Question:
My question relates to the fact that some sefardim recite hamotzi on matzah during Pesach but during the year recite mezonot. A friend of mine suggested an idea that this could be because although it is generally mezonot, on Pesach the Torah calls matzah “lechem oni” i.e. it gives it the status of lechem. Do any of the poskin say such a pshat?
Answer:
The Chida explains (based on the Ginas Veradim and others) that on Pesach matzah is our staple diet — it is the “bread of Pesach” — and therefore it receives the berachah of hamotzi, whereas during the year it does not have the full status of bread, and mezonot (according to the custom of some sefardim) is recited.
This is similar to the explanation you suggest.
Best wishes.
