Forgot to Make Eruv Tavshilin

Question: I arrived at shul and realised that I had forgotten to make my eruv tavshilin. Can I rely on my Rav to make eruv tavshilin on my behalf?

Answer: The Shulchan Aruch (OC 527:7) states that the Rav should make an eruv tavshilin on behalf of anyone in his community who forgets or loses theirs. However, one cannot depend on this as a substitute for making an eruv themselves. If someone forgets to make an eruv two consecutive times, it is no longer considered accidental, and relying on the Rav's eruv would not suffice (Baer Heitev OC 527:6).

If someone arrived at shul and realises that they forgot to make an eruv before Yom Tov, they should go home if there is still time to make one. Alternatively, they may call home and ask someone else (such as their wife) to make it on their behalf. The Tiferes Yisrael (Beitza, Boaz 2:1) mentions that one can designate food at home and omit the words "behadein eruva, (with this eruv)." However, R’ Yitzchak Yaakov Weiss (Minchas Yitzchak 7:36) argues that this will not work, and doing so would result in a beracha levatala and the prohibition of cooking on Yom Tov for Shabbos.

The Mishna Berura (527:4) explains that if one forgot to make their eruv before shekia, they may do so (even with a beracha) during bein hashemashos – the time between sunset (shekia) and nightfall (nacht). However, this option is no longer valid once the shul has begun davening maariv or if the individual has already accepted Yom Tov upon himself.

In pressing circumstances, the Shulchan Aruch (OC 527:22) permits making an eruv under strict conditions on the first day of Yom Tov which falls on Thursday, though this does not apply on Rosh Hashana (as there is no safek deyoma).

In conclusion, while the rav should make eruv tavshilin on behalf of others, that should only be relied upon in emergency situations. If someone came to shul and realises they had forgotten, they should go home to make it, or contact someone at home to do so on their behalf before being being mekabel Yom Tov.

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