah, remembering God’s provision in the desert, rejoicing in His faithfulness. But one commandment stands out as unique to this feast: the waving of the arba’a minim—the four species.
In Leviticus we read:
“On the first day you shall take the fruit of beautiful trees, branches of palm trees, boughs of leafy trees, and willows of the brook; and you shall rejoice before the Lord your God seven days.”
Leviticus 23:40
At first glance, this verse may sound poetic and even a little vague. But in Hebrew, the words come alive. The “fruit of beautiful trees” is written as pri etz hadar—the fruit of the citrus tree. That is why Jewish people carry the etrog (citron), along with the lulav (palm branch), hadas (myrtle), and aravah (willow). These are the four species, taken in hand and waved before the Lord.
And it is not just a quaint custom or an empty ritual. It is deeply prophetic.
The waving of the four species in every direction—north, south, east, west, up, and down—is a declaration of faith: “Lord, You are the One who blesses our land, our families, and our lives. Every good thing comes from You. Your presence covers us on every side.”
Friends, this is more than an ancient tradition. It carries a powerful message for us today. Each of us has “fruit” in our lives—our family, our prayers, our work, our service to God. Sukkot invites us to lift all of these blessings before Him, rejoicing that they are His gifts to us. Even the challenges and struggles we face can be placed in His hands, because His covering and faithfulness are greater than our needs.
Sitting in the sukkah reminds us that the things of this world are temporary, but God’s shelter is eternal. Holding the branches reminds us that creation itself belongs to Him and declares His glory. Rejoicing during this feast reminds us that true joy does not depend on circumstances, but on the presence of our Messiah Yeshua.
So as this Shabbat arrives in the midst of Sukkot, I want to encourage you: take time to rejoice before the Lord. Lift up your blessings with thanksgiving. Dedicate your family, your work, and your prayers to Him. And even in your wilderness moments, remember that He is your shelter and your source of every blessing.
May this season fill your heart with peace, joy, and renewed faith.
May you feel His presence surrounding you on every side.
And may you find fresh strength in knowing that every blessing you enjoy comes from Him.
From Jerusalem, I bless you with a joyful Sukkot and a restful, Spirit-filled Shabbat.
Shabbat Shalom and Chag Sameach!
Pastor Israel Pochtar
