4. Kefulos and Nefuchos:

One is to check his Matzos for Kefulos and Nefuchos on Erev Pesach. This applies even if they were purchased from a most Mehudar Hashgacha. If one finds Kefulos Matzos, then the surrounding area of the Kefula is to be burnt. If one finds a Nefucha Matzah, then the custom today is to be lenient and permit its consumption. See “The laws of Pesach” Chapter 8 Halacha 8 for the full details of this subject!

1. Shleimos:

One is to verify that he has enough Shleimos Matzos for the Seder and next day. If one does not have any Shleimos Matzos, then he is to burn the broken area of the Matzah before Yom Tov, thus turning it into a Shaleim.[1] See Chapter 4 Halacha 2!

1. Preparing the Kezeisim of Matzah for the participants:

It is highly recommended on Erev Pesach for one to measure and prepare bags of Kizeisim of Matzah for each of the Seder participants who will not be having their own Seder plate.[2] [See Chapter 4 Halacha 2D] One is to prepare three bags of a Kezayis of Matzah for each participant, one for Motzi Matzah, the second for Koreich, and the third for Afikoman. Lechatchila, it is proper to prepare two Kezaisim of Matzah for Afikoman. [See Chapter 4 Halacha 13] The Kezeisim should be measured on a scale that has been cleaned from Chametz. See Chapter 3 Halacha 5 for the exact amounts of a Kezayis.

1. Hafrashas Challah:[3]

If Hafrashas Challah was not yet performed onto ones Matzahs [as indicated on the Matzah box] then it is to be done prior to Yom Tov.[4] The following are the steps to be followed for doing the Matzah separation:

1. The Shiur required for Challah:[5] If one has more than 1.666 kilos of Matzah being separated, then one is to separate the Challah with a blessing.[6] If one has less than this amount but more than 1,250 grams he is to separate Challah without a blessing. The above amounts of Matzah must be together in the same vessel to be obligated in Challah, as explained next.
2. Tziruf Keli-General Law:[7] In order for the Matzos to join together to reach the above measurement and require Hafrashas Challah, this amount of Matzah’s must be placed into a bowl-shaped vessel.[8] All the Matzos must be at least somewhat below the rim of the vessel.[9] Although it is possible that this “Tziruf Keli” was already done in the bakery, and the Matzos have thus already become obligated in Hafrashas Challah, nevertheless, since there is doubt one is to repeat this process at home, as explained next.[10]
3. Separation and Tziruf Keli if Matzah box contains Shiur Challah The Matzah box is valid for Tziruf Keli if it is large enough to contain its own individual Shiur Challah [1.666 kilo] of Matzos, and hence the above Tziruf Keli can be accomplished by simply leaving the Matza’s in their boxes, and separating Challah from a Matzah from each box. If one desires to separate one Matzah on behalf of all the boxes that contain Shiur Challah, then one is required to separate the Challah Min Hamukaf. This is accomplished as follows: One is to remove all the Matzos from the boxes, bring all the Matzos together so they are touching, and then wrap all Matzos in a sheet together, top and bottom, and then separate Challah from one Matzah on behalf of them all.[11] [However, some Poskim[12] rule that it is not necessary to tear open the paper coverings of the bundles of Matzos.] Nonetheless, if one did not do the above, and simply separated from one box of Matzahs on behalf of all the other boxes, then it is nevertheless valid Bedieved.[13]
4. Separation and Tziruf Keli-If Matzah box does not contain Shiur Challah: If the Matzah box does not contain its own individual Shiur Challah [1.666 kilo] of Matzos, such as by a typical one kilo box, then one is to wrap all the Matzos together in a sheet, making sure to wrap the sides, top and bottom, hence having them all be considered to be held in a single vessel, and be joined for Shiur Challah.[14] In such a case, one is to remove all the Matzos from their boxes, and bring the Matzos adjacent to eachother so that they are all touching while being covered within the sheet, and then separate Challah from one Matzah on behalf of all the others.[15] [However, some Poskim[16] rule that it is not necessary to tear open the paper coverings of the bundles of Matzos.] Bedieved, if the Matzahs in the sheet were not all touching, it is nevertheless valid.[17] If, however, the Matzaos were not wrapped together in the sheet, it is invalid.
5. The blessing: A blessing is to be recited upon separating Challah from the Matzos even after the Matzos have already left the bakery and been brought home.[18] The order is as follows: One is to designate an area from the Matzah that the Challah will be separated from. Then one is to say the blessing of “Asher Kidishanu Bemitzvosav Vetzivanu Lehafrish Challah.”[19] One then separates a piece of Matzah from the batch.[20]
6. How much Matzah is one to separate:[21] One is to separate one Kezayis [approximately 28 grams[22]] of Matzah. If one separated less than this amount it is nevertheless valid.
7. One then says “Hareiy Zu Challah” or “This is Challah”, after separating the piece.[23]
8. What to do with the Challah:[24] The separated piece of Challah is to be wrapped in tinfoil and burnt on its own [such as by Biur Chametz, and not with one’s Kosher utensils or appliances].[25] Alternatively rather than burning the Challah, one is to wrap[26] the Challah and discard it in the garbage.[27] Practically, today this is the more preferred custom to follow due to a Kashrus worry.[28]

