Q & A - WITH RABBI RISKIN
Question: What is the best way to organize the meals
for Shabbat Erev Pesach?
Answer: It is important to leave two challot – or,
preferably, two pitot (since they make far less crumbs) for the meals on
Shabbat evening and on Shabbat morning. These pitot should be kept far away
from the table, in their own plastic packet. During the meal it is advisable
to go out to the balcony or the yard to recite “ha-Motzi”. After
the pita is broken and distributed, whatever remains should be flushed down
the toilet (not thrown into the garbage).
On Shabbat morning, it is important to finish eating
bread/pita by 9:56am (hence, it is advisable to pray at the “Vattikin”
[early] minyan). The rest of the meal (i.e., food that contains no “hametz”)
may be eaten after this time.
Se’uda Shlishit (the third Shabbat meal) should include
neither bread nor matza. Options include fish, meat, and fruit. Se’uda
Shlishit should preferably be completed by 3:57pm. (In principle, since “ha-Motzi”
is not recited, one may go on eating until a little later, but it is not a
good idea to eat too late since it is important to eat matza at the Seder
with appetite.)
The above reflects my practice since I am Ashkenazi and
therefore do not eat “matza ashira” (egg matza, or cookies made
from matza flour and wine) on Erev Pesach. Sefardim may use “matza
ashira” for “ha-Motzi” until a little before “minha ketana”
on Shabbat (3:57pm).
