32 | OCTOBER 6 • 2022
into a second bedroom,
eventually needing to take
over the basement space as
a full-fledged etrog-making
workshop.
Finding a process that
worked didn’t come without
challenges, however. After
spending more than 100
hours on a batch of etrogs,
for example, the Kornbleuths
realized that the fruits had
developed mold. “It was
very upsetting to see, and we
had to learn why this batch
was different than the batch
before,” Eric explains. “We
found out it had to do with
temperature and the amount
of moisture that was in the
air.”
To solve the issue, the
Kornbleuths now store
etrogs on their basement
floor, which provides a cool
foundation that keeps heat
away from the fruits. “It’s
an etrog silo,” Eric laughs.
“They’re laid out in every
available room.”
A SUSTAINABLE
PROCESS
In addition to their beautiful
and unique look, etrog
jewelry and tallit clips offer
a completely sustainable
accessory that lets no part of
the etrog fruit go to waste.
“We save every single part,”
Kornbleuth says. “We even
save the seeds. Everything
is useful to fix up a broken
pendant. In some cases, we
can change it and switch out
the seeds.”
They also only purchase
etrogs deemed not kosher for
use on Sukkot, which offers
relief for the small etrog
farming market and prevents
products from going to the
landfill.
Yet, despite working with
etrogs on a regular basis
since beginning the project
in 2020, the Kornbleuths
continue to learn new facts
about the ancient, biblical
fruit that leave them amazed.
“What we found to be very
fascinating is that behind
every single seed of an etrog
is a ruby red layer,” Eric says.
Found three layers into the
fruit, the ruby red interior
can completely change up the
look of the etrog, making it a
piece of art.
“Most people don’t know
that there’s this crazy ruby
red inside the etrog,” he adds.
Currently, the Kornbleuths
sell and take orders for
etrog accessories through
their Facebook page, www.
facebook.com/Esrog-Simcha-
Pendants-111579831428180.
They can also be
reached through
shalomchaidesign18@
gmail.com. Eventually, the
Kornbleuths plan to develop
a website and sell their
family-made etrog products
through small business
platforms like Etsy.
Still, while etrogs are
stunning and unusual, it’s
their ancient, timeless feel
that makes them so special
to the Jewish community and
beyond.
“The etrog is one of the
only items mentioned in the
Old Testament that can be
mass-produced,” Eric says.
“Technological advances have
now made that possible.”
SUKKOT
ON THE COVER
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