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Why is matzah forbidden on Erev Pesach (פסח), and what level of matzah is required throughout the seven days? The Baal HaMaor's chiddush distinguishes between the first night's matzah mitzvah (מצוה) and the week-long "Chag HaMatzot" obligation to avoid chametz. This explains why basic matzah shmurah suffices for most of Pesach, while hand-baked represents an unnecessary stringency.
This shiur explores Pesachim 99b and its discussion of the prohibition against eating matzah on Erev Pesach (פסח) before nightfall. Rabbi Zweig begins by noting the Volozhin custom of eating matzah shmurah only on the first two days of Pesach, questioning whether the widespread practice of eating hand-baked matzah shmurah all seven days has proper halachic basis. The shiur examines Tosafos (תוספות)' explanation that matzah must be eaten with appetite (ta'avon), which drives the prohibition of eating before the seder. Tosafos explains that eating during the day would diminish one's appetite for the nighttime mitzvah (מצוה), while nighttime eating during the meal doesn't pose this problem. A complex question emerges: why doesn't the Mishna simply state this principle rather than using the term "ad she'techshach" (until dark)?
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Pesachim 99b
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