YIGN PRE-PESACH GUIDE 5781

1st edition

Contents

Introduction 4 Maot Chittim 5 Birchat Ilanot 5 Tevilat Keilim 5 Selling 5 A Special Year – When Erev Pesach Occurs on 6 Fast of the 6 Bedikat Chametz 6 Biur Chometz 6 Seder Preparations Before Shabbat 7 Friday Night 7 Shabbat Day 8 Biur Chametz 8 Preparing Your Kitchen for Pesach 8 8 Floors 9 Food/Dish Cabinets 9 Refrigerator 9 Stainless Steel Sinks 9 Microwave 9 Countertops 9 Dishwashers 9 Oven 9 Convection Ovens 9 Metal Stovetop 10 Electric Stovetop (Coil) 10 Glass Stovetops 10 Warming Draw 10 Instant Pot 10 Hot Water Urn 10 Glass Utensils 10

YIGN Pre-Pesach Guide 5781 pg. 2

Pots, Dishes, and Silverware 10 BBQ Grill 10 Keurig (or similar) Coffee Maker 10 SodaStream 11 Metal Hot Plates. 11 Food Processor/Mixer/KitchenAid/Toaster Oven 11 Dish Towels and Tablecloths 11 Tabletops 11 Booster Seats and Highchairs 11 Benchers 11 How to Kasher Small Items 11 Cleaning Elsewhere 12 Bedrooms and Closets 12 Clothes, Pockets, etc. 12 Seforim & Books 12 Toys 12 Electronics 12 Pet-Foods 12 Medicines 12 Cosmetics 12 Products that Do NOT Require Pesach Supervision 13 For Further Information 13

YIGN Pre-Pesach Guide 5781 pg. 3

Introduction Dear Friends, As we begin the month of Nissan, I am reminded of the materials we were forced to prepare last year for a Seder like no other. Many were making Pesach for their first time and we were all planning a lonelier Pesach than ever before. Thank G-d, we made it through that Pesach and through an entire year. This year I was able to prepare a more “normal” Pesach guide that I hope will consolidate much of the information that I am most commonly asked. In addition, this guide contains information regarding Erev Pesach, which this year falls on Shabbat. Please refer to the live and recorded classes that more deeply explain much of this information. Links to those recordings can be found in our Daily Digest. Please alert me to any mistakes (I’m sure there are many) and information that would be helpful to be added. Over time, I’d like to add more helpful materials to enhance our Sedarim as well. Looking over our materials from last year, I came across the following paragraph that followed a selection of ideas for families to make the best out of our difficult and lonely Sedarim: “It will be OK” - For almost all of us, this year’s Seder/Pesach plans are not what we hoped for and just might be like none other in our lifetimes. Even if we don’t have the perfect alternative or Pesach patch, and our family won’t be satisfied with any of these ideas and will terribly miss one another, that is ok. This is an incredible teaching moment for our children and ourselves. On all other years, our focus and appreciation of tradition and the powerful legacy we received from our parents and grandparents brings us together. This year, our appreciation for those same people keeps us apart. For many, we have been blessed by G-d to have been “redeemed” by the vaccine and will be fortunate to again spend time together with family. Last year it was hard to imagine that a year of pandemic could pass and what it might look like. Together - if at a distance - we made it this far, and we all hope that good news keeps coming. Most of all, as different as this year is from last year, may next year bring us even more change, and deliver us all to Yerushalayim to celebrate Pesach together! השתא הכא, לשנה הבאה בארעא דישראל, השתא עבדי, לשנה הבאה בני חורין. At present we are here; next year may we be in the land of Israel. At present we are slaves; next year may we be free!

Malka and I wish you all a Chag Kasher v’Sameach!

Shmuel Ismach

YIGN Pre-Pesach Guide 5781 pg. 4

Maot Chittim Pesach can be an expensive holiday and can be one in which we are blessed to treat ourselves to new clothing, delicious foods, and exciting travel. There is an old custom to assist those in need with Pesach expenses. As we prepare our own beautiful Pesach Yom Tov, please do what you can to consider those with less. You may donate to the Chesed fund HERE and mark “Maot Chittim.”

