Chameshes Haminim

Asked by Unk · February 20, 2004 · Passover

Question

With Pesach around the corner the question again arises, "What does someone with gluten allergy do about matzos?" In previous years, matzohs made from oat flour have been used by those with wheat allergies. Having now determined that oats is (are?) not from the chameshes haminim and therefore disqualified for Hamotzei and Al Achilas Matzoh, what about spelt? The mishnah in Menachos (70A) identifies "Kusmin" as one of the 5 minim. The gemara translates the hebrew "Kusmin" as "Gulbah" in aramaic, which Rashi says is "Espilte" (spelt) in O.F. (in Yiddish, "Dinkle") Spelt is a grain that is taxonomically of the same genus as bread wheat (triticum). Spelt flour is readily available and used in many speciality baked goods. What is R' Abadi's position on the use of spelt matzos for Hamotzei and Al Achilas Matzoh?

Answer

Answered by Aaron Abadi

Certainly not to make a blessing on it. Better not to use anything. Just eat during the meal a Spelt Matzah just in case. My guess is that all of the 5 types of grain that are not allowed to rise on Passover, all contain Gluten. They are clearly types of wheat and Barley. What are the odds of one type of wheat containing Gluten and another not. We can't just wish for something to be Matzah in order to not feel like we missed a Mitzvah. AA