Mishneh Torah — Leavened & Unleavened Bread (Chametz u-Matzah) הלכות חמץ ומצה, Chapter 5

אֵין אָסוּר מִשּׁוּם חָמֵץ בְּפֶסַח אֶלָּא חֲמֵשֶׁת מִינֵי דָּגָן בִּלְבַד. וְהֵם שְׁנֵי מִינֵי חִטִּים שֶׁהֵן הַחִטָּה וְהַכֻּסֶּמֶת. וּשְׁלֹשָׁה מִינֵי הַשְּׂעוֹרִים שֶׁהֵן הַשְּׂעוֹרָה וְשִׁבּלֶת שׁוּעָל וְהַשִּׁפּוֹן. אֲבָל קִטְנִיּוֹת כְּגוֹן אֹרֶז וְדֹחַן וּפוֹלִים וַעֲדָשִׁים וְכַיּוֹצֵא בָּהֶן אֵין בָּהֶן מִשּׁוּם חָמֵץ אֶלָּא אֲפִלּוּ לָשׁ קֶמַח אֹרֶז וְכַיּוֹצֵא בּוֹ בְּרוֹתְחִין וְכִסָּהוּ בִּבְגָדִים עַד שֶׁנִּתְפַּח כְּמוֹ בָּצֵק שֶׁהֶחֱמִיץ הֲרֵי זֶה מֻתָּר בַּאֲכִילָה שֶׁאֵין זֶה חִמּוּץ אֶלָּא סֵרָחוֹן:

The prohibition against chametz applies only to the five species of grain. They include two species of wheat: wheat and spelt; and three species of barley: barley, oats, and rye.However, kitniyot - e.g., rice, millet, beans, lentils and the like - do not become leavened. Even if one kneads rice flour or the like with boiling water and covers it with fabric until it rises like dough that has become leavened, it is permitted to be eaten. This is not leavening, but rather the decay [of the flour].

חֲמֵשֶׁת מִינֵי דָּגָן אֵלּוּ אִם לָשָׁן בְּמֵי פֵּרוֹת בִּלְבַד בְּלֹא שׁוּם מַיִם לְעוֹלָם אֵין בָּאִין לִידֵי חִמּוּץ אֶלָּא אֲפִלּוּ הִנִּיחָן כָּל הַיּוֹם עַד שֶׁנִּתְפַּח הַבָּצֵק מֻתָּר בַּאֲכִילָה [ג.] שֶׁאֵין מֵי פֵּרוֹת מַחְמִיצִין אֶלָּא מַסְרִיחִין. וּמֵי פֵּרוֹת הֵן כְּגוֹן יַיִן וְחָלָב וּדְבַשׁ וְשֶׁמֶן זַיִת וּמֵי תַּפּוּחִים וּמֵי רִמּוֹנִים וְכָל כַּיּוֹצֵא בָּהֶן מִשְּׁאָר יֵינוֹת וּשְׁמָנִים וּמַשְׁקִין. וְהוּא שֶׁלֹּא יִתְעָרֵב בָּהֶן שׁוּם מַיִם בָּעוֹלָם. וְאִם נִתְעָרֵב בָּהֶן מַיִם כָּל שֶׁהוּא הֲרֵי אֵלּוּ מַחְמִיצִין:

With regard to these five species of grain: If [flour from these species] is kneaded with fruit juice alone without any water, it will never become leavened. Even if [flour] is placed in [these juices] the entire day until the dough rises, it is permitted to be eaten [on Pesach], 3:1), the Rambam makes similar statements. However, in the Oxford manuscript of that text, the words "permitted to be eaten" are crossed out and replaced with the words "one is not obligated for כרת." However, it appears that this emendation was made by Rav Avraham, the Rambam's son, and not the Rambam himself.The Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chayim 462:1) permits the use of fruit juice. However, the Ramah (462:4) states that it is Ashkenazic custom not to use fruit juice for matzah on Pesach out of the fear that some water might perhaps be mixed together with it (see below). Nevertheless, he does allow leniency for people who are ill or sick and have difficulty eating normal matzah.Among the present day applications of this concept is commercially produced "egg matzah." According to the above guidelines, in the Ashkenazic community, such matzah:a) cannot be used in the Seder, as explained in the commentary to Halachah 6:2;b) must contain only eggs and fruit juice, with no water whatsoever;c) even so, should be eaten only by those with medical problems that prevent them from eating normal matzah. for fruit juice does not cause [dough] to become leavened. It merely causes [the flour] to decay. 28b).The following are [included in the category] of fruit juice: wine, milk, honey, explains that this applies to both bee and date honey. olive oil, apple juice, pomegranate juice and all other similar wines, oils, and beverages. (Orach Chayim 462:2) defines מי פירות as: "any liquid that is not derived from water... even if it does not come from produce."This applies so long as no water whatsoever is mixed with them. If any water is mixed with them, they cause [the flour] to become leavened. 462:2). See commentary to Halachah 20.

אֵין מְבַשְּׁלִין חִטִּים בְּמַיִם כְּגוֹן רִיפוֹת וְלֹא קֶמַח כְּגוֹן לְבִיבוֹת. וְאִם בִּשֵּׁל הֲרֵי זֶה חָמֵץ גָּמוּר וְהוּא שֶׁיִּתְבַּקְּעוּ בַּתַּבְשִׁיל. אֵין קוֹלִין אֶת הַבָּצֵק בְּשֶׁמֶן עַל הַמַּחֲבַת. אֲבָל מְבַשְּׁלִין אֶת הַפַּת וְאֶת הַקֶּמַח הַקָּלוּי. וְאִם הִרְתִּיחַ הַמַּיִם הַרְבֵּה וְאַחַר כָּךְ הִשְׁלִיךְ לְתוֹכָן הַקֶּמַח הֲרֵי זֶה מֻתָּר מִפְּנֵי שֶׁהוּא מִתְבַּשֵּׁל מִיָּד קֹדֶם שֶׁיַּחְמִיץ. וּכְבָר נָהֲגוּ בְּשִׁנְעָר וּבִסְפָרַד וּבְכָל הַמַּעֲרָב לֶאֱסֹר דָּבָר זֶה גְּזֵרָה שֶׁמָּא לֹא יַרְתִּיחַ הַמַּיִם יָפֶה יָפֶה:

