Man's Year of Saving for Arba Minim Leaves Vendor Speechless

A Jerusalem vendor of Arba Minim (the Four Species used in the Sukkot ritual) recounts a deeply moving experience from five years ago that occurred just two hours before the holiday began. Amidst the usual pre-holiday rush, a man approached his stall, appearing somewhat hesitant and unsure. The vendor, who has sold Arba Minim for decades, initially perceived the man as belonging to the Haredi (ultra-Orthodox) community but noted an indefinable quality in his demeanor that suggested insecurity.

The man quietly inquired about the price of a particular set of Arba Minim. The vendor, weary from weeks of work, casually quoted a price of 378 shekels, an arbitrary figure he thought would facilitate a quick sale. To his surprise, the man did not hesitate. He took the etrog (citron) to a nearby rabbi for approval, returned beaming, and declared his intention to purchase the set.

Upon closer inspection by the rabbi, the set was deemed exceptionally fine, particularly the etrog. The man then confirmed his purchase. The vendor felt a pang of unease, realizing the set was actually worth at least 1,500 shekels due to the rare etrog, and he regretted his carelessly low quote. However, he adhered to his personal principle of honoring his word, regardless of financial loss.

The man then produced a worn, heavy plastic bag filled with coins. He explained that he and his wife had been saving one shekel at a time for the entire past year, putting aside every small coin left over from basic purchases, specifically for this mitzvah (commandment). The bag contained precisely 378 shekels, the exact amount the vendor had quoted. The vendor was overcome with emotion, recognizing the profound dedication and sacrifice represented by the meticulously saved coins, which he described as "holy money."

This encounter led the vendor to reflect on the true value of things, contrasting market price with the effort and devotion invested. He also realized the error of judging individuals by their appearance, acknowledging that the seemingly insecure man possessed extraordinary faith and spiritual depth. The vendor concluded that the precise price quoted was a form of divine providence, ensuring the man could fulfill the mitzvah with the exact amount he had painstakingly saved.