Q. How do you arrange a minimal seder for an elderly lady that is mentally OK, but bed ridden at home.
What is the smallest shiur of matza, and how do you prepare it with water?
A. Normally Poskim recommend for matza are at least approximately 27 or 28 cubic centimeters according to Rav Chaim Noeh. (Shiurei Torah p. 191, 193. However, 28.8 cubic centimeters is mentioned preferable. About 15 - 13.5 gm.). According to Horav Moshe Feinstein zt'l the amount is 43.2 cubic centimeters or about (Kol Dodi, p. 60), and 50 cubic centimeters according to Chazon Ish. (Shiurin shel Torah, pp. 65, 66. There are conflicting amounts quoted as to how much matzo fulfills this opinion. Shiurin shel Torah p. 66 quotes that the Chazon Ish personally assessed half a machine matzo as sufficient, whereas the Steipler Gaon suggests that two thirds of a machine matzo may actually be necessary to meet this amount. Moreover, there are contemporary seforim on halachic measurements suggesting that perhaps even more than two thirds of machine matzo would be necessary to satisfy the Chazon Ish’s opinion.
In regards to an elderly or ill individual, Horav Shlomo Miller's opinion recommends half an ounce or 14.2 gm.
The Rov added that if the matza is to be dampened with water to make it softer and more digestible, it should maintain its tzuras hapas or basic form and structure.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a
Important Numbers
