By Rabbi Haim Jachter | March 11, 2021
The conundrum is well-known. We are not permitted to eat chametz on Erev Pesach after the fourth halachic hour of the day (please visit myzmanim.com for specific times in your area), and we are not permitted to eat matzah on Erev Pesach. On a day when we have restrictions regarding eating both chametz and matzah, how are we supposed to fulfill our obligation to eat three meals on Shabbat?!
Background Information
The Mishna (Pesachim 3:6) presents a debate between Rabi Meir and the chachamim whether chametz must be eliminated before Erev Pesach that falls on Shabbat. The halacha (Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim 444:1) follows the chachamim that one may eat chametz on Erev Pesach that falls on Shabbat through the fourth halachic hour of the day.