- Shabbat and Holidays
- Chametz and Pesach Products
Gebrochts
Question
Why did the Chassidim take upon them self not to eat Gebrochts. And not the Misnagdim? Even the Briskers or the Chazon Ishes who are Makpidim on everything, why are they not Makpidim on Gebrochts?
Answer
The general rule is “the burden of proof is upon he who veers from the norm” (Bava Metzia 6, 2), so the question is on the chassidim, not on the mitnagdim! Especially when this strict custom comes at the expense of a leniency in the Torah mitzvah (mid’oraita) of one’s simchat Yom Tov (pleasure) where in addition to the many limitations on chametz foods, gebrochts comes and unnecessarily prohibits many additional foods which are really allowed! The chassidim were apparently wary for some thick matzot weren’t totally baked inside and that some flour may become chametz when it came into contact with the liquid in the soup or recipe. In short, if you’re Chassidic and it’s your custom, consult with your personal posek and he may agree to annul your custom (through hatarat n’darim), for especially with today’s thin machine matzot, there’s even less room for this custom which not only limits simchat Yom Tov, but often causes family strife, as well.

Barley on Pesach
Various Rabbis | Nisan 20, 5773

Derivatives of Canola Oil
Rabbi Yoel Lieberman | Nisan 13, 5773

selling chametz - uncooked oats?
Rabbi Yoel Lieberman | Nisan 7, 5770

Feeding Chametz to the ill on Pesach
Rabbi Yoel Lieberman | Adar 24, 5770

Rabbi Ari Shvat
Lectures at various yeshivot, michlalot and midrashot. Has published many books & Torani articles and is in charge of Rav Kook’s archives.

Keeping non-definite chametz and staying in a dorm
Nisan 3, 5771

Davening if Hashem knows future
Adar II 25, 5771

Gentile Prophets
Adar II 25, 5771

A Day is a thousand years
Adar I 23, 5771

Nishmat Kol Chai- Did Peter write it?
Rabbi Ari Shvat | Sivan 4, 5780

Shehakol on Fruit and Vegetable Juices?
Torah & Land Institution | 2 Adar II 5763

Carrying firearms on Shabbat
Rabbi David Samson | 18 Elul 5762

Mezuzah for a Catholic Family?
Rabbi David Sperling | Nisan 15, 5779

Chareidim and Israel
Rabbi Ari Shvat | Iyyar 22, 5782

Noahides
Rabbi Ari Shvat | Iyyar 25, 5782
