בס"ד

LAWS & CUSTOMS FOR NISSAN & PESACH For the year 5781

Comments or questions, please email Rabbi Wolf [email protected] Thanks to Rabbi Shmuel Lesches (Melbourne Australia) for assistance in preparing this guide ______

➤ THIRTY DAYS PRIOR TO PESACH Haircuts may be taken only until Erev ➤ KASHERING , 13th of Nissan (see further). From onward, one should learn and If you will be koshering utensils for Pesach, become fluent in the Laws of Pesach. it should be done under the guidance of Some refrain from eating Matzah during ➤ CLEANING AWAY THE one who is well versed in the relevant Laws. this time. Others stop after It is important to maintain a positive and Nissan. However, until the end-time for enthusiastic attitude regarding the Dishwashers, regular ovens, toaster eating Chametz on Erev Pesach, one may preparation efforts for Pesach. ovens, microwave ovens, grills and BBQs eat Matzah-like crackers which are really are not Kashered and used for Pesach. One should remember to clean or discard Chametz or egg-Matzah. One may also eat Self-cleaning ovens which reach Matzah balls or foods containing Matzah any Chametz found in the “less obvious” locations such as vacuum cleaners, approximately 480°C/900°F may be meal. One may also be lenient for children Kashered by running it through a full clean below the age of Chinuch. brooms, mops, floor ducts, kitchen walls, car interiors, car-seats, baby carriages, cycle; the oven door and seals should be During these days, Chametz should not be highchairs, briefcases, pocketbooks, cleaned well beforehand. scattered in a manner that would make it phones, mobile devices, computer For gas cooktops, the grates are Kashered hard to clean and remove before Pesach, keyboards and other devices commonly through Libbun Gommur (heating the or that would allow it to go unnoticed handled when eating. grates until they glow red-hot in the dark). before Pesach. Items regularly used around Chametz (e.g. The burners, drip-trays and cooktop One should contribute towards Maot cookbooks, Bentchers, Siddurim) should surface beneath the grates are Kashered Chittim which help provide all the Pesach be stored with the Chametz that is sold for by cleaning them thoroughly, after which needs of the poor. You can donate online Pesach. Books and toys should be cleaned Libbun Kal (heating the metal until the at www.bdhls.org/pesach. well or included in the Sale of chametz. other side is hot enough to scorch paper) is performed. One way to achieve all of this Every Jew should be encouraged to sell his Tablecloths or napkins should not be used Chametz, even if there is concern that he is by turning all the burners on the highest, if they were starched with a substance that and covering the entire cooktop with a will consume it on Pesach. [Obviously, such may contain Chametz. a person should be educated not to use it.] Blech until the grates glow red-hot, by You can sell your chametz online at Shabbat candlesticks should be cleaned which time the other components of the www.bdhls.org/pesach. thoroughly. If the usual tray will be used on cooktop will have reached the heat of Pesach, it should be cleaned well. Libbun Kal. [Do not leave the stove

Garbage bins should be thoroughly unattended when Kashering with this ➤ MONTH OF NISSAN cleaned. Council bins should also be method, and ensure adequate ventilation.] is not recited the entire month. cleaned. For standard electric cooktops (where the Similarly, Harachamim and Tzidkosecha New toothbrushes should be prepared for burner coils are exposed), the coils are are omitted each Shabbat. Pesach. Kashered through Libbun Gommur (turning them onto the highest setting until they There is a custom to recite the Nossi each A should be consulted regarding the glow red-hot), while the burners, drip- of the first twelve days of Nissan, followed use of vitamins and medicines (taken trays and cooktop surface are Kashered by by the Yehi Ratzon printed in the Siddur. It orally) which may contain Chametz. cleaning them thoroughly, after which is recited even by a and Levi. On the Libbun Kal is performed. thirteenth day, one recites the selection Pet food must be Chametz-free but may from “Zot Chanukat Hamizbeach” until contain . Cages, enclosures and If the cooktop surface cannot be Kashered “Ken Assah es Hamenorah”, but without feeding bowls must be thoroughly through Libbun Kal (e.g. if made of glass or reciting the Yehi Ratzon. cleaned. enamel), it may instead be covered with a durable and heat-proof covering or lining. One may not fast during Nissan, except a One does not need to clean behind or Chosson and Kallah on their wedding day, under heavy furniture rarely moved, if Cooktop knobs and backsplashes should who fast even on Rosh Chodesh Nissan. there are no plans to move it on Pesach be cleaned well (and some also cover itself. [Even if one knows for certain that them. During the month of Nissan, one recites there is Chametz there, one may include it the applicable blessing when seeing in the Sale of chametz.] Induction cooktops and electric blossoming fruit-trees for the first time. smoothtops (where the burner coils lie

