Book on Calabrian Esrogim Presented to Satmar Rebbes

For generations it was the minhag of Chabad Rabbeim to specifically bentch on a Calabrian Esrog as opposed to one from another region. Recently, some Rabbanim have raised questions about the purity of Calabrian Esrogim, and some individuals have even written articles against its use and against the Rebbeim for encouraging it.

Chabad author Rabbi Eliyahu Matusof who has written on Halacha and who researches and edits Chassidic seforim addresses this issue in depth in a newly published sefer ‘Esrogim in Halacha, the Calabrian Esrogim Tradition’.

Rabbi Matusof responds to questions such as: How did they know all these years that Calabrian Esrogim are not Murkovim? What is the advantage of an esrog grown in Calabria over those grown elsewhere? How do we know that the location known as Chezkas Kashrus in previous generations is the same place as today?

The sefer includes a special section of photos of the Rebbe holding and handing out Calabrian Esrogim throughout the years. Also included are photos of the picking of esrogim in Calabria.

The aim of the Sefer is to encourage and strengthen the minhag of bentch in a Calabrian esrog which was something very close to the Rebbe’s heart.

Rabbi Matusof presented the book to Rabbi Zalman Teitelbaum and to Rabbi Aaron Teitelbaum both Rebbes of Satmar who showed much interest in the Sefer. Rabbi Matusof was accompanied by Rabbi Nosson Gurary Shliach and Mashpia of Buffalo/Monsey and Rabbi Levi Yitzchok Sofer, a colleague of Rabbi Matusof who is a Dayan and an author of sefarim from Williamsburg.