[1] See Piskeiy Teshuvos 274:9; 506:7

[2] Preparing the Kezeisim of Matzah already on Erev Pesach allows one to properly measure the Kezeisim, as well as saves much time during the Seder, of which on the first night we must conclude the Afikoman by midnight.

[3] For a general summary of the order of Hafrashas Challah from Matzahs see: Admur 457:6-13; Piskeiy Teshuvos 457:1; Nitei Gavriel Vol. 2 34:1-9; For a general summary of the order of Hafrashas Challah from dough see: Hakashrus 14:18-22; Piskeiy Teshuvos 242:11; Spice and Spirit Lubavitch cookbook p. 47-50 [The Halachas in Spice and Spirit were edited by Harav Y.K. Marlow OBM]; Hiskashrus 731

[4] See Piskeiy Teshuvos 457:2 regarding the custom to not separate Challah in the bakery. This is done in some places in order to allow the mother of the home to separate the Challah. However, many Hashkachos demand that the Challah be separated in the bakery, as is usually done.

[5] See Piskeiy Teshuvos 457:1

Halachic Background: See Y.D. 324:1 in Halacha we are given a very exact measurement for the amount of flour that one needs to separate Challah from. If you have less then this measurement, you don’t have to separate Challah at all. In other words, the Torah only obligated one to separate Challah if he has a certain amount of flour. What is this amount of flour? 43 eggs and 1:5 of an egg worth of volume of flour. Not only does calculating this volume this not sound simple, but the measurement itself is unclear as eggs come in many sizes, so which eggs are you to measure with. Because of the various unclarities involved in this measurement we therefore practically have today two Shiurim of Challah, one of which you separate without a blessing and one that you separate with a blessing. However, in these measurements itself there are various opinions, and we will summarize those opinions and the practical ruling of today.

[6] Shiureiy Torah Chapter 3:3-4; This follows the ruling of Rav Avraham Chaim Naah the noted Chabad Posek, author of Shiureiy Torah. So is also the custom of the Sefaradim [see Yechaveh Daas 4:55], and is the vintage custom of Jerusalem Jewry.

Other opinions-Chazon Ish: Some [Chazon Ish] are stringent to require there be 2,250 grams of flour to be allowed to separate with a blessing.

The old Ashkenazi custom: The vintage custom of Ashkenazi Jewry was to separate Challah with a blessing from three Kvartin of flour. [This equals approximately 3 Russian liters which is 1213 grams. If one measures three American pounds then it is 1363 grams. See Koveitz Zalman Shimon p. 77.] Thus, they would separate with a blessing from this amount and higher. The source for this custom is Harav Yaakov Viyal in his Sefer Mahriy Viyal chapter 153. There he writes that the Shiur of Challah is a vessel that holds three Kvarton of flour. The Shach [324:3] brings down this opinion and writes that this is the custom. The Aruch Hashulchan [324:10] writes that this is the custom amongst all Jewry and one should not question this ruling.