[On Pesach,] we should not cook wheat in water - for example, cracked wheat - or flour [in water] - for example, dough balls., but made with regular flour rather than matzah meal. If one cooks [either of the above] - behold, it is absolutely chametz. This applies if [the kernels] crack open within the dish.We may not fry dough in oil in a frying pan. explains that oil is considered מי פירות and, hence, will cause the dough to become leavened. (See also Nodah BiYhudah, Vol. II, Responsum 57.) However, we may cook a loaf [of matzah] 39b states that once matzah has been baked, it can be cooked again without the fear of leavening. Similarly, it can be ground into meal, and then used as flour without the fear of becoming chametz. (See also Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chayim 463:3.)This law is the basis of the widely practiced leniency of cooking and baking with matzah meal. Nevertheless, certain Ashkenazic communities refrain from using matzah meal because of the custom of שרויה, gebruks. Rav Shneur Zalman of Liadi (Responsum VI; see also Sha'arei Teshuvah, Orach Chayim 460:10) writes that it is possible that some of the dough was not baked thoroughly and some flour remaining in it could become chametz when cooked again. or roasted flour. even questions the leniency of using roasted flour. If one boiled a lot of water and, afterwards, placed flour into it - behold, it is permitted, because it is cooked immediately, before it could become leaven. [Nevertheless,] it is accepted custom in Babylonia, Spain, and the entire western [diaspora] to forbid this practice. This has been decreed lest one not boil the water well enough. (Orach Chayim 454:3) states: "At present, there are none who know how to boil foods in this manner. Hence, all boiling is forbidden."

מֻתָּר לְבַשֵּׁל הַדָּגָן אוֹ הַקֶּמַח בְּמֵי פֵּרוֹת. וְכֵן בָּצֵק שֶׁלָּשׁוֹ בְּמֵי פֵּרוֹת אִם בִּשְּׁלוֹ בְּמֵי פֵּרוֹת אוֹ קָלָהוּ עַל הַמַּחֲבַת בְּשֶׁמֶן הֲרֵי זֶה מֻתָּר שֶׁמֵּי פֵּרוֹת אֵינָן מַחְמִיצִין:

It is permissible to cook grain or flour in fruit juice. Thus, dough which was kneaded with fruit juice, cooked with fruit juice, or fried with oil in a frying pan is permitted, for fruit juice does not cause leavening.

כַּרְמֶל שֶׁמְּהַבְהֲבִין אוֹתוֹ בָּאוּר וְטוֹחֲנִין אוֹתוֹ אֵין מְבַשְּׁלִין אֶת הַקֶּמַח שֶׁלּוֹ בְּמַיִם שֶׁמָּא לֹא נִקְלָה בָּאוּר יָפֶה וְנִמְצָא מַחֲמִיץ כְּשֶׁמְּבַשְּׁלִין אוֹתוֹ. וְכֵן כְּשֶׁמּוֹלְלִין הַקְּדֵרוֹת הַחֲדָשׁוֹת אֵין מְבַשְּׁלִין בָּהֶן אֶלָּא מַצָּה אֲפוּיָה שֶׁחָזְרוּ וְטָחֲנוּ אוֹתָהּ אֲבָל קֶמַח קָלִי אָסוּר שֶׁמָּא לֹא קָלָהוּ יָפֶה וְיָבוֹא לִידֵי חִמּוּץ:

Roasted grain which is singed in fire and then ground [into flour]: That flour should not be cooked with water, lest it has not been roasted well in the fire, and thus will become leavened when cooked. 463:3.)Similarly, when preparing new pots,, Rav Kapach notes that such practices are still followed in Yemen today. we should not cook in them anything other than matzah that was baked and then ground into flour. It is forbidden to do so with roasted flour, for perhaps it will not be roasted well, and thus may become leaven.

אֵין בּוֹלְלִין אֶת הַשְּׂעוֹרִין בְּמַיִם בְּפֶסַח מִפְּנֵי שֶׁהֵן רָפִין וּמַחְמִיצִין בִּמְהֵרָה. וְאִם בָּלַל אִם רָפוּ כְּדֵי שֶׁאִם הִנִּיחָן עַל פִּי הַבִּיב שֶׁאוֹפִין עָלָיו הַחַלּוֹת יִתְבַּקְּעוּ הֲרֵי אֵלּוּ אֲסוּרִין. וְאִם לֹא הִגִּיעוּ לְרִפְיוֹן זֶה הֲרֵי אֵלּוּ מֻתָּרִין:

We do not stir barley in water on Pesach [to remove its husks], because [the kernels] are soft and become leavened rapidly. If one did stir [barley] in water and [the kernels] softened to the point that if they were placed at the opening to a roasting pan 40a) provides a different and more lenient interpretation. upon which loaves were usually baked, they would burst open - behold, they are forbidden. If they have not reached this degree of softness, they are permitted.

הַחִטִּים מֻתָּר לִבְלל אוֹתָן בְּמַיִם כְּדֵי לְהָסִיר סֻבָּן וְטוֹחֲנִין אוֹתָן מִיָּד כְּדֶרֶךְ שֶׁטּוֹחֲנִין הַסּלֶת. וּכְבָר נָהֲגוּ כָּל יִשְׂרָאֵל בְּשִׁנְעָר וּבְאֶרֶץ הַצְּבִי וּבִסְפָרַד וּבְעָרֵי הַמַּעֲרָב שֶׁלֹּא יִבְלְלוּ הַחִטִּים בְּמַיִם גְּזֵרָה שֶׁמָּא יִשְׁהוּ וְיַחֲמִיצוּ:

It is permissible to stir wheat [kernels] in water to remove the bran, and then immediately, it will become leavened. (See Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chayim 467:2.) grind them, as is done when grinding fine flour. 12:20, the Rambam states that the grain used for the meal offerings was not stirred in water, lest it become leavened. Among the resolutions offered to this difficulty is that chametz is a severe prohibition, and greater care would be taken. [Nevertheless,] all Jews in Babylonia, Eretz Yisrael, 57a explains why the term ארץ צבי is used as a reference for Eretz Yisrael. Spain, and the cities of the western [diaspora] have accepted the custom of not stirring wheat in water. 40a mentions that even in Talmudic times, a בעל נפש (a person precise in the observance of the commandments) would not use wheat that had been stirred. The Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chayim 453:5) states that stirring wheat is "prohibited." This decree [was instituted] lest [the kernels] be left aside and become leavened.

