Passover begins this year on Wednesday evening, April 5 and continues until nightfall, Thursday, April 13, 2023.
As we
all prepare for the Festival of Freedom, we bring you a brief overview
of how and when to prepare your home for Passover, along with a daily
holiday schedule for the entire holiday. If you have any further
questions please consult your local orthodox rabbi or, in case you don't
have one, feel free to write to us at www.chabad.org/asktherabbi.
Please
read this guide in its entirety before the beginning of the holiday.
Some holiday items need pre-holiday "action." We welcome you to print it
and carry it with you in the days before Passover for easy reference,
and to distribute this guide to whomever will benefit from it.
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Operation Zero Chametz
Passover
is a holiday that mandates our complete involvement, not just during
its eight days but for weeks before. Aside from the regular holiday
obligations, we are also commanded (Exodus 13:3–7): “No leaven shall be
eaten . . . For seven days you shall eat unleavened bread . . . and no
leaven shall be seen of yours [in your possession].”
We accomplish this by cleaning and inspecting our homes well before Passover, and gradually eliminating chametz from every room and crevice. This intensive cleaning takes place in Jewish homes throughout the world. What Is Chametz (Chometz)?
Chametz
is any food product made from wheat, barley, rye, oats, spelt, or their
derivatives, which has leavened (risen). Our sages have determined that
flour from any of these five grains that comes in contact with water or
moisture will leaven, unless fully baked within eighteen minutes. As we
are commanded by the Torah, if a food contains even a trace of chametz,
we don’t eat it, we don’t derive benefit from it, and we make sure not
to have any of it in our possession for all the days of Passover.
To be
certain that a product is kosher for Passover, it must have rabbinical
certification. Otherwise it is possible that it contains chametz ingredients, or traces of chametz if it was processed on the same equipment as chametz products. Thus, unless a product is certified Kosher for Passover, we consider it chametz, and make sure not to have it in our possession on Passover.
Note: Matzah used all year round might be pure chametz, and not for Passover use. Only matzahs baked especially for Passover may be used on Passover. Kitniyot
The medieval Jewish sages placed a ban on eating legumes (קִטְנִיּוֹת, pronounced kitniyot) on Passover, because they are similar in texture to chametz—even
bread can be made out of their flour—so people might assume that if,
for example, cornbread can be eaten on Passover, wheat or rye bread can
be eaten too. This prohibition includes rice, beans and corn. This
injunction was unanimously accepted by Ashkenazic Jews; many Sephardic
Jews, however, continue to eat kitniyot on Passover. If you are Sephardic, speak to your rabbi to determine your family and community tradition.
The prohibition is only with regards to consumption of kitniyot; there is no obligation, however, to destroy or sell kitniyot products before Passover.
Read More About Kitniyot
Getting Rid of Chametz (Chometz)
Search and Destroy
Any area where one can reasonably suspect that chametz might have
been brought throughout the year must be thoroughly cleaned. This
includes the home, office, cars, garage, etc. Check carefully to ensure
that no crumb is left behind: check and clean desks, drawers, closets,
clothing pockets (especially the children’s), pocketbooks, briefcases
and attache cases, beds, dining and living room furniture, bookcases,
etc.
If You Can’t Destroy it, Sell It
Chametz that you don’t want to destroy, and utensils used
throughout the year (and not koshered for Passover), should be stored in
closets or rooms which will be sealed for the duration of Passover. The
chametz should be sold to a non-Jew through a rabbi. Click here to sell your chametz online. Preparing the Kitchen
Every
part of our homes is cleaned for Passover, but we pay special attention
to the kitchen, because (a) that’s where most of our chametz hangs out during the year, and (b) we will be using our kitchens to prepare our Passover food.
Dishes and Utensils
Today, most Passover-savvy homes have a special set of dishes,
silverware, pots, pans and other utensils for Passover use only. If
necessary, certain year-round utensils can be used—provided they are
koshered for Passover. This gets rather complex—you’ll need to consult a
competent rabbi about your particular utensils, but you can click here for the basic koshering procedures.
Stove
Thoroughly clean and scour every part of the stove. Heat the oven to the
highest temperature possible for 1–2 hours. Heat the grates and the
iron parts of the stove (and the elements, if electric) until they are
red-hot. It is suggested that the oven and the stove top should be
covered with aluminum foil afterwards for the duration of Passover.
