In this midrash, the Four Species represent four different ways that the presence of the Holy One is recognized in the world. These four are merely suggestive of the many, many ways that God can be perceived in the world. But when we enter the Sukkah, then grasp and wave the Four Species together, as one, we declare that God is One. His Unity transcends the many different ways that we may recognize his presence.

Despite the differences they exhibit on a superficial, sensory level, all four of the species derive physically from the same natural order. They all gain their nourishment from the earth. And yet, at the same time, they all speak of heaven. When we look at the lulav, etrog, hadassim and aravot, we see something more than physical objects—we transcend the material uniqueness of each species and perceive their reflection of the Holy One.

Thus, the material origins of the Four Species in the earth converges with their reflection of the Divine presence. Heaven and earth touch as the Four Species are grasped and waved. Our perception of the Holy One does not remove us from the earth, or from the ordinary things of life. Instead, it reminds us that the fullest experience in this life may come as we are aware of God’s presence. Likewise, our awareness that the Four Species derive from the earth does not distance us from God, but reminds us that that the fullest experience of God may come in the context of the ordinary things of life.

This aspect of Sukkot explains why it is such a joyous festival:

For seven days you shall celebrate this holiday of the Eternal One, in the place which Hashem will choose—for the Eternal One, your God, has blessed you with your produce and all the work of your hands, and you shall be altogether joyful (Deut 16:15).

Here, the connection between heaven and earth is revealed as the Holy One blesses our work—whatever it is—six days each week. Thus, Sukkot fulfills its deepest pur- pose when the joyous connection between heaven and earth spills over beyond its seven-day celebration and becomes embedded in our daily lives. As Elizabeth Barrrett Browning wrote,

“Earth’s crammed with heaven, And every common bush afire with God; But only he who sees, takes off his shoes—The rest sit round it and pluck blackberries.”

Of course, the reference is to Moses and the burning bush. But Browning expands it to “every common bush.” The fire does not await the momentous experiences of life, but burns every day. May Sukkot give us eyes to see that fire.