Eruv Tavshilin - Leftover Eggs

QUESTION: I have some leftover hard-boiled eggs. Can I use them for Eruv Tavshilin?

ANSWER: The Gemara (Beitza 16a) states that leftover lentils from the bottom of the pot “may be relied upon” for Eruv Tavshilin. The Maharshal writes that the Gemara intentionally used the wording “may be relied upon” instead of the more common phrase “may be used” to convey that this allowance is only bedieved—if no other option is available. The Mishnah Berurah (Beiur Halacha 527, s.v. adashim) quotes two explanations why lechatchila (ideally) it is not appropriate to use leftover lentils for the eruv tavshilin. First, it is a bizuy mitzvah (disgrace of the mitzvah) to use the dregs from the bottom of the pot. According to this reason, one may use lentils that were not scraped from the bottom of the pot, even if they were left over from a previous meal. Similarly, a leftover egg would be acceptable lechatchila. However, the Mishnah Berurah also cites the opinion of the Bach that the food made for Eruv Tavshilin should be cooked specifically for this purpose. According to this second reason, it would be best not to use eggs or lentils that were not cooked specifically for the mitzvah.

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