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Emor (2026)

Shabbat Emor

Dvar Torah – Playing Our PartIn Emor, the Torah describes the mitzvah of the four species on Sukkot (etrog, lulav, hadas, and arava). Interestingly, it adds one key word: "lachem"—for you—indicating that each of us needs our own set.That’s a bit surprising. We don’t each need our own shofar, and we can share a sukkah. So why is this mitzvah different?

Our sages explain that the four species represent different personas within the Jewish People. The mitzvah is only complete when they’re all held together—just as the Jewish People are only complete when we all come together.

"Lachem" – the requirement for each and every one of us to personally engage in the mitzvah reminds us that the Jewish People are dependent on every one of us. Unity doesn’t mean sameness—it’s built from individuals who each bring something unique. Being part of something bigger doesn’t replace our individual role—it depends on it. For the whole to be complete, each of us has to show up and play our part.

Shabbat Shalom!


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