Despite the fact that date palm branches, used in ritual ceremonies during the festival of Succot, will not be imported from Egypt this year, merchants in Jerusalem have said that there is no shortage and that prices should remain stable.
One of the religious observances of Succot is the use of the Four Species, or Arba Minim in Hebrew, in prayer services for the duration of the holiday.
Palm branches from Egypt known as El-Arish branches were regularly imported into Israel in years past but the revolution in Egypt and the deterioration in ties with Israel have hindered this process.
According to the Agriculture Ministry, El-Arish palm branches will not be imported this year since the ministry was not able to make the requisite arrangements with the its counterparts in Cairo.
But Arba Minim merchants in Jerusalem’s ultra- Orthodox Mea She’arim neighborhood say that despite the lack of El-Arish branches there will be no shortage this year.
Several traders approached by The Jerusalem Post said that there is now a sufficient harvest of lulavim in Israel to supply the majority of the Israeli market.
So why are they still charging for lulavim separately? Just because of the shortage last year (maybe also the year before) they started charging for lulovim separately. This was unheard of before then. Not that there’s no shortage the merchants should do the right thing and go back to the original way.
i purchased a great set for me for 100 and another for 30 for my son. at eastern pkwy museum. go there, get it quick great service.
Can someone explain to me why a Lulav alone costs between $25 and $40 at our beloved CH stores?
there might be more stability in the market this year but prices did rise permanently by 75 percent