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Shake Your Lulav at the Airport

But no Polaroid pictures at the checkpoint, thanks

by
Allison Hoffman
October 01, 2009

Good news for anyone planning on traveling for Sukkot: starting today, the Transportation Security Administration isn’t going to stop you shaking your lulav or waving your etrog, wherever you please.

From the TSA press release announcing the start of a special travel period lasting through October 13:

Observant Jewish travelers may carry four plants—a palm branch, myrtle twigs, willow twigs, and a citron—in airports and through security checkpoints. These plants are religious articles and may be carried either separately or as a bundle. Jewish travelers may be observed in prayer, shaking the bundle of plants in six directions.



The workforce should note that TSA’s screening procedures do not prohibit the carrying of such agricultural items through the airport or security checkpoints, or on airplanes. These plants are not on TSA’s Prohibited Items List. And, as always, TSA is committed to treating all passengers, including passengers who may be observing Sukkot, with respect and dignity during the screening process.

No word yet on whether you can make it through security with one of these.

Allison Hoffman is a senior editor at Tablet Magazine. Her Twitter feed is @allisont_dc.