4th of Nisan, 5770
As I’ve explained yesterday Matza Shemura -the Matza which is supervised from the beginning of the harvest- can be handmade or made by machine. The “pros” of a Matza which is made by machine is that machinery minimizes human errors, which regarding Chametz are a high probability, since Chametz – fermentation- is a process that happens by itself. The “cons” of machine Matza is that Matza must be made consciously for the purpose of fulfilling the Mitzvah of Matza. A minimum human “consciousness” is then required and the rabbis discussed if the consciousness/intention of the machine operator is enough or not for this purpose.
In our community it’s customary to use, whenever possible and affordable, handmade Matza Shemura, for the Sedarim. If not possible, then Matza Shemura made by machine is also fine for the Sedarim.
Matza Ashira: a dough made with wheat flower and pure fruit juice and or pure oil and or eggs and or honey, etc, anything BUT even a minimal amount of water, even when the dough ‘raises’ it’s not considered Chametz or fermentation. This product -cookies, cakes, etc- is called Matza Ashira. In the Ashkenazi tradition is known generically as “Egg Matza". In America they elaborate Matza Ashira/Egg Matza in the shape of Matzot, which creates a small confusion: some people might think that those Matzot can be used for the Seder, when technically speaking they are not consider Matzot.
Summarizing: Matza Ashira/egg Matza when certified Kosher for Pesach, can be consumed during Pesach eve and during Pesach but is not suitable for fulfilling the Mitzvah of Akhilat Matza in the Pesach Seder itself.
Shabbat Shalom!
DEAR FRIENDS: IF YOU CAN AFFORD IT, BUY ISRAELI PRODUCTS FOR PESACH. ISRAELI WINE, ISRAELI MATZA, ISRAELI BABY FOOD, ETC. IT IS DELICIOUS, OF SUPERB QUALITY AND YOU WILL HAVE AN EXTRA ZEKHUT (merit) BY MAKING THIS STATEMENT OF LOVE AND SUPPORT FOR OUR BELOVED MEDINAT ISRAEL AND ITS INHABITANTS.
No comments:
Post a Comment