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I recall reading that when one is done with his lulav, he should save it and use it for another mitzvah (such burning chameitz) because once something has been used for a mitzvah it should be used for another (see this answer). Some of the subtleties are mentioned here. I'm still not sure if "any" mitzvah would count, but my current concern is limited to one practice.

But I also see that many people use their etrogim to make etrog jelly. Does that satisfy this same continuing of "honor" for the item used for a mitzvah? This site discusses the eating as a segulah for pregnant women but does that rise to the level of mitzvah? Would it mean no one else can eat it because for others, it doesn't hold the same sacred position? Is simple "eating" a mitzvah that would count?

rosends
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  • The bracha made on the jelly would be a Mitzvah? – Chatzkel Oct 23 '22 at 13:48
  • I think I asked our shul's rabbi this as a kid and he said it was allowed. I don't remember the reasoning, but hey - whatever you eat, you'll be making a bracha on, so there's that. – Harel13 Oct 23 '22 at 13:49
  • @Chatzkel does that mean that all eating (because it all requires a mitzvah) is a mitzvah (which leads to other questions)... – rosends Oct 23 '22 at 13:50
  • @Harel13 I think of brachot before eating as hanehenin -- does this mean that all brachot on food are birchot hamitzvah? – rosends Oct 23 '22 at 13:51
  • That’s a good point. I do recall hearing a story about a chassid who asked his rebbe what is the difference between them? They both eat and sleep and learn etc. The rebbe answered that you make a bracha to be able to eat, while I eat to be able to make a bracha. So it depends on your outlook, but yes, it could be done as a mitzvah every time – Chatzkel Oct 23 '22 at 14:06
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    Note there is a separate issue this year of kedushat shviit https://judaism.stackexchange.com/q/64455/759 – Double AA Oct 23 '22 at 15:18
  • Besides the issue raised by double aa there is the practical problem that esrogim grown for the mitzvah contain a lot of pesticides not meant for food. This means while the idea of it isn't necessarily a problem since it could be used during a seudas mitzvah eating food sprayed with industrial pesticides not meant for produce would be harming your health. – Dude Oct 23 '22 at 18:26
  • It's a nice thing to reuse something for a mitzvah, but it is not an obligation. So one would definitely be allowed to use their esrog for food. – N.T. Oct 24 '22 at 02:26

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