Sunday, March 25, 2012

Dipping Koreich into Charoset

Hi,

The Shulchan Aruch says to immerse the marror which is eaten independently in charoses for a brief moment, and then shake off the charoses. Should I do this for Koreich?

The consensus of authorities is that the reasons we dip maror initially do not apply for Koreich. One reason is to commemorate the mortar of Egypt, but one commemoration suffices. Another reason is to neutralize a toxin in maror, but matzah serves that purpose. Nonetheless, some dip the maror of Koreich in charoses, because the goal of koreich is to commemorate Hillel's Koreich. Hillel would have used charoses for Koreich, because this was his sole consumption of maror.

Some suggest that those who dip the maror of Koreich in charoses should not dip the matzah; matzah symbolizes our journey to freedom, and it does not mix with the mortar of Egypt.

Each family should follow its custom; in the absence of personal custom, people should follow communal practice.

(Hagahos Maymoniyos Hilchos Chametz uMatzah 8:6; Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim 475:1; Pri Chadash Orach Chaim 475:1; Magen Avraham 475:7; Shulchan Aruch haRav 475:19; Aruch haShulchan Orach Chaim 475:8; Mishneh Berurah 475:14, 17-19)

Have a great day,
Mordechai

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