We are continuing in siman 6. The Chayei Adam left off writing that when one has a conflict between b’rov am and zrizin makdimin, zrizin makdimin takes precedence. He proved it from the Gemara in Rosh Hashana which states that Hallel is recited with Shacharis because of zrizin makdimin, and tekiyas shofar is performed with mussaf only because of government restrictions, but would otherwise be blown during Shacharis because of zrizin makdimin.
Not everyone agrees with the Chayei Adam’s psak. The Sefer Nasiach Bechukecha brings a question posed to Rav Tzadok HaCohen in sefer Tzidkas Hatzadik. Rav Leibele Eiger was known both as a tremendous gaon and tzadik, and would spend hours in preparations before performing a mitzvah. He was also a mohel, and he would spend hours preparing before performing a bris. He asked Rav Tzadok if it is preferable that people find other mohels for their boys who will do the mitzvah immediately and gain zrizin makdimin. He also asked this question to Rav Shimon Sofer, the Chasam Sofer’s youngest son, who became the rav in Krakow. (Rav Shimon Sofer and Rav Leibele Eiger were related, as the Chasam Sofer’s second wife was the daughter of Rav Akiva Eiger, so they were first cousins.)
Both Rav Tzadok and Rav Shimon responded that doing a mitzvah in a better manner is a valid form of hiddur mitzvah and takes precedence over the hiddur of zrizin makdimin. They ruled that Rav Leibele does not need to change his practices. Rav Tzadok adds that Rav Leibele is doing a wonderful thing, but Rav Shimon Sofer adds that he is not sure why it takes Rav Leibele so long, as Rav Akiva Eiger was also a mohel, and did not spend as much time on preparations. Nevertheless, he agrees that it does not pose an issue regarding zrizin makdimin.
On the other hand, we learned that if one has a kosher esrog with them now, but will be able to procure a more mehudar esrog later, they should fulfill the mitzvah now and not wait until later. The Shaarei Teshuva explains that zrizin makdimin takes precedence over the hiddur mitzvah of a nicer esrog. This halacha would appear to be in accordance with the Chayei Adam and not like Rav Tzadok and Rav Shimon.
We see a machlokes regarding how to balance between zrizin makdimin and other elements of hiddur mitzvah. One should ask their rov when faced with a practical question.
Summary
One should ask their rov when faced with a conflict between zrizin makdimin and other elements of hiddur mitzvah.
