THE FIRST OPTION
Yesterday we explained that when Pesach eve falls on Shabbat, like this year, we make some adjustments. For example, the fast of the firstborns takes place on Thursday, that is, on March 25 in the morning, and the fast can be avoided by participating in a Siyum (conclusion of a Talmudic treatise). We also explained that the last inspection of the Chametz (bediqat Chametz) takes place on Thursday at nightfall. Finally, we also clarify that there are two options regarding how to celebrate Shabbat meals (Friday, March 26 at night and Saturday 27 during the day), and we describe in detail the first option: having bread during this Shabbat until the end of the 4th hour of the morning (See here). We will now see the second option.
REPLACING BREAD WITH MATZA
Many rabbis recommend that in order to avoid any inconvenience with the handling of Chametz during Shabbat, the best option would be to consider Friday, March 26 (Nisan 13) as if it were the eve of Pesach (Nisan 14). Therefore, Friday, March 26 before 10.00 a.m. (N.Y. time, 9:02 Israel time. See here the exact hours according to your city of residence) we must stop eating Chametz. And before 11.00am (idem.) We should have done: 1. The selling of Chametz (Mekhirat Chametz), 2. The elimination of Chametz (Bi’ur Chametz, usually by burning it) and 3. The verbal renouncement of any Chametz that may have remained in our possession (Bitul Chametz). Once we are done with Chametz, we have to solve the following question: How do we replace bread and recite HaMotzi during this Shabbat meals? (This information is very technical. I have tried to convey it in the simplest way possible. For any further questions write to “rabbibitton@yahoo.com”).
FRIDAY NIGHT, MARCH 26
Obviously all the food that will be prepared for this Shabbat must be kosher for Pesach. Regarding the replacement of bread by Matza, there are three possibilities.
1. Using regular Matzot. Matza should not be eaten the day before the first Pesach Seder, so that one can maximize the enjoyment of the taste of Matza on the Seder. But this provision takes effect in the morning of Pesach’s eve. Therefore, on Friday night bread could be replaced by regular machine Matza. One regular Matza per person will be more than enough (considering the volume: 1/3 of a machine Matza is kazayit. See here).