תַּבְשִׁיל שֶׁנִתְבַּשֵּׁל וְנִמְצְאוּ בּוֹ שְׂעוֹרִים אוֹ חִטִּים אִם נִתְבַּקְּעוּ הֲרֵי כָּל הַתַּבְשִׁיל אָסוּר שֶׁהֲרֵי נִתְעָרֵב בּוֹ הֶחָמֵץ. וְאִם לֹא נִתְבַּקְּעוּ מוֹצִיאִין אוֹתָן וְשׂוֹרְפָן וְאוֹכְלִין שְׁאָר הַתַּבְשִׁיל. שֶׁאֵין הַדָּגָן שֶׁנִּבְלַל וְלֹא נִתְבַּקֵּעַ חָמֵץ גָּמוּר שֶׁל תּוֹרָה. וְאֵינוֹ אֶלָּא מִדִּבְרֵי סוֹפְרִים:

A dish that was cooked, and barley or wheat was discovered inside it: If the grains have cracked open, the entire dish is forbidden, for chametz has become mixed together with it. If they have not cracked open,). they must be removed and burned, but the remainder of the dish may be eaten. (Orach Chayim 467:9) accepts this ruling. However, the Ramah and the other major Ashkenazic authorities forbid use of this dish. However, the Taz allows the dish to be sold to a gentile. [This ruling was given] because grain that has been stirred in water without cracking open is not actual leaven as forbidden by the Torah. It is only a Rabbinic [ordinance].

מִשּׁוּם שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר (שמות יב יז) "וּשְׁמַרְתֶּם אֶת הַמַּצּוֹת" כְּלוֹמַר הִזָּהֲרוּ בַּמַּצָּה וְשִׁמְרוּ אוֹתָהּ מִכָּל צַד חִמּוּץ. לְפִיכָךְ אָמְרוּ חֲכָמִים צָרִיךְ אָדָם לִזָּהֵר בְּדָגָן שֶׁאוֹכֵל מִמֶּנּוּ בַּפֶּסַח שֶׁלֹּא יָבוֹא עָלָיו מַיִם אַחַר שֶׁנִּקְצַר עַד שֶׁלֹּא יִהְיֶה בּוֹ שׁוּם חִמּוּץ. דָּגָן שֶׁנִּטְבַּע בַּנָּהָר אוֹ שֶׁנָּפַל עָלָיו מַיִם כְּשֵׁם שֶׁאָסוּר לְאָכְלוֹ כָּךְ אָסוּר לְקַיְּמוֹ אֶלָּא מוֹכְרוֹ לְיִשְׂרָאֵל וּמוֹדִיעוֹ כְּדֵי שֶׁיֹּאכְלֶנּוּ קֹדֶם הַפֶּסַח. וְאִם מְכָרוֹ לְנָכְרִי קֹדֶם הַפֶּסַח מוֹכֵר מְעַט לְכָל אֶחָד וְאֶחָד כְּדֵי שֶׁיִּכְלֶה קֹדֶם הַפֶּסַח שֶׁמָּא יַחֲזֹר הַנָּכְרִי וְיִמְכְּרֶנּוּ לְיִשְׂרָאֵל:

[Exodus 12:17] states: "Keep watch over the matzot" include these two lines in the previous halachah, but all published texts follow this division. - i.e., be careful of the matzot and protect them from any possibility of becoming chametz., matzah made from grain which has been watched to ensure that it did not become chametz and prepared with the intent that it be used for the mitzvah of eating matzah. The use of such matzah during the Seder is an absolute requirement (Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chayim 460), and it is advisable to use it throughout the holiday. Therefore, our Sages declared: A person must be careful regarding the grain which he eats on Pesach 40a relates that Ravvah would tell the harvesters cutting wheat for Pesach: "Have the intent that this grain be used for the mitzvah of matzah." and [make sure] that no water has come in contact with it after it has been harvested,, Rav Yitzchak Alfasi and the Rambam require that the grain be watched from the time of harvesting onward. Nevertheless, Rabbenu Asher follows a more lenient policy and does not require the wheat to be watched until it is ground. [Rabbenu Nissim explains that even Rav Yitzchak Alfasi only recommended watching the matzah from harvesting as a pious measure, and not as an absolute rule.]The Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chayim 453:4) explains that it is preferable to use grain that has been watched from harvesting; as a minimum requirement, one must use grain that has been watched from the time it has been ground into flour. If there is no other alternative, one may buy flour in the marketplace and begin watching from the time the dough is kneaded.The Mishnah Berurah clarifies the latter point explaining that where grain is washed or submerged in water before grinding it into flour, such grain may not be used for matzah. (This practice is still common in many communities.) In practice, most shemurah matzah made at present is watched from the time the grain was harvested. so that it will not have become chametz at all. (Orach Chayim 467:5) mentions that if the wheat kernels have dried out and no longer need nurture from the land, they can become chametz.Grain which sunk in a river or 40b mentions a ship which sank carrying a cargo of wheat. After the ship was recovered, Ravvah allowed the wheat to be sold. From that example, we can derive concepts governing all instances where grain came in contact with water, just as it is forbidden to eat from it [on Pesach], it is forbidden to keep [possession of] it.). Rather, he should sell it to a Jew [before it becomes prohibited] and inform him [about its nature], so that he can eat it before Pesach. If he sells it to a gentile before Pesach, he should sell a small amount to a number of individuals, (ibid.) read: "He should sell small amounts to Jews." Apparently, the Rambam's text of the Talmud did not contain that phrase. If a Jew knows that the grain has become leavened, he will surely take the necessary precautions so that it will not remain in his possession on Pesach. so that it will be finished before Pesach, lest the gentile go and sell it to [another] Jew. 467:3) question what to do if large amounts of grain come into contact with water on Erev Pesach, when it is not possible for the gentile to consume the entire amount before Pesach. They advise that it be sold to a gentile who will surely sell it back to the Jew after the holiday.

