Israelis Scramble for Perfect Etrog Ahead of Sukkot Holiday

As the Sukkot holiday approaches, Israelis are flocking to markets across the country to purchase the "four species," with particular attention paid to the etrog, one of the holiday's central symbols. The search for the perfect etrog is a complex and often expensive endeavor, with prices for a single fruit potentially reaching up to 2,000 shekels (approximately $540 USD).

Etrog vendors explain that subtle differences, often invisible to the untrained eye, can drastically affect price. "Two etrogs can look the same from the outside. One might cost 300 shekels and the other 100," said Yediya Novak, an etrog seller. "This is because one might have a small spot that disqualifies the entire etrog, but the other has nothing, even though they look identical."

The variety of etrogs is extensive, with factors like strain, shape, color, and minor blemishes significantly influencing their value. The ideal etrog is considered to be as flawless as possible, free from black spots or imperfections that could detract from its aesthetic appeal, known as "hiddur."

Prices for etrogs typically range from 30 to 300 shekels, though some vendors have sold them for as much as 300 shekels. "Some people are willing to pay any price for an etrog, and the larger it is, the higher the price," noted Aharon, another etrog dealer.

In an effort to make the etrog more accessible, some sellers are attempting to stabilize prices. Moshe Adar'i, an etrog orchard owner from Kfar Chabad, offers a flat rate for his etrogs, discarding 80% of his harvest and selling only 5% of what remains. Retail chains like "Osher Ad" have also introduced discounted etrogs this year.

Despite the intense focus on the etrog, vendors emphasize that it is only one component of the four species, and the true significance of Sukkot lies in the unity and spirit symbolized by all four together.