The Four Moods

So it’s that time of the year again where pious Jews start living outdoor Hawaiian style. Plus once a day they take a bunch of leaves with a citrus, wrap them together and shake ‘em, raising eyebrows from many a passerby.

Let’s take a closer look at what this green and yellow combo is comprised of… and maybe we can even find great relevance to our daily lives!

We’ll start with the best looking and tasting of the bunch, the Etrog – citrus. Ah what a taste and oh what a smell. Like those times when we are at our best, willing to do anything were asked, our temper is locked away, our self esteem is just perfect, we are strong and firm and at the same time soft and warm.

Downside? Ego. It’s at these times that our ego takes a soar to the heavens… ‘I’m just the best’.

Etrog – we’re in the mood for everything.

In second place comes the Lulav – palm frond. Palms (dates) have a great taste but lack aroma, implying that they have substance – mind, but lack smell– action. I am honest and fair, I read every book on business management and on being the perfect spouse and parent, and I follow them to the letter! You’ll never find me doing the wrong thing, I am a fully thought out person.

So what’s my downside? Don’t ask me to take out the garbage, because I’m too busy learning the different personalities of my three year old son and my six month old daughter and how it affects their relationship… Oh, and to fold laundry? Please, that is so dull. Basically I’m the kind of guy who’s wonderful to describe on paper and on the tomb, but not necessarily easy to live with.

Lulav – we’re in the mood for reflection, not action.

A millisecond later comes in our third mood the Hadas – myrtle. Smells like heaven, but nothing to munch on. Lots of warmth, but no brains… I’ll build anything you ask from me, I’ll take out the garbage, yes, yes, yes whatever you ask. Robot.

Downside? One thing I can’t do is to sit and reflect. I’m not in the mood to delve into intellectual pursuits, I’m just busy doing the right thing and I don’t have time to learn what the right thing is!

Hadas – Just do, don’t think. Not exactly a relationship mood…

In the last place we have Mr. and Mrs. Arava – willow. Nothing to talk about. No taste and no smell. Just one lousy mood. Those times when we roll up in the blanket until 4 pm and forget the world exists and all else. Zero productivity.

Upside? This mood is honest and humble! He knows his faults and he doesn’t feel too good about it…

Arava – lock down.

Take all these moods, which sometimes can all occur within the same 24 hours… and learn from the pro’s and con’s of each of them. Wrap them all together, say a blessing to G-d and request him to make us greater and stronger than our moods. Then shake them and shake them and shake them until you become master of them all…