דָּגָן שֶׁנָּפַל עָלָיו דֶּלֶף כָּל זְמַן שֶׁהוּא טוֹרֵד טִפָּה אַחַר טִפָּה אֲפִלּוּ כָּל הַיּוֹם כֻּלּוֹ אֵינוֹ בָּא לִידֵי חִמּוּץ. אֲבָל כְּשֶׁיִּפָּסֵק אִם נִשְׁתַּהָה כַּשִּׁעוּר הֲרֵי זֶה אָסוּר:

Grain 39b, the source for this law, read "flour" instead of "grain." Similarly, when quoting this law, the Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chayim 466:6) also states "flour." upon which [water] leaking [from the roof] has fallen: As long as [the leak] continues, drop after drop, it will not become chametz even if [the leak continues] the entire day.). However, if [the leak] stops, if it remains [untouched] for the standard measure [of time], as explained in Halachah 13 - behold, it becomes chametz.

אֵין לָשִׁין בְּפֶסַח עִסָּה גְּדוֹלָה שֶׁמָּא תַּחֲמִיץ אֶלָּא כְּשִׁעוּר חַלָּה בִּלְבַד. וְאֵין לָשִׁין לֹא בְּחַמִּין וְלֹא בְּחַמֵּי חַמָּה. וְלֹא בְּמַיִם שֶׁנִּשְׁאֲבוּ בּוֹ בַּיּוֹם אֶלָּא בְּמַיִם שֶׁלָּנוּ. וְאִם עָבַר וְלָשׁ בְּאֶחָד מִכָּל אֵלּוּ הֲרֵי הַפַּת אֲסוּרָה:

We do not knead a large dough on Pesach, lest it become chametz. 48b relates that dough will not become chametz as long as it is being kneaded. However, a large dough is hard to manage. Hence, our Sages restricted a dough's size to insure that women kneading it will be able to continually agitate the entire dough.The Rokeach mentioned that in his age, baking conditions had changed from Talmudic times. More people were involved in the process and the ovens were larger and baked matzot more quickly. Therefore, leniency was taken as regards the restriction of the size of the dough. However, the Shulchan Aruch HaRav and the Mishnah Berurah both recommend adhering to the former practice. Rather, [the size of the dough] is confined to the measure for which one is obligated to separate Challah.We do not knead with hot water, with water heated in the sun, or with water that was drawn on the present day, 42a) relates that the position of the sun in the spring causes the temperature of well and spring water to rise. Hence, matzah may be kneaded only with water that has 455:1)], and rested for a day. A person who violates [this requirement] and kneads using one of the above - behold, the [baked] loaf becomes forbidden. (455:3) quotes the Rambam's opinion, but states that in a difficult situation, one may use matzah that was inadvertently kneaded with water that was not drawn on the previous day. The Ramah and the Ashkenazic authorities are more lenient and allow the use of such matzah in all situations.

לֹא תֵּשֵׁב אִשָּׁה תַּחַת הַשֶּׁמֶשׁ וְתָלוּשׁ. וְלֹא תַּחַת הָרָקִיעַ בְּיוֹם הֶעָבִים אֲפִלּוּ בְּמָקוֹם שֶׁאֵין הַשֶּׁמֶשׁ זוֹרַחַת בּוֹ. וְלֹא תָּנִיחַ אֶת הָעִסָּה וְתִתְעַסֵּק בְּדָבָר אַחֵר. וְאִם הָיְתָה לָשָׁה וְאוֹפָה צְרִיכָה שְׁנֵי כֵּלִים שֶׁל מַיִם. אֶחָד שֶׁמְּקַטֶּפֶת בּוֹ וְאֶחָד שֶׁמְּצַנֶּנֶת בּוֹ יָדֶיהָ. וְאִם עָבְרָה וְלָשָׁה תַּחַת הַשֶּׁמֶשׁ אוֹ שֶׁלֹּא צִנְּנָה יָדֶיהָ אוֹ שֶׁעָשְׂתָה עִסָּה יֶתֶר מִשִּׁעוּר חַלָּה הַפַּת מֻתֶּרֶת. וְכַמָּה שִׁעוּר חַלָּה כְּמוֹ שָׁלֹשׁ וְאַרְבָּעִים בֵּיצִים וְחֹמֶשׁ בֵּיצָה כְּגוּף הַבֵּיצָה הַבֵּינוֹנִית לֹא כְּמִשְׁקָלָהּ:

A woman should not sit in the sun and knead, nor [should she knead] under the open sky on a cloudy day, even in a place where the sun is not shining. 28b states: "a cloudy day is all sun; the heat of a cloudy day is more severe than that of a sunny day."The Ramah (Orach Chayim 459:1) mentions that it is customary not to knead near a window. The Shulchan Aruch states that the kneading area of a bakery should be distant from the baking area, so that the heat of the oven should not affect the dough. [She should not] leave the dough adds "even for a moment." and become involved in another matter. 3:4), the Rambam explains that preferably the preparation and baking of the matzah should be a speedy and uninterrupted process. See also the following halachah. If she both kneads and bakes, she must have two containers of water, one to smooth [the matzot] and one to cool off her hands. 42a) maintains that the activity of kneading the dough itself heats up the hands. Thus, he requires that a woman dip her hands in water between doughs to cool off her hands, even when she is not baking. The Shulchan Aruch (459:3) follows Rashi's interpretation.If she violated [these instructions] and kneaded dough in the sun, 559:15). or did not cool off her hands, or made a dough larger than the measure for which one is obligated to separate Challah, the loaf is permitted. What is the measure for which one is obligated to separate Challah? Forty-three and a fifth eggs of average size - by volume and not by weight. 6:15, the Rambam elaborates further on this subject, by giving a measure according to weight as well. In modern measure, the figure he gives equals approximately 1.7 kilograms (close to 4 lbs.).

