1. Definition Good from bad

1. The Taz [319:13] authorizes removing the refuse together with a piece of a good food, [MB 319:61] Nonetheless, one should make sure that one remove a substantial amount of good together with the bad [39 Melachos Vol. 3 pg 421].

2. The Igros Moshe [OC 4:74] and SSK [3:11] allow to remove the refuse from the food if the food is in the mouth.

3. The Shulchan Aruch [319:21] allows the peeling of an item, only when the peel covers its entirety and only right prior to consumption and with one’s hand. The Biur Halacha [BH] and SSK [319:29] pasken like the Shulchan Aruch.

4. Where it is impossible to separate the food from the waste it is permissible to take out the waste. For example, peeling an egg or an orange or removing melon seeds [SSK 3:31-34].

2. Separating two foods

1. Two foods that are mixed, despite that none is unwanted, it is still problematic to separate them for later use according to some opinions. Therefore, one should be stringent. For example, egg salad decorated with cucumber slices, one wants to separate them after the Seuda so they don’t become soggy for Shalos Seudos.

2. The SSK [3:65] allows separating a food that’s not desired now but desired for later in the same meal from another food that’s desired right now.

3. If two foods are mixed, such as different type of fish or meats, and one likes only one of them, the laws of Borer apply.

Examples

1. It is permissible to remove a sticker or foil stuck to challah, if done right before eating [SSK 3:31].

2. The removal of melon seeds is permitted if done right prior to eating [SSK 3:33].

3. The fruit stem may be removed right before eating [SSK 3:35]

4. Opening nuts with a nutcracker is permitted if done right prior to eating [SSK 3:38].

5. Candy wrapper glued to the candy may be removed only right before eating [SSK 3:39]                                                          

1- Immediate consumption

The Mishna Brura [321:45] rulesthat any preparation forthe Seuda involving sorting, could only be performed after men have left shul. Sorting prior involves an Issur Deoraisso [Torah Prohibition]. Hereafter are a few examples:

Setting the table •

The MB [319:15] rules that silverware is also subject to the laws of Borer. Hence, sorting silverware to set the table could only be achieved prior to the Seuda. • Setting the table before going to shul can only be performed if no sorting is involved. Otherwise, it could only be performed after Shul.

Meeting the family •

A housewife wishing to meet her husband on his way back from shul; if this takes less than 20 minutes, even items involving Borer can be prepared prior to going out. If It may take longer, it can only be prepared upon return.

Setting up a kiddush •

Often preparations of a kiddush include sorting, therefore the restriction of time applies. I.e. The kiddush may not prepared before Shul. The preparation can only start however time it is required for the kiddush to be ready on time. This Din applies to caterers too.

Lending a dish •

If a friend needs a dish that would require you to sort; It is allowed to sort [given all conditions are respected] as it is considered for immediate use. However, if the friend needs it for later, it is then forbidden to sort.

Maid •

The restrictions of Borer apply to a maid too, as she prepares for Jewish people. She is prohibited to sort early despite wanting to finish up and leave. • Similarly, a daughter visiting her parents Shabbos morning is not allowed to prepare the egg salad for the afternoon meal, despite if she cannot come back later. [The above 3 rulings are based on SSK Vol 1 footnotes 185 & 190 in the name of Rav Shlomo Zalman Auerbach] There are endless cases, and one must be incredibly careful before ruling whether a certain case is considered prior to a meal or not.