Microwave Ovens
Clean the oven thoroughly. Fill a completely clean container, that was
not used for 24 hours, with water. Turn on the microwave and let it
steam heavily. Turn it off and wipe out the inside.
To use
the microwave during Passover, use a flat, thick, microwave-safe object
as a separation between the bottom of the oven and the cooking dish.
When cooking or warming, the food should be covered on all sides.
Sink
For 24 hours before koshering the sink, do not pour hot water from chametz
pots into it. Meticulously clean the sink, boil water in a clean pot
which was not used for 24 hours, and pour three times onto every part of
the sink, including the drain stopper. Then line the sink with foil or
liner.
Refrigerator, Freezer, Cupboards, Closets, Tables, and Counters
Thoroughly clean and scrub them to remove any crumbs and residue.
Afterwards, place a heavy covering over those surfaces that come into
contact with hot food or utensils.
Tablecloths and Napkins
Launder without starch.
Cars, Garages, etc.
Vacuum your car or van; thoroughly clean your basement, garage, or any
property you own. Special care should be taken with items you will be
using, or rooms you will be accessing, during Passover. Passover Shopping
While
shopping for Passover we must be careful that the foods we buy are not
only kosher, but are also kosher for Passover—that is, chametz-free.
Starting “From Scratch”
All
fruits and vegetables, as well as all kosher cuts of meat and kosher
fish, are kosher for Passover, provided they have been prepared in
accordance with Jewish law and have not come into contact with chametz or chametz utensils.
The
prevailing custom in Ashkenazi communities is that on Passover we do not
eat rice, millet, corn, mustard, legumes (beans, etc.) or food made
from any of these.
Commercially Prepared Products
Today
there are many kosher-for-Passover packaged foods available. However,
care must be used to purchase only those packaged foods that have
reliable rabbinical supervision which is valid for Passover.
Obviously, all leavened foods made from—or that contain among their ingredients—wheat, barley, rye, oats, or spelt are actual chametz and are prohibited on Passover. Examples are bread, cake, cereal, spaghetti, beer and whiskey.
Check That Medicine Cabinet!
Many medicines, sprays, and cosmetics contain chametz. Consult a competent rabbi as to which ones may be used on Passover. The same applies to pet food.
Click here to to purchase your Passover essentials from our store. The Passover Calendar—5783
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Tuesday |
April 4 – 13 Nissan
Did you remember to sell your chametz? Your local Chabad rabbi can help, or complete an online “Authorization for the Sale of Chametz” form by clicking here.
Search for the chametz after dark (click here for the exact time). Recite the blessing prior to the search, and the nullification of the chametz (Kol Chamira) following the search. Click here for more information on the search and removal of chametz.
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| Wednesday |
April 5—14 Nissan
Fast of
the Firstborn. All firstborn males are required to fast. To be exempt
from fasting, one can participate in a meal marking the fulfillment of a
mitzvah; such a meal is generally held in the synagogue after morning
prayers on this day.
Have you sold your chametz? Final call! Your local Chabad rabbi can help, or complete an online “Authorization for the Sale of Chametz” form by clicking here.
Stop eating chametz before the end of the fourth seasonal hour (click here for the exact time).
Burn your remaining (unsold) chametz before the fifth seasonal hour (click here for the exact time) and recite the relevant passages.
Since Shabbat occurs immediately following the festival, an "eruv tavshilin" is prepared prior to the festival, so that it should be permitted to prepare food for Shabbat during the festival.
Light holiday candles reciting blessings 2 & 4. Click here for the blessings, and here for local candle lighting times.
The Seder plate items and the Seder dinner food should be prepared today.
According to Chabad custom, complete Hallel is recited during Maariv evening prayers.
First Seder: The Seder contains the observance of many biblical and rabbinical mitzvot, including: eating matzah, eating maror
(bitter herbs), drinking four cups of wine, relating the story of the
Exodus to our children, reclining as a symbol of freedom, etc. (Click here for a How-To Seder guide.)
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| Thursday |
April 6—15 Nissan
1st day of Passover
Morning service.
Torah reading: Exodus 12:21–51 and Numbers 28:16–25.
Haftorah: Joshua 3:5–7, 5:2–6:1, 6:27.
Beginning with the Musaf Amidah, we recite morid hatal, the prayer for dew, and we omit the prayer for rain. This practice continues until Shemini Atzeret, the day after Sukkot.
