Mishneh Torah, Leavened and Unleavened Bread 1

Sugya Map: The Anatomy of Consumption

• Core Issue: Does the Torah prohibition of Achila (eating) inherently include Shtiya (drinking)?
• Nafka Mina: Liability for Karet (excision) when consuming liquified Chametz.
• Primary Sources: Pesachim 42a, Chullin 120a, Rambam Hilchot Chametz u-Matzah 1:1.

Text Snapshot

"Anyone who intentionally eats an olive's size of chametz... is liable for karet... [The above applies] equally to one who eats chametz and one who converts it into a liquid and drinks it." (MT, Chametz u-Matzah 1:1)

Nuance: The Rambam asserts the equivalence of eating and drinking as a matter of law. Note the dikduk: the Torah uses the verb Achila (eating), yet the Halacha expands this to Shtiya (drinking) via the exegetical expansion of the term "Nefesh" (Chullin 120a).

Readings

• Kessef Mishneh: Argues the Rambam holds Shtiya is intrinsically Achila because the "Nefesh" (person/soul) needs satisfaction, which is achieved through both.
• Lechem Mishneh: Struggles with the Rambam’s derivation, noting that the Gemara implies Shtiya requires a specific limmud (derivation) from the word Nefesh, suggesting it is not "naturally" eating, but legally equated to it.

Friction

• The Kushya: If Shtiya is not naturally Achila, how can the Rambam claim that liquified Chametz carries the same Karet liability as solid Chametz?
• The Terutz: The Tzafnat Paneach suggests that once Chametz is liquified, it loses its status as "food" (Ochel). However, the prohibition of Chametz is unique; it is a Cheftza (object) that is inherently forbidden. Therefore, even in liquid form, the "Chametz-ness" remains, and the Torah’s inclusion of Shtiya via Nefesh covers the gap where natural definition fails.

Intertext

• Leviticus 4:27: The source for Chatat (fixed sin offering).
• SA Orach Chayim 442: Reflects the Rambam’s insistence that Shtiya is not merely a Rabbinic extension but carries full Torah liability.

Psak/Practice

The psak is absolute: one cannot bypass the Karet of Chametz by liquifying it. In a modern context, this extends to concentrated extracts, syrups, or alcoholic beverages derived from grain-based Chametz. If it retains the "substance" of the forbidden item, the issur remains intact.

Takeaway

The Torah's definition of "eating" is not restricted to mastication; it is defined by the satisfaction of the Nefesh. If it sustains the person, it is Achila, regardless of physical state.