(Adapted from Around the Maggid's Table)
Rav Sholom Eizen, zt"l, one of the foremost poskim of Yerusholayim 50 years ago, was renown as an expert in checking lulav and esrog. In the days leading up to Succos hundreds of people lined up in front of his house to get his advice on the lulavim and esrogim they were planning on buying.
Once, a young avreich [kollel man] came in holding an esrog which this young fellow felt had extraordinary excellence. He wanted to know the Rav's opinion. Rav Eizen complied and took the esrog to examine it. He studied it from all angles, turning it around and around. After a few moments of a very exacting inspection, the Rav lifted up his head and turned to the young man. “This esrog isn't for you.”
The avreich was astonished by the Rav's comment. Questions started racing through his mind. I had studied the laws of arbah minim thoroughly, he thought. I spent hours searching for an esrog which, according to my understanding, was perfect. Why does the Rav think this esrog is not for me?
In his confusion the avreich turned to the Rav and asked, “Is there some halachic issue with this esrog? I'm not an expert, but it seemed to my inexperienced eyes to be a perfect esrog.”
Instead of answering the young man, Rav Eizen asked him a question. “What do you do?”
“I learn in a kollel in Yerusholayim.”
“Do they pay you there?”
“Certainly.”
Rav Eizen inquired as to how much the kollel paid him and the young man told him the exact amount, which wasn't very much.
“Now, I shall ask you my last question,” replied Rav Eizen. “How much did you pay for the esrog?” The avreich mentioned a substantial figure.
“Just as I thought,” Rav Eizen responded. “You are absolutely right. The esrog is superb. It is a perfect esrog, both in halachah and in splendor; It is beautifully formed. However, listen to my advice. Buy a much cheaper esrog, and with the money you save buy your wife a dress for Yom Tov. This will be the real kavod [honor] of Yom Tov. You will thus perform the mitzvah of being joyous on Yom Tov." (R’ Eliezer Parkoff)