כָּל זְמַן שֶׁאָדָם עוֹסֵק בַּבָּצֵק אֲפִלּוּ כָּל הַיּוֹם כֻּלּוֹ אֵינוֹ בָּא לִידֵי חִמּוּץ. וְאִם הִגְבִּיהַּ יָדוֹ וֶהֱנִיחוֹ וְשָׁהָה הַבָּצֵק עַד שֶׁהִגִּיעַ לְהַשְׁמִיעַ הַקּוֹל בִּזְמַן שֶׁאָדָם מַכֶּה בְּיָדוֹ עָלָיו כְּבָר הֶחְמִיץ וְיִשָּׂרֵף מִיָּד. וְאִם אֵין קוֹלוֹ נִשְׁמָע אִם שָׁהָה כְּדֵי שֶׁיְּהַלֵּךְ אָדָם מִיל כְּבָר הֶחְמִיץ וְיִשָּׂרֵף מִיָּד. וְכֵן אִם הִכְסִיפוּ פָּנָיו כְּאָדָם שֶׁעָמְדוּ שַׂעֲרוֹתָיו הֲרֵי זֶה אָסוּר לְאָכְלוֹ וְאֵין חַיָּבִין עָלָיו כָּרֵת:

As long as a person is busy with the dough, even for the entire day, it will not become chametz. If he lifts up his hand and allows the dough to rest so that [it rises to the extent that] a noise will resound when a person claps it with his hand, (Orach Chayim 459:2) mentions another sign; the appearance of cracks or folds in the dough. it has already become chametz and must be burned immediately. If a noise does not resound and the dough has lain at rest for the time it takes a man to walk a mil, and many later Rabbis with regard to halachah l'ma'aseh) define eighteen minutes as the accepted period of time in which an average man would walk this distance. However, the Rambam (Commentary on the Mishnah 3:2) quotes a more lenient figure, 24 minutes. it has become chametz and must be burned immediately. and the Ramah suggest hurrying the process of kneading and baking matzah, because:a) the heat generated by working the dough may cause it to become leavened faster.b) though each particular hesitation may be less than eighteen minutes, the total of all hesitations may exceed that figure. (This point is not accepted by all authorities.)c) once dough is left unattended after having been kneaded thoroughly, it will become leavened very quickly.Similarly, if its surface has become wrinkled [to the extent that it resembles] a person whose hair stands [on end in fright] - behold, it is forbidden to eat from it, but one is not liable for כרת [for eating it].

הָיוּ שְׁתֵּי עִסּוֹת שֶׁהִגְבִּיהוּ הַיָּד מֵהֶן נִלּוֹשׁוֹת בְּעֵת אַחַת וְנִשְׁתַּהוּ. הָאַחַת מֵהֶן יֵשׁ לָהּ קוֹל וְהָאַחֶרֶת אֵין לָהּ קוֹל. שְׁתֵּיהֶן יִשָּׂרְפוּ וַהֲרֵי הֵן חָמֵץ גָּמוּר:

There were two doughs which people stopped kneading at the same time and left unattended.. From one, a sound [resounded when clapped]. From the other, no sound [resounded]. Both of them should be burned - behold, they are absolutely chametz.

אֵין עוֹשִׂין סְרִיקִין הַמְצֻיָּרִין בְּפֶסַח מִפְּנֵי שֶׁהָאִשָּׁה שׁוֹהָה עֲלֵיהֶן וּמִתְחַמְּצִין בְּעֵת עֲשִׂיָּתָן. לְפִיכָךְ הַנַּחְתּוֹמִין מֻתָּרִין לַעֲשׂוֹתָם מִפְּנֵי שֶׁהֵן בְּקִיאִין בְּאֻמָּנוּתָן וּמְמַהֲרִים לַעֲשׂוֹתָם. אֲבָל בַּעֲלֵי בָּתִּים אֲסוּרִים וַאֲפִלּוּ צָרוּ אוֹתָן בִּדְפוּס. שֶׁמָּא יָבוֹאוּ אֲחֵרִים לַעֲשׂוֹתוֹ שֶׁלֹּא בִּדְפוּס וְיִשְׁהוּ בַּעֲשִׂיָּתָן וְיַחֲמִיצוּ:

We should not make thick loaves 37a allows thin loaves to be made with designs. Commenting on this statement, the Ramah (Orach Chayim 460:4) suggests never making thick matzot for Pesach. with designs on Pesach, because a woman takes time making them.). Thus, [the dough] will become leavened during that time. Hence, professional bakers are allowed to make [such designs], (ibid.) records that Rabban Gamliel's household used such matzot, and hence was forced to make this differentiation. because they are skilled in their craft and quick in its execution., ibid.) adds that bakers usually have pre-cut forms.The Mishnah Berurah (Orach Chayim 460:14) forbids all designs, whether made by private people or professional bakers, whether on thick or thin loaves.[In contrast,] a private person is forbidden to make such a design, even if he does so using a [pre-cut] form. [This stringency was instituted] lest others attempt to make [the designs] without using the forms, delay in their work, and cause [the dough] to become chametz.

מַיִם שֶׁרוֹחֲצִין בָּהֶן הַיָּדַיִם וְהָעֲרֵבָה אַחַר שֶׁלָּשִׁין וְכֵן מַיִם שֶׁמִּשְׁתַּמְּשִׁין בָּהֶן בִּשְׁעַת לִישָׁה הֲרֵי זֶה יִשְׁפֹּךְ אוֹתָן בִּמְקוֹם מִדְרוֹן כְּדֵי שֶׁלֹּא יִתְקַבְּצוּ בְּמָקוֹם אֶחָד וְיַחְמִיץ:

The water used to wash one's hands and the kneading trough after the kneading [is completed] 40b) uses the expression "water used by a baker." In his commentary on the Mishnah, the Rambam defines that term as above. and, similarly, the water used when kneading - behold, it should be poured out in a place which slopes downward, so it will not collect in one place 42a. The Ramah (Orach Chayim 459:4) also gives instructions about cleaning the utensils used in preparing the matzah to ensure that no dough is allowed to remain stuck to them, and thus become chametz. and become leavened.). However, some later authorities (Bach, Taz) forbid such water to collect even beforehand.

