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Simply lifting up the four species fulfills the biblical mitzva. Nevertheless, our Sages instituted shaking the lulav, which is reminiscent of the Torah’s instruction to wave certain offerings. The shaking is performed as follows: the lulav bundle and etrog are held together (etrog in the left hand, lulav in the right), close to the body. From there, the lulav and etrog are moved in a given direction (usually starting with north), with the top of the lulav pointing upward but angled toward that direction. Then the lulav and etrog are brought back to the body. It is customary to repeat this three times in each of the six directions (north, south, east, west, up, and down).
What is the significance of this waving? Firstly, it expresses joy. Waving the lulav is like waving a banner of victory. God has accepted our repentance during the Days of Awe and we have renewed our close relationship with Him.
Furthermore, it expresses our thanks to God for everything He did for us in the past year. Since this goodness comes from all directions as well as from heaven and earth, we wave in all four directions as well as up and down.
The waving also conveys a prayer for the upcoming year. We ask God to bless us with beneficial wind, rain, and dew, and to protect us from harmful weather.
Finally, waving the lulav serves as a prayer for the ingathering of the exiles from the four corners of the earth.
