The Etrog grows on its tree for an entire year.
It grows from the loving summer sunlight
and from the cold winter darkness.
It grows from the furious autumn winds
and from the caresses of spring rain.
From all that comes to it, it grows.
And that is beauty.
Be an Etrog.
We invite the seven Surrounding Lights, 'guests' to enter through special channels, symbolized by the four leaf species to correct our egoistic qualities.
The effect of these lights is to build for us a vessel within that is suitable to hold the divine light. This vessel is symbolized by the fully developed etrog, a beautiful vessel that glows with divine light.
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G-d ist geblieben bei uns. Reply
As does all fruit; so why is the etrog different? I see what the parable is teaching but it could be said of any fruit. Reply
I don’t know of another fruit that will remain on its tree for 12 months, sometimes even more.
Most etrogim are harvested after 6-10 months. But they continue growing if you leave them there into December, and can stay even later.
Compare that to an apple, which won’t stay on the tree from bloom to harvest more than five months.
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Thank you Rabbi, I knew the were apart of Sukkah but I didn't know anything about the fruit. Always learning new things; keeps me going. Reply
Today in Israel it is impossible to find a kosher Etrog. Everybody knows they are mixed with lemon, because it is very hard to produce large quantity on industrial scale. If you are lucky to find a supplier from Yemen and pay the high cost, yes, they are kosher. (those are produced old fashion way). Unfortunately in London it is impossible to find a Kosher Etrog... will be non-kosher. But, the question is: Is it valid a non-kosher Etrog ? Reply
There are many etrogim available that were harvested under supervision of reliable rabbis who are experts in these matters. They know which orchards to harvest from, who can be trusted, and who cannot. Reply
Once Succot has passed the etrog has no value, which strikes me as being a bit unfair. It is a good fruit capable of being used as a food. In my case I included an etrog along with other citrus fruits in making a low-sugar jam, which I enjoy. Reply
Greetings to Chabad.org!
May Sukkot see you blessed with prosperity and joy in every area of your life. Thank you!
Chag Sameach!
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beautiful, thank you Reply
Good🌻Morning,
The etrog's "growth," picked from a "goodly tree," reminds me of the preserverance of Hannah's heart and her prayer that GD would hear and grant her a son, and He did - Samuel. Her love and selflessness gave him back to the LRD. Samuel "grew" in wisdom and stature, and GD blessed him to be a prophet, priest, and judge.
Fruit farmers work hard to "grow" the perfection of the etrog as part of a wave offering [lulav] in honor to GD to be used only for one time during the year - 6 days of the Sukkot Festival. The etrog [lulav] is incredibly aromatic. It is shaken in 6 directions symbolizing that GD is everywhere. We "grow" when we study Torah, apply our knowledge to do mitzvahs, then we become a sweet aroma in GD's Nostrils alluding to unity and loyalty:
One with GD, "one" with community, and light to the world.
Chag Sameach! 🕊💜