1 beneath a flat ceramic glass surface) are ➤ SALE OF CHAMETZ A Firstborn (or the father of a Firstborn not Kashered and used for Pesach. under the age of Bar ) who did not Sale of chametz is effective only if one truly hear a Siyum must fast. Wooden or laminate tabletops and commits to sell his Chametz in an countertops are Kashered by cleaning unconditional and absolute sale. It is them thoroughly (including crevices) and therefore customary to perform a Kinyan ➤ CHAMETZ THIS YEAR waiting 24 hours. Then, after ensuring that (act of acquisition) when authorizing the the surface is thoroughly dry, one pours Rav to sell the Chametz. [However, this This year, when Erev Pesach coincides with boiling water from a kettle that has just Kinyan is not an absolute requirement.] Shabbat, one may eat Chametz until been removed from the source of heat, Shabbat morning. In fact, eating Chametz Sale of chametz occurs before the fifth ensuring that the flow of water from the is a requirement for the purposes of seasonal hour (12:24pm in Miami) on kettle to the entire surface is direct and Lechem on Friday night and Friday Erev Shabbat March 26, in keeping uninterrupted. Shabbat morning, given that Matzah with the usual time schedule every other cannot be used at these times. [See further Stone countertops are Kashered similarly, year. Practically, to ensure the Rabbi will for details.] but the boiling water is poured over an include your sale, please process your sale Even Meluban (red-hot stone) which is by Thursday March 25. Nevertheless, since and moved around (or right above) the entire Biur Chametz cannot be performed in the When the householder sells the Chametz, surface as the water is poured over it. The usual manner on Shabbat, both of these his dependents (who dwell with him Even Meluban remains effective as long as are conducted one day earlier, and their permanently) do not need to, unless they it causes the boiling water to bubble. times are equivalent to every other year. own Chametz independently. Chametz Thus, Bedikas Chametz is conducted on Metal countertops and sinks are Kashered belonging to a Shul or public organization Thursday night March 25 at nightfall, and with boiling water and an Even Meluban, in should be sold by the office-bearer the Chametz is burned on Friday morning the manner described above. The water responsible for finances. before 12:24pm. should be poured over the lowest surfaces In the sale, one includes all Chametz and first, before moving upward. Alternatively, From after the time of Bedikas Chametz, it Chametz utensils. Since the actual location they may be Kashered through Libbun Kal is advisable that all Chametz be eaten only of the Chametz is also leased to the non- (blowtorching until the other side of the in one designated area, and it be a place Jew, one should list the full address of each metal is hot enough to scorch paper). where crumbs are easily cleaned even on of his personal and business properties, Shabbat (as opposed to carpet, or dining Metal faucets and faucet handles are including common-owned properties, furniture with crevices). Young children Kashered by pouring boiling water (in the preferably concluding with the words “and should not be left unsupervised with manner described above for tabletops and wherever my Chametz may be found”. Chametz. counters). The hot tap-water should be If one owns Chametz in a different time- turned on and running through the interior zone, or is travelling to a different time- of the faucet at the time that its exterior is zone for Pesach, he should inform the Rav ➤ BEDIKAS CHAMETZ PREPARATIONS being Kashered. Bleach should be poured of his situation for further guidance. down the sink drain and onto any crevices The house should be completely cleaned, between the sink and the sink drain. Any If one is away from home for the entire the floors swept (including under the tap filters, aerators, strainers and sponges Pesach: If he arrives at his destination beds), and all Chametz removed prior to should be replaced. before the night of Bedikas Chametz, he Bedikas Chametz. includes his entire home in the Sale of The kettle used to boil the water for Anything included in Sale of chametz chametz. If he will still be at home the night Kashering is customarily reserved for this should be securely stored away before of Bedikas Chametz, he includes most of purpose alone, and is used neither with the Bedikas Chametz in a closed area such as a his home in Sale of Chametz, but excludes Chametz nor with the Pesach cooking. closet (which should be locked or marked). a small area so that he can conduct Bedikas [When extremely necessary, one may If a tabletop or countertop will be Chametz (see “Bedikas Chametz” section). access these areas during Pesach, but must damaged by Kashering, or is made of a avoid remaining there for any length of material that cannot be Kashered, one time, and must not touch the Chametz nor should cover it well instead, ensuring that ➤ FAST OF THE FIRSTBORNS – THURSDAY open any boxes containing them.] no liquid is trapped beneath. MARCH 25 Chametz that will be eaten from now until Fans, hoods and other areas above stoves This year, the fast of the firstborns is on Shabbat morning must be placed in a and ovens should be cleaned and ideally Thursday the 13th of Nissan. Every male secure location before Bedikas Chametz, covered due to the steam that circulates firstborn, as well as the father of a firstborn out of the reach of children and of rodents. when cooking. under the age of Bar Mitzvah, should A paper bag, single-wick beeswax candle, attend and eat from a Seudat Mitzvah such A separate Blech and urn is used for feather and wooden spoon are prepared as a Siyum, Brit or . They Pesach. Pantries, cupboards, shelves, for Bedikas Chametz. should not eat before partaking of the fridges and freezers (defrosted first) Seudat Mitzvah. Ten pieces of bread are put out, each piece should be thoroughly cleaned with a less than a Kezayis, but all pieces totaling cleaning agent. The fridge/freezer rubber A Siyum may be made on a Masechta of at least a Kezayis. Each piece should be door seals should be cleaned as well [the or an entire Seder of Mishna. [The wrapped well in paper in order to prevent interior circulation vents should not be Siyum may be made even by a child.] crumbs. The wrapping material must be blocked, so as not to cause damage].

