[Avodah] ArHaShulchan 461:7, discussing the measure of when Matza is baked.
Meir Rabi
meirabi at gmail.com
Wed Apr 20 04:49:56 PDT 2011
This is also in the MBerura and other Poskim.
The explanation is
The ArHaShulchan 461:7, and the Mishneh Berura 461:13, in discussing the
particulars of determining when Matza is baked, make the following comment
after mentioning the Shiur of Chutin NimShochim.
Chutin NimShochim means that when the Matza is torn apart, there are no
doughy stringy threads stretched between the torn pieces.
Following this criterion they say, "and even if when it is moved it
crumbles, "Hi NifReChes", one fulfills the Mitzvah of eating Matza since
there are no stringy threads."
This appears to make no sense. Clearly the criteria of Matza crumbling is a
more comprehensive measure of baking than "no doughy stringy threads"
between the torn pieces. It appears as though the words "does not", are
missing; i.e. and even though it "does not" crumble when moved, it is
properly baked since there are no stringy threads. The comment might
possibly be directed to those who were unfamiliar with soft Matza,
reassuring them that it is Kosher.
However, upon closer inspection the truth is quite simple, we have
misunderstood the intent and meaning of "NifReches". The error lies in the
mistranslation of the word "NifRaChos". The meaning of this word has altered
over time; it no longer reflects upon what it used to. We use the word today
to refer to hard Matza. In modern Hebrew it describes a crunchy cracker.
However, the Gemara uses it to refer to Matza that breaks, or more
accurately tears apart.
The Gemara of Menachos 78b (and pretty much the same Pesachim 37a),
discusses the various meal offerings brought in the Beis HaMikDash, all of
which bar two, were Matza, unleavened bread. It quotes a Beraisa
that defines when Pesach Matza is adequately baked; when there are no doughy
stringy threads stretching between the torn pieces of Matza. Following this
definition of baking, Rava declares that the same criteria applies to Matza
for Pesach.
The Gemara is troubled by this unnecessary declaration. Rava states the
obvious; since both are defined as "Lechem", bread, they are both defined
by the same criteria.
However, the Gemara explains: since the Torah alludes that the sacrificial
breads must be whole and complete, we may have followed a Talmudic principle
of, "Kol HaOmed". According to this principle, even if we for example, are
instructed to combine certain mixtures, we need not actually combine them
provided we have them in a container that would permit us to make the
combination. Similarly here, although the finished product is whole and
complete, it will not maintain that completeness if we were to pick it up by
one edge and move it. It is not baked so firmly to remain complete if moved
by an edge. Rava declares that this is not a problem, it is still deemed to
be complete and whole.
We have therefore various levels of baking. Chutin NimShochim, when there
are no doughy stringy threads, is the first level of baking. A further step
is attained when the baked goods can be handled by their edge and moved
around without breaking apart.
The Mishneh Berura and other Poskei Acharonim are simply saying that the
Matza is satisfactorily baked even though it will break apart when handled
by their edge and moved around.
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