Eruv Tavshilin - Forgotten

QUESTION: What should be done if one forgot to perform an Eruv Tavshilin?

ANSWER: In this case, it is permissible to rely on the Eruv Tavshilin performed by the Rabbi of one’s city as it is customary for him to have his community in mind when performing the ritual. This can only be relied upon provided Eruv Tavshilin was not forgotten due to negligence (Shaar HaTziyun 527:32). In addition, one cannot rely on the Rabbi’s Eruv for two consecutive Yomim Tovim (Kaf Hachaim 527:48). The Chayei Adam (Klal 102:7) questions whether one may ever rely on the Rabbi's Eruv for a second time.

Another option is to have someone who made an Eruv Tavshilin cook for the one who forgot. In this case, ownership of the ingredients must be transferred to the one who is allowed to cook. This person may then proceed to cook even in the home of the person who did not make an Eruv Tavshilin (Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chaim 527:20).

When Yom Tov is on Thursday and Friday, as it is this year, one can make an Eruv Tavshilin on Thursday if one forgot to do so before Yom Tov. This is because the two days of Yom Tov are observed as though there was a doubt as to the exact calendar date. Since both days cannot be Yom Tov, it is still possible to make an Eruv Tavshilin. Consult your local Orthodox Rabbi for the text that must be recited in such instances. However, this leniency does not apply to Rosh Hashanah. For halachic purposes, we view the two days of Rosh Hashanah as one long extended holy day and not because of a doubt in the calendar.

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The Gerald & Karin Feldhamer OU Kosher Halacha Yomis is dedicated to the memory of Rav Yisroel Belsky, zt"l, who served as halachic consultant for OU Kosher for more than 28 years; many of the responses in Halacha Yomis are based on the rulings of Rabbi Belsky. Subscribe to the Halacha Yomis daily email here.