Hilchos Pesach & Chodesh Nissan

337. There is a Mitzvah for every Jew to study Hilchos Pesach beginning thirty days before the Yom Tov (ie. on Purim) to know the correct way to perform the Pesach mitzvos. This obligation extends throughout all the days of Pesach itself. Included in this Mitzvah is the Shabbos Hagadol Drasha, a portion of which should be devoted to Hilchos Pesach.

Shulchan Aruch w/Mishnah Brurah 429:1

338. The Rama writes that there is a custom (brought at the beginning of Yerushalmi Mes. Baba Basra) to give Tzedakah to the poor to enable them to have all their needs for the Yom Tov of Pesach in a respectable manner. This Tzedaka is known as "Maos Chittim" (money for wheat) or "Kimcha D'Pischa" (Pesach flour). The Chofetz Chaim warns that "Those who refuse to contribute have a great sin in their hands". Shulchan Aruch w/Mishnah Brurah 429:1, see Sha'ar Hatziyun 10

339. This coming Shabbos we read Parshas Parah (at the beginning of Parshas Chukas). It discusses the preparation of the Parah Adumah (Red Heifer) which was burnt at this time of the year by the Jews in the Midbar (desert), to be sprinkled with it's ashes and be cleansed from impuritiy in order to be eligible to join in the Korbon Pesach.

Shulchan Aruch w/Mishnah Brurah 685:1

340. There is a machlokes amongst the Poskim whether the reading of Parshas Parah is a Torah obligation today. To be mindful of the opinion that it is Min Hatorah, one should  concentrate at the reading to be yotze this Mitzvah. According to all opinions, women are not obligated in this mitzvah. Shulchan Aruch w/Mishnah Brurah 685:7, Moadim U'zmanim 2:168

341.The entire month of Nissan is holy therefore we do not say Tachnun, Tzidkascha (by Shabbos Mincha), Yehi Ratzon after Krias Hatorah Mondays and Thursdays, nor Kel Molai (to commemorate a yahrtzeit). The custom of Sefardim is also not to say El Erech Apaim (when taking out the Sefer Torah), or L'menatzeach (at Ashrei U'va L'tzion) the entire Nissan.

Shulchan Aruch w/Mishnah Brurah 429:2, Kaf Hachaim 131:7

342. We do not fast the entire month of Nissan, including those who fast on the Yahrtzeit of a parent. However, one is permitted to fast for a Taanis Chalom (if one has a bad dream). Some opinions permit fasting for a Yahrtzeit after Isru Chag (the day following Yom Tov).

Shulchan Aruch w/Mishnah Brurah 429:2

343. Some have the custom to not visit a Bais Hak'voros (cemetery) the entire month of Nissan including on the Yahrtzeit of a parent. Rather, the visit should be scheduled for erev Rosh Chodesh Nissan because the neshama is present each erev Rosh Chodesh (and on the 15^th of each month) as well. Gesher Hachaim 26:6, Orchos Rabbeinu 2:305, Piskei Tshuvos 429:4

344. However, other opinions permit visiting a Bais Hak'voros in Nissan. {According to all opinions, one is permitted to visit the graves of tzaddikim to be mispallel during Nissan.}

Gesher Hachaim 26:6, Orchos Rabbeinu 2:305, Piskei Tshuvos 429:4

345. Some have the custom to say the tefillah of Yom Kippur Koton at Mincha on erev Rosh Chodesh Nissan (and fast until after mincha) even if they do not regularly say it on erev Rosh Chodesh. {Because Nissan is the beginning of the year according to the opinion of R' Yehoshuah that the world was created in Nissan} (Mes. Rosh Hashanah 11a).

Birchas Hapesach 1:3, Darchei Chaim V'Sholom 535

346. Because erev Rosh Chodesh Nissan comes out on Shabbos, the tefillah of Yom Kippur Koton will be said this year on the preceding Thursday, April 3^rd.

