[Avodah] ArHaShulchan 461:7, discussing the measure of when Matza is baked.

[Micha Berger]

On Wed, Apr 20, 2011 at 09:49:56PM +1000, Meir Rabi wrote:
:                         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)...

Also, nifrachim is the line between dried tzoah and one too fresh to
be nearby when saying Shema -- Berakhos 25a. Either "zorqah ve'einah
nifrekhes" or "gollelah ve'einah nifrekhes". These are definitions of
"tzo'ah kecheres". It would seem that crack or break is a more probable
measure of dryness than asking if it "tears when you throw it" or "when
you roll it".

It is also used as a measure of dryness in Bekhoros 6:1, R' Yosi ben
Meshulam defines a dried out mum as "shetehei nifrekhes". Skin that
is very dry would be noted by its cracking rather than tearing.

Tir'u baTov!
-Micha

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Micha Berger             Today is the 8th day, which is
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