Foundations of Pesach
Avoiding chametz: Throughout the entire Yom Tov, any chametz from the five grains that has leavened is strictly forbidden.
Eating matzah: A Torah mitzvah on the first night(s), reminding us of the swiftness of the geulah.
Why “Passover”? Hashem “passed over” the Jewish homes during the plague of the firstborn.
The Seder: A Night of Mesorah
The Seder follows the Haggadah, arranged in 15 steps as established by Chazal. Key elements include:
Four Cups of Wine – corresponding to the four expressions of redemption.
Matzah – “lechem oni,” the bread of affliction.
Maror – recalling the bitterness of slavery.
The Four Questions – engaging the children to ensure proper transmission of the story.
Seder Plate symbols – zeroa, egg, maror, charoset, and others, each rooted in teachings of Chazal.
Chametz, Beditkat Chametz & Mechirat Chametz
Chametz includes bread, cake, pasta, most cereals, and anything from wheat, barley, rye, oats, or spelt that has risen.
Homes are cleaned thoroughly before Pesach. On the night of the 14th, we perform Beditkat chametz, and the next morning we burn the chametz.
Many communities arrange Mechirat chametz (selling chametz to a non-Jew) under proper rabbinic supervision.
Matzah: The Bread of Emunah
Matzah is flour and water baked before it can rise, symbolizing humility and the speed of redemption.
Shmurah matzah, guarded from the time of harvest, is used for the Seder.
Days of Pesach
The first two days and last two days of Pesach (one last day in Eretz Yisrael) are full Yom Tov, with candle-lighting, Kiddush, and chag meals, while refraining from weekday labor.
The middle days, Chol Hamoed, carry a semi-festive status. Many minimize melachah and use the time for family and uplifting activities.
Common Minhagim You May Hear About
Kitniyot: Ashkenazim avoid rice, legumes, and similar foods; many Sephardi communities permit them.
Gebrochts: Some Chassidic groups avoid wetting matzah due to concern for unbaked flour; others are lenient.
The Essence of Pesach
Pesach renews our emunah.
Through removing chametz, conducting the Seder as Chazal instructed, and remembering Hashem’s kindness, we strengthen our connection to our heritage and to the geulah of Am Yisrael.
The Yom Tov teaches that true freedom comes from living with Torah, mesorah, and gratitude to Hashem.
Nachman Harris. Kosher Expert.
Available for any of your questions
