The etrog, also known as the citron, is one of the most significant symbols in Judaism, particularly during the festival of Sukkot. While the etrog may resemble a lemon, it differs in several key ways. The etrog has a thicker, more textured rind, is often more fragrant, and has less juice compared to a lemon. Its origin is believed to be in the regions of India and Persia, and it was brought to the Mediterranean, where it became intertwined with Jewish tradition.

Italy's Role in Etrog Cultivation
Italy plays an important role in the history of etrog cultivation due to its ancient traditions and favorable climate. One of the most renowned regions for growing etrogim is Calabria in southern Italy. The etrogim from this region are highly valued for their shape, beauty, and adherence to the requirements of Jewish law (halacha). These fruits, known as "Calabrian etrogim" or "Yanov etrogim," are considered some of the best in the world.
For centuries, Jewish communities, especially in Eastern Europe, sought out Calabrian etrogim for celebrating Sukkot. They were prized for their purity and the ancient tradition of cultivation, as well as their compliance with strict ritual requirements. There are historical accounts of rabbis and communities sending representatives to Italy to purchase these etrogim, inspecting each tree to ensure it was grown according to Jewish laws. Today, Calabrian etrogim are still highly valued and in demand among Jewish communities worldwide, including Israel, Europe, and the U.S., especially in preparation for Sukkot.

Sukkot and the Arba'a Minim
Sukkot is a week-long Jewish festival celebrated in the fall, starting on the 15th of the Hebrew month of Tishrei (typically September or October). The holiday commemorates the Israelites' 40 years of wandering in the desert after the Exodus from Egypt, during which they lived in temporary shelters, or sukkot (singular sukkah), hence the name of the festival. Jews celebrate by building a sukkah, a temporary hut, where they eat, gather, and sometimes sleep, to remember the transient nature of life and God's protection during the desert journey.

A key ritual during Sukkot is the waving of the arba'a minim (the Four Species), which include the etrog (citron), the lulav (palm branch), hadas (myrtle branches), and aravah (willow branches). Each of these species holds a deep symbolic meaning, related both to the physical properties of the plants and the spiritual qualities of the Jewish people.

• Lulav (palm branch) symbolizes those who study the Torah but may not perform as many good deeds. The sweet fruit of the palm tree, dates, represents the knowledge of Torah, but the lack of aroma signifies a shortage of good actions. The lulav also symbolizes the human spine, reflecting spiritual support and uprightness.

• Hadas (myrtle branches) symbolizes those who perform good deeds but do not study the Torah. The myrtle has a pleasant fragrance, symbolizing good deeds, but it produces no edible fruit, representing a lack of Torah knowledge. The hadas is also associated with the eyes, symbolizing a merciful view of the world.

• Aravah (willow branches) represents those who neither study the Torah nor perform good deeds. The willow has neither taste nor aroma, symbolizing an absence of both Torah knowledge and good actions. The aravah also symbolizes the mouth, emphasizing the importance of speech and prayer.

Together, the Four Species symbolize the unity of the Jewish people. They represent different types of Jews, each with their unique spiritual qualities, and the ritual of binding them together during Sukkot shows that all Jews, regardless of their level of knowledge or righteousness, are essential to the community's wholeness.

The Etrog in Kfar Chabad
In Kfar Chabad, etrog farming is a significant industry. The climate and agricultural expertise of the community have made it an ideal place for cultivating high-quality etrogim (plural of etrog). The demand for etrogim during Sukkot is very high, as every religious household requires one for the holiday. Before the festival, prices can range from $50 to $500 depending on the quality, shape, and the halachic standards (Jewish law) of the etrog. After Sukkot, however, the prices drop significantly, as the ritual use of the etrog has passed, and the demand dwindles.

The etrog’s rich history, symbolic importance, and unique cultivation in places like Kfar Chabad and Calabria reflect its deep connection to Jewish life and tradition, especially during Sukkot.