[Avodah] Soft Matza

[Dr. I. Balbin]

> From: Meir Rabi <meirabi at gmail.com>
> 
> I manufacture soft Matza that keeps fresh for months. The local rabbis are
> not happy.
> I would appreciate any thoughts.


As I recall, this topic was raised last year, but not withstanding  that ...

1. If my memory is correct, R' Schachter mentioned that there are Sfardim who know how to make the soft matza under hechsher and they have an unbroken Mesora, and he couldn't see any reason why an Ashkenazi who wanted to use their soft matza could not do so

2. If my memory is correct, the issue transcends local (Melbourne) Rabbis. I recall seeing a letter (I can't recall from whom, it may have been R' Wosner?) where R' Wosner said your Matzohs were Chametz

3. I wonder if there is a connection between this issue and that of knowing how to Treyber the hind portion of a Behema. The Sefardim have an unbroken Mesora on how to do it, but it seems that Ashkenazim are unwilling to learn from Sefardim and adopt that. Certainly in Melbourne, you can't get it, and I know there was someone who had Shimush from Sefardim in Yerushalayim on how to Treyber it, and the (Ashkenazi) Rabonim didn't allow it.

4. Personally, for what it's worth, I'm machmir to only eat *machine* shmura all of pesach.

5. R' Aviner is a great man who achieves an immense amount, but he isn't considered a major Posek for the Dati Leumi (just for the record). At least that's my impression.

6. The local Rabbinate in Melbourne apparently had a multiplicity of reasons why they oppose these particular Soft Matzos.  I don't think they have given their reasons, but note, a Rav does not have to give his reasons. I understand the Rav, R' Y.D. Soloveitchik used to pasken a lot this way; he didn't elaborate etc

7. My advice is that no amount of marketing and persuasion will convince people your Laffa Matzos are okay. Those that trust you and your hashgocho will eat them, those that have rigid Pesach Mesoras (most of us do; eg, I don't eat Garlic although I can't see why not, nor do I eat herring, and I can't see why not etc) will not be swayed. Those who are less tied to family custom AND who trust you as a Rabbinic authority will eat your Matzos.

8. Now, if you had the OU or the Badatz or Star K or similar come and oversee your overall operation and give their imprimatur, it is possible some people over time will eat them. Why not do that? Isn't that better for business?