A 1939 Proposal for importing Etrogim from Palestine to Canada

The days when international commerce between Jews was based fully on trust are quickly fading out, but here is an interesting example of this phenomena.

The letter, written by Samuel Kirschenbaum, to Rabbi Yehoshua Herschorn (1893–1969) of Montreal, offers Rabbi Herschorn a business proposition. He will send, at no up-front cost, Etrogim to Rabbi Herschorn for resale, at an agreed upon price of 80 cents to $1.50 per Etrog, and payment will only be made after the holiday of Succot and upon the satisfaction of the Rabbi.

Kirschenbaum makes note that all the Etrogim came from orchards owned by Jews and all the employees on the orchards are Jews. The etrogim came with the Rabbinical approval of the Jerusalem Bet Din.

Of note is the address on the letterhead of Kirschenbaum, which states that during the year his address is in Jerusalem, but in the Summer months, he has an address in Tel Aviv.