Ácé sitim omdim

§ Apropos the halakha cited by Rabbi Yirmeya in the name of Rabbi Shimon ben Yoḥai, the Gemara cites additional halakhot. Ḥizkiya said that Rabbi Yirmeya said in the name of Rabbi Shimon ben Yoḥai: With regard to all objects used in performance of each and every one of the mitzvot, a person fulfills his obligation only when the objects are positioned in the manner of their growth. One must take the lulav with the bottom of the branch facing down, as it is stated with regard to the beams of the Tabernacle: “Acacia wood, standing” (Exodus 26:15), indicating that the beams stood in the manner of their growth.

That was also taught in a baraita: “Acacia wood, standing,” indicating that they stand in the Tabernacle in the manner of their growth in nature. Alternatively, standing means that the beams support their gold plating that is affixed to the beams with nails. Alternatively, standing teaches: Lest you say that after the destruction of the Tabernacle their hope is lost and their prospect is abolished, and they will never serve a sacred purpose again, therefore the verse states: “Acacia wood, standing,” meaning that they stand forever and for all time and will yet be revealed and utilized again.

2. One should take the bunch with the right hand, with the heads facing up and the bases down and the etrog in the left hand.

"And you shall plate (tzipitah) it with pure gold" (Exodus 25:11): It is is found in the Gemara (Sukkah 45b:3), "'Of acacia wood, standing up' (Exodus 26:15), [meaning] that they supported their plating." We can say that the understanding is like this: That the righteous one is called a tree (the same word is used for wood), as mentioned above; and they can support anything that they anticipate (metzapim) and desire to have bounty and mercy come upon the world. They [hence] support their existence. As it indeed exists according to their words and their desires. [The Gemara continues:] "Lest you say, 'Their hope is lost and their prospect is abolished." Its explanation is lest you say that this is so, God forbid, that their hope and prospect is abolished. "[Hence] we learn to say, 'of acacia wood, standing.'" And that is [the meaning of], "And you shall plate (tzipitah)." It means that the righteous one who anticipates bringing down the flow to the world, his anticipation will be so translucent and clear that he will bring "gold" to sustenance; [sustenance that is] "pure," that will be permissible and with great purity. And how shall he do [this]? "You shall cover it inside and out" (Exodus 25:11), meaning that his inside should match his outside, that he should anticipate bringing blessing to the world with his spirit and body.