When Pesach eve falls on Shabbat (Part 2 of 2)

By
Yosef Bitton
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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).

2. Use a “modified” Matza. There are many families who are used to not consuming Matza from the first of Nisan. The HaMotzi can be recited also with “fried” or “cooked” Matza (“fried” is recommended so that the Matza remains in one piece). By having a different flavor this Matza is different from the Matza that we will use in the Seder, but it still qualifies for HaMotzi (The amount to be consumed is similar to the previous case).
 
Fry the Matza with oil, without eggs or additives, whole).
 
3. Using Matza Ashira. This Matza is made with fruit juice, or eggs, etc. and without water. Its status (berakha) is “mezonot” and therefore it is not valid for the Seder. However, as is the case during the rest of the year, when we eat a considerable amount of Mezonot to replace the bread (qobea ’se’udá) we say HaMotzí and Bircat haMazon. That is why if we want to use these Matzot we should use at least three Matzot (sic.) to meet this requirement (there are more flexible opinions. See here, p. 12 ).
 
Matza Ashira (also known as Egg Matza)
 
SHABBAT LUNCH (Saturday, March 27)
 
As we explained above, we cannot use the regular Matzot during the day of Pesach eve. We then have option 2, using fried (or cooked) Matza or 3, using Matza Ashira in the amount that we explained above.
 
SEUDA SHELISHIT
Normally, the Seuda Shelishit, the third meal of Shabbat, takes place closer to sunset. But on this occasion, as we must reserve our appetite for the Pesach Seder that will take place in the evening. This meal therefore will take place earlier than usual and for this meal we can also use Matza Ashira and in a smaller amount (at least half a Matza, following “volume” and not “weight”) and recite the “mezonot” blessing for it. Alternatively, you can also make a lighter meal with fish or meat or vegetables or fruits, without HaMotzi or mezonot.
 

 

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