An Esrog with a Tradition
An Esrog with a Tradition
A gift of an Esrog from Eretz Yisrael; the need for a reliable tradition that the Esrog is not grafted in order for it to be kosher
By the Grace of G-d
20th of Elul, 5720
Brooklyn, N.Y.
Mr. Zalmon Jaffe
105. Cavendish Road
Salford, 8, Lancs.
Greeting and Blessing:
I received your two letters of August 22nd and 26th…
…Hoping to hear good news from you, and wishing you again a Ksivo vachasimo, toivo, including, of course, a greater improvement in your business affairs,
With blessing,
M. Schneerson
I want to thank you also for your good will to send me an Esrog which you yourself plucked from the tree on your recent visit to Eretz Yisroel. However, you surely know that an Esrog must be one that is not murkov, that is to say, that grows on a tree which had not been crossed with another species, and we use Esrogim concerning which we have a tradition that they meet this requirement. So the first qualification of an Esrog is not so much where it comes from, but the certainty that it is not a murkov. Unfortunately, the place you mention is one of which I never heard that it should have that tradition, and even in Eretz Yisroel itself the Esrogim usually come from other places, but not the one you mention. Obviously, where this essential matter is in doubt, there is the question of making a blessing in vain, and above all, the doubt whether the Mitzvah of Esrog will be fulfilled. I trust that you, too, have ordered for yourself an Esrog which is definitely not murkov, and Anash surely know how and where to get such Esrogim.
Source: Photocopy of the original.
Mr. Shneur Zalmon Jaffe (5673–5760/1913–2000) was a businessman in Manchester, England. In the early 1950s, he was drawn to Lubavitch and developed a close and unique personal relationship with the Rebbe. Over time, he became one of the foremost supporters and activists of Lubavitch in England. For additional biographical information and over 200 letters he received from the Rebbe, see letter dated 20 Iyar, 5713, and as referenced there; Mr. Manchester (England, 2003).
