Buying Lulav and Etrog

My favorite thing about Sukkot is buying lulav and etrog. I love looking over the many etrogim and seeing all the beautiful features. I have been purchasing lulav for the holiday for the last 12 years and every year is such a different experience. I still love purchasing lulav in the Lower East Side from the many vendors that are there.

The last couple years, I unfortunately did not have the opportunity to head to New York and had to purchase our lulav and etrog from the Judaica store. When it was crowded, I was lucky if I got any help finding anything. If it wasn't crowded, I would be asked where my husband was.

This year we are so fortunate to be back in New York and to have several different places to go choose from. I of course chose to go to the Lower East Side.

I took my lunch break a littler earlier and began my trip. I started with going to McDonalds to find an ATM. Doesn't really sound like the first place to go, but that's where the nearest ATM for my Maryland Bank Account was. The person in front of me was an orthodox man with payis and tzitzit. I then headed to the train. On my way there, I was grabbed by a random man, who held onto my shoulder and then let go and went walking. Got to love New York.

I took the subway to East Broadway and got off to the famous Canal and Essex Street. It was drizzling and there were not many vendors out. I am so used to crowds of people and lots of vendors. It's the Friday before yontif and raining, so it wasn't surprising that there weren't many people out. I luckily found beautiful etrogim from Israel. It was wonderful to go and have so many to choose from and not have to pay $70+ to get a beautiful etrog. Once I decided which vendor to go to, my purchase was pretty quick, since I seemed to be the only one purchasing lulav and etrog.

Before I left, I decided to get a few lower east side treats. I purchased a black and white cookie and rugelah for Shabbat. And stopped by The Pickle Guys to get Full Sours, Garlic Pickles, and Pickled Tomatoes.

Next up, is building the sukkah.