Kossover Rebbe Sells Fruit Tree After it Becomes a Danger

by YS Gold 

Passersby of the Kossover Rebbes home noticed a fascinating sign posted to the treet outside: “I [Rebbetzin] Sarah Hager sell all fruit trees and shrubs on this property on the condition that if the new owner does not return within one year to maintain the trees and shrubs, they go back to the original owner. Cash has been paid on this date to make the sale valid.” 

The story behind the sign goes that the enormous fruit tree had become a danger, and it was feared that people could trip over it. Cutting it down, however, is not permitted for a Yid. A balance had to be struck, for the safety of people is of utmost importance. 

For $3.00, the tree was sold to a non-Jew, who then turned around and cut down the tree, making the area safe for all passersby while staying true to halachah.