Birchat Ilanot Nissan marks the beginning of the season for Birkat Ilanot, the blessing we recite upon seeing fruit trees in bloom (this year, that might be a little later than the first of Nissan). It is preferable to recite the bracha as soon as one sees a fruit tree in bloom, which is usually during the month of Nissan. However, the Aruch Hashulchan notes that in some countries, trees begin to bloom in or and as such those months would then be the proper time to recite the blessing. The bracha is:

בָּ רּוְך אַתָּ ה י ‑יָּ א ‑ֹלהֵינּו מֶ לְֶך הָּ עוֹלָּם,שֶ ֹּלא רחִסֵ ב עוֹלָּמוֹכ לּום, ּובָּרָּ א בוֹ ב רִ ּיוֹת טוֹבוֹת ו אִ ילָּנוֹתטוֹבוֹת, לֵהָּ נוֹת בָּ הֶ ם ב נֵיָאדָּ ם:

Tevilat Keilim Thankfully, the North Shore Mikvah Association Keilim Mikvah is OPEN this year from 8:00am until one hour before sunset. Please wear a mask and maintain social distancing.

Selling Chametz Rabbi Ismach will be available in person for selling chametz with the traditional Kinyan Chalipin. If you are not comfortable meeting in person, you will be able to fill out a form online that designates Rabbi Ismach as your agent to sell your Chametz. Do not assume that your form was received unless you receive a confirmation email (please allow 24 hours). Arrangements for the sale of chometz should be executed by Thursday evening since this year the non-Jew’s purchase of chometz (except for what we use on Shabbat) will go into effect before Shabbat. The deadline for submitting your form by email is 8:00pm on Thursday March 25th. The form is available HERE.

YIGN Pre-Pesach Guide 5781 pg. 5

A Special Year – When Erev Pesach Occurs on Shabbat This year has been so different already, it’s almost a given that Pesach would contain a curveball as well. Usually, Erev Pesach is a busy day when we do Bedikat Chametz, Bechorim, the Chametz Sale, and Biur Chametz. We can’t do most of those things on Shabbat. When is the fast? The Bedika? Additionally, there are a host of practical issues to be considered. How do we have the Shabbat meals if we cannot yet eat Matzah? When should we be eating these meals? What do we do with Chametz leftovers? Read on to learn more. Fast of the Firstborn Taanit Bechorim will take place this year on Thursday, March 25th. While this year, one may fast through the day if they would like to, we will be providing two with which you can participate and celebrate along to exempt you from . The two siyums will follow each the 6:30 and 7:30 minyanim respectively. The first siyum will be presented by Emanuel Dicker and the second by Meyer Abittan representing our Daf Yomi Chabura. If you are unable to attend in person, you may join at the following links on Zoom: - Siyum following the 6:30 minyan: HERE - Siyum following the 7:30 minyan: HERE Bedikat Chametz Bedikat Chametz will occur on Thursday night March 25th, after nightfall (7:54pm). It will be done as normal, using a candle or artificial light to inspect the house chametz and for the ten pieces we previously hid. The beracha of Al Biur Chametz is said before the search begins: If you will be away for Pesach, make the bedikah on the last night you will be home, but do not recite the beracha. The Beracha is as follows: בָּ רּוְך אַתָּ ה י ‑יָּ א ‑ ֹלהֵינּומֶ לְֶךהָּ עוֹלָּם אֲשֶׁרקִדְּשָׁ נּו בְּמִצְֹּותָׁ יווְּצִ ּוָׁנּועַל בִ עּור חָׁמֵ ץ After the search, say the Kol Chamira (minimally in English) to nullify the Chametz you did not find and are unaware of as follows: “All chametz and leaven that may be in my domain which I have not seen and which I have not destroyed or whose existence I have no knowledge of, shall be nullified and be deemed null and disowned and deemed valueless like the dust of the earth.” Biur Chametz Biur Chametz is the destruction of chametz, traditionally done through burning. The burning of chometz should take place on Friday morning (wherever you are at that time), preferably before 11:56am. This is the latest time for burning chometz in a regular year, so we adhere to the same timetable this year as well to avoid confusion in other years. However, if you didn’t burn or otherwise destroy the chometz by that hour, you can do it all day Friday until candle lighting time, 6:55PM. Do not say the second paragraph of Kol Chamira which nullifies all of one’s chametz because we have set aside chametz for use on Shabbat and do not wish that to

