Question:
Can a person smell with a Bracha a Shimita etrog for enjoyment?
Answer:
Hello,
Yes a person can smell an esrog during shemitta for enjoyment, and he can also make a bracha on it. Although smelling an esrog is not it’s primary function, as it is meant to be eaten as a fruit and its smell is only secondary. Since when smelling the esrog, is does not get ruined, or negatively affected by smelling it, it is permitted. If it can be smelled then we make a bracha, “asher nossan reiach tov b’peiros”.
Regarding smelling an esrog during Succos, according to some poskim, since it is right now meant to do a mitzva with it, therefore we don’t make a bracha on it when smelling it. Others disagree and say that we may make a bracha when smelling it. This being the case the Shulchan Aruch says we should refrain from smelling an esrog during succos.
Best wishes
Sources:
Asufei Sheviis pg. 29-30 quoting R’ Chaim Kanievsky and R’ Eliyashiv zt”l. Shulchan Aruch ORach Chaim 216-14.