2 flammable (as opposed to foil) so that the One searches by the light of the candle and conduct Bedikas Chametz (including Kol pieces of bread burn well. with a feather. Any Chametz found is Chamiro) the night before he leaves home, A record should be kept of the pieces’ placed in the paper bag. One must without a Bracha. [This is in addition to locations in case they are not found during carefully and meticulously search every searching at the place he is staying on the the search. location into which Chametz may have night of Bedikas Chametz.] Alternatively, potentially been brought, even if only on he may appoint a Shliach to search his occasion, and even if it has already been home on the night of Bedikas Chametz ➤ TIME OF BEDIKAS CHAMETZ – cleaned for Pesach. Even after all ten with a Bracha; however, the homeowner THURSDAY MARCH 25 pieces are found, one must properly must still recite Kol Chamiro. search the remainder of the house. Bedikas Chametz is performed as soon as However, one does not need to check the possible after nightfall (7:58pm), and after locations that are being leased in the Sale ➤ PESACH AND SEDER PREPARATIONS – davening Maariv. From half an hour prior of Chametz. One should remember to FRIDAY MARCH 26 to Nightfall until after Bedikas Chametz search his porch, garage and vehicle during (even if running late), one may not eat One should familiarize oneself with all the or after Bedikas Chametz. more than a K’beitzah (57 grams) of bread Laws associated with the Seder. or Mezonos, drink alcoholic beverages, After Bedikas Chametz is concluded, the A clean and undamaged -cup that nap, learn , bathe, haircut, work or bag of ten pieces along with the feather holds at least a Revi’is (86ml) is prepared perform other absorbing activities and any remnant of the candle is placed for all participants. inside a paper bag with the wooden spoon, unrelated to Bedikas Chametz. One should prepare enough red wine to and stored in a secure location inaccessible If one began these activities prior to this supply four cups for every participant. to children or rodents. time, he may continue during the half hour (White wine is not preferred at the Seder before Nightfall, but must stop as soon as Afterwards, one recites “Kol Chamiro”, unless it is superior to your red wines.) ensuring that he understands the it is Nightfall. One should prepare a sufficient supply of meaning. [Otherwise, he should recite it in One may begin learning during the half unbroken (and if hand-baked, concave- a language that he understands.] hour before Nightfall only if he appoints a shaped) Matzot for the Seder. One must also perform Bedikas Chametz Shomer (guardian) who is not learning to The romaine lettuce should be washed and (or appoint a Shliach to do so) at any other remind him to perform Bedikas Chametz checked for bugs before Shabbat. For property he is fully or partly responsible for as soon as it is Nightfall. those who are careful about gebrokhts, (e.g. workplace, dormitory room, they should also be dried so that they may common-owned entryways and facilities be eaten together with the Matzah at ➤ BEDIKAS CHAMETZ rooms) if it is not being sold for Pesach. Korech. One lights the candle before reciting the Ideally, this is done right after Bedikas The horseradish should be ground before Bracha, and holds it in his right hand during Chametz at home. [The Bracha is not Shabbat and placed in an air-tight the Bracha, in order to begin searching as recited again; one should therefore have container to retain its potency. soon as the Bracha is finished. these locations in mind when reciting the Bracha at home.] A person must also be The should be prepared (with After the Bracha, one should not speak at delegated to perform Bedikas Chametz at apples, pears and nuts) before Shabbat. all prior to beginning the search, even the Shul and the Beis Midrash. matters related to the search. If one did Hard boiled eggs should be prepared speak, he must repeat the Bracha if his If one is vacating his home for the entire before Shabbat for the Seder Plate. Pesach: If he arrives at his destination words were unrelated to the search. The Shank Bone or Chicken-necks are before the night of Bedikas Chametz, he roasted before Shabbat for the Zeroah. After one already began the search, until includes his entire home in the Sale of the conclusion of Kol Chamiro, one should Chametz, and performs Bedikas Chametz Salt-water is prepared before Shabbat. not speak matters unrelated to Bedikas at his destination. [When one is guesting Chametz. Roasted meat or poultry may not be eaten with a host, he may rely on the host’s at the Seder, even if it was cooked prior to Nevertheless, if one did speak Bedikas Chametz and need not perform it roasting. However, it may be eaten if it was unnecessarily, he does not repeat the himself. Alternatively, he may rent a room cooked after roasting. Bracha. The search begins in a location from the host with a valid Kinyan and Yom Tov in general, and the Seder in right next to where the Bracha was recited, perform Bedikas Chametz himself.] and is conducted carefully and thoroughly. particular, is an especially appropriate If he will still be at home for the night of time to host guests (this year – if it is COVID The obligation of Bedikas Chametz rests Bedikas Chametz, he should include most safe). with the householder. Nevertheless, he of his home in the Sale of Chametz, but The Mitzvah of V’Samechta B’Chagecha may delegate part (but preferably not all) exclude a small area in which to conduct entails eating meat, wine and delicacies; of the search to family members over Bar- Bedikas Chametz. He must also perform providing new clothing or jewelry for one’s Bat Mitzvah. Ideally, before spreading out, Bedikas Chametz (without a Bracha) when wife according to his means; and giving they should hear his Bracha and he arrives at his destination, unless sweets to the children. These should be immediately begin searching in a location someone else already performed it there. arranged in advance. right next to where he recited the Bracha. If one is away from home for the night of