Birchas Ha'ilonos

347. Rosh Chodesh Nissan (Sunday April 6^th) marks the beginning of the season for Birkas Ha'Ilanos - the blessing we recite once a year upon seeing fruit trees in bloom. Men, women and children should make this beracha. The beracha may only be said upon seeing the flower bloom that precedes the growth of the fruit.

In a leap year, when trees may begin to bloom in Adar (particularly in Eretz Yisroel), or in locations where Spring takes place in Elul or Tishrei (ie. Australia, Argentina, Brazil) the beracha may be said in those months.

The text of the beracha is as follows: Boruch ata Hashem Elokeinu melech haolam shelo chisar ba'olamo klum, uvara vo beriyos tovos v'ilanos tovim lehanos bahem b'nei adam.

348. If one did not make the beracha timely in Nissan because he did not see a tree, one may bi'dieved make the beracha until such time that the fruit of the tree has not yet ripened. However, if one did see a tree in Nissan and neglected to make the beracha, he may only make the beracha until the fruit begins to grow.

The beracha should not be said on Shabbos unless it is the last day of the month of Nissan and one has not yet made the beracha.

Before the blessing is recited some have the minhag to say V'yehi Noam (last posuk of Tehillim 90) followed by Hallelukah hallelu Keil min ha-shamayim (Tehillim 148). The beracha should preferably be said with a minyan of men (with a kaddish following), but it may be said individually too.

The Chida writes that one should especially concentrate when saying this beracha because it is misakain (repairs) the neshamos that have been sent back to this world in the trees and plants, and one has the opportunity to ask for mercy on these souls at this time.

Shulchan Aruch w/Mishnah Brurah 226:1, Kaf Hachaim 226, Moed L'chol Chai 1:6, S'V Har Tzvi 226, Shulchan Hatahor 226, Sdei Chemed Vol. 2, Maareches Berachos pg. 265.

349. The Shabbos immediately preceding Rosh Chodesh Nissan, we read Parshas Hachodesh which discusses the proclamation of the new moon and the new month, to inaugurate the month of Nissan. According to all opinions this is a Rabbinic obligation, and women are not obligated in this reading. Shulchan Aruch w/Mishnah Brurah 685:1

350. On the night preceding the 14^th day of Nissan (erev Pesach) one must search the home for all Chometz items (Bedikas Chometz). However, since this year erev Pesach falls on Shabbos the bedikah is moved up to Thursday night, April 17^th. The Bedikas Chometz should ideally begin immediately after Tzeis Hakochavim, and not be delayed until later on at night. Shulchan Aruch w/Mishnah Brurah 431:1, 444:1

351. Before beginning the Bedikah some have the minhag to wash their hands, (without a beracha). The head of the household should make the beracha for the Bedikas Chometz before beginning the search. This beracha is sufficient for all members of the household to join the search. Shulchan Aruch w/Mishnah Brurah 432:1,2

352. The Bedikah should be done by the light of a candle. One should also keep on the regular lights in the room(s), and use a flashlight if necessary, but not instead of the candle. In areas where it may be dangerous to search by candlelight (ie. under a bed, in a car) one should rather use a flashlight and search well. Shulchan Aruch w/Mishnah Brurah 431:1, Moadim U'zmanim 1, Orchos Rabbeinu Pesach:6 citing The Steipler Gaon, Shearim Hamitzuyanim Behalacha 110:4

353. One may not do any work, or eat, beginning a half hour before the time of Bedikas Chometz (Tzeis Hakochavim) until after completing the Bedikah. However, one may eat small amounts of food (the size of an egg), or fruit (even a larger amount) in the half hour before the time of Bedikah. Shulchan Aruch w/Mishnah Brurah 431:2,  Piskei Tshuvos 431:6

354. After Tzeis Hakochavim (prior to doing the Bedikah) one should not eat all, but drinking is permitted. One should also not learn Torah until after completing the Bedikah.