The Chabad custom: The Tzemach Tzedek [Yoreh Deah chapter 323] writes that “It is known that by us the Shiur of Challah is approximately three Liters [1213 grams]”. This is also recorded to be the practical directive given to people who asked Rav Z.S. Dworkin regarding how much flour is needed to separate Challah with a blessing. [Koveitz Zalman Shimon p. 77] The Ketzos Hashulchan however claims that this Teshuvah printed in the Shut of the Tzemach Tzedek is not truly from the Tzedek Tzedek, as is known that many Teshuvos of other Geonim found their way into the Teshuvos of the Tzemach Tzedek. The Ketzos Hashulchan’s final ruling is as stated above that one is not required to separate from this amount at all and only if there is 1250 grams is it good [but not an obligation] to separate without a blessing. Practically the widespread custom amongst Chabad Chassidim follows the ruling of the Ketzos Hashulchan printed above to separate with a blessing from 1666.6 grams. Nevertheless, there are Chabad Rabbanim who rule that one is to separate from three pounds [1363 grams- Koveitz Zalman Shimon p. 77] or 1230 grams [Hiskashrus 731]

[7] See Admur 457:6-13; M”B 457:7; Nitei Gavriel Vol. 2 34:1-9; Piskeiy Teshuvos 457:5-6

[8] Admur 457:6; Michaber and Rama Y.D. 325:1; M”B 457:7

[9] Rama ibid; Kitzur SHU”A 35:3; Nittei Gavriel 34:3

[10] The custom today by hand baked Matzah’s is that the doughs never contain Shiur Challah, however, it is highly possible that while the Matzahs were stacked on the rack after baking, there were enough Matzos there to form Shiur Challah. See Piskeiy Teshuvos 457 footnote 10 and 457:4; See Michaber Y.D. 326:2 and Shach Y.D. 326:4

[11] See Admur 457:8-11 that a) If the individual Matzah’s came from doughs that had Shiur Challah [or are currently in boxes that contains Shiur Challah] then even in the Diaspora they must be separated Min Hamukaf in order to separate on one on behalf of all. [Admur 457:10] b) Some Poskim rule that the definition of Min Hamukaf is that the Matzos touch each other, while other Poskim rule that it means that they are all within the same vessel, and it is proper for a G-d fearing Jew to suspect for their opinion. [Admur 4567:11-12; However see M”B 457:7 who is lenient to suffice for the boxes to be opened and near each other and there is no need to remove the Matzahs from the boxes, or have them touch each other, or joined together in a vessel] Thus, one is to wrap all the Matzos together in a sheet having them touch each other even if they already had Tziruf Keli done to them in their boxes and were hence already obligated in Challah.

Other opinions: Some Poskim rule that if the individual Matzah’s came from doughs that had Shiur Challah [or are currently in boxes that contains Shiur Challah] then there is no need to remove the Matzos from the boxes, or have them touch each other, or joined together in a vessel, and it suffice for the boxes to be opened and be placed near each other to satisfy the initial requirement of Min Hamukaf. [M”B 457:7; Kinyan Torah 2:74; Piskeiy Teshuvos 457:5]

[12] Mikraeiy Kodesh 2:20; Nitei Gavriel 34:9; See Piskeiy Teshuvos 457:5 footnote 28 in length and for Poskim who hold that one is to tear open even the paper wrapping so that the Matzos actually touch

[13] Admur 457:13; Shaar Hatziyon 457:13 regarding even if the boxes were closed.

[14] See Michaber ibid; Shach Y.D. 325:5; P”M 457 M”Z 1; Biur Halacha 457:1 “Vehakol Mitzarfan Lichalah”; Kaf Hachaim 457:25; Nittei Gavriel 34:4; Piskeiy Teshuvos ibid

[15] See Admur 457:8-11 that a) If the Matza’s come from dough’s that did not have Shiur Challah and now have Tziruf Keli done to them then some Poskim [2^nd opinion in Admur 457:10] rule that even in the Diaspora they must be separated Min Hamukaf, and practically, it is proper to initially suspect for their opinion. [Admur 457:11] In Eretz Yisrael the Matzos must be separated Min Hamukaf according to all. [Admur 457:8] b) Some Poskim rule that the definition of Min Hamukaf is that the Matzos touch each other, and it is proper for a G-d fearing Jew to suspect for their opinion. [Admur 4567:11; M”B 457:7]; See also Nitei Gavriel 34:2 footnote 4 and 34:8 footnote 15