Otherwise, they search without a Bracha. Bedikas Chametz, but will be returning on Erev Pesach or during Pesach, he must

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➤ EREV SHABBAT HAGADOL MORNING - The second Kol Chamiro is not recited now, ➤ SHABBAT HAGADOL NIGHT / MORNING but on Shabbat (see further). FRIDAY MARCH 26 The of the night and morning Mizmor L’Todah is recited on this day. meals should be brought out only when it When in Shul, one should clean and ➤ PREPARATIONS is time to eat it. The Challah should be remove any Chametz in his locker. consumed in a manner that will not leave It is advisable, and common practice, that crumbs in one’s property, such as by eating The activities regularly prohibited on Erev all foods prepared for Shabbat should be it over napkins. After eating the Challah, Pesach may be performed today even after Kosher L’Pesach. This is to prevent the risk any used napkins should be flushed down midday. This includes tailoring, sewing, of Chametz scattering, and also because it the toilet. laundering, giving haircuts and meticulous is Halachically problematic on Shabbat to forms of writing. wash Chametz dishes of their contents Tablecloths and / or tableware should be after their last use. [This concern applies shaken out over the toilet to remove all Any laundry should be tended to before crumbs, and then discarded. Shabbat because one should not launder even to disposable tableware, for any on Chol Hamoed. Chametz that sticks to it would need to be As an added precaution, many people somehow eliminated.] choose to eat the Challah in another One should have a haircut in honor of location, such as the porch or backyard, Pesach. The only Chametz should be the Challah used for Lechem Mishnah. One should and then return to the main dining area for Similarly, nails are trimmed in honor of obtain Challah in precise quantity so that the remainder of the meal. In this case, Pesach. [Another reason to tend to them there is enough for everyone to eat, i.e. at one should make Kiddush at the place on Erev Pesach is because they otherwise least a Kbeitzah (a measurement of where the Challah will be eaten, and also cannot be trimmed on Chol Hamoed.] This volume equal to the displacement of 57ml have in mind the transfer of location when year, one may do so even after midday. of water) per meal, but minimizing making the Bracha of Hamotzi. Similarly, leftovers as much as possible. one should ensure that the Shabbat candles can be seen from the place where ➤ BURNING CHAMETZ ON EREV It is advisable to prepare disposable the Challah will be eaten. SHABBAT - FRIDAY MARCH 26 tablecloths, tableware and / or napkins for use with the Challah. The Shabbat morning davening is This year, Biur Chametz occurs on Erev scheduled early, and it should not be Shabbat, before the fifth seasonal hour Any Chametz storage locations which will prolonged, in order that there be ample (12:24pm in Miami), in keeping with the need to be accessed on Shabbat should not time to eat Chametz after davening. usual time every other year. Even so, one be taped or tied shut, but rather, be sealed may continue to consume Chametz until in a manner that allows access on Shabbat. Shabbat morning (see further). On Erev Shabbat, it is ideal to open the ➤ DESTROYING CHAMETZ ON SHABBAT Prior to the end-time of Biur Chametz, one packaging of all the items that will be used HAGADOL – SATURDAY MARCH 27 should: during Shabbat and Yom Tov (e.g. wine One must stop eating Chametz before bottles and Matzah boxes). • store any Chametz for Friday and 11:21am in Miami, and wash his hands and Shabbat in a secure location. A ‘yahrtzeit candle’ that lasts a few days mouth. should be lit, in order to light the Festival • remove from his property all garbage One may still benefit from Chametz until candles from a pre-existing flame. that may contain Chametz. the end-time of Biur Chametz (12:23pm in Miami). • seal all locations included in Sale of chametz. ➤ EREV SHABBAT HAGADOL AFTERNOON One should inspect and clean any Chametz - FRIDAY MARCH 26 eating areas (including floors), ensuring If one is running late, these may be done that any remaining pieces or crumbs of any time prior to Shabbat. It is preferable to refrain from eating a Chametz are flushed down the toilet When Erev Pesach coincides with Shabbat, proper meal once the tenth Halachik hour before the end-time of Biur Chametz one may Kasher utensils the entire Friday of the day begins (4:24pm in Miami), in (12:23pm). order to properly enjoy the Shabbat meal until evening. One should remember to One should also clean his clothes, including clean jewelry rings. at night. However, one may snack in small quantities. pockets and cuffs, of any Chametz traces. Nevertheless, some Poskim advise that all One gives on Erev Yom Tov for Before the end-time of Biur Chametz, one Kashering should be done before 12:24pm, recites the second Kol Chamiro, ensuring so as not to distinguish from other years. three days – the two days of Yom Tov and Shabbat. that he understands its meaning. One should ensure that the pieces of [Otherwise, he should recite it in a Chametz are thoroughly burned before the One should arrange a pre-existing flame language that he understands.] from which to light the candles on the first end-time of Biur Chametz. [Nevertheless, if one is running late, the Chametz may – and and second nights of Pesach. should – be burned the rest of the day, Candle-lighting is at 7:17pm in Miami, as ➤ CHAMETZ AFTER THIS TIME prior to Shabbat. One may also burn the per a regular Erev Shabbat. One cannot benefit from any Chametz – Chametz earlier in the morning.] even belonging to a non-Jew. One may not assume responsibility for any Chametz on If still extant, the & are burned with the Chametz. Pesach, even if it belongs to a non-Jew.

