Rabbi Howard Morrison

Judaism is not an ostentatious religion. We are not meant to show off our wealth. In the Middle Ages, sumptuary laws prohibited the bride's parents from spending more on the wedding than the poorest family in town.

Whenever possible, we try to beautify the Mitzvot since they symbolize our love for God and our heritage. Without going broke or being boastful, we try to get a nice Mezuza, nice Tefillin, a nice Etrog, etc. 

This concept is called Hidur Mitzvah, beautifying the objects used for observing Mitzvot. The Biblical basis comes from the phrase, "Zeh Aili V'Anvehu - This is my God whom I shall glorify." This statement originates in the Song of the Sea.

When it comes to Sukkot, many people go out of their way to find the choicest Etrog. In the Torah, it is called, "Pri Etz Hadar - fruit of beautiful trees." Notice that the word, "Hadar" appears as a description of the Etrog. Years ago, a film called "Ushpizin" showed a religious Jew who almost broke his bank on purchasing the finest Etrog he could find. He went way beyond the norm of "Hidur Mitzvah."

In my own experience, I beautified my celebration of Sukkot when I purchased my own four species in Israel during the rabbinical school year of 1983-4. I went to an olive wood factory in Mea Shearim and purchased a nice wooden Etrog box with symbols of Israel painted on it. It replaced the cardboard box which came with the Etrog purchase. 

While basic Mitzvah observance is fine enough, the ability to beautify our Mitzvot is encouraged, as long as we bring no economic harm to ourselves or those who are dear to us.

Chag Sameach,

Rabbi Howard Morrison