Shulchan Aruch w/Mishnah Brurah 431:2, See Shaar Hatziyun 7

355. If one will not be home on time to do the Bedikah one should appoint his wife or adult sons to do the Bedikah. One may designate one room to be left for him, in order to be able to do the Bedikah himself with a beracha later that evening. Piskei Tshuvos 431:5, Tshuvos V'Hanhagos 2:214, Aruch Hashulchan 437:7, Sdei Chemed 5:1

356. L'chatchilah one should not delay the Bedikas Chometz until later at night. Rather, one should begin the Bedikah as soon as possible after Tzeis Hakochavim.

Shulchan Aruch w/Mishnah Brurah 431:2 see Bi'ur Halacha

358. The accepted minhag for many centuries is that Bechorim break the fast in the morning by celebrating a siyum (completion) of a Mesechtah (Talmudic tractate). One may join the seudas mitzvah of someone else's siyum. A Bris or a Pidyon Haben also cancel the fast. A siyum made by a boy under Bar Mitzvah also qualifies as a seudas mitzvah for adult Bechorim. Shulchan Aruch w/Mishnah Brurah 470:2, Piskei Tshuvos 470:5

359. The father of a firstborn boy who is too young to attend a siyum on his own should attend a siyum (or fast) on his behalf. This year, because the fast is not on its correct day, if one is unable to fast or attend a siyum for a minor son, one may possibly be lenient and fulfill this obligation by giving Tzedakah. Shulchan Aruch w/Mishnah Brurah 470:2, Kaf Hachaim 470, Laws of Pesach R' A. Blumenkrantz citing R' Yosef Chaim Sonnenfeld

{Some Sefardim have the minhag that female firstborn also partake in the siyum}.

S'V Yechave Da'as 3:25, S'V Yabia Omer 4:42

360. If one began the Bedikah and forgot to make the beracha, one may make the beracha as long as he has not yet completed the Bedikah. If he has already ended the Bedikah he should make the beracha at the time of the burning of the chometz Friday morning.

Shulchan Aruch w/Mishnah Brurah 432:1

361. One may not speak between the beracha and the start of the search for chometz. If one did speak, one must repeat the beracha. During the Bedikah one may only speak regarding something relating to the Bedikah itself. If one did speak during the Bedikah (on an unrelated topic) one does not make another beracha. Shulchan Aruch w/Mishnah Brurah 432:1

362. If one forgot, or was unable to make the Bedikah on Thursday night one should make the Bedikah on Friday, as early as possible, by candlelight, with a beracha. If the Bedikah was not done on Friday a Bedikah should be done on Chol Hamoed with a beracha, (not on Shabbos or Yom Tov), as soon as one remembers. If one did not remember until after Pesach, a Bedikah should be done even after Pesach without a beracha (to prevent any issur of Chometz She'ovar Ol'ov Hapesach). Shulchan Aruch w/Mishnah Brurah 435:1

363. If one is traveling for Pesach and will not be home on Thursday evening to do the Bedikah, one should do the Bedikah the night before traveling without a beracha, followed by the bittul (nullification) of Chometz that normally follows the Bedikah (as printed in the siddur).

Shulchan Aruch w/Mishnah Brurah 436:1

364. If one will not be at home for Pesach (and will not be able to make a Bedikas Chometz on Thursday night) one should preferably ask their Rov to sell their Chometz and rent their home/apartment to the non-jew on Thursday during the day. {There are however lenient opinions that do not require this early transfer}. Laws of Pesach R' A. Blumenkrantz

365. If one is in a hotel for Pesach; if one arrives before Thursday night (or anytime during the night) one searches the room with a beracha. If one arrives Friday morning, one searches without a beracha. Shulchan Aruch w/Mishnah Brurah 437:1,2, Laws of Pesach R' A. Blumenkrantz

366. If one owns or rents, an office or a second home one should L'chatchilah do a Bedikah at that location on Thursday evening. However, if it will be a great difficulty to do the Bedikah one may rent the home/office to a non-jew for Pesach along with a sale of any Chometz in that location. Shulchan Aruch w/Mishnah Brurah 433:5MB23, 436:MB32