אֵין שׁוֹרִין אֶת הַמֻּרְסָן וּמַנִּיחִין לִפְנֵי הַתַּרְנְגוֹלִין שֶׁמָּא יַחְמִיץ. אֲבָל חוֹלְטִין לָהֶן הַמֻּרְסָן בְּרוֹתְחִין וּמַנִּיחִין לִפְנֵיהֶן. וּכְבָר נָהֲגוּ רֹב הָעוֹלָם שֶׁלֹּא לַחֲלֹט גְּזֵרָה שֶׁמָּא לֹא יַרְתִּיחַ הַמַּיִם יָפֶה:

We should not soak bran 454:2 notes that there is a difference of opinion among halachic authorities if מורסן refers to the hard shell of the wheat kernels that falls off when the wheat is ground, or the soft shell, which is separated by sifting. in water and leave it in front of chickens, lest it become chametz. However, we can boil bran for them, and then place it before them. Nevertheless, the majority of people have already adopted the custom of not boiling [grain products], lest the water not be boiled thoroughly. and commentaries (Orach Chayim 454:3).

וּמֻתָּר לָלוּשׁ לְתַרְנְגוֹלִין מֻרְסָן אוֹ קֶמַח וּמַאֲכִילָן מִיָּד אוֹ נוֹתֵן לִפְנֵיהֶן וְהוּא עוֹמֵד עֲלֵיהֶן עַד שֶׁלֹּא יַשְׁהֶה לִפְנֵיהֶן כְּדֵי הִלּוּךְ מִיל. וְכָל זְמַן שֶׁהֵן מְנַקְּרִין בּוֹ אוֹ שֶׁהוּא מְהַפֵּךְ בְּיָדוֹ אֵינוֹ מַחֲמִיץ. וּכְשֶׁיִּפְסְקוּ מִלֶּאֱכל יִשְׁטֹף הַכְּלִי בְּמַיִם וְיִשְׁפֹּךְ בִּמְקוֹם מִדְרוֹן:

It is permitted to prepare bran or flour for chickens in water. However, no law of this nature is found in our text of the Tosefta.Perhaps this lack of a clear source is the reason the Rambam's opinion is not accepted by other halachic authorities. The Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chayim 465:1) forbids placing bran in water under any circumstances. The Ramah cautions against placing any grain products in a place where there is a residue of moisture. if they are fed immediately, or if one places [the feed] before them and stands over them to ensure that the food will not stand more than the time it takes a person to walk a mil.As long as they peck at it or one turns it over by hand, it will not become leavened. Once they finish eating, one should wash out the utensil in water and pour it out in a place which slopes downward.

לֹא תִּשְׁרֶה אִשָּׁה מֻרְסָן שֶׁתּוֹלִיךְ בְּיָדָהּ לַמֶּרְחָץ. אֲבָל שָׁפָה עַל בְּשָׂרָהּ יָבֵשׁ. וְלֹא יִלְעֹס אָדָם חִטִּין וְיִתֵּן עַל מַכָּתוֹ מִפְּנֵי שֶׁהֵן מַחֲמִיצוֹת. אֵין נוֹתְנִין אֶת הַקֶּמַח לְתוֹךְ הַחֲרֹסֶת וְאִם נָתַן יִשָּׁפֵךְ מִיָּד מִפְּנֵי שֶׁהוּא מְמַהֵר לְהַחֲמִיץ. וְאֵין נוֹתְנִין אֶת הַקֶּמַח לְתוֹךְ הַחַרְדָּל וְאִם נָתַן יֹאכַל מִיָּד:

A woman should not soak bran which she intends to take to the bathhouse in water [beforehand]. However, she may rub dry bran on her skin. 39b). The Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chayim 465:2) forbids the practice entirely. A person should not chew wheat and then place it on his wound, for it will become chametz. 5:8) that, when there is danger to life or limb, it is permissible to use all substances as remedies, even if it is forbidden to benefit from them. That halachah specifically states that a sick person may be given chametz to eat as a remedy.Furthermore, that halachah explains that if the sick person does not benefit from the forbidden substance in the normal manner, it may be used as a remedy even if there is no danger to life or limb. The Rambam gives the example of including chametz in a compress.On that basis, Rabbenu Manoach questions why wheat cannot be used as a poultice as stated in our halachah. However, he resolves the issue by explaining that, in our case, the wheat would become chametz before it was applied to the wound.The Shulchan Aruch HaRav 466:5 (and the Mishnah Berurah) emphasize that it is permitted to use grain as a remedy for a wound only if there is a question of danger to life or limb. Furthermore, this leniency is qualified as follows:a) it must be an established medical fact that the remedy works;b) effort must be made to reduce the chance of the grain becoming leavened to the greatest extent possible (e.g., preparing grain by boiling it in fruit juice which does not become leavened).We should not place flour into charoset. 10:3), the Rambam describes charoset as a mixture of dates, figs, spices, and vinegar. If one did so, he should burn it use the word ישפך - "pour it out." However, most of the original manuscripts state ישרף as in our text. This version implies that it is feared that the flour has already leavened and, hence, must be burnt. immediately, because it will cause [the flour] to become leavened very fast. 2:8), the Rambam explains that the vinegar in the charoset causes the flour to become leavened fast. We should not place flour in mustard. 464:1) states that Ashkenazic custom forbids the use of mustard on Pesach entirely, placing it in the category of kitniyot. If one did so, he should eat it immediately.).

