How the Etrog Came to America –and Stayed

Presented by: Dr. Zev Eleff

Chief Academic Officer and Associate Professor of Jewish History at Hebrew Theological College

As Jews migrated to the United States, they needed materials to observe the basics of religious life. The etrog was essential for the Sukkot holiday, but it was not always easy to retrieve reliable citrons from Europe or to harvest them in the Americas. Dr. Eleff explores the curious case of the etrog, and how economics and Jewish law challenged Jews to establish a religious rhythm in the New World.