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One may not touch Chametz throughout After , the is read from • To peel or shell all fruits, vegetable and Pesach, unless while destroying it. “Avadim Hayinu” until “L’chaper Al Kol nuts before use. One must prevent a gentile employee Avoinoseinu”. This is followed by “Seder • To have a special pot exclusively for (such as a household-helper) from bringing Pesach”. boiling eggs. Chametz onto one’s premises. A gentile • To boil and strain sugar before Pesach. who is not an employee may enter with ➤ MATZAH Chametz and eat it on site, provided that • Not to eat commercially prepared foods one doesn’t thereby assume any It is preferred to use Matzah produced (besides Matzah, wine, meat and/or oil). responsibility for the Chametz. One must from wheat, and not from other grains • Not to use spices. (such as spelt) unless there are health also ensure that the gentile removes the • To use coarse salt and not fine salt. Chametz from the premises as soon as he concerns. leaves, and the area must be cleaned. If a Matzah folded over during baking, or it • Not to eat garlic. has a large bubble, one should not eat of • Not to use food that fell on the floor. (If that area or its perimeter (at least 2cm). peelable, one may peel it). ➤ FINDING CHAMETZ AFTER THIS TIME • To thoroughly wash any utensil that fell If one finds Chametz on Shabbat – from on the floor, or to set it aside and not use ➤ KITNIYOT after the end time of Biur Chametz – or it until the following Pesach. Yom Tov, he should cover it immediately Kitniyot (legumes) are not eaten by • Not to eat food prepared outside one’s without moving it, as it is Muktzeh. He Ashkenazim on Pesach. Common own home. should burn it immediately after Yom Tov. examples include rice, millet, buckwheat, If one finds Chametz on Chol Hamoed, or corn, peas, beans, lentils, sesame seeds, • To cook as much as possible prior to after Pesach, he should burn it mustard, chickpeas, peanuts, soy and Pesach, since a speck of Chametz that is immediately. soybeans, tofu, sunflower and poppy inadvertently mixed in becomes nullified seeds. then, unlike on Pesach itself. When burning such Chametz, the Bracha of Al Biur Chametz is recited only when all Kitniyot derived oils are not used, such as the following conditions are met: canola, corn, peanut, safflower, sesame, ➤ FIRST NIGHT OF PESACH – SATURDAY sunflower, soybean (often labelled as • It is definite Chametz. MARCH 27 vegetable oil) or rapeseed (flaxseed) oils. • It belongs to him. Shabbat ends at 8:10pm. Kiddush should The status of cottonseed oil is debated, but not begin before this time, nor should • It is a Kezayis or bigger. it is generally regarded as non-Kitniyot. tasks and preparations required for Yom • It is still Pesach (not before or after). Kitniyot may be used when necessary for Tov be conducted before this time. • It was not in his possession at the time the sick, infirm or babies (e.g. infant Vatodienu is recited during the of when the Rav sold the Chametz. formulas and nutritional supplements). Maariv. [If one forgot to do so, he does not However, designated utensils should be If a guest mistakenly brings Chametz as a correct his mistake, but should say Baruch used, and they should be kept separate Hamavdil Bein Koidesh L’Koidesh before gift, one should intend to not acquire it. from the rest of the Pesach utensils. One should also remember not to handle it doing anything forbidden on Shabbat but directly on Yom Tov, and should follow the One may own and derive benefit from permitted on Yom Tov.] instructions above for destroying it. Kitniyot on Pesach (such as feeding pets). The candles should be kindled from a pre- existing flame, and only after Shabbat ends (8:10pm). The Brachot are L’Hadlik Ner ➤ SOME OBSERVED STRINGENCIES ➤ SHABBAT HAGADOL AFTERNOON – Shel Yom Tov followed by Shehecheyanu. SATURDAY MARCH 27 The Arizal stressed the importance of If conducting the Seder elsewhere, one being extra careful to refrain from any Parents should ensure that their children must derive some practical benefit from possible chametz consumption. nap during the day so that they are awake the candles after nightfall. and alert for the Seder. Historically, different communities and families adhered to different customs. It is forbidden to eat a proper meal once Additionally, commercial food production ➤ HALLEL the tenth Halachic hour of the day begins systems and technologies have radically (4:24pm in Miami), in order to eat the changed over time, which may change The entire Hallel is recited on the first two Matzah at night with a healthy appetite. some of the time-old customs. night and days of Pesach. Half Hallel is However, one may snack in small recited on the last six days of Pesach. It is quantities that will not ruin his appetite for It is important that all purchased preferable to recite Hallel with the Minyan. the Seder. processed foods have a reliable kosher- l’pesach hechsher. One may not perform any preparations on ➤ FORGOT TO PREPARE THE SEDER Shabbat for Yom Tov. [However, during Following are some common examples of ITEMS Bein Hashmashot, one may instruct a non- stringencies: Jew to prepare that which would be • Not to eat gebrokhts – Matza that came If one forgot to prepare any of the items permissible for a Jew to perform on Yom in contact with water for the Seder before Shabbat, one can Tov were it not being prepared for the prepare on the first night only what is second day.]

