For many reasons - both mystical and a Jewish law standpoint - it is preferable to fulfill the Mitzvah of eating matzah at the Seder with hand baked Shmurah matzah.
Due to the fact that Shmurah Matzah is now available in the Dallas area in multiple places - We will not be selling Matzah through the Shul this year.
Shmurah Matzah is sold at the Kosher Tom Thumbs and is usually available at Costco as well.
About Shmurah Matzah
Instructions for the eating of the Matzah:
When: On Pesach night after nightfall (This year in Plano on Wednesday April 5th 2023 after 8:15pm, then again on Thursday night April 6th, after 8:28pm) During the seder after you ask the four questions and tell the story of the Exodus.
What: Take hold of the matzahs, recite the customary blessing before bread. Baruch Ata Ado-nai Elo-heinu Melech Haolam Hamotzi Lechem Min Ha’Aretz. Blessed are You, Lord our G‑d, King of the universe, Who brings forth bread from the earth.
Then, recite the special blessing: Baruch Ata Ado-nai Elo-heinu Melech Haolam, Asher Ki-d’shanu Be-mitzvotav Vetzivanu al Achilat Matzah. Blessed are You, Lord our G‑d, King of the universe, Who has sanctified us with His commandments, and commanded us concerning the eating of Matzah.
Then eat at least one third of a shmurah matzah
How: Eat while reclining to your left.
About Shmurah Matzah
Shmurah means “watched,” and it is an apt description of this matzah, the ingredients of which (the flour and water) are watched from the moment of harvesting and drawing.
The day chosen for the harvesting of the wheat is a clear, dry day. The moment it is harvested, the wheat is inspected to ensure that there is absolutely no moisture. From then on, careful watch is kept upon the grains as they are transported to the mill. The mill is meticulously inspected by rabbis and supervision professionals to ensure that every piece of equipment is absolutely clean and dry. After the wheat is milled, the flour is again guarded in its transportation to the bakery. Thus, from the moment of harvesting through the actual baking of the matzah, the flour is carefully watched to ensure against any contact with water.
The water, too, is carefully guarded to prevent any contact with wheat or other grain. It is drawn the night before the baking, and kept pure until the moment it is mixed with the flour to bake the shmurah matzah.
Also in the bakery itself, shmurah matzot are under strict supervision to avoid any possibility of leavening during the baking process. This intensive process and careful guarding gives the shmurah matzah an added infusion of faith and sanctity—in fact, as the matzah is being made, all those involved constantly repeat, “L’shem matzot mitzvah”—“We are doing this for the sake of the mitzvah of matzah.”
Shmurah matzot are round, kneaded and shaped by hand, and are similar to the matzot that were baked by the Children of Israel as they left Egypt. It is thus fitting to use shmurah matzah on each of the two Seder nights for the matzot of the Seder plate.