YIGN Pre-Pesach Guide 5781 pg. 6

be nullified. We will recite that second Kol Chamira on Shabbat morning before 11:58am. At that time, all benefit from chametz becomes forbidden. As the chag approaches, we will share information regarding special sanitation drop-offs and locations available for public burning before Pesach. Seder Preparations Before Shabbat Because Erev Pesach falls on Shabbat, many of the Seder preparations must be taken care of before Shabbat begins as one may not prepare on Shabbat for after Shabbat. It is best not wait until Saturday night for all Seder preparations so that we do not delay the start of our Seder. Some things to remember to do: ● Roasting of the shank bone ● Grating the horseradish ● Grinding the ingredients for ● Checking the leaves of the Romaine lettuce for insects ● Cooking whatever foods will be served at the Seder meal that there is insufficient time to cook Motzei Shabbat after Havdalah ● Prepare a Ner Neshama (yartzeit candle) that will be lit right before the shabbat candles so you can transfer from fire to fire on Pesach Friday Night On this Shabbat, it is common to have Pesach meals with Kosher for Pesach food and dishes with challah rolls as the remaining Chametz, as we do not eat Matzah on Erev Pesach. (Some substitute challah with pita or less crumby-type bread). There are many alternatives for how to eat this chametz for this and the day meals. - Carefully eat the chametz over an easy to clean surface or a disposable surface (e.g. plastic tablecloth) and then continue with the meal. - Alternatively, the whole meal can be eaten with disposable dishes and silverware to avoid any Pesach dishes coming into contact with chametz. - You may also eat the chametz outdoors on your deck in sight of your dining room table. - Another method is to use egg matzah as your “Lechem Mishneh.” While healthy Ashkenazim do not eat egg matzah after the last time to eat Chametz, its crumbs are not considered to be Chametz. - If you did not leave enough chametz for all the Shabbat meals, many hold that it is ok to have matzah on the night before Pesach, if not by day.

YIGN Pre-Pesach Guide 5781 pg. 7

Shabbat Day On Shabbat day, we are required to have two more meals using challah or egg matzah and must be eaten before 10:55am. How do we do this? First, we will be holding our minyanim at around 7:30/7:45am. We expect to be finished at about 9:20am. You should go home, make Kiddush and Hamotzi on challah/pita/egg matzah (with the same precautions you used the night before), have a single course of the meal, and then immediately bench. After a wait of 15-30 minutes, you may now wash again on challah/egg matzah and complete your chametz by 10:55am. The meal can continue past that time. That will allow you to complete two meals with challah/egg matzah before the time for eating chametz ends. Alternatively, you may have only one meal before 10:55am and rely on those who allow one to fulfill the third meal with fish, fruits, or vegetables later in the day. Biur Chametz All remaining chametz should be disposed of (flushed, or crumbs thrown to the wind) by 11:58am. Large pieces of chametz can be broken down and flushed as well. Alternatively, you may take it out of your home and put it in a municipal trash can. After the disposal of the chametz we again recite Kol Chamira with a minor change from what we said on Thursday night: “All chametz and leaven that may still be in my domain which I have or have not seen and which I have or have not destroyed or whose existence I have or have no knowledge of, shall be nullified and be deemed null and disowned and deemed valueless like the dust of the earth.”

Preparing Your Kitchen for Pesach

Kitniyot - According to the Ashkenazi tradition, Kitniyot can be used after the house has been cleaned for Pesach, but may not be eaten after the last time we may eat chametz. Kitniyot should not be cooked in utensils that will be used on Pesach, and certainly not on Pesach itself. An Ashkenazi may eat at a table where someone is eating Kitniyot but may not partake. According to the OU, the following are considered Kitniyot:

- Beans - Flaxseed (Linseed) - Rapeseed - Buckwheat - Green Beans - Rice - Caraway - Hemp Seeds - Sesame Seeds - Cardamom - Lentils - Soybeans - Corn - Millet - Sunflower Seeds - Edamame - Mustard - Teff - Fennel Seeds - Peas - (Amaranth) - Fenugreek - Poppy Seeds - (Peanuts)

Learn more about Kitniyot from the Star-K HERE.

YIGN Pre-Pesach Guide 5781 pg. 8

Floors - It is sufficient for tiled or wood floors to be swept and washed with a household floor cleaner. Cracks and spaces between tiles do not have to be checked or specifically cleaned if the cleaning solution reaches into them. Food/Dish Cabinets - If the cabinet is not going to be used on Pesach, then just close it and label it in a manner that will remind you not to use it on Pesach and sell it with the chametz. If the cabinet is going to be used on Pesach, take out all the food, and wipe it down well with a household cleaner. Be sure the cleansing agent reaches into all the cracks and soaks into any crumbs that might be stuck somewhere. Some like to line the cabinets after cleaning them, but this is not technically necessary. Refrigerator - Empty and clean well with a household cleaner. Chametz that will be sold should be set aside and clearly marked. Stainless Steel Sinks - Clean well and do not use with hot water for 24 hours (you may want to shut the hot water valve beneath the sink to ensure this is done). After 24 hours, make sure sink is dry, and pour boiling water directly from a pot/kettle over each area of the sink. It is not enough to pour in one area and let the water flow on another. After you are done, it is best to rinse the sink with cold water. It’s best to replace the drain filter and sponges. Porcelain (and similar materials) cannot be kashered. Instead, they should be lined with contact paper or aluminum foil and a dish rack or insert should be placed inside to hold and dishes. A separate one for both meat and milk would be required.

