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Reheating Matzot in a Pan on a Blech or Hot Plate on Shabbat

Question

May one reheat matzot on Shabbat by putting a pan on top of a blech or hot plate, being careful it doesn’t reach yad soledet bo?

Answer

No, you may not reheat matzot that way on Shabbat.

Sources

The Rema writes that it is forbidden to place food on a stove (kirah) on Shabbat, even one that is covered (garufa u’ketuma). The Sages permitted only chazara, returning a pot that was already on the fire under the set conditions. They did not permit putting food on top of the heat source for the first time. Putting a pan of matzot on a blech or hot plate is placing food directly on the heat source, so it is not allowed.

  • Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chaim 253:5 (Rema) — it is forbidden to place food on a stove on Shabbat even if it is garufa u’ketuma; only returning (chazara) was permitted

Author

Rabbi Shay Tahan

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