367. According to some opinions if a 2^nd home has not been transferred to a non-jew before Thursday night the obligation of a bedikah falls upon the Jew. Therefore, it is preferable that one should arrange with his Rov to have the transaction completed with the non-jew before Thursday evening. Shulchan Aruch w/Mishnah Brurah 436:MB32

368. Nevertheless, if one did not arrange for the sale to the non-jew before the time of Bedikah, Thursday night, one may rely on the opinions of those that do not require the early transfer (including the Chasam Sofer). Shulchan Aruch w/Mishnah Brurah 436:MB32

369. Preferably one should not permit non-jews to bring chometz into one's home or office on Pesach. If this is not feasible one should set aside a specific location for the non-jew to eat, the Jew should carefully clean up the table/area, and no chometz should be left in the home. {Non-jewish live-in help should not be permitted to bring chometz into the home because of Mar'as Ayin}. Shulchan Aruch w/Mishnah Brurah 440:3, Laws of Pesach R' A. Blumenkrantz

370. One may not eat at the same table with a non-jew who is eating chometz because some chometz crumbs may mix with the Jew's food. However, one may eat at a table that was just used by a non-jew for chometz (ie. at work, or a picnic table) so long as one carefully cleans the table before setting down the Pasech'dike food. Shulchan Aruch w/Mishnah Brurah 440:3

371. It is permitted for a Jew to sit next to a non-jew while the non-jew is eating chometz. Therefore it is permitted to fly on an airplane on Chol Hamoed even if one sits next to a non-jew who will be eating chometz.

Shulchan Aruch w/Mishnah Brurah 440:3, Laws of Pesach R' A. Blumenkrantz

Halacha L'kovod Shabbos - "How to make Hamotzie on Shabbos erev Pesach"

According to all opinions one may not eat Matzoh on erev Peasach. According to many opinions one may also not eat egg matzohs on erev Pesach. There is an additional problem because according to many opinions one may not make Hamotzie on egg matzohs. However, R' Moshe Feinstein permits the use of egg matzohs on erev Pesach if there is cause for concern that one will not be able to properly remove all the chometz following the Friday night and Shabbos day meals. In such instance he permits the use of egg matzohs and the required shiur is 2 whole egg matzohs per person, per meal. However, since most poskim do not permit the use of egg matzohs, Rabbi A. Blumenkrantz suggests that one should use one small challah for each adult, which should be eaten over a napkin, and over a plastic tablecloth, and the napkin and crumbs should be flushed down the toilet immediately after consuming the challah, before continuing the meal. Small children should be given egg matzohs without any hesitancy. All the challahs should be tightly packed in plastic bags until ready for use. One must be careful to remove the Pesach'dike cups and dishes from the table while eating the Challah. Any leftover Challah should be flushed down the toilet before the zman bi'ur on Shabbos day. Igros Moshe 1:32 and 155, Laws of Pesach R' A. Blumenkrantz

372. Things to remember for Thursday, April 17th

* Siyum for Bechorim Thursday morning.

* Fathers should attend siyum in place of a minor firstborn child.

* Do Bedikas Chometz with a beracha as soon as possible after Tzeis Hakochavim.

* Say Kol Chamira - Bittul Chometz in a language that you understand.

* Put away any Chometz that will be burned Friday am.

* Tightly bag any Chometz that will be eaten Friday, and Shabbos am.

373. Things to remember for Friday, April 18^th

* Say Mizmor Lisoda and Lam'natzeach since this is not really erev Pesach.

* Remove vacuum cleaner bags with chometz.

* Chometz garbage that will not be collected by sanitation before z'man biur on Shabbos should

   not be left in garbage cans. Rather, it should be left in bags at the curb.

* Burn (& sell) Chometz at the customary time, prior to the end of the 5^th hour. NYC 11:35 am.

* Do not say Kol Chamirah because one will still eat chometz until Shabbos morning.

