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Weekly Chasidic Story#1452 (5785-03) 13 Tishrei 5786 (Oct 5, 2025) "The Etrog of the Highest Price…Twice" A wealthy devoted follower
of the Jikov Rebbe could not rest. He activated all his connections, sent urgent
letters, and dispatched telegrams. Refusing to give in to the harsh decree,
he worked feverishly to find an etrog for his master. Story in PDF format for more convenient printing
The Etrog of the Highest Price…Twice
Every year, the merchants of the Four Species made arrangements to import etrogs from the special long-standing orchards of Italy or from the Land of Israel. The fruits were brought first to Kraków, and from there distributed to the surrounding towns and villages. But that year was different. Harsh weather had devastated the etrog orchards, and it became nearly impossible to find a kosher one. The dealers, who usually displayed crates filled with the "fruit of the beautiful tree"[1] in a lustrous variety of shapes, shades of yellow and green, degrees of bumpiness (opposite of smooth lemons) and cleanliness (no blemishes on the outer skin), instead had nothing at all. To every customer they could only answer, over and over and with genuine sorrow: "There are no etrogs this year." As the holiday drew nearer and no etrogs appeared, anxiety spread through the Jewish communities. People began to fear that this year Sukkot would arrive without the first of the "Four Species,"[2] and then they would be unable to fulfill the mitzvah of joining the four together and shaking them. The concern was especially intense in the court of Rabbi Eliezer of Jikov, the son of the acclaimed chasidic rebbe, Rabbi Naftali of Ropshitz (1760-1827). Those close to him could not imagine the Rebbe not reciting the blessing over an etrog during the seven days of the Sukkot festival. The thought alone filled them with dread. They spared no effort and searched tirelessly, hoping against hope to find one. The chasidim enlisted
in the effort as well. They inquired, searched and investigated everywhere-searching
for the precious citrus fruit, without which the mitzvah could not be performed.
Yet none of their efforts bore fruit--literally. Sukkot was fast approaching,
but the usual joy of preparation was muted, without enthusiasm. Hovering over
everything was the dark cloud of the missing fruit. The chasidim yearned for
one thing only: that somehow their Rebbe might obtain an appropriate one. Then, two days before the festival, just when all hope seemed lost, word reached Kalman that one of the merchants had managed to secure a single etrog-magnificent in color, size, shape and bumps, and unblemished. Without wasting a moment, he hurried to the lucky dealer's shop. A large crowd had already gathered. Everyone wanted the fruit, and all were prepared to pay an enormous price for it. The shrewd merchant took full advantage of the moment. Standing on a raised platform, he conducted a heated auction. Voices rose from every corner with bids that climbed higher and higher, until the astronomic numbers seemed a fantasia. Yet no one hesitated-everyone was ready to part with a fortune for the rare etrog. Suddenly Kalman stepped up onto a chair. Seizing a moment's pause, he raised his voice so all could hear: "I will give my entire estate for the etrog!" The crowd fell silent. They stared at him in disbelief, certain that he had lost his mind. But Kalman's face remained steadfast, his voice resolute. Climbing on a chair, he cried out, "This etrog is for the Rebbe," he declared, "and for him I would give up all the wealth in the world." The shocked crowd respectfully cleared a path for the fortunate buyer. Kalman approached the coveted fruit and held it in hands trembling with excitement. "Sold to
you!" shouted the delighted dealer, overjoyed to receive a magnificent
estate in exchange for a single etrog. Clutching his treasure, Kalman set off quickly for Jikov. Not for a moment did he feel regret at the sacrifice of his estate. His heart swelled with pride at the privilege he had been granted: to gladden his Rebbe and to provide him with a flawless etrog of the highest standard. Of what worth was a glorious estate compared with the fulfillment of the mitzvah of "And you shall take for yourselves"[3] on behalf of the holy tzaddik? "None!" he remarked to himself, smiling. The Rebbe's face shone with radiant delight at the sight of the etrog. His eyes sparkled with the joy of the mitzvah. The news spread through the town like lightning: The Rebbe has an etrog! The chasidim burst into celebration. The Rebbe, never considered remaining indebted to his benefactor. "My dear Reb Kalman," he said warmly, "choose any possession from my house-it shall be yours." Now it was Kalman's turn to show his cleverness as an elite businessman. Seizing the rare opportunity, he resolved to ask for the greatest reward he could imagine. If this was a moment of favor, perhaps the Rebbe would agree, and he would merit… "Rebbe," he said reverently, "there is but one thing in your house that I desire. In the next room, lying in his cradle, is your cherished son, little Meir'l. I too have a daughter of the same age. I would count it the greatest blessing if you would agree to arrange a match with me, so that when they are of appropriate age, your son might marry my daughter." Having finished his proposal, Kalman waited nervously. Had he gone too far? He gazed atthe Rebbe's face anxiously. The tzaddik pondered briefly, then motioned to his attendants. "Bring refreshments!" he instructed. And then, to Kalman's great joy, the Rebbe announced firmly: "Let us toast l'chaim in honor of the engagement!" Indeed, in due time, it was a joyous occasion when Rabbi Meir, the Rebbe's son, married Devorah, the daughter of Mr. Kalman Fitzlis. Rabbi Meir-whom his father proudly called "my genius" succeeded him in leadership and became renowned as one of the great tzaddikim of his generation. His series of books, Imrei Noam, revealed his brilliance in both the revealed [Scripture, Talmud, Torah law] and hidden [Kabbalah] Torah, and earned a place of honor on the desks of many great scholars. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Biographic note: Compiler's note:
It's not mentioned in any versions of the story, but I think it reasonable to
assume that Mr. Fitlis retained much wealth even after "losing" is
estate and/or he probably greatly increased in wealth for surely he received
many blessings for this matter from his mechutan (relative through marriage). Footnotes:
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Full Moon"
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Yerachmiel
Tilles is co-founder and associate director of Ascent-of-Safed, and chief editor
of this website (and of KabbalaOnline.org). He has hundreds of published stories
to his credit, and many have been translated into other languages. He tells
them live at Ascent nearly every Saturday night.