Intention of Waving the Lulav
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Question
Hello, In Exodus 29:24, in Rashi's commentary, we see that the waving by the Kohen and the owners is done "forward and backward, as to the One to whom the four directions of the world belong... And the waving prevents calamities and evil spirits, the elevation up and down is to the One to whom the heavens and earth belong." Is the intention in the mitzvah of the lulav on Sukkot the same?
Answer
Hello,
Many authorities have written that the intention of "forward and backward" is to prevent evil spirits, "up and down" is to prevent harmful dews.
And some have written that it is to demonstrate God's dominion over the world.
Source
Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim 651 and the commentators there.