The priests bless the congregation with the priestly blessing during the Musaf prayer.
“Yaaleh Veyavo” and "Retzeh" are inserted in the Grace After Meals. Festive lunch meal.
According to Chabad custom, complete Hallel is recited during Maariv evening prayers, followed by the “Counting of the Omer.”
We count the 1st day of the Omer. The counting of the Omer is recited
during each of the next forty-nine days, leading up to the holiday of
Shavuot on the fiftieth day. The 49 days embody the 49 steps of
self-improvement — beginning with the departure from our “personal”
Egypt, until our arrival at Mount Sinai, when we are ready to accept the
wisdom of the Torah.
After dark, light candles for the second day of Passover, using an existing flame, and recite blessings 2 & 4. Click here for the blessings, and here for local candle-lighting times.
The
food for the meal can be warmed up after the holiday has ended, using a
flame that has been lit from the onset of the holiday.
Second Seder:
The Seder contains the observance of many Biblical and Rabbinic
Mitzvot, including: eating Matzah, eating Marror (bitter herbs),
drinking four cups of wine, relating the story of the Exodus to our
children, reclining as a symbol of freedom, etc. (Click here for a How-To Seder guide.)
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| Friday |
April 7—16 Nissan
2nd day of Passover-Yom Tov
Morning service. Full Hallel is recited. Two Torah scrolls are taken out of the ark.
Torah reading: Exodus 12:21–51 and Numbers 28:16–25. Haftorah: Joshua 3:5–7, 5:2–6:1, 6:27.
The priests bless the congregation with the priestly blessing during the Musaf prayer.
“Yaaleh Veyavo” is inserted during all prayers and in the Grace After Meals. Festive lunch meal.
Before sunset, light the Shabbat candles (using an existing flame),
and recite blessing 1. Click here for the blessing, and here for local candle lighting times.
Shabbat evening prayers begin with Mizmor leDavid rather than with Lechu Nerannena. Following the Amidah, Count the second day of the Omer”.
Enjoy a relaxing Shabbat meal with Passover food (no
Challah of course -- use two matzahs instead).
Nightfall
marks the beginning of Passover’s intermediate days. Between the first
two and the last two days of Passover, we may resume much (not all) of
our regular, workday activities (except on Shabbat, when regular Shabbat
observances are kept); but, of course, we continue to eat Kosher for
Passover foods exclusively. It is customary to drink a glass of wine or
grape juice each day, in celebration of the festival.
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| Shabbat |
April 8—17 Nissan
3rd day of Passover
1st day of Chol Hamoed (intermediate days)
Morning
service: Shabbat prayers, with the addition of the Yaaleh Veyavo insert
in the Amidah. Half Hallel is recited. Two Torah scrolls are taken out
of the ark.
Exodus
33:12–34:26 and Numbers 28:19–25. Haftorah: Ezekiel 37:1-14. The Musaf
Amidah is recited. During all of the intermediate days, “Yaaleh Veyavo”
is inserted during all prayers and in the Grace After Meals.
Holiday Musaf Amidah, with Shabbat inserts, is recited.
The intermediate days are observed with limited work restrictions.
Atah Chonantanu is added in the Amidah of the evening prayers. After nightfall, count the 3rd day of the Omer.
After nightfall, perform the Havdalah ceremony, omitting the blessings on the spices and on the candle flame.
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| Sunday |
April 9—18 Nissan
4th day of Passover
2nd day of Chol Hamoed (intermediate days)
Morning
service: In many communities, throughout the intermediate days of
Passover, tefillin are not worn. Half-Hallel is recited. Two Torah
scrolls are taken out of the ark. Torah reading: Exodus 22:24 - 23:19
and Numbers 28:19–25. During all of the intermediate days, “Yaaleh
Veyavo” is inserted during all prayers and in the Grace After Meals.
The intermediate days are observed with limited work restrictions.
After nightfall and evening prayers, count the 4th day of the Omer.
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| Monday |
April 10—19 Nissan
5th day of Passover
3rd day of Chol Hamoed (intermediate days)
Morning service: In many communities, throughout the intermediate days of Passover, tefillin are not worn.
