11 Adar II, 5774 (3/13/14) – Sukkah#38 {Eliezer}

R’ Yochanan: We shake the lulav in four directions to remind that Hashem is in and owns all (North, South, East, and West) directions in life. We also shake once up and once down to signify that He is the ruler in Heaven and on Earth as well.

E’s lesson #1: Recognize that Hashem is the constant creator of everything we sense physically (with our 5 senses) plus the spiritual dimension (of ONE) = 6 directional wavings. The four directions combine with the lowly earthly direction (to make 5, all physical senses) while the one upward that shows they are all from and actually Him (the ultimate ONE sense above them all).

E’s lesson #2: Hashem CONTROLS every direction; every direction that we go in life. G-d is the Giver of Ultimate Good. Whenever we get “stuck” and plowed in, we need only recognize that this is G-d’s direct path and purpose for us to be in. Travel our roads and fix the potholes we find to enjoy a smoother ride. But do not ever forget who is really in the Driver’s seat.