Laws and Customs of Passover
The Removal of Hametz
The Torah is stricter about Hametz (leavened bread) than about other forbidden foods. We are warned neither to possess it, eat it or derive any benefit from it on Passover, i.e., selling it. We must remove and burn it before Pesach. Because of the importance of this commandment, ladies labor many weeks before Passover to cleanse their houses from Hametz.
They check and cleanse every part of the house, every closet, every drawer and all kitchen appliances, to be absolutely sure that their house is Hametz free. The inspection of Hametz should be carried out on Thursday April 2nd in the evening. The burning should be performed by Friday, April 3rd, from 10:55 A.M. until 12:09 PM. Hametz cannot be eaten after 10:55 AM.
What is Hametz?
Hametz is a general term for all leavened foods forbidden on Passover. Food or drinks made from wheat, rye, barley, oats, spelt, and their derivatives, are subject to the laws of Hametz. All grain products such as cereals, breakfast foods and grain vinegar are forbidden.
Fresh fruits and vegetables are Kosher for Pesach. There is no basis for the notion that melons, bananas, tomatoes, cabbage, and other vegetables or fruits may not be used.
According to our customs, we are permitted to eat legumes such as rice, lentils, peas, and corn. We check these very carefully before Passover to ensure that no hametz is mixed in.
When purchasing packaged goods, one should look for the phrase "Kosher for Passover" seal to be absolutely certain that these products do not contain any Hametz. A rabbinical body should authorize this seal. Whenever in question, do not hesitate to consult a Rabbi.
Selling of Hametz
A person possessing a quantity of Hametz that he does not want to dispose of may delegate a Rabbi to sell it to a non-Jew. This sale must be completed by Friday, April 3rd, before 10:00 AM. If one cannot contact the Rabbi personally, he may use the special Sale of Hametz forms available at the Synagogue. Please mail the forms as soon as possible. All Hametz thus sold must be kept in a separate section of the house, preferably under lock and key.
Download the Sale of Hametz form here.
Siyum Bechorot
It is an ancient custom for the first born to fast on Pesach eve. This fast is in memory of the miracle which saved the Jews from the plague that slew the first born of the Egyptians. It is the obligation of a father to fast for a first born child who is too young to do so himself. This fast is treated with leniency so that if there is a meal connected with a Mitzvah, such a siyum is allowed.
We will hold a siyum for all first-borns, in the Synagogue on Friday, April 3rd, at 7:00am.
Matzah on Pesach Eve
We are prohibited from eating matzah, Friday April 3rd, during the day, in order to fully enjoy the eating of Matzah on the Seder at night.
The Seder
First Seder – Friday April 3rd, 2015
Second Seder – Saturday April 4th, 2015
It is a person’s duty to show respect for, and delight in this very special festival. He should make a great effort to adorn his table on these nights in the most lavish manner.
Immediately upon his return from the Synagogue, the master of the house should commence the Seder together, with all members of the household, including the smallest children.
It is a special Mitzvah on these nights to arouse the curiosity of the youngsters by means of various unusual activities (for example: taking away the tray before Mah Nishtana and to encourage them to ask questions, so that one can fulfill the Mitzvah of “You shall tell your child.”
On both nights, Shehechiyanu is recited as part of the Kiddush. Both men and women are obligated to perform all the laws of the Seder, including the eating of the Matzah Shemura, and the drinking of the cups of wine.
If one has difficulty drinking wine, he may substitute kosher grape juice.
The Seder - A Step by Step Guide
- The Seder begins as all other festivals with the Kiddush.
- The first cup of wine is poured and the Kiddush is recited.
- The blessing of “Shehechiyanu” is said at the completion of the Kiddush.
- Remember that when drinking the Kiddush, you must recline.
- It is also obligatory to drink a “ Revi'it” of wine. A Revi'it is approximately 86 grams. It is preferable that the amount be drunk in one time. If this is not possible, then it should be drunk within two minutes.
