A. MATZAH AND MATZAH SHMURA
The Matzot we consume during Pesach, even though they are made from the five grains, because they are flat cakes made from unleavened dough, are permitted. All Matza dough may not exceed 18 minutes from the second the flour is mixed with water till the Matza is completely baked.
There is a special Mitzvah to eat Matza during the Seder night. Matza Shmura means supervised Matza. Matza Shmura is watched carefully, from becoming Chametz, and is made special for the Seder night. There are three levels of watching the 5 grains for Matza Shmura:
1. Watched from getting wet from the time of harvest. This is the way the known Matza Shmura is made.
2. Watched from getting wet from the time of grinding.
3. Watched only from the time the flour was initially mixed with water. This is usually the way the simple machine Kosher for Pesach Matza is made.
B. OTHER MATZAH
It is extremely important to use only “Passover Matzah,” as matzah made for year-round use is normally Chametz. Matzah Ashira – matzah or matzah products kneaded with liquids other than water (egg matzah, grape matzah, etc), is not permitted for healthy adult Ashkenazim. Those with health concerns who may need to eat matzah ashira should consult their Rabbi
Sephardim are permitted to eat matzah ashira on Pesach. However, they must use regular matzah (preferably matzah shemura) for the mitzvah obligation.
For people allergic to wheat, the following alternatives are available:
Matzah (Oat) - the following are locations around the country to order oat Matzos: (732) 364-7113 (
Matzah (Spelt) - (718) 599-5878 or (845) 352-7331 Haddar (KAJ) Shmura, 18 Min.
www.matzahonline.com
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