How Many Kezayit of Matzah Must Be Eaten at the Pesach Seder?

RAM Q&A is a regular WireNews column addressing questions on Torah, ethics, faith, culture, and the practical challenges of modern life.

Question: How many כזית (kezayit — olive’s bulk) portions of מצה (matzah — unleavened bread) must be eaten during the סדר (Seder — Pesach ritual meal)?

RAM: During the סדר של פסח (Seder of Pesach), one must eat at least four כזיתים of מצה (matzah).

These are eaten at four different stages of the Seder:

1. HaMotzi Matzah — המוציא מצה: Two כזיתים are eaten together, one from the upper whole מצה and one from the broken middle מצה.

2. Korech — כורך: One כזית of מצה is eaten together with מרור.

3. Afikoman — אפיקומן: One כזית of מצה is eaten at the end of the meal as a remembrance of the קרבן פסח.

Therefore, the minimum requirement is four כזיתים of מצה during the Seder. Some authorities encourage eating two כזיתים for the אפיקומן, which would bring the total to five, but the essential obligation is fulfilled with four.

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RAM Q&A is a regular WireNews column addressing questions on Torah, ethics, faith, culture, and the practical challenges of modern life. Each response is grounded in Jewish thought, clarity of reasoning, and respect for first principles, offering considered answers rather than opinion or sentiment. To ask RAM a question email him at rav@rambenzeev.com.