Half-Hallel
is recited. Two Torah scrolls are taken out of the ark. Torah reading:
Torah reading: Exodus 34:1-26 and Numbers 28:19–25. The Musaf Amidah is
recited. During all of the Intermediate Days, “Yaaleh Veyavo” is
inserted during all prayers and in the Grace After Meals.
After nightfall, count the 5th day of the Omer.
The Intermediate Days are observed with limited work restrictions.
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| Tuesday |
April 11—20 Nissan
6th day of Passover-Yom Tov
4th day of Chol Hamoed (intermediate days)
Morning service: In many communities, throughout the intermediate days of Passover, tefillin are not worn.
Half
Hallel is recited. Two Torah scrolls are taken out of the ark. Torah
reading: Numbers 9:1–14 and Numbers 28:19–25. The Musaf Amidah is
recited. During all of the Intermediate Days, Yaaleh Veyavo is inserted
during all prayers and in the Grace After Meals.
The Intermediate Days are observed with limited work restriction.
Light candles for the 7th day of Passover, and recite blessing 2. Click here for the blessing, and here for local candle lighting times.
Evening prayers. After the Amidah, count the 6th day of the Omer.
“Yaaleh Veyavo” is inserted in the Grace After Meals. Festive evening meal.
It is
customary in many communities to remain awake all night, studying Torah,
in commemoration of the great miracle of the Splitting of the Sea,
which occurred on the 7th day of Passover.
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| Wednesday |
April 12—21 Nissan
7th day of Passover — Shevi'i Shel Pesach
Morning service. Half Hallel is recited. Two Torah scrolls are taken out of the ark.
Torah reading: Exodus 13:17–15:26 and Numbers 28:19–25.
Haftorah: II Samuel 22:1–51.
The Priests bless the congregation with the Priestly Blessing during the Musaf prayer.
Festive lunch meal.
Evening prayers. After the Amidah, count the 7th day of the Omer.
Light a yahrtzeit candle then light candles for the 8th day of Passover before sunset, using an existing flame, and recite blessing 2. Click here for the blessing, and here for local candle lighting times.
“Yaaleh Veyavo” and "Retzeh" are inserted in the Grace After Meals. Festive evening meal.
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Thursday |
April 13 – 22 Nissan
Final Day of Passover — Acharon Shel Pesach
Morning service. Half Hallel is recited. Two Torah scrolls are taken out of the ark.
Torah reading: Deuteronomy 14:22–16:17 and Numbers 28:19–25.
Haftarah: Isaiah 10:32–12:6.
The Yizkor memorial service is recited following the Torah reading.
The Priests bless the congregation with the Priestly Blessing during the Musaf prayer.
“Yaaleh Veyavo” and "Retzeh" are inserted in the Grace After Meals. Festive lunch meal.
On this
final day of Passover we strive for the highest level of freedom, and
focus on the Final Redemption. Following the Baal Shem Tov’s custom, we
end Passover with “Moshiach’s Feast” — a festive meal complete with
matzah and four cups of wine, during which we celebrate the imminent
arrival of the Messiah. The feast begins before sunset and continues
until after nightfall.
Evening prayers, the weekday Amidah (insert "Atah Chonen") is recited. After the Amidah, count the 8th day of the Omer.
After nightfall, perform the Havdalah ceremony.
Nightfall is the official end of Passover (for the exact time, click here). Wait an hour to give the rabbi enough time to buy back your chametz before eating it.
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| Friday |
April 14 —23 Nissan
The day following the holiday is known as Isru Chag. It is forbidden to fast on this day.
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Candle-Lighting Blessings
Note: Please refer to our Holiday Calendar to determine which blessings are recited on which holiday and Shabbat nights.
1. The Blessing for Friday-Night Shabbat Candles
Bah-rookh ah-tah ah-doh-noi eh-loh-hay-noo meh-lekh hah-oh-lahm ah-sher
ki-deh-shah-noo beh-mitz-voh-tahv veh-tzee-vah-noo leh-hahd-lik nayr
shehl shah-baht koh-dehsh.
בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה אֲ-דֹנָי אֱ-לֹהֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם, אֲשֶׁר קִדְּשָׁנוּ
בְּמִצְוֹתָיו, וְצִוָּנוּ לְהַדְלִיק נֵר שֶׁל שַׁבָּת קֹדֶשׁ
Blessed
are You, L‑rd our G‑d, King of the universe, who has sanctified us with
His commandments, and commanded us to kindle the light of the holy
Shabbat.
