In Korach and Chukas-Balak 5783 Halacha Discussions, (June 2023) we explained the proper method of preparing the popular dish “eggs and onions” on Shabbos. In footnote 14 (Korach 5783, 17 June 2023), we mentioned briefly that there is a “danger” in leaving peeled eggs overnight. Let us elaborate on this somewhat obscure statement:
The Torah’s commandment “beware for your souls” (Devarim 4:9) includes the prohibition of placing oneself in any type of life-threatening situation, e.g., walking dangerously near the edge of a roof, exposing oneself to a disease, etc. In addition to such obviously dangerous acts, Chazal warned against other dangers which are not easily understood today, such as the well-known prohibition against eating meat and fish together.
Although we cannot explain the danger in terms of medical science, we accept and adhere faithfully to Chazal’s warning that eating fish and meat together is a danger. Continued from last week...
Some poskim hold that, if these peeled foods were left overnight then, bedieved, they may be eaten. However, many other poskim say that, even bedieved, these items should not be eaten. Some poskim hold that the “spirit of impurity” may be removed from these foods by cooking them or soaking them in vinegar, and then they may be eaten. Other poskim do not mention this leniency. All agree that just washing the peeled foods does not help – they still may not be eaten.
Pesachim 76b. See Halacha Discussion, Ki Sisa Discussion, 5782 (19 February 2022) for details concerning this subject.
Chazon Ish (quoted in Orchos Rabbeinu, new edition, vol. 4, pg. 44). Yaskil Avdi 8, Y.D. 14:4, allows these items to be used for a Shabbos meal. See also Sdei Chemed (Lamed 41:31) and Minchas Yitzchak 2:68 and 9:28.
Birkei Yosef, Y.D.116:10; Shem Aryeh, Y.D. 56; Chelkas Yaakov, Y.D. 39; Divrei Yatziv, Y.D.31 (who warns of severe stomach ailments that may result) and all the poskim above who mention this halachah and do not differentiate between lechatchilah and bedieved.
Kaf Hachayim Y.D.116:93. Artzos Hachayim 4:32; Divrei Yatziv, Y.D.31. Niddah 17a (see Ya’avetz and Aruch Leneir); Shulchan Aruch Harav (Shemiras Haguf 7). Minchas Yitzchak 6:75; Divrei Yatziv, Y.D.31; Doleh U’mashkeh, pg. 364. [But if peeled eggs and peeled onions or garlic are mixed together, it does not help; Divrei Yatziv, Y.D. 33.]
Semak 171; Zivchei Tzedek 116:61, quoted in Kaf Hachayim, O.C. This prohibition has a number of leniencies, as well. It only applies if:
- The entire egg, onion, or garlic clove was peeled. If even a tiny spot was left unpeeled, or even if the root hairs on top of the onion or garlic remain, the food is not considered to be "peeled".
- The peeled egg, onion, or garlic clove are kept separate from other food. If they are mixed together with other ingredients such as vegetables, tuna fish, vinegar, oil, or mayonnaise – or even a significant amount of salt or sugar – they may be left overnight.
- The egg, onion, or garlic clove was peeled for immediate use, or for the next day, but then it was left overnight. But if it was meant to be frozen and used at a later date (as many large companies or bakeries do), then it is permitted.
- The egg, onion, or garlic clove is raw. When it is cooked, roasted, or fried, several poskim hold that it may be left overnight. Some poskim are more lenient and permit these foods even when they are raw, provided that they are totally crushed and no longer resemble an egg, onion, or garlic. The poskim agree that powdered eggs, onion powder, and garlic powder are permitted.
504:1 and Y.D.116:92; Ben Ish Chai (Pinchas 2:14); Chazon Ish (quoted in Orchos Rabbeinu, new edition, vol. 4, pg. 44); Ashrei Ha’ish, Y.D. 7:11; Yabia Omer, Y.D.2:7; Mibeis Levi, vol. 3, pg. 46.
Igros Moshe, Y.D. 3:20. Although other poskim do not mention this leniency, the widespread custom follows the lenient opinion.
Darchei Teshuvah 116:74 quoting Beis Shelomo, Y.D.189; Aderes (Kuntres Oiver Orach 4); Chazon Ish (quoted in Orchos Rabbeinu, new edition, vol. 4, pg. 44); Shevet Halevi 3:169. [A stricter opinion holds that the prohibition also applies to peeled items that are cooked, roasted, or fried; see Minchas Yitzchak 4:108 and Yabia Omer 2:7 quoting several poskim. Although some people are stringent about this, most people are not.]
Ashrei Ha’ish, Y.D. 7:12. Darchei Teshuvah 116:74 quoting Degel Efrayim 28; Yabia Omer, Y.D. 2:7; Shevet Halevi 6:111. [According to Igros Moshe, mentioned in footnote 119, this would also be permitted.] Ashrei Ha’ish, Y.D. 7:12-14 permits onion or garlic powder, especially if it is mixed with other ingredients. See Doleh U’mashkeh, pg. 364.