5 necessary for that night, and not for the possible, one should keep any pause to an consume them in the shortest time frame second night. absolute minimum. At the very least, one possible, ideally within four minutes. One may not grind horseradish on Yom should drink the majority of the cup, Marror requires one Kezayis (combined Tov. If it was not done before Shabbat, one preferably in one swallow. [If even this is from both the horseradish and romaine may chop it finely on Yom Tov. not possible, the barest minimum is lettuce). [For Marror, one may follow the Alternatively, one can suffice with romaine Revi’is (at least 44ml), preferably in one lenient opinion that measures a Kezayis at lettuce. swallow.] approximately 19 grams.] If one forgot to wash and check the One may drink water or other liquids One should have in mind the Korech when romaine lettuce for bugs, it may be done (other than wine) between the first and making the Bracha on the Marror. as usual on Yom Tov. second cups of wine. If he intended to do so when he recited Kiddush, then he does Korech is comprised of one Kezayis of the If one forgot to prepare the Charoset, one not make a Bracha; otherwise he recites Yisroel Matzah, and one Kezayis of Marror may grate it on Yom Tov in an irregular Shehakol. Children who are hungry may (combined from both the horseradish and way, such as by holding the grater snack. However, if they are old enough to romaine lettuce). [For both the Matzah backwards or grating directly onto the understand the story of Yetzias Mitzrayim, and Marror of Korech, one may follow the tabletop. they should not eat any Matzah until after lenient opinion that measures a Kezayis as If one forgot to prepare the salt-water, it Maggid. approximately 19 grams.] may be prepared as usual on Yom Tov. Although a Bracha is not recited at The Shulchan Orech meal begins with the Urchatz, one must still observe all the egg dipped in salt-water. At this point, the other Laws of Netilat Yadayim. remainder of the Kaarah may be removed ➤ THE SEDER – BOTH NIGHTS from the table. One should not eat the One dips the before making the The table should be set with the best Zeroah. Bracha, and should have in mind the utensils and finery – even if not actually Marror and Korech when making the One does not lean when eating the meal. needed for the Seder – as an expression of Bracha. One should eat less than a Kezayis One should eat his fill, but pace himself so freedom. of Karpas. that he can eat the Afikomen without The Seder should begin as soon as At Yachatz, the Matzah is broken into two feeling bloated. possible, but only after nightfall (8:10pm). pieces. [Ideally, the smaller piece should One does not recite a Bracha when The Matzot should be unbroken. For those still be a Kezayis.] The larger piece is then drinking wine during the meal, as it is using hand-baked Matza, they should be hidden for the afikomen. included with the Bracha over the second concave-shaped, and positioned so that During Maggid, the Haggadah should be cup of wine. they resemble a receptacle. The three recited at a reasonable pace, joyously and For the Afikomen, one eats two Kezaysim Matzot are inserted from bottom to top. in a loud voice, whilst sitting respectfully. of Matzah; one to commemorate the During Kiddush on the first night of Pesach, At the Bracha of Lefichoch at the Korban Pesach and the other to one recites a total of five Brachot: Yayin, conclusion of Maggid, one should recite commemorate the Matzah that was eaten Kiddush, Ner, Havdallah and Zman. [If one “min HaPesachim umin HaZevachim” on with it. As the Matzah hidden at the time jumbled the order, he does not need to the first night of Pesach, and “min of Yachatz is likely less than two Kezaysim, repeat it in the correct order, unless he HaZevachim umin HaPesachim” on the it should be supplemented with other reversed the order of Yayin and Kiddush.] second night of Pesach. Matzah. Those who do not have a Kaarah When reciting the Bracha of Ner-Candles, are given a little bit of the Afikomen One should endeavor not to speak one looks at the candle, but does not bring Matzah supplemented by other Matzah. If unrelated matters from the beginning of the candles together, nor does one look at one finds it too hard to consume two Motzi-Matzah until the end of Korech. his fingernails or bring them close to the Kezaysim, one may suffice with one flames. For Motzi-Matzah, every person with a Kezayis, but should stipulate that he Kaarah eats two Kezaysim of Matzah; one thereby fulfils whichever commemoration A woman who recites her own Kiddush Kezayis of the Kohen Matzah and one is the primary one. [For Afikomen, one may should not say Shehecheyanu, as she did so Kezayis of the Levi Matzah. If this is too follow the lenient opinion that measures a at candle-lighting. hard, one may suffice with one Kezayis Kezayis as approximately 19 grams.] One leans to the left when drinking the comprised from both of those Matzot. The We are particular about eating the four cups of wine, as well as when eating pieces of the Kohen and Levi Matzah are Afikomen before midnight (1:25am) only the Matzah. eaten together, and not one after the on the first night. On the second night, the One should drink red wine for each of the other. One without a Kaarah is given a bit Seder is conducted at greater length, with four cups. (White wine is not used at the of the Kohen and Levi Matzah greater elaboration of the Haggadah. Seder unless it is superior to one’s red supplemented by other Matzah; they need One does not eat or drink anything after wines. Even then, some add a little red eat only one Kezayis in total. [For Motzi- the Afikomen, aside from the last two cups wine to color it). If one cannot drink a full Matzah, one follows the stricter opinion of wine. cup of wine, he or she may mix it with that measures a Kezayis as 29 grams.] grape-juice. If even this is impossible, one The Matzah is not dipped into salt. When opening the door for Eliyahu HaNavi may use only grape-juice. at Shefoch Chamoscha, (some of) the When eating Motzi-Matzah, as well as candles are taken to the door. Those who Each of the four cups should be entirely Marror, Korech and Afikomen, one should open the door say Shefoch Chamoscha consumed without any pause. If this is not

