Pesah-Egg Massa - a podcast by Rabbi Eli J. Mansour

The Poskim discuss the Halachic status of "Massa Ashira," literally "Rich Massa," which is commonly referred to as Egg Massa. The Gemara clearly states that "Meh Perot"-fruit juice does not cause leavening. This is in contrast with water, which causes dough to become Hames after 18 minutes. Therefore, if one kneaded dough with "Meh Perot," which include pure fruit juice, wine, eggs, honey and oil, it will not become Hames, even if left all day. Even if the dough would begin to rise, it is not considered Hames. This is the understanding of the Rambam, Rif, Rosh and Rabbenu Tam, as well as Maran in Siman 462. The Hida (Rav Haim Yosef David Azoulai, 1724-1807) cites his grandfather, Rabbi Avraham Azulai who attests that the custom of Sepharadim is to eat "Massa Ashira" on Pesah. Ashkenazim have the custom that only elderly or infirm eat this Massa.

Even according to the Sepharadic custom, "Massa Ashira" may not be used to fulfill the Misva of Massa on the Seder night. Only the basic Massa, comprised of flour and water alone, is considered "Lehem Oni"-the bread of affliction. The richer "Massa Ashira" does not meet this requirement. Since it is not fit for the Massa of the Misva, it would be permitted to eat on Ereb Pesah. The prohibition to eat Massa on Ereb Pesah only applies to Massa suitable for use on the Seder Night.

Massa Ashira presents a challenge with regard to proper supervision. "Meh Perot" do not engender Hames, only when the dough is kneaded exclusively with them. If they are combined with even a minute amount of water, on the contrary, they expedite the leavening process, and the dough will become Hames in even less than 18 minutes. Therefore, the Hashgacha supervision must be exceedingly strict and cautious.

There is also a question as to whether the water present in wine constitutes a problem. The Mishna Berura (Rav Yisrael Meir Kagan of Radin, 1839-1933) rules that water added during the fermentation process is considered an integral part of the wine and does not cause Hames, whereas, water added later will expedite the leavening process.

SUMMARY
Sepharadim may eat Massa Ashira on Pesach, if it has proper Kosher for Pesah supervision. It may not be used to fulfill the Misva of Massa on the Seder night.

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