May one who is traveling to the Diaspora for Sukkos take with him an Israeli Esrog of Otzer Beis Din [after Shemita]?[1]
It is permitted to take one’s personal Esrog with him to the Diaspora. One must make sure after Sukkos that the Esrog is properly guarded as Kedushas Sheviis. Some Poskim[2] write that one is to try to take the Esrog with him when he returns to Eretz Yisrael. Others[3] rule this is not necessary.
May one import Israeli Esrogim of Kedushas Sheviis to the Diaspora for Sukkos?[4]
Some Poskim[5] rule it is permitted to do so even initially, on condition that the Esrogim are sold Behavlaah. Other Poskim[6] rule it is initially forbidden to do so. Some Poskim[7] rule it is permitted to do so in a situation that the city will not have any Esrogim available if they are not sent. According to all, even if an Esrog was taken out of Eretz Yisrael in a forbidden manner, it remains Kosher and can be used for the Mitzvah.[8]
[1] See Piskeiy Teshuvos 649/7; Beis Yitzchak Y.D. 2/121; Beis Ridbaz 5/18
[2] Mishnas Yosef 2/24-28; Tzitz Hakodesh 1/15; Piskeiy Teshuvos ibid; See Beis Ridbaz ibid
[3] See Beis Ribaz ibid as Esrogim don’t require Biur.
[4] See Mishnas Yosef 2/24-28
[5] Beis Ridbaz 5/18; Igros Moshe 1/186
[6] Chelkas Yaakov Y.D. 185; Chazon Ish Sheviis 10/6; 13/4; See Beis Yitchak ibid
[7] Chazon Ish
[8] Chazon Ish ibid; Igros Moshe ibid