14 Mar Pesach; Shmurah Matzah… Handmade vs Machine

Shmurah matzah is preferred for the Seder. Its made from wheat that from the time it is harvested is carefully guarded to ensure no moisture may come in contact with it and cause it to become chumatz (leavened). The verse (Exodus, 12:17) states: ‘You shall guard the matzot. The matzah must be guarded to ensure that it does not become chametz’.

‘Those who permit the use of the machine made matzot contended that these matzot are preferable, since the automated process is faster than making matzot by hand and there is thus less possibility of the dough becoming chametz, provided that special care is taken to ensure that the machinery is kept clean and that no dough is allowed to remain in the machinery between the processing of one batch and the next.’

Those who have prohibited the use of machine made matzot contend that baking matzah requires conscious intent that it is being done for the purpose of fulfilling the mitzvah but is absent were machines are used.

Machines can have no intent, and thus, matzot prepared by machine lack this prerequisite. They also pointed out that the intricacy of the machinery makes it extremely difficult to ensure that no dough remains in the grooves or gears, for if dough is left in the machinery, it will render subsequent batches chametz.’ (Chabad)

The debate continues…it is currently accepted that both machine and handmade shmurah matzos may be acceptable … best to talk to your Orthodox Rabbi. (Nb; machined matzah’s cost much less.)

Leib Getzel (Lawrence) Lax
Addictions and Counseling
http://lawrencelax.com
lawrenceJlax@gmail.com