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Q: Why do so many people make jam from an etrog? I thought it was forbidden to derive any personal use from any of the four species, so how can etrog jam be permitted?

A: It is forbidden to use any of the four species or for that matter any of the decorations of the sukkah for personal use during the chag. These objects are considered "muktzeh" - they have been set aside for the sanctity of the commandment. However, with the conclusion of Shmini Atzeret the mitzvah has already been performed and so the sanctity of the mitzvah no longer applies. Since the etrog is considered to be the premier fruit - hadar - and since the etrog is considered atonement for the primordial sin of the fruit of the tree of knowledge (according to one view of the midrash that forbidden fruit was an etrog), it is considered to be an especially good omen for the year to eat the etrog fruit after the conclusion of the festival.

If you have a question for Q & A, send it to ots@ohrtorahstone.org.il . We cannot guarantee that all questions received will be answered in this column.

Previous 'Q&As':
Relating to

• Commonly asked questions about Friday night kiddush
• Source of various customs of waiting between eating meat and milk
• Comfort declaration at Shiva house
• Recitation of Av Haarachamim
• Mayim Acharonim
• Amira lagoy
• Maaser Kessafim
• Where to light Hannukah lights
• Women dancing with sefer torah
• Individual's feeling of security
• Differing Berachot when male/female born
• Eating dairy meals on Shabbat
• Visiting Israel and the security situation
• Playing football on Shabbat
• Shmitta laws
• Kitniyot on Pesach
• Driving throught Judea, Samaria and Gaza
• Inebriation on Purim
• Travelling to India and vegetarian food
• Laws of mourning
• Expressing disapproval of chillul shabbat
• Interpretation of dreams
• Women's Minyanim
• Refrigerators on Shabbat
• Succah
• Tzeddaka
• Muktsa and Marketing campaigns

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