Identifying the "Fruit of the Majestic Tree" of Lev. 23:40

The traditional Jewish interpretation of "fruit of majestic trees" (פְּרִי עֵץ הָדָר) in Leviticus 23:40 has long been associated with the citron (Citrus medica) since the Maccabean era. This identification was reinforced during a historical incident when the Hasmonean king, Alexander Jannaeus, was pelted with citrons by the public for favoring the Sadducees over the Pharisees. The Bar Kochba revolt also incorporated the citron in the imagery of their minted coins. Josephus, a prominent Jewish historian, consistently associated the "fruit of majestic trees" with the citron, despite occasionally linking it with the persea, an avocado-like fruit.

However, there's historical controversy about the citron's existence during the Mosaic times. Some scholars suggest that the Jews brought the citron tree from Persia during their return under Ezra, with "etrog," a term for citron, actually stemming from the Persian word "tarang." Others theorize that the citron existed during Mosaic times but was known by a different name. Regardless, the citron's historical presence or absence doesn't impact its enduring role in Jewish Halacha for over two millennia.

Alternative interpretations by the Karaites suggest that "fruit of majestic trees" could represent any new or fancy fruit. They argue that since the citron only appeared after the Babylonian exile, other fruits native to Israel like lemons, oranges, olives, and avocados could be considered. They refer to Nehemiah 8:15, which details the materials used to build booths during Sukkoth, including olive branches. If viewed as a commentary on Leviticus 23:40, the "fruit of majestic trees" could have originally referred to olives or wild olives.

Moreover, the term "fruit" (פְּרִי) might not be strictly limited to the actual fruit of a tree. It could also encompass the tree's shoots, branches, blossoms, and other parts, including beautiful and fragrant trees like myrtles, olive trees, and palms, which were used to construct booths during Ezra's time.