NEW YORK – Observant American Jews can carry their lulavim (ceremonial palm fronds) and etrogim (citron) in airports and through security checkpoints, following a ruling by the Transportation Security Administration last week.

During Succot, Jews utilise four species of plants as part of their daily prayer service.

The Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America — the nation’s largest Orthodox Jewish umbrella organization — approached TSA to issue this policy.

Kimberly Walton, special counselor for the Transportation Security Administration, said: “TSA works closely with members of the Jewish faith to ensure our security workforce is familiar with the religious holiday of Succot and is familiar with the prayer items that passengers may be travelling with.”

Nathan Diament, public policy director of the Orthodox Union stated: “This special travel period will allow observant Jews to travel freely during Succot while still being able to practice the laws of lulav and etrog that are crucial to the holiday’s observance.”

The special travel period will end on October 13.

Ynetnews