If I understand Brachot daf 2 correctly, the gemara introduces a klal that when the chachamim say that the time for a particular mitzvah runs through chatzot, the actual final time is sheyaaleh amud hashachar and the hachamim are establishing the earlier time to "distance us from transgressing." One of the examples that is given is those korbanot thatmay be eaten for a day and a night.
So here's my question: My understanding is that the halacha is that the korban Pesach, and by implication the afikoman even at our s'darim, must be completely consumed no later than chatzot. Is this (1) an exception to the klal because in this case we are reenacting the first Pesach, when chatzot was the actual deadline; or is it (2) not an exception to the klal, and l'chatchila one should finish by chatzot but b'dieved one has until sheyaaleh amud hashachar, or (3) am I misunderstanding the situation and there's nothing to reconcile?
Thank you.
Andrew Greene, Newton (Boston), MA, USA
The answer is both (1) and (2).
As far as when they may be eaten, there is no difference between the first Pesach and subsequent ones. But Tana'im argue in the Gemara whether (Rebbi Akiva) the Korban Pesach is the same as other Korbanos and may be eaten until Alos Ha'shachar mid'Oraisa (and Chatzos mid'Rabanan), or whether (Rebbi Elazar ben Azaryah) it may only be eaten until Chatzos mid'Orasia, unlike other Korbanos.
Halachically, there is disagreement among the Rishonim how we rule. The RAMBAM (Korban Pesach 8:15) rules like Rebbi Akiva, that it may be eaten until Chatzos. If so, we would try to eat the Afikomen before Chatzos only because of the Rabbinic decree.
However, Tosfos Megilah 21a rules like Rebbi Elazar ben Azaryah, that Afikomen must be eaten before Chatzos.
(Please accept our apologies for the delay in getting back to you on this. Due to the pressures of organizing our Grand Siyum and Pesach vacation, the Kollel fell behind in keeping up with our email questions. We are now back on track, and you should receive prompt answers to any future questions, G-d willing.)
Best wishes,
Mordecai Kornfeld
Kollel Iyun Hadaf