Arutz Sheva Readers Criticize Story of Haredi Man Buying $900 Etrog

A recent article published by Arutz Sheva on the eve of Sukkot detailed the purchase of an etrog for 3,400 shekels (approximately $900) by a young, married Haredi yeshiva student named Yosef. The story, set in the Mea Shearim neighborhood of Jerusalem, described Yosef spending five hours meticulously inspecting three etrogs with a magnifying glass and consulting experts before selecting one. Upon learning the price, he paid without negotiation and left the store "happy, like a groom on his wedding day." The author, Shlomo Cook, concluded that Yosef exemplified the ideal of devotion to God mentioned in Sukkot prayers.

However, the article's readers reacted with significant criticism. One commenter called the purchase "foolishness" and the seller "wicked," accusing the author of romanticizing a "terrible distortion." Another reader, Yaakov, recalled the story of Rabbi Shlomo of Karlin, who gave away a large sum intended for an etrog to a poor Jewish driver. Simon suggested that instead of expensive etrogs, the man should focus on other commandments like working and serving in the army.

Several commenters pointed to Jewish law (halakha) limiting expenditures on commandments. They stated that one should not spend more than one-third above the usual cost, suggesting a maximum of around 80 shekels for an etrog that normally costs 60 shekels, not 3,400. Others noted that the money could have fed many needy people, fulfilling more good deeds.

Conversely, some readers defended the purchase. They cited a Talmudic account of Rabban Gamliel buying a lulav for a thousand zuz to demonstrate Jewish devotion to commandments. Another cited the tradition of Kabbalist Rabbi Yitzhak Luria Ashkenazi, who did not haggle over prices related to fulfilling commandments.