Urhatz
Before the eating of the Karpas all participants wash their hands. This washing is done exactly as one would before eating bread. The only exception is that the blessing is not recited.
Karpas
A small piece of Karpas is taken. It is dipped into vinegar or salt water. The blessing is recited and then it is eaten.
Yahatz
The leader of the Seder takes the three Matzot which are on the plate. He then takes the middle Matzah and breaks it in half. The smaller of the two pieces is returned to the plate placed between the two whole Matzot. The larger of the two halves is placed aside to be used for the Afikoman at the end of the Seder.
There are those who have a custom to wrap it and place it over their shoulders. They act out the Exodus.
The participants ask him, "Where have you come from?" and he replies, "from Egypt."
Then they ask him, "Where are you going to?" to which he replies, "to the land of Israel."
Everyone then responds, "Next year in Jerusalem."
Magid
We are now prepared to begin the recitation of the Haggadah. The Seder plate is raised and everyone recites “Ha Lahama Anya” a second cup of wine is poured then the “Mah Nishtanah” is recited, preferably by a child. After “Mah Nishtanah,” the entire Haggadah is read.
Rohzah
After the second cup we wash our hands in preparation of “Hamotzi”. This is the second time in the Seder that the hands are washed; this time a blessing (Al netilat yadayim) is recited.
Motzi
Before the blessing the two whole Matzot on the Seder plate are held, with the broken piece of Matzah in between the two whole ones. The leader recites the blessing over the Matzah (Hamotzi lehem min ha-aretz). The leader then recites the special blessing that is said for the eating of Matzah. To fulfill the obligation of eating Matzah, the amount required to eat is called “Kazayit.” Ideally one should eat two kezetim, but if it is difficult, then the obligation is fulfilled by eating only one.
There are various opinions as to what constitutes a Kazayit. It is roughly about 29 grams, which is about the size of one machine made Matzah. Remember on this night it is important to use special “Matzah Shemura.”
Since each person must eat a “Kazayit,” you will have to figure out based on the amount of guests you have as to how much Matzah to purchase. The Matzah should be eaten within a span of no more than four minutes. Remember when you eat Matzah, you must recline on your left side.
Maror
After the eating of Matzah, we eat Maror (bitter herbs). Here too, one must eat a “Kazayit” about 29 grams, within four minutes. The Maror is dipped into “Haroset.”
Koreh
A sandwich is made using one Kazayit of Matza and one Kazayit of Maror. For this sandwich, the third Matzah, which was at the bottom of the three on the Seder plate, is used. The sandwich is dipped into “Haroset” and eaten while reclining. There is no blessing said over it, but a short text appears in the Haggadah, which is said before eating the Koreh sandwich.
Shulchan Orech (Meal)
The meal is served.
Zafun
The piece of Matzah which was set aside (hidden), is now taken out to be eaten as the Afikoman before midnight. Once again, each person is obligated to eat a “Kazayit” in less than four minutes, reclining on the left side. After the eating of the Afikoman, one is not permitted to eat anything else. Even drinking (except the two remaining cups of wine) is forbidden, although one is permitted to drink water.
Barech (Blessing after the meal)
At the completion of “Birkat Hamazon” the blessing over wine is made and the third cup of wine is drunk. Remember you must recline to the left when drinking this cup.
Hallel
The fourth cup of wine is filled and the remainder of the Haggadah is recited starting with the Hallel.
At the conclusion of the Haggadah, after the blessing of “Yishtabah,” the fourth cup of wine is drunk, remembering to recline on the left side. The Sephardic custom is not to recite the blessing over wine on this cup. After drinking the wine, the appropriate after blessing for wine is said.
May our prayers find favor (Nirzah) in the eyes of G-d. Next year, may we all merit to celebrate as a united people in the holy city of Jerusalem.
or download the Sale of Hametz form here.