By Rabbi Yair Hoffman for 5tjt.com Generally speaking we use an egg and a Matzah for an Eruv Tavshillin.  But should we?  Whatever happened to Hidur Mitzvah – doing a Mitzvah in the best possible way? Let;s come back to this, later. Whenever any day of Yom Tov comes out on a Friday – an Eruv Tavshilin must be made before the Yom Tov begins. What is an Eruv Tavshilin? An Eruv Tavshilim is a Rabbinic device – that involves 3 things: • a baked item • a cooked item • and a special formula to recite. This Rabbinic device allows one to “continue preparing and cooking” for Shabbos on Yom Tov. In other words, through the Eruv Tavshilin, one actually begins the Shabbos preparations on the day before Yom Tov. The Malachos performed on the Yom Tov for Shabbos are considered to be a continuation of these preparations. (Rema O.C. 527:1). FUNDAMENTAL QUESTION We know, however, that performing Malacha on a Yom Tov for another day other than the Yom Tov itself is, in fact, a Torah prohibition. If this is the case, how can a Rabbinical enactment allow one to get around a Biblical prohibition? ANSWER The answer is that, technically, it was permitted by the Torah to cook on Yom Tov for Shabbos. Why was it permitted? There is an argument about this very point that is found in the Gemara: • Rabbah said that it was permitted because “you never know when guests may drop in and eat.” • Rav Chisda, on the other hand, said that the Torah actually made an exception for Shabbos. The Rabbis, however, forbade cooking on Yom Tov even when it was done for Shabbos. Why did they forbid it? • Either because they were afraid that people would take the best items for Yom Tov and leave nothing significant for Shabbos (Rabbah’s explanation). • Or because they were afraid that it would lead to much confusion in that people would think that one could also cook for another day of the week, too, not just Shabbos (Rav Chisda’s explanation). DIFFERENCE IN HALACHA There is a difference between the two approaches. According to Rabbah, all the food would have to be cooked before Shabbos. According to Rav Chisda, the food may still be cooking over Shabbos. WHO DO WE RULE LIKE? According to whom do we pasken? Ideally, we should be concerned to make sure the food is all cooked from before Shabbos starts. Post fact, we can rely on the opinion of Rav Chisda. According to both opinions, however, the cooking and baking that is permitted for Shabbos on a Yom Tov may only be done on Friday. It may not be done on Thursday Yom Tov at all.  This year it can because it is Cgik HaMoed. A MARRIED SON OR GUESTS If guests are expected who are not supported financially by the person performing the Eruv Tavshilim, then in order for the guests to avail themselves of the Eruv Tavshilin, the host must give a portion of it to someone else who will accept IT on the behalf of the guests. According to the Shulchan Aruch (527:10), the host himself cannot accept it for them, and he requires another person (a spouse is fine). This accepting on behalf […]

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