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Monday, November 16, 2009

Minimum amount ot eat and drink at the Seder

Often the question is asked "how big a wine glass do we need for Passover?" I got this information from ou.org and hope it helps.

Shiurim: Measures & Minimums

In order to fulfill the Mitzvos of the Passover Seder, it is necessary to consume a minimum quantity (Shiur) of the Four Cups of wine, Matzah and Maror, in a minimum period of time.

For wine, the volume of most of a Revi'is should be consumed. For Matzah and Maror, a Kazayis is the minimum volume. The time limit is Kday Achilas Pras.

Rabbinic authorities have historically disagreed as to the exact quantities that each of these represent in modern measures.

We quote here, for the information of the public, the modern equivalent values for the minimum acceptable quantities (Bedieved) for each of these Mitzvos, according to the listings published by the Otzar Haposkim of Jerusalem. We also include some practical suggestions for estimating these amounts.

We urge the reader to consult with a competent halachic authority for the ideal quantities that should be consumed in each case to perform the mitzvah optimally (Lechatchila).

Minimum Volume for Wine: 86 c.c. (3.0 fluid ounces).

This should be the minimum size of wine cups used during the Passover Seder for drinking the Four Cups. Each Seder participant must drink more than half this volume for each of the Four Cups to fulfill the mitzvah.

Minimum Quantity of Matzah:

The minimum quantity of Matzah is approximately at least one-third of an average, machine made Matzah.

Please note, however, that machine made Matzahs vary in size.
Optimally (Lechatchila) one should consume substantially higher minimum quantities both for the initial mitzvah of "Achilat Matzah" and for the "Afikoman."

Minimum Volume of Maror (Bitter Herbs): 19 grams (0.7 fluid ounces).

In the case of ground horseradish, this volume can be easily estimated by putting it in a small cup or glass.

In the case of lettuce, this volume can be estimated as follows:
Leaves: enough to cover an area of 80 square inches (8" by 10")
Stalks: enough to cover an area of 15 square inches (3" by 5")

Time Limits:

The eating of the Matzah and Maror, and the drinking of each of the Four Cups of wine should be done, if possible, in one or two swallows. In any event, the drinking of each cup of wine and the eating of the Matzah and Maror should be completed within 4 minutes. In the event this is not possible, a competent Halachic authority should be consulted.

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