2. The Blessing for Holiday Candles
Bah-rookh ah-tah ah-doh-noi eh-loh-hay-noo meh-lekh hah-oh-lahm ah-sher
ki-deh-shah-noo beh-mitz-voh-tahv veh-tzee-vah-noo leh-hahd-lik nayr
shehl yohm tohv.
בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה אֲ-דֹנָי אֱ-לֹהֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם, אֲשֶׁר קִדְּשָׁנוּ בְּמִצְוֹתָיו, וְצִוָּנוּ לְהַדְלִיק נֵר שֶׁל יוֹם טוֹב
Blessed
are You, L‑rd our G‑d, King of the universe, who has sanctified us with
His commandments, and commanded us to kindle the Yom Tov light.
3. The Blessing for Shabbat/Holiday Candles
Bah-rookh ah-tah ah-doh-noi eh-loh-hay-noo meh-lekh hah-oh-lahm ah-sher
ki-deh-shah-noo beh-mitz-voh-tahv veh-tzee-vah-noo leh-hahd-lik nayr
shehl shah-baht veh-shehl yohm tohv.
בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה אֲ-דֹנָי- אֱ-לֹהֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם, אֲשֶׁר
קִדְּשָׁנוּ בְּמִצְוֹתָיו, וְצִוָּנוּ לְהַדְלִיק נֵר שֶׁל שַׁבָּת וְשֶׁל
יוֹם טוֹב
Blessed
are You, L‑rd our G‑d, King of the universe, who has sanctified us with
His commandments, and commanded us to kindle the Shabbat and Yom Tov
light.
4. Additional Blessing for Holiday Candles (Except for the Final Days of Passover)
Bah-rookh ah-tah ah-doh-noi eh-loh-hay-noo meh-lekh hah-oh-lahm
sheh-heh-kheh-yah-noo veh-kee-mah-noo ve-hig-ee-yah-noo liz-mahn
hah-zeh.
בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה אֲ-דֹנָי אֱ-לֹהֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם, שֶׁהֶחֱיָנוּ וְקִיְּמָנוּ וְהִגִּיעָנוּ לִזְמַן הַזֶּה
Blessed
are You, L‑rd our G‑d, King of the universe, who has granted us life,
sustained us, and enabled us to reach this occasion. The Seder Ingredients
Matzah, the “Food of Faith”
When our forefathers left Egypt, they were in such a hurry that there
was no time to wait for the dough to rise. They therefore ate matzah,
unleavened bread. With only this food (but with great faith), our
ancestors relied on the Almighty to provide sustenance for the entire
Jewish nation—men, women and children. Each year, to remember this, we
eat matzah on the first two nights of Pesach, thereby fulfilling the
Torah’s commandment, “Matzot shall you eat . . .”
The Humblest of Foods
Matzah symbolizes faith. In contrast to leavened bread, matzah is not
enriched with oil, honey or other substances. It consists only of flour
and water, and is not allowed to rise. Similarly, the only “ingredients”
for faith are humility and submission to G‑d, which come from
recognizing our “nothingness” when compared with the infinite wisdom of
the Creator.
One of the holiday’s primary obligations is to eat matzah during the Seder. It is strongly recommended to use shmurah matzah to fulfill this commandment.
Matzah is eaten three times during the Seder:
- After telling the story of the Exodus from Egypt (Maggid), washing our hands for bread (Rachtzah) and reciting the blessings (Motzi Matzah), 1¾ ounces of matzah are eaten.
- For the sandwich (Korech), ¾ of an ounce of matzah is eaten.
- For the afikoman at the end of the meal (Tzafun), a minimum of ¾ of an ounce (and ideally 1½ ounces) of matzah are eaten.
In each instance, the matzah should be eaten within 4 minutes.
How much is one ounce of Matzah?
Half a piece of shmurah matzah is generally one ounce.
If
store-bought matzot are used, the weight of the box of matzot divided by
the number of pieces shows how much matzah is the equivalent of one
ounce. Shmurah Matzah
Shmurah means “watched,” and it is an apt
description of this matzah, the ingredients of which (the flour and
water) are watched from the moment of harvesting and drawing.