6 whilst standing at the door, whereas • If one did not realize his error until the one said V’tein Tal Umotor Livrocho during everyone else recites it whilst remaining time for that Tefillah passed, he must , he must recite the Amidah of seated at the table. daven the next Tefillah twice. [E.g. If he Mincha twice.] Rabbi Shalom Dovber of Lubavitch once said “Morid HaGeshem” at Shacharit, he • If one said V’tein Tal Umotor Livrocho in said, “During the Seder, and especially must recite the Mincha Amidah twice.] Mincha of Erev Shabbat, he does not when the door is opened at Shefoch If one is in doubt whether he said Morid repeat the Amidah of Friday night. Chamoscha, one must think that he should Hatal, for the first thirty days he should • If one is in doubt whether he said V’tein merit to be a mentsch, and then Hashem assume that he did not, and after thirty Bracha, for the first thirty days he should will help. “Don’t request physical matters; days he should assume that he did. assume that he did not, and after thirty ask for spiritual matters!” days he should assume that he did. At the conclusion of the Seder, the wine ➤ FIRST AFTERNOON OF PESACH from the Kos Shel Eliyahu is returned to the bottle. [Wine should first be added to the If possible, one avoids beginning a meal ➤ YA’ALEH VEYAVO IN DAVENING Kos Shel Eliyahu before returning it to the after the tenth Halachic hour of the day If one forgets Ya’aleh Veyavo in davening, bottle, so that the wine in the bottle does begins (4:21pm in Miami), so that he has but remembers before saying Hashem’s not become Pagum.] an appetite for the second Seder. name at the end of Hamachazir Shechinato Before going to sleep on the first night of One may not perform any preparations on L’tziyon, he goes back. If he remembered Pesach, one recites only the first the first day for the second night and day between the conclusion of that Bracha and paragraph of Shma and the Bracha of of Yom Tov. [However, during Bein Modim, he recites it at that point, without Hamapil. On the second night, Krias Shma Hashmashot, one may instruct a non-Jew going back. If he remembers after that She’al Hamitah is recited as per every Yom to prepare that which would be point, but before taking three steps back, Tov. permissible for a Jew to perform on Yom he returns to the beginning of Retzei. If he Tov were it not being prepared for the remembers after taking three steps back,

second day.] Amidah is repeated. ➤ YA’ALEH VEYAVO IN BENTCHING If one is unsure whether he recited Ya’aleh If one forgets Ya’aleh Veyavo in bentching, Veyavo, Amidah is repeated. ➤ SECOND NIGHT AND DAY OF PESACH but remembers before saying Hashem’s If one forgot Ya’aleh Veyavo during The candles should be kindled with a pre- name at Bonei Yerushalayim, he goes back. Shacharit, and only realized after Musaf, existing flame, and not before Nightfall If one remembered after that, but before he does not repeat Shacharit. beginning the next Bracha, he recites the (8:10pm). The Brachot are L’Hadlik Ner extra Bracha as printed in the Bentcher. If Shel Yom Tov followed by Shehecheyanu. If one forgot Ya’aleh Veyavo during one began even the first word of the next Tasks and preparations required for the Mincha or Maariv, and only realized after Bracha, one must begin bentching again if second day of Yom Tov should not be the Zman Tefillah has passed, he must it is one of the two required meals of Yom conducted before this time. recite an additional Amidah in the next Tefillah, as compensation. Tov, but not if it is a third optional meal, or Sefirat Haomer is recited at Maariv, or Chol Hamoed. before beginning the Seder. The Horachamon for Yom Tov is recited. During the day meal of the second day of ➤ CHOL HAMOED – MARCH 30-APRIL 2 Pesach, it is appropriate to commemorate On the first night of Chol Hamoed, the anniversary of Esther’s feast which ➤ FIRST DAY: TEFILAS TAL is recited without Besomim and culminated in the hanging of Haman. candles. V’Yiten Lecha is not recited. After the Kaddish right before Musaf, the Gabbai announces “Morid Hatal”. From Mizmor L’Todah is not recited during that point on, one recites “Morid Hatal” in ➤ V’TEIN BRACHA Pesach. Amidah. Beginning on the first night of Chol Half-Hallel is recited during Chol Hamoed If one heard this announcement before Hamoed, we start reciting V’tein Bracha. If as well as on the last days of Pesach. davening Shacharit, he recites “Morid one said Tal Umotor, but realized before On Chol Hamoed: saying Hashem’s name at the end of that Hatal” in the Amidah of Shacharit as well. • One wears finer clothing. [One should avoid such a situation.] Bracha, he returns to the start of the Bracha. • One washes for Matzah, eats meat and The Chazzan recites the special Tefillah of drinks a cup of wine every day. Tal during the repetition of Amidah. If one already concluded the Bracha: • One allocates more time for learning. If one mistakenly said “Morid HaGeshem”: • If one already concluded the Bracha, he must go back to the Bracha of Boreich Many activities are possibly prohibited • If one realized before saying Hashem’s Aleinu, and continue from there to the end during Chol Hamoed, including (but not name at the end of the Bracha, he returns of Amidah. If he already began reciting (the limited to) business activity, trade, moving to the beginning of the Bracha. second) Yih’yu L’ratzon, he must repeat homes, gardening, sewing, laundering • If one already concluded the Bracha, he the entire Amidah. (unless for children who soil their clothing must return to the beginning of the • If one did not realize his omission until frequently, but only as required), Amidah. the time for that Tefillah has passed, he preparing food for after Yom Tov, cutting must daven the next Tefillah twice. [E.g. If nails (unless it was done on Erev Pesach as well) and taking haircuts.

