Erev Pesach That Occurs on Shabbos
by Rabbi Herschel Welcher
When Erev Pesach occurs on Shabbos, it is necessary to observe a number of the Mitzvos in an unconventional manner. I am issuing this letter as a guide to practical observance.
1. B’dikas Chametz should be conducted on Thursday evening, April 21.
2. The first Bitul Chametz should be done immediately after the B’dikah.
3. Biur Chametz should be done on Friday morning, April 22, before 11:45 AM. If the Biur was not done before this time, it may be done at any time before Shabbos. The second Bitul Chametz is not done on Friday.
4. Preferably, we should finish eating Chametz before 10:13 AM on Shabbos morning, April 23. We must finish eating Chametz before 10:37 AM.
5. The second Bitul Chametz must be done on Shabbos after we have finished eating Chametz. Preferably, it should be done before 11:33 AM. It must be done before 11:45 AM.
6. There are two basic approaches to fulfilling the mitzvah of S’udas Shabbos. Some make HaMotzi on challah and eat the challah in an area of the house that is not adjacent to the table where the actual meal will be conducted. After each person eats the equivalent of a large slice of challah, the crumbs should be cleaned away, the clothes should be shaken clean, and the tablecloth should be removed. The hands should then be washed and the mouth should be rinsed. Then the actual meal should be eaten; it should consist of Pesach foods, served on Pesach dishes. Some use egg matzos, instead of challah. If egg matzah is used, it may be eaten at the same table where the meal will be conducted. Even though we don't eat egg matzah on Pesach, it isn't considered Chametz. It is permissible to keep egg matzah in our home on Pesach. If egg matzah is used, the HaMotzi is recited on two egg matzos. Preferably, each person should eat two egg matzos at each meal. The minimum amount of egg matzah is one egg matzah per meal.
7. The most significant difficulty with the Shabbos meals concerns the S’udah Sh’lishis. It is appropriate to recite the HaMotzi for this meal. However, on this Shabbos afternoon it is not permissible to use bread or matzah. Preferably, one should divide the morning meal into two parts. One should make the HaMotzi and eat the first course of the meal. Then the Birkas HaMazon should be recited. After the Birkas HaMazon, it is necessary to take a fifteen-minute break, which should be used for learning, strolling, or any other activity. Then, one should wash again and recite the HaMotzi. After finishing the challah (by 10:13 AM or 10:37 AM – See #4 above), the main Shabbos meal should be eaten. If egg matzah is used, it may be eaten until Chatzos (12:54 PM). During the afternoon, it is preferable to eat a piece of meat or fish (or at least a fruit) to fulfill the view that this S’udah cannot take place before Chatzos. Those who wear braces on their teeth should only use egg matzah on this Shabbos (Such a person should not eat solid Chametz or liquid Chametz which is hot or sticky after 10:13 AM on Friday morning.).