The day chosen for the harvesting of the wheat is a
clear, dry day. The moment it is harvested, the wheat is inspected to
ensure that there is absolutely no moisture. From then on, careful watch
is kept upon the grains as they are transported to the mill. The mill
is meticulously inspected by rabbis and supervision professionals to
ensure that every piece of equipment is absolutely clean and dry. After
the wheat is milled, the flour is again guarded in its transportation to
the bakery. Thus, from the moment of harvesting through the actual
baking of the matzah, the flour is carefully watched to ensure against
any contact with water.
The water, too, is carefully guarded to prevent any
contact with wheat or other grain. It is drawn the night before the
baking, and kept pure until the moment it is mixed with the flour to
bake the shmurah matzah.
Also in the bakery itself, shmurah matzot are
under strict supervision to avoid any possibility of leavening during
the baking process. This intensive process and careful guarding gives
the shmurah matzah an added infusion of faith and sanctity—in
fact, as the matzah is being made, all those involved constantly repeat,
“L’shem matzot mitzvah”—“We are doing this for the sake of the mitzvah
of matzah.”
Shmurah matzot are round, kneaded and shaped by
hand, and are similar to the matzot that were baked by the Children of
Israel as they left Egypt. It is thus fitting to use shmurah matzah on each of the two Seder nights for the matzot of the Seder plate.
Click to order your own shmurah matzah. Passover Wine
For each of the four cups at the Seder, it is preferable
to use undiluted wine. However, if needed, the wine may be diluted with
grape juice. (One who cannot drink wine may use grape juice alone.)
One drinks a cup of wine four times during the Seder:
- At the conclusion of kiddush.
- After telling the story of the Exodus from Egypt, before eating the matzah of Motzi Matzah.
- At the conclusion of the Grace After Meals.
- After reciting the Hallel.
It is preferable to drink the entire cup each time. However, it is sufficient to drink only the majority of each cup.
How large a cup should be used? One that contains at least 3½ fluid ounces. The Seder Plate
The Seder Plate (Ka'arah) includes most of the ingredients that go
into the making of the Seder. Its three matzahs and the six other items are
arranged in a formation dictated by their mystical significance and relationship
vis-a-vis each other.
Here's how you set it up:
On top of a large plate, tray or cloth place three whole
matzahs, one on top
of the other. It's best to use round, hand-baked shmurah matzah.
Cover the matzahs with a
cloth or tray. On top, position the following six items as pictured above right:
1) "Zeroa" -- a roasted chicken bone with most of the meat removed. This
will represent the Passover offering. It will not be eaten.
2) "Beitzah" -- a hard-boiled egg, representing the festival offering.
3)
"Maror" -- grated horseradish (just the horseradish -- not the red stuff
that has vinegar and beets added) and/or romaine lettuce, for use as
the "bitter herbs."
4) "Charoset" -- a paste made of apples, pears, nuts and wine. We'll be
dipping the bitter herbs in this.
5) "Karpas" -- a bit of vegetable, such an onion or potato.
6) "Chazeret" -- more bitter herbs, for use in the matzah-maror sandwich.
We'll also need a wine cup or goblet for each participant, and plenty of wine (four cups each).
And a dish of salt water (in which to dip the Karpas).
Ok, we're ready to start our 15-step Seder. We'll talk more about the function and significance of these items as we proceed.
The 15 Steps of the Passover Seder
Click here for a more detailed Seder tutorial, and here for a spiritual guide to the Seder.
In Our Forefathers’ Footsteps
At the
Seder, every person should see himself as if he were going out of Egypt.
Beginning with our Patriarchs, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, we recount the
Jewish people’s descent into Egypt and recall their suffering and
persecution. We are with them as G‑d sends the Ten Plagues to punish
Pharaoh and his nation, and follow along as they leave Egypt and cross
the Sea of Reeds. We witness the miraculous hand of G‑d as the waters
part to allow the Israelites to pass, then return to inundate the
Egyptian legions.
Kadesh—the Benediction
The Seder service begins with the recitation of kiddush,
proclaiming the holiness of the holiday. This is done over a cup of
wine, the first of the four cups we will drink (while reclining) at the
Seder.
The Four Cups of Wine
Why
four cups? The Torah uses four expressions of freedom or deliverance in
connection with our liberation from Egypt (see Exodus 6:6–7). Also, the
Children of Israel had four great merits even while in exile: (1) They
did not change their Hebrew names; (2) they continued to speak their own
language, Hebrew; (3) they remained highly moral; (4) they remained
loyal to one another.