Microwave – Clean well and don’t use for 24 hours. Boil water in a foam cup for 5 minutes so that the microwave steams up. Replace glass plate or keep covered. Countertops - Countertops that are made of solid stone, like granite or marble can be kashered for Pesach. Other synthetic or composite materials (including granite composite) cannot be kashered and should be covered. To kasher, clean well and leave unused for 24 hours (for any hot foods). After 24 hours, pour boiling water over entire surface. It is not enough to pour in one area and let the water flow to another. Steaming countertops is only possible with high-grade commercial equipment. Dishwashers - Wait 24 hours after last use. Visually inspect to ensure that there it is clean. Run it through two cycles at the highest temperature possible with soap. This does not work for porcelain dishwashers. Oven - Self-cleaning ovens simply need to be run through the self-clean cycle. Non self- cleaning ovens need to be cleaned thoroughly with a caustic cleaner (e.g. St. Moritz, Easy Off). Make sure to clean all surfaces as well as possible. Don’t use the oven for 24 hours and then put on highest temperature for one hour. Convection Ovens - May be kashered like non-self cleaning ovens above.

YIGN Pre-Pesach Guide pg. 9

Metal Stovetop - Due to its direct-fire exposure, if possible, gas stovetop grates should be kashered in the oven during a self-clean cycle. If this is warned against by the manufacturer, you can put in the oven at the highest regular oven temperature for one hour. It is best to cover the area around the grates. If this is not practical, you can turn on all the grates and cover with a blech or something similar for thirty minutes and assume the area has been koshered. All other surfaces should be well cleaned, including knobs and keypads. Electric Stovetop (Coil) - Burners should be turned to high and left on for 15 minutes. Treat the rest of the range as above. Glass Stovetops - Turn burners on to highest temperature for 15 minutes. This can be done one at a time. This doesn’t kasher the non-burner areas and these areas cannot be covered either due to an overheating and cracking risk. Avoid putting pots on those areas over Pesach. Some suggest placing a metal disk on the burner so that the pot is slightly elevated and will avoid these areas. Warming Draw - I am unaware of a safe way to kasher a warming drawer. Instant Pot - Cannot be kashered.

Hot Water Urn - Run hot water through the tap for 10 seconds while pouring hot water over the spout. If the urn is used to warm food on Shabbat, it would need to be kashered more thoroughly. Contact me for more information. Glass Utensils - Ashkenazim may kasher glass used only for cold drinks using haagala (see below) or milui v’urui as follows: Soak the glass for 72 hours while changing the water every 24 hours. Pyrex, duralex, corelle, crystal, corning ware, porcelain and china should not be kashered. Pots, Dishes, and Silverware - Whatever is not going to be used for Pesach should either be taped closed and marked, or put away in such a manner that will remind you not to use them on Pesach. The following vessels may be kashered through haagala, or purging: metal, stone, and wood (provided that there aren’t large cracks in the wood which may contain real food pieces). See “How to Kasher Small Items” below for instructions.

BBQ Grill - Since grill cooking involves direct fire, kashering a grill requires very high temperatures. Grates can be replaced for Pesach or can be put into a self-cleaning oven to be koshered. Clean the internal surfaces of the grill well and turn the grill on its highest temperature for one hour. Keurig (or similar) Coffee Maker - The coffee maker must be cleaned well and not used for 24 hours. Remove K-cup holder and pour boiling water over the K-cup holder or insert removable piece into boiling hot water. Run a Kosher for Pesach K-cup in the machine. Be sure the base of the machine is clean.

YIGN Pre-Pesach Guide pg. 10

SodaStream - Assuming the cartridges that are usually used are not flavored with Chametz, simply clean the machine well. Use new bottles for Pesach. Be sure the base of the machine is clean.

Metal Hot Plates - Clean, leave on the highest setting for half an hour, then cover with heavy aluminum foil before use. Glass hot plates should not be kashered. Food Processor/Mixer/KitchenAid/Toaster Oven - Cannot be kashered. Dish Towels and Tablecloths - Regular dish and hand towels may be washed with hot water and detergent and used on Pesach. Make sure there is nothing stuck on the towels. Vinyl tablecloths cannot be kashered for Pesach. Tabletops - Wash them with a household cleaner. Cover the table. Booster Seats and Highchairs - These need to be cleaned very thoroughly but do not need to be covered as hot food is generally not placed on the trays. Benchers - These are very hard to clean should be put away. Use Haggadas instead.

