Question:
If I have the option of using an Esrog from Kfar Chabad that traces itself to seeds from the Rebbe’s Esrog, or a traditional Yanover (Calabria) Esrog imported from Italy, which is preferable? Should I use both?
Answer:
The accepted Chabad tradition, as directed by the Rebbe, is that a Yanover (Calabria) Esrog from Italy remains the preferred Esrog, even when high-quality Esrogim from Eretz Yisrael are available. This preference is based on the longstanding tradition received from the Rabbeim regarding the special status of the Yanover Esrog.
Accordingly, if one has access to a genuine Yanover Esrog from Italy with reliable supervision verifying that it is not Murkav (grafted), then it is preferable to use that Esrog for the mitzvah and blessing.
Nonetheless, the Esrogim grown in Kfar Chabad possess a significant advantage. The Kfar Chabad orchards originated from seeds of Yanover Esrogim, including seeds from an Esrog used by the Rebbe, and therefore retain the tradition of being non-Murkav. Due to this advantage, the Rebbe encouraged the planting and cultivation of such orchards in Eretz Yisrael.
Furthermore, many Chabad Chassidim who use a Yanover Esrog for the blessing are also accustomed to later shake the Lulav with an Esrog from Eretz Yisrael. This was the old Chabad custom dating back all the way to the Alter Rebbe, to also get an Israeli Esrog for Sukkos. The Rebbe Rashab himself would use a Kalabria Esrog for the Brachos and Hallel but would also shake with an Esrog from Eretz Yisrael. The Rebbe Rashab writes that his father the Rebbe Maharash once used the Esrog from Eretz Yisrael for Hallel. Testimony exists that this was likewise the custom of the Rebbe the Tzemach Tzedek, as well as that of the Alter Rebbe to use the Esrog of Eretz Yisrael for Hallel. The Rebbe himself was once given two Esrogim from his father in-law the Rebbe Rayatz, one from Calabria and one from Eretz Yisrael, and was told to say the Barcha on the Calabria and then shake the one from Eretz Yisrael afterwards. Indeed, as testified Rabbi Groner, the Rebbe would shake first with an Esrog from Calabria and then with an Esrog from Eretz Yisrael.
Conclusion:
A genuine Yanover (Calabria) Esrog from Italy remains the preferred choice according to Chabad tradition, provided it has proper supervision verifying that it is not Murkav. Nevertheless, Kfar Chabad Esrogim have the important advantage of preserving the Yanover lineage in Eretz Yisrael, and many are accustomed to also use an Esrog from Eretz Yisrael, which is testified to have been the custom of all the Rabbeim dating back to the Alter Rebbe, and was likewise the custom of the Rebbe. One first shakes using the Italian Calabria esrog and then with the Esrog from Eretz Yisrael.
Sources:
Beis Rebbe 1 p. 75 footnote 1; The Rebbe‘s letters, including Igros Kodesh 3:590, 13:110, 17:148; 10:3056, 3149, 3721, 4381 and 4337 regarding the preference for Yanover Esrogim and the encouragement of Calabria-derived orchards in Eretz Yisrael; Sefer Hamamrim 5711 p. 101; Igros Kodesh Rashab 1:63; 3:303; Reshimos 4:10; Lubavitch Vechayaleha p. 31; Kisvei Rav Chaim Avraham Bichovsky p. 147; Otzer Minhagei Chabad p. 276