Another matter: “The fruit of a pleasant [hadar] tree” – this is Abraham our patriarch, whom the Holy One blessed be He glorified [shehidero] with old age, as it is stated: “Abraham was old, advanced in years” (Genesis 24:1). “Branches of [kapot] date palms” – this is Isaac, who was tied [kafut] and bound upon the altar. “A bough of a leafy tree” – this is Jacob; just as the myrtle is teeming with leaves, so Jacob was teeming with sons.
“Willows of the brook” – this is Joseph. Just as this willow withers before the other three species, so Joseph died before his brothers. Another matter: “The fruit of a pleasant [hadar] tree” – this is Sarah, whom the Holy One blessed be He glorified [shehidera] with old age, as it is stated: “Abraham and Sarah were old” (Genesis 18:11). “Branches of date palms” – this is Rebecca; just as the date palm has edible fruit and has thorns, so Rebecca produced a righteous one and a wicked one.
“A bough of a leafy tree” – this is Leah; just as the myrtle is teeming with leaves, so Leah was teeming with sons. “Willows of the brook” – this is Rachel; just as this willow withers before the other three species, so Rachel died before her sister.