You can expect to pay more for your Esrog and get less quality this year, an Esrog distributor tells TLS.
Distributor Eli Diskin of Esrogei Chibas Yerushalayim tells TLS that several key factors are affecting the Esrogim this year – both Eretz Yisroel Esrogim and Italian Esrogim.
The first issue with the Eretz Yisroel Esrogim, says Diskin, is the fact that the year after a leap year is shorter, thus not allowing the Esrogim to grow for the same amount of time as a standard year. Additionally, the recent weather in Israel has been stumping its growth.
As a result, the Esrogim are small, affecting the quantity of full-grown Esrogim.
Another factor for the Israeli Esrogim, is the issue with ‘Bakarit’, an insect that affects Esrogim. Diskin says that in past years the chemicals would be affective, but with the slow growth this year, the Esrogim are remaining longer on the trees, and are exposed for longer periods of time to the insects. This, says Diskin, is affecting the quality and in essence the quantity of the Esrogim.
“I have seen Pardeisim in Israel with no Esrogim, and some have 20-30%,” Diskin said.
Italian Esrogim, known as the ‘Yaneve’ Esrogim, have also been affected this year due to a frost.
“Approximately 85% of Yaneve trees got killed,” Diskin says, which is resulting in higher prices.
Diskin adds, “There won’t be a major shortage like we had with Hadassim about eight years ago – where people literally didn’t have, but people will have to compromise on price and quality this year.”
R’ Yosef Abraham of Lakewood’s Olam Ha’esrogim tells TLS, he, for one, is trying to keep the prices down – despite the shortage.
“We are trying to keep the prices as low as possible for our customers, but unfortunately there will be a price difference this year because of the shortage,” says Abraham.
There’s no reason an esrog should cost more than $50. Yes, even a beautiful one.
Pretty much every year there is a different reason they say prices are higher.
And when I go minim shopping they seem to be the same prices as the prior year
Agreed!!!!
Lol…… Great marketing!!!!
Every year another story …..
Interesting how being that it is a short year the rationale is that they don’t have as much time on the tree to fully ripen and then the next sentence contradicts that and says that they are there longer so The pesticide doesn’t work I don’t understand
The esrogim were picked pesach-shavuos time. So I don’t understand
Oy VEy !! Another shortage ?!! Terrible. And, btw, 8 yrs ago by the haddassim shortage, That was also terrible. Except it wasn’t – everyone had. there was plenty. I’m glad that this year it won’t be a major shortage, just, maybe, like a little shortage. Whatever. You can easily go buy ur 4 minim after Yom KIppur. You have other things to do now, if u know what I mean. AGG”Y.
Wait till the last night go to Yeshivah and you could get a beautiful set for $50.
I have a great way to stop this problem.
Everyone should use there Ravs Esrog.
The sellers will come begging us to buy them for $50.
Arba Minim Crisis!
Takana: No nanuim till every family has an esrog.