Lulav and Etrog News

16 May '23

A Lulav and Etrog Poem

Posted by shmuel haskelewitch in calabria, israel, kotel, Lulav, sukkot

In autumn's embrace, lulav and etrog meet,
Symbols of joy, traditions complete.
Lulav, a branch with leaves of green,
Etrog, a citron, radiant and serene.

United they stand, a sacred pair,
A symbol of unity, a prayer we share.
Lulav, a symbol of the righteous spine,
Etrog, a fragrance that fills the divine.

With grace we wave them, left and right,
Seeking blessings from morning to night.
Lulav's branches, compass of the heart,
Etrog's fragrance, a celestial art.

The lulav's palm, sturdy and tall,
Reminds us to rise, never to fall.
Etrog's golden hue, a symbol of light,
Guiding us through darkness, day or night.

As we gather in joy, young and old,
The lulav and etrog, stories unfold.
Reminders of harvest and ancient tales,
Binding generations with sacred trails.

Lulav and etrog, a timeless connection,
We hold them close, a spiritual reflection.
Through centuries they've graced our hands,
A bridge to our past, where faith expands.

So let us cherish these symbols divine,
The lulav and etrog, a heritage so fine.
May their presence inspire our hearts anew,
With blessings abundant, for me and for you.

04 May '23

Israel's Etrog Farmers Overcome Shmita Challenge to Meet High Demand for Sukkot

Posted by shmuel haskelewitch in Etrog, Lulav, shmita, sukkos, sukkot

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As the holiday of Sukkot approaches, demand for etrogim, the special citrus fruit used during the holiday, is at an all-time high. However, this year poses a unique challenge for Israeli etrog farmers, as it is a Shmita, or Sabbatical year, in which the land must lie fallow and no crops may be harvested.

Despite this challenge, many Israeli etrog farmers have found ways to meet the high demand for etrogim during this year of Shmita. Some have turned to innovative methods such as growing etrogim in greenhouses or on trees that are not subject to the laws of Shmita. Others have worked with rabbis and experts to develop alternative methods of harvesting etrogim during the Sabbatical year.

One farmer, Avi Kedar, has even created a unique system that allows him to harvest etrogim during the Shmita year without violating Jewish law. Kedar's system involves picking only a small portion of each etrog tree, carefully selecting the ripest fruits and leaving the rest to grow and ripen during the following year.

Despite these efforts, some farmers have chosen to take a break from the business during the Shmita year, recognizing the importance of observing Jewish law and caring for the environment.

For those who continue to harvest etrogim during the Shmita year, the demand remains high. As one farmer, Moshe Cohen, explains, "There is a lot of demand from Jews all over the world who want to fulfill the mitzvah (commandment) of holding the etrog and celebrating Sukkot properly."

Despite the challenges posed by the Shmita year, Israeli etrog farmers are determined to meet this demand and provide Jews around the world with the opportunity to fulfill this important commandment during Sukkot. Their efforts demonstrate the resilience and ingenuity of Israeli farmers, as well as the enduring importance of Jewish traditions and observances.