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For the sake of Chol Hamoed or the last Since it is Shabbat, all the Shabbat If eating elsewhere, one must derive some days of Yom Tov, one may professionally selections are added in the Amidah of practical benefit from the candles after repair any item which is directly involved in Pesach. nightfall. food preparation (e.g. oven or fridge), or The custom of avoiding Kiddush between For Kiddush on Achron Shel Pesach night, which provides direct benefit to the body the sixth and seventh hour on Friday night one recites a total of four Brachot: Yayin, (e.g. the plumbing, electricity or air- applies even when it falls on Shvi’i Shel Kiddush, Ner and Havdallah. [If one conditioning), provided that it wasn’t Pesach. jumbled the order, he does not need to practical to fix prior to Yom Tov (e.g. it Shalom Aleichem and Eishes Chayil (as well repeat it in the correct order, unless he broke on Yom Tov). as all the other selections prior to Kiddush) reversed the order of Yayin and Kiddush.] One should avoid writing. If it cannot be are recited, but in an undertone. Yom Shehecheyanu is not recited. deferred until after Chol Hamoed, one Hashishi is then recited aloud, followed by When reciting the Bracha of Ner, one looks should write with a Shinui. Hagofen and the Pesach Kiddush (including at the candle, but does not bring the Unless needed for Yom Tov, one should the Shabbat additions). Shehecheyanu is candles together, nor does one look at his not shop for utensils, appliances or not recited. fingernails or bring them close to the clothing. [One may be lenient if the item is There is a custom to remain awake the flames. significantly discounted and it cannot be entire night of Shvi’i Shel Pesach and study purchased later for a similar price.] Torah. ➤ ACHARON SHEL PESACH DAY – Routine medical exams that can easily wait SUNDAY APRIL 4 should not be scheduled for Chol Hamoed. ➤ SHVI’I SHEL PESACH DAY – SHABBAT Yizkor is recited before Musaf. Those who

APRIL 3 leave the Shul for Yizkor may recite “Av ➤ EREV SHVI’I SHEL PESACH – FRIDAY All the Shabbat selections are added in the Harachamim” after Yizkor if they wish to. APRIL 2 Amidah of Shacharit and Musaf. After Mincha and before sunset, we wash One gives Tzedakah for the two days of As it is Shabbat, the special selections for Matzah and participate in a Seudat Yom Tov. normally added for Yom Tov when opening Moshiach. One should arrange a pre-existing flame the Aron Hakoidesh are omitted. One may technically eat Chametz during from which to light the candles on the The congregation stands and faces the the Seudas Moshiach after Nightfall. second night of Yom Tov. Sefer Torah while the Shirah is read. During Bentching, Ya’aleh Veyavo (and Since Shvi’i Shel Pesach is Shabbat, the One may not perform any preparations on Horachamon) is recited, even if it is already candles should be kindled at the usual the first day for the second night and day after Nightfall. eighteen minutes before sunset (6:20pm), of Yom Tov. On Motzei Pesach, Havdalah is recited and certainly not after sunset (7:38pm). without Besomin and candles. V’Yiten The Bracha is Shel Shabbat v’Shel Yom Tov, Lecha is not recited. ➤ ACHARON SHEL PESACH NIGHT – but Shehecheyanu is not recited. SATURDAY APRIL 3 If eating out, one should ensure that Shabbat ends at 8:13pm. Tasks and ➤ practical benefit is derived from the preparations required for Yom Tov should candles after Yom Tov begins. One should wait a short period of time not be conducted before this time. after Pesach before eating Chametz, in

Vatodienu is recited during the Amidah of order to allow time for the Rov to ➤ SHVI’I SHEL PESACH NIGHT - FRIDAY Maariv. repurchase the Chametz. APRIL 2 The candles should be kindled with a pre- Isru Chag is celebrated with additional and Kabbalat Shabbat begins with Mizmor existing flame, and only after Shabbat ends festive foods. L’Dovid, and not with L’chu Neranenah. In (8:13pm). The Bracha of Shel Yom Tov is Best wishes for a Kosher un Freilichen Lecho Dodi, we say B’Simcha U’vetzahala. recited, but Shehecheyanu is not recited. Pesach!

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