Wine is used because it is a symbol of joy and happiness.
Why We Recline
When
drinking the four cups and eating the matzah, we lean on our left side
to accentuate the fact that we are free people. In ancient times only
free people had the luxury of reclining while eating.
Urchatz—Purification
We wash our hands in the usual, ritually prescribed manner as is done before a meal, but without the customary blessing.
The
next step in the Seder, Karpas, requires dipping food into water, which
in turn mandates, according to Jewish law, that either the food be eaten
with a utensil or that one’s hands be purified by washing. On the Seder
eve we choose the less common observance to arouse the child’s
curiosity.
Karpas—the “Appetizer”
A small piece of onion or boiled potato is dipped into saltwater and eaten (after reciting the blessing over vegetables).
Dipping the karpas in saltwater is an act of pleasure and freedom, which further arouses the child’s curiosity.
The Hebrew word karpas, when read backwards, alludes to the backbreaking labor performed by the 600,000 Jews in Egypt. [Samech has the numerical equivalent of 60 (representing 60 times 10,000), while the last three Hebrew letters spell perech, hard work.]
The saltwater represents the tears of our ancestors in Egypt.
Yachatz—Breaking the Matzah
The middle matzah on the Seder plate is broken in two. The larger part is put aside for later use as the afikoman.
This unusual action not only attracts the child’s attention once again,
but also recalls G‑d’s splitting of the Sea of Reeds to allow the
Children of Israel to cross on dry land. The smaller part of the middle
matzah is returned to the Seder plate. This broken middle matzah
symbolizes humility, and will be eaten later as the “bread of poverty.”
Maggid—the Haggadah
At this
point, the poor are invited to join the Seder. The Seder tray is moved
aside, a second cup of wine is poured, and the child, who by now is
bursting with curiosity, asks the time-honored question: “Mah nishtanah ha-lailah hazeh mikol ha-leilot?
Why is this night different from all other nights?” Why only matzah?
Why the dipping? Why the bitter herbs? Why are we relaxing and leaning
on cushions as if we were kings?
The
child’s questioning triggers one of the most significant mitzvot of
Passover, which is the highlight of the Seder ceremony: the haggadah,
telling the story of the Exodus from Egypt. The answer includes a brief
review of history, a description of the suffering imposed upon the
Israelites, a listing of the plagues visited on the Egyptians, and an
enumeration of the miracles performed by the Almighty for the redemption
of His people.
Rochtzah—Washing Before the Meal
After concluding the first part of the haggadah
by drinking the second cup of wine (while reclining), the hands are
washed again, this time with the customary blessings, as is usually done
before eating bread.
Motzi Matzah—We Eat the Matzah
Taking
hold of the three matzot (with the broken one between the two whole
ones), recite the customary blessing before bread. Then, letting the
bottom matzah drop back onto the plate, and holding the top whole matzah
with the broken middle one, recite the special blessing “al achilat
matzah.” Then break at least one ounce from each matzah and eat the two
pieces together, while reclining.
Maror—the Bitter Herbs
Take at least one ounce of the bitter herbs. Dip it in the charoset, then shake the latter off and make the blessing “al achilat maror.” Eat without reclining.
Korech—the Sandwich
In
keeping with the custom instituted by Hillel, the great Talmudic sage, a
sandwich of matzah and maror is eaten. Break off two pieces of the
bottom matzah, which together should be at least one ounce. Again, take
at least one ounce of bitter herbs and dip them in the charoset. Place
this between the two pieces of matzah, say “kein asah Hillel . . .” and
eat the sandwich while reclining.
Shulchan Orech—the Feast
The holiday meal is now served. We begin the meal with a hard-boiled egg dipped into saltwater.
A rabbi
was once asked why Jews eat eggs on Passover. “Because eggs symbolize
the Jew,” the rabbi answered. “The more an egg is burned or boiled, the
harder it gets.”
Note: The chicken neck is not eaten at the Seder.
Tzafun—Out of Hiding
After the meal, the half-matzah which had been “hidden,” set aside for the afikoman (“dessert”), is taken out and eaten. It symbolizes the Paschal lamb, which was eaten at the end of the meal.
Everyone should eat at least 1½ ounces of matzah, reclining, before midnight. After eating the afikoman, we do not eat or drink anything except for the two remaining cups of wine.