Other opinions: Some Poskim rule that there is no need to remove the Matzos from the boxes, and to satisfy the initial requirement of Min Hamukaf it suffice for the boxes to be opened and be placed near each other and then be all covered by a sheet from all sides,. [See M”B ibid and that so understands Minchas Yitzchak 8:109 in M”B ibid; See Piskeiy Teshuvos 457:6; Nitei Gavriel 34:8 footnote 15]

[16] Mikraeiy Kodesh 2:20; Nitei Gavriel 34:9; See Piskeiy Teshuvos 457:5 footnote 28 in length and for Poskim who hold that one is to tear open even the paper wrapping so that the Matzos actually touch

[17] Admur 457:12-13

[18] Masas Binyamin 1; Tiferes Adam 3:18; Tzitz Hakodesh 1:21 in name of Maharil Diskin; Minchas Yitzchak 6:117; Piskeiy Teshuvos 457:2

Other opinions: Some Poskim rule that one is to separate challah without a blessing upon separating from the Matzas at home, as perhaps they already had Tziruf Keli done to them and another person already separated Challah from his Matzah which came from that Tziruf Keli, and it thus counts for one’s Matzah as well. [Shaareiy Teshuvah 457:1 in name of Beis Ephraim; Makor Chaim 2; Maharsham 1:152; Aruch Hashulchan 457:5; Y.D. 326:10-11]

[19] Some have the custom to add “Min Haisa” [see Taz Yoreh Deah 328:1]; See Piskeiy Teshuvos 457:2 for a dispute amongst Poskim as to whether a blessing may be said on separating Challah from purchased Matzos, as perhaps it already became exempt with anotehrs separation.

[20] As applies by all Mitzvahs that the blessing is said prior to the Mitzvah. [Chochmas Adam Shaareiy Tzedek Mitzvos Hateluyos Baretz 14:32; So writes Hakashrus 14:20; “Spice and Spirit”] However Piskeiy Teshuvos 242:11 and 547:1 records from Mikraeiy Kodesh Pesach 2:20 that one is to only say the blessing after completely separating the Challah from the rest of the Matzah in order so no part of the Matzah crumbles into the batch if one were to separate it after the blessing. See also Rav Akiva Eiger 328:1 and Piskeiy Teshuvos 457:1

[21] Rama 322:5

[22] Following the ruling of Rav Avraham Chaim Naah. However according to the Chazon Ish one separates 55 grams.

[23] Rav Akiva Eiger 328:1 in name of Raavad, in name of Rav Acha Gaon; Beis Yosef 228; Rashba Chulin p. 94; See Admur 457:18 “All the sanctifications of Teruma and Maaser is through speech…One calls it the name Challah”; Admur 527 KU”A 2 based on Tosefta in Teruma chapter 3 “Although Terumah is sanctified with thought alone, if one plans to call it a name the food is not sanctified until one does so”

Bedieved if was not said: If one did not say “Hareiy Zu Challah” but had in mind for it to become Challah, it is valid. [Admur 4578:18 in parentheses “Or even thought about it alone”; Admur in KU”A ibid; Michaber Y.D. 331:46 regarding Teruma; Implication of Setimas Haposkim who do not mention the need to say Harei Zu Challah.]

[24] See Hakashrus 14:22; Piskeiy Teshuvos 242:11

[25] Mchaber and Rama Yoreh Deah 322:4-5

[26] Some write the Challah is to be doubly wrapped. This is done for purposes of respect so the Challah not be discarded as regular trash. [See Hakashrus ibid] Others however make no mention of this requirement and as long as it is wrapped once it suffices. [Piskeiy Teshuvos ibid]

[27] See Minchas Yitzchak 4:13

[28] See Koveitz Mibeiys Leivi 3 p. 22; Avnei Yishpeh 3:72; Hakashrus ibid