The Perfect Etrog, 1978

This is a black and white photograph of a worker at an etrog farm holding up the perfect etrog. The young, smiling woman is holding the etrog in her outstretched hand for it to be photographed. The etrog is large, wider at the bottom and narrower at the top. The pitom (protruding stem) on the top is intact, as it should be. The box for packing the etrog in is on the table in front of the worker. A cushioned liner sits in the bottom of the box to protect the etrogs. If the pitom falls off the etrog, the etrog is no longer deemed kosher (suitable for use).

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. In order for the etrog to be kosher (suitable) for use on Sukkot, it must be unblemished and complete. Pickers and packers must therefore be very careful when handling them.

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Discussion Questions

Observation

• What catches your attention when you first look at the photograph?
• Describe the person in the photograph.
• Describe the surroundings.
• Describe the object in the photograph.

Reading Between the Lines

• What do you think this photograph shows?
• What is the woman holding?
  How is it used?
• What are the requirements for a kosher (suitable) etrog?
• The etrog grower identified this particular etrog as the "perfect" etrog.
  How does this etrog display the characteristics of a perfect etrog?
• If this photograph were in color, what colors 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?

Connections

• Have you ever held an etrog?
  What did it smell like?
  What did it feel like?
  In what way is it a pri etz hadar (fruit of the beautiful tree) as described in the Torah?
• Do you own anything that you think is an example of perfection?
  What do you think comes the closest?
  In what way is it perfect?

Creative Ideas

• Create a meme with the photograph.
• Take a photograph of yourself with the "perfect" something.some text
  • Choose whatever you think is an example of perfection, or as close to it as possible.
  • Create a bulletin board or padlet board with all of the photographs from the class.

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