How to Kasher Small Items

Metal utensils used for chametz (excluding grill tools) can be kashered through a process called haagala (purging) as follows:

1. Clean the utensil thoroughly. 2. Do not use for 24 hours. 3. Boil water in any pot (Pesach or not) that has not been used in 24 hours. 4. When water reaches rolling boil, immerse the utensils one by one. The rolling boil must be maintained before the next utensil is placed inside. 5. If putting in more than one utensil in at a time, ensure that that they are not touching. If tongs are used, be sure to move the tongs from one area to another to allow the water to reach the entire surface. 6. Large items may be placed in the water one part at a time. 7. After removing the utensil, it should be rinsed with cold water. 8. Please contact me if you need to kasher a utensil that is too large to fit in your largest pot for instructions.

YIGN Pre-Pesach Guide pg. 11

Cleaning Elsewhere

Bedrooms and Closets - In these spaces, we are checking for edible crumbs of chametz and larger pieces of chametz. Remember to look for possible packaged chametz that may have been put into pockets of jackets, briefcases, knapsacks etc.. that may have been forgotten.

Clothes, Pockets, etc.: If they have been washed in detergent or dry-cleaned, then there is no need for them to be checked (unless there might be packaged chametz in them, like in coats or jackets). Clothes which will not be worn on Pesach do not have to be checked, but they should be put away.

Seforim & Books - that may contain chometz crumbs should either not be brought to the table on Pesach or if you plan to use them at the table, they should be cleaned and checked well.

Toys - If there is edible chametz in or on toys, it should be either removed, or rendered inedible. This is less of a concern if they won’t be brought near places where food is eaten. Play-doh is considered chametz and should be sold along with your other chametz.

Electronics - Electronics that have visible crumbs in them (e.g. laptops or keyboards) should be sprayed with a cleaner and kept away from where you are eating.

Pet-Foods - Pet foods can be problematic if they have chametz content on Pesach as we are not even permitted to benefit from chametz. In addition, throughout the year, there can be problems if pet food contains forbidden mixtures of meat and milk. Please see the resources at the end of the guide for more specific information.

Medicines

Although this is a matter of some debate, all swallowable pills can be taken regardless of ingredients and regardless of the level of your illness. Vitamins that are doctor-indicated are ok if taken in swallowable pill form as well. Chewables and liquids are more complicated and may be problematic so it would be best to replace them with a swallowable equivalent OR to inquire as to which what brands have been checked for chametz and approved for use.

Cosmetics

One does not need to be concerned with cosmetics and perfumes that have chametz in them, even if they are in liquid form. Lip products, Mouthwash and Toothpaste should have Pesach supervision.

YIGN Pre-Pesach Guide pg. 12

Products that Do NOT Require Pesach Supervision

Here is an OU list of some non-edible items that do NOT require specific Pesach supervision: - Aluminum foil - Cupcake holders - Oven cleaners - Aluminum foil - Cups (paper, plastic - Paper towels baking pans or styrofoam) - Perfumes - Baby ointments - Deodorants - Plastic containers - Bags (paper or - Detergents - Plates (paper, plastic plastic) - Dishwashing or styrofoam) - Body wash Detergents - Scouring pads and - Bowl and tub - Drain openers powders cleaners - Fabric protectors - Shampoos - Candles - Furniture polish - Shaving cream and - Cardboard - Glass cleaners gel - Carpet cleaners - Hair gels, sprays and - Shaving lotion - Charcoal mousse - Silver polish - Cheese Cloths - Hair removers and - Skin cream - Conditioners treatments - Soaps - Copper and metal - Insecticides - Suntan lotion cleaners - Isopropyl alcohol - Talcum powder - Cork - Jewelry polish (100% talc) - Cosmetics (except - Laundry detergents - Toilet bowl cleaner possibly lipsticks, - Lotions - Water filters see below) - Napkins (paper)

For Further Information For many other relevant issues such as food products that do not require Pesach supervision, gluten free and diabetic seder options, and many other important items, see:

OU Guide - Star-K Passover Guide - CRC Passover Guide

If you have any questions about what you read there, please don’t hesitate to ask.

Chag Sameach!

YIGN Pre-Pesach Guide pg. 13