מֻתָּר לִתֵּן הַתַּבְלִין וְהַשֻּׁמְשְׁמִין וְהָקֶצַּח וְכַיּוֹצֵא בָּהֶן לְתוֹךְ הַבָּצֵק. וְכֵן מֻתָּר לָלוּשׁ הָעִסָּה בְּמַיִם וְשֶׁמֶן אוֹ דְּבַשׁ וְחָלָב אוֹ לְקַטֵּף בָּהֶן. וּבַיּוֹם הָרִאשׁוֹן אָסוּר לָלוּשׁ וּלְקַטֵּף אֶלָּא בְּמַיִם בִּלְבַד. לֹא מִשּׁוּם חָמֵץ אֶלָּא כְּדֵי שֶׁיִּהְיֶה (דברים טז ג) "לֶחֶם עֹנִי". וּבַיּוֹם הָרִאשׁוֹן בִּלְבַד הוּא שֶׁצָּרִיךְ לִהְיוֹת זִכְרוֹן לֶחֶם עֹנִי:

It is permissible to place spices, (Orach Chayim 455:6) advises against placing spices in dough. The Ramah forbids matzah that was kneaded with pepper, maintaining that its sharpness causes the dough to become leavened. sesame seeds, poppy seeds, explains that even the opinions which advise against using spices in matzah permit these substances to be used. They are not sharp and will not speed up the leavening process. and the like (455:5) explicitly advises against placing salt into dough, and the Ramah considers matzah baked with salt as chametz. into dough. 12:17), the Rambam also states that they may be seasoned in a similar manner.The Tosefta (Pesachim 2:13) and the Jerusalem Talmud (Pesachim 2:4) go further and state that such matzah may even be used at the Seder. Though some halachic authorities accept this opinion, the later authorities counsel against using such matzah on that occasion. Similarly, it is permissible to knead the dough with water and oil, honey or milk, or to baste with them. (Orach Chayim 462:2) advises against, but does not forbid, mixing these liquids with water. The Ramah (and accordingly, Ashkenazic custom) prohibits such a mixture entirely.It must be noted that the Maggid Mishneh's text of the Mishneh Torah substitutes the word יין (wine) for מים (water). According to such a rendition, there is no difficulty.On the first day, it is forbidden to knead or baste. [the matzot] with any other substance besides water; not because of the prohibition against chametz, but rather so [the matzah] will be "poor man's bread.", "rich matzah." It is only on the first day that the "poor man's bread" must be commemorated.

כָּל כְּלִי חֶרֶס שֶׁנִּשְׁתַּמֵּשׁ בָּהֶן חָמֵץ בְּצוֹנֵן מֻתָּר לְהִשְׁתַּמֵּשׁ בָּהֶן מַצָּה בְּצוֹנֵן. חוּץ מִכְּלִי שֶׁמַּנִּיחִין בּוֹ אֶת הַשְּׂאוֹר וּכְלִי שֶׁמַּנִּיחִין בּוֹ חֲרֹסֶת מִפְּנֵי שֶׁחִמּוּצוֹ קָשֶׁה. וְכֵן עֲרֵבוֹת שֶׁלָּשִׁין בָּהֶן הֶחָמֵץ וּמַנִּיחִין אוֹתוֹ שָׁם עַד שֶׁיַּחְמִיץ הֲרֵי הֵן כְּבֵית שְׂאוֹר וְאֵין מִשְׁתַּמְּשִׁין בָּהֶן בְּפֶסַח:

All earthenware vessels that were used for chametz while cold may be used for matzah while cold,). This safeguard was only instituted for earthenware vessels, since the chametz absorbed in substances of metal or wood may be purged through הגעלה.The Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chayim 451:22) does not recognize this prohibition at all and allows such utensils to be used for matzah even when hot. However, this is merely from an abstract halachic perspective. In practice, that text continues to explain, Jews are accustomed not to use any earthenware utensils or dishes that had been previously used for chametz on Pesach. This custom was already accepted in the days of Rav Yitzchak Alfasi and Rabbenu Asher. except for the utensils 451:42.) in which yeast and charoset were placed, for their leavening effect is powerful. Similarly, a kneading trough in which chametz is kneaded and left to become leavened is considered as a place where yeast is soaked, and we do not use it on Pesach.

בִּיב שֶׁל חֶרֶס שֶׁאוֹפִין עָלָיו חַלּוֹת חָמֵץ כָּל הַשָּׁנָה כֻּלָּהּ אֵין אוֹפִין עָלָיו מַצָּה בְּפֶסַח. וְאִם מִלְּאוֹ גֶּחָלִים וְהִסִּיק מָקוֹם שֶׁהָיָה מְבַשֵּׁל בּוֹ הֶחָמֵץ מֻתָּר לְבַשֵּׁל עָלָיו מַצָּה:

An earthenware roasting pan on which loaves of chametz are baked during the entire year should not be used to bake matzah on Pesach. If it was filled with coals and kindled on the place where chametz was cooked, matzah it is permitted to be cooked on it.

כְּלֵי מַתָּכוֹת וּכְלֵי אֲבָנִים שֶׁנִּשְׁתַּמֵּשׁ בָּהֶן חָמֵץ בְּרוֹתְחִין בִּכְלִי רִאשׁוֹן כְּגוֹן קְדֵרוֹת וְאִלְפָּסִין. נוֹתֵן אוֹתָן לְתוֹךְ כְּלִי גָּדוֹל שֶׁל מַיִם וּמְמַלֵּא עֲלֵיהֶן מַיִם וּמַרְתִּיחָן בְּתוֹכוֹ עַד שֶׁיִּפְלְטוּ וְאַחַר כָּךְ שׁוֹטֵף אוֹתָן בְּצוֹנֵן וּמִשְׁתַּמֵּשׁ בָּהֶן בְּמַצָּה. וְכֵן הַסַּכִּינִין מַרְתִּיחַ אֶת הַלַּהַב וְאֶת הַנִּצָּב בִּכְלִי רִאשׁוֹן וְאַחַר כָּךְ מִשְׁתַּמֵּשׁ בָּהֶן בְּמַצָּה:

Metal and stone utensils 17:3 and in his commentary on the Mishnah (Avodah Zarah 7:12), the Rambam equates glass utensils with those made of these substances. in which chametz was boiled in water as a כלי ראשון - e.g., pots and stew pots 451:5) requires that the surface of the pot be smooth and free of nicks or cracks for this manner of purging to be effective. - should be placed inside a large utensil. They should be covered with water, and the water should be boiled with them inside 17:4.The basic principle governing the kashering of utensils is כבולעו כך פולטו - "In the same manner as a [forbidden substance] is absorbed [by a utensil], so, too, is it released." Thus, since these utensils were used in hot water, the process of boiling is employed to cause them to release any chametz they might have absorbed. until they release [what they absorbed]. of Rav Yitzchak Alfasi. However, it is omitted in some of the Yemenite manuscripts of the Mishneh Torah. In practice, there is also debate about this issue. In his responsum, the Rashbah explains Rav Yitzchak Alfasi's view, stating that a person should leave the utensil submerged until he feels that all the absorbed chametz has been released. However, the Tur (Yoreh De'ah 121) and the Pri Chadash do not require waiting any substantial amount of time. Their view is accepted by the later authorities. (See Shulchan Aruch HaRav, Orach Chayim 452:4.) Afterwards, they should be washed off with cold water, 97a) of the way the priests would purge the Temple pots used to cook the sin offerings after the previous day's service. Though some authorities do not require this stage, the Shulchan Aruch HaRav (452:5) states that it is customary to follow this practice. and [then] one may use them for matzah. 17:7 states: "A person who acquires a knife from a gentile must burn it out in fire." A similar decision is rendered by the Shulchan Aruch (Yoreh De'ah 121:7). Nevertheless, the authorities suggest that chametz may be purged from knives by boiling. However, they do not permit this leniency in the following instances:a) when the knives are rusty;b) when they have serrated edges;c) when the handle is separate from the blade and enclosed around it, allowing for the possibility for residue to collect between them.In the latter instance, even ליבון (exposing the knife to open fire) is insufficient. Since most knives today are made in this manner, they should not be kashered for Pesach or for ordinary use after having been used with prohibited foods. Both the Mishnah Berurah and the Shulchan Aruch HaRav state that purchasing new knives for Pesach is the most desirable manner of fulfilling the mitzvah.Similarly, [with regard to] knives, the blade and the handle should be boiled in a כלי ראשון. Afterwards, one may use them for matzah.

כְּלֵי מַתָּכוֹת וַאֲבָנִים וּכְלֵי עֵצִים שֶׁנִּשְׁתַּמֵּשׁ בָּהֶן חָמֵץ בִּכְלִי שֵׁנִי כְּגוֹן קְעָרוֹת וְכוֹסוֹת נוֹתֵן אוֹתָן לְתוֹךְ כְּלִי גָּדוֹל וְנוֹתֵן עֲלֵיהֶן מַיִם רוֹתְחִין וּמַנִּיחָן בְּתוֹכוֹ עַד שֶׁיִּפְלוֹטוּ וְאַחַר כָּךְ שׁוֹטְפָן וּמִשְׁתַּמֵּשׁ בָּהֶן בְּמַצָּה:

Utensils of metal, stone, and wood which were used for chametz as a כלי שני - e.g., bowls or cups - should be placed in a large utensil, and boiling water poured over them. 451:6) states that, at present, it is customary to boil all utensils on the fire itself (i.e., in a כלי ראשון), even though they were generally used as a כלי שני. They should be left in [the large utensil] until they release [the chametz they absorbed]. Afterwards, they should be washed off. [Then,] they may be used for matzah.

כָּל כְּלִי חֶרֶשׂ שֶׁנִּשְׁתַּמֵּשׁ בָּהֶן חָמֵץ בְּחַמִּין בֵּין כְּלִי רִאשׁוֹן כְּגוֹן קְדֵרוֹת. בֵּין כְּלִי שֵׁנִי כְּגוֹן קְעָרוֹת. בֵּין שֶׁהָיוּ מְשׁוּחִין וְשׁוּעִין בַּאֲבַר שֶׁעוֹשִׂין אוֹתָן כְּעֵין זְכוּכִית. בֵּין שֶׁהָיוּ חֶרֶס כְּמַה שֶּׁהֵן. אֵין מִשְׁתַּמְּשִׁין בָּהֶן בְּמַצָּה אֶלָּא מַנִּיחָן לְאַחַר הַפֶּסַח וּמְבַשֵּׁל בָּהֶן:

All earthenware utensils that were used for chametz in hot water, 30b explains that this concept is derived from the Torah itself. Leviticus 6:21 states that any pot in which meat from a sin offering has been cooked must be broken. A sin offering can only be eaten for one day. Once that time has passed, the taste of the meat absorbed in the pot is considered as נותר (sacrificial meat which has been kept past its required time), and thus forbidden. Hence, the pot itself must be destroyed. whether as a כלי ראשון - for example, pots - or as aכלי שני - for example, bowls - whether they were glazed and coated with lead so that they became like glass, or they were of simple earthenware: we do not use them for matzah. Rather, we put them aside until after Pesach, and then we may cook with them. 30a), who maintains that each Pesach, a person was required to destroy any earthenware vessels he possessed which were used for chametz while hot.

כְּלִי רִאשׁוֹן שֶׁרָצָה לְהַרְתִּיחוֹ וְלֹא מָצָא כְּלִי גָּדוֹל מִמֶּנּוּ כְּדֵי לְהַרְתִּיחוֹ בְּתוֹכוֹ הֲרֵי זֶה מַקִּיף לוֹ שָׂפָה שֶׁל טִיט עַל שְׂפָתוֹ מִבַּחוּץ וּמְמַלְּאֵהוּ מַיִם עַד שֶׁיִּגְבְּרוּ הַמַּיִם עַל שְׂפָתוֹ וּמַרְתִּיחַ הַמַּיִם בְּתוֹכוֹ וְדַיּוֹ וְאַחַר כָּךְ שׁוֹטֵף אוֹתוֹ וּמִשְׁתַּמֵּשׁ בּוֹ בְּמַצָּה:

[A person possesses a utensil which is] a כלי ראשון and desires to boil it [in order to prepare it for Passover use], however, he cannot find a larger utensil into which [to place it] to boil it: Behold, he may place a border of clay around its [top] edge from the outside and fill it with water until the water overflows its edge. [Then,] he may boil the water in it, and this is sufficient. (Orach Chayim 452:6) offers an alternative suggestion. After boiling the water thoroughly, placing a very hot stone into the water will cause the water to flow over the edges of the utensil on all sides. Thus, the entire utensil will be exposed to the boiling water. Afterwards, he washes it off and may use it for matzah.