* No work restrictions as in a regular year. Haircuts and nail cutting are permitted.

* Eruv Chatzeiros, if needed, should be made with Pesach Matzos.

* All kitchen and dining areas must be covered (or kashered) for Pesach before Shabbos.

* Prepare for the Seder: Roast the Zeroah, Beitzah. Grate the Maror, Make the Charoses, Check       

   the Maror leaves, mix the salt water. (No preparations may be made on Shabbos).

* Either light a yahrtzeit candle (or leave on a stove fire) to be used to light Yom Tov candles.

* Set Shabbos clocks to allow lights to stay on very late for the Seder (Sedorim).

* Dentures, plates, etc. should be cleaned (and kashered if removable) before Shabbos.

* Brush teeth thoroughly. This will help to avoid bleeding when brushing on Shabbos (no paste).

* Many have the minhag to immerse in a mikvah in honor of Shabbos & Yom Tov.

* Prepare Kittel for the Seder. Open any staples or tags left on by the Dry Cleaners.

374. Things to remember for Shabos, April 19^th

* Daven Shachris early to enable completing the Shabbos meal(s) before sof zman achilas   

  chometz.

* Morning meal may be divided in two to fulfill 3^rd Seudah. Separate with a short walk.

* Complete eating chometz and brushing/rinsing mouth by the end of the 4^th hour.(NYC 10:16am)

* Brush teeth with a dry soft brush (no paste) avoid "sechitah" or bleeding from the gums. Must be  special brush for Shabbos. Rinse mouth. Do not wash brush.

* Check clothes, pockets, cuffs for crumbs.

* Any leftover Chometz should be flushed down the toilet.

* Say Kol Chamira before the zman of Bittul Chometz. (NYC 11:36am)

* Eat fruit, fish, or meat to be yotze 3^rd Seudah after Mincha Gedolah (NYC 1:29pm).

  (It is preferable to daven mincha before eating the 3^rd Seudah).

* Some have the minhag to say Hagadah after Mincha.

* Rest/Sleep, but do not say that this is in order to be awake or fresh for the Seder.

* For those who eat gebrokts one may only eat boiled foods with matzoh meal (ie. knaidlach).

  One may not eat baked matzoh meal products at any time during the day.

* After Mincha Ketanah (NYC 4:52pm) one may not eat knaidlach, drink wine or fill oneself.

* After night, before women begin to prepare for the Seder, remember to say "Hamavdil Bein

  Kodesh L'kodesh".

3^rd Seudah on Erev Pesach

375. Erev Pesach that falls on Shabbos presents a difficulty in eating the 3^rd Seudah in the optimal preferred manner. The halacha prefers that this meal be eaten with Hamotzie, after Mincha Gedolah (NYC 1:29pm). This Shabbos one may not eat chometz after the 4^th hour and one may not eat matzoh at all. The Mishnah Brurah therefore offers two options;

A) Split the morning meal into two meals. Wash, eat bread. Bentch, and then take a short walk. Wash again, complete eating the bread before the end of the 4^th hour (NYC 10:16am), and then complete the seudah.

B) Some prefer to eat the 3^rd Seudah at the preferred time, after Mincha Gedolah, but sacrifice the preferred food - bread, and are yotze with fruit, fish or meat. Fish and meat are more preferred than fruit.

Shulchan Aruch w/Mishnah Brurah 444:1

Sale of Chometz for one Traveling to a different Time Zone

376. If one is traveling to an earlier Time Zone for Pesach (ie. California to Eretz Yisroel) the problem arises that the Rov may sell his chometz in CA when it is already the time when chometz is prohibited in EY. Furthermore, when Pesach ends in EY one may not use any chometz in EY that was sold in CA until the chometz was repurchased by after the end of Yom Tov in CA. In the reverse case; one traveling from EY to CA, the problem arises that the Rov in EY may repurchase one's chometz for him while it is still Yom Tov for him in CA. One may resolve these issues by arranging for the Rov to allow for the time differences, or to sell one's chometz via a Rov at the location where one will be spending the Yom Tov.

