Packing Etrogs, 1978

This is a black and white photograph taken in 1978 of Avraham Ludmir, a leading Israeli etrog exporter. He is packing etrogs for shipping and is seated in front of boxes of etrogs. Each box is lined with flax to protect the delicate etrogs, and Ludmir is placing an etrog in one of the boxes.

Etrogs grown in Israel are sold locally and around the world. The etrog, a citrus fruit, is one of the Four Species, along with the willow, myrtle, and lulav (palm branch), that are used to fulfill one of the major commandments of the festival of Sukkot.

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Discussion Questions

Observation

• What is your first impression when you look at the photograph?
• Describe the man in the photograph.
• Describe the surroundings.
• Describe the objects depicted in the photograph.

Reading Between the Lines

• What is the man doing?
  What is the name of the fruit?
  When is it used?
  How is it used?
• Describe the box.
  What does it tell you about the fruit that is being stored in it?
• If this photograph were in colour, what colours would you expect to see?
• What are the Arba Minim (Four Species)?
  When and how are they used?
  What is the biblical source for the Four Species?
  What are the requirements for a kosher (suitable) etrog?
• Search for additional photographs in the NLI collection describing the process of preparing etrogs for sale.
  Where does this photograph fit in the process?

Connections

• Have you ever owned your own Four Species?
  What did your etrog look like?
  How did it smell?
• How do you feel when you handle fragile objects? How would you feel if you were in charge of packing etrogs which become not suitable for use?

Creative Ideas

• Write a list of suggestions for how a person could pack etrogs.
• Design an etrog container that would best protect the etrog. Make a display of all of the containers designed by the class.

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