Berach—Blessings After the Meal
A third
cup of wine is filled and Grace is recited. After the Grace we recite
the blessing over wine and drink the third cup while reclining.
Now we
fill the cup of Elijah and our own cups with wine. We open the door and
recite the passage which is an invitation to the Prophet Elijah, the
harbinger of the coming of Moshiach, our righteous Messiah.
Hallel—Songs of Praise
At this
point, having recognized the Almighty and His unique guidance of the
Jewish people, we go still further and sing His praises as L‑rd of the
entire universe.
After reciting the Hallel, we again recite the blessing over wine and drink the fourth cup, reclining.
Nirtzah—Acceptance
Having carried out the Seder service properly, we are sure that it has been well received by the Almighty. We then say “Leshanah haba’ah bee-rushalayim—Next year in Jerusalem.”
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Please Mr. Netanyahu, Mr. Ben Gvir and Mr. Smotrich unite and bring Hashem’s Righteousness back to the Har HaBayit, start by opening the Har HaBayit for Jews on Pesach?
Under HaShem’s Righteousness the Har HaBayit shall become a Prayer House for all peoples. Jews, Muslims, and Christians when they put away Avoda Zara and their false doctrines…… |
בבקשה מר נתניהו, מר בן גבי ומר סמוטריץ' מתאחדים ומחזירים את היושרה להר הבית, התחילו בפתיחת הר הבית ליהודים בפסח?
תחת צדקת השם הר הבית יהפוך לבית תפילה לכל העמים, יהודים, מוסלמים ונוצרים כשהם מסירים עבודה זרה ואת דוקטרינות השקר שלהם...
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Come let us Pray that Hashem's Righteousness shall 'return' to the Har haBayit and the whole of Eretz Israel.
| בוא נתפלל שצדקת ה' 'תשוב' להר הבית ולארץ ישראל כולה. | Free to study all Jewish Scripture: | חופשי ללמוד את כל כתבי הקודש היהודיים: | Sefaria Calendar - לוח שנה ספריה |
Our Prayer and hope: All the gates to the Har haBayit have to be opened for Jews and non-Jews seven days in the week 24 hours a day. The Jews need to have the freedom to go with Tefillin, Tallit and Torah Scroll up on the Mountain to serve Hashem. And do קידה ('Kidah' prostate, laying down, before Hashem) Everyone showing his/her respect for the Jewish and all other religions. But NOT for the words/deeds/sins spoken against any word of the Torah of Moshe Rabbeinu and the 'real' teachings of the Jewish Rabbis. The Jews must be the guardians of the Har haBayit.
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תפילתנו ותקוותנו: כל שערי הר הבית צריכים להיפתח עבור יהודים ולא-יהודים שבעה ימים בשבוע 24 שעות ביממה. ליהודים צריך להיות חופש ללכת עם תפילין, טלית וספר תורה במעלה ההר כדי לשרת את ה' ולקוד קידה .מתוך הפגנת כבוד ליהודים ולכל הדתות האחרות, אבל לא למילים/למעשים/לחטאים הנאמרים נגד תורת משה רבנו. מלמודי רבנים, היהודים חייבים להיות שומרי הר הבית.
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Let's pray for a death sentence for the Palestinian Authority, Hamas, Hezbollah and for the continuation of the Jewish settlement in Judea and Samaria. The Palestinian Authority, Hamas and Hezbollah must disappear. Enough of the hatred from the world (the USA, the European Union, and the UN!) against the Jewish people.
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בואו נתפלל לגזר דין מוות לרשות הפלסטינית, חמאס, חיזבאללה ולמען התיישבות יהודית ביהודה ושומרון. הרשות הפלסטינית, חמאס וחיזבאללה חייבים להעלם. די לשנאה מהעולם (ארה"ב, האיחוד האירופי והאו"ם!) נגד העם היהודי!
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The Jews have the mission to change the Har HaBayit, from her situation now, into a Prayer House for all peoples based on the Torah Law of Moshe Rabbeinu.
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על היהודים מוטלת המשימה לשנות את הר הבית, ממצבו הקיים, לבית תפילה לכל העמים על פי חוק התורה של משה רבנו.
| Ariel, hopefully your Representee | אריאל, מקווה שהנציג שלך
I pray as a Jew when I bring your prayers. |
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