{Special note: Hawaii presents a great difficulty because there is a halachic uncertainty as to the location of Hawaii on the International Dateline. This causes uncertainty as to which day is Shabbos and Yom Tov. If one is planning to be in Hawaii for Yom Tov (or Shabbos) one should consult with a Rov.}

The Laws of Pesach - R' A. Blumenkrantz

377. It is preferable for one to prepare the Seder foods on Friday in order to not delay the start of the Seder with lengthy preparations. If one neglected to prepare the Seder foods before Shabbos they may be prepared on Yom Tov, as follows;

Zeroah - may be roasted normally on Yom Tov. However, since it was roasted on the 1^st night of Yom Tov it must be eaten before the end of that day. It should not be eaten at the Seder. Rather, it should be eaten sometime the next day. Likewise, a Zeroah roasted on the 2^nd night of Yom Tov should be eaten the 2^nd day and not left for Chol Hamoed.

Beitzah - may be cooked and roasted normally. Some do have the minhag to eat the egg at the Seder. In any event it should eaten be before the end of that day as above re:Zeroah.

Romaine Lettuce Marror - Leaves should be checked carefully for bugs. If a bug is found (the bug is muktzah) remove it by cutting off that part of the leaf. Leaves should not be soaked in water which could invalidate the marror for use at the seder.

Horseradish Marror - The grating may done on Yom Tov with a shinui eg., grate directly onto a napkin, an inverted plate or on the table, but not into a keili.

Charoses - Nuts may be ground or chopped with a shinui as above re: Horseradish. Some suggest pouring the wine in first.

Salt Water - May be prepared on Yom Tov, but one should be careful not to put too much salt in to make it undrinkable.

R' A. Blumenkrantz, The Laws of Pesach

378. Laws of Chol Hamoed - Summary (This list is a partial list).

Based upon the psakim of Rabbi Avrohom Blumenkrantz, The laws of Pesach.

1. The Mitzvah of Simchas Yom Tov includes Chol Hamoed. Therefore one should wear Yom Tov clothing, and eat meat and/or drink wine at least once each day.

2. One is not permitted to take a haircut, shave, manicure or pedicure on Chol Hamoed, (except for a woman who must attend a mikvah).

3. It is forbidden to launder clothing on Chol Hamoed (except for infants clothing which are continuously soiled and washed). This includes even a non-jewish dry cleaner.

4. Plumbing repairs needed for Chol Hamoed may be made. (eg. Broken boiler/hot water), blocked sewer.

5. Gardening is not permitted. One must also stop a non-jewish gardener from working. Watering houseplants which will die if not watered is permitted.

6. One should not conduct business on Yom Tov without first discussing with a Rov the exact nature of the business to clarify if a leniency is permitted in that particular circumstance.

7. Skilled work is permitted if being done for food preparation for Chol Hamoed or Yom Tov.

8. Tailoring is generally prohibited. However, sewing a button in an unskilled manner for Yom Tov use is permitted. Shoe repairs are likewise forbidden.

9. One may not give a car to a mechanic for repairs on Chol Hamoed. However, if one is in middle of a trip and would be stranded without the car, then it is permitted as a Davar Ha'avad.

10. Changing light bulbs is permitted.

11. Regular doctor or dentist appointments should not be scheduled for Chol Hamoed.

12. One should not buy stocks on Chol Hamoed. One may sell a stock if there is a reasonable possibility that he may otherwise incur a loss.

13. Engagements are permitted on Chol Hamoed. Some authorities permit a full meal while others permit only refreshments.

14. One may shop on Chol Hamoed for items needed for Chol Hamoed or Yom Tov. One may shop at a special sale for non Yom Tov items if those items will not be available after Yom Tov.

The laws of Chol Hamoed are very complex and in each circumstance there may be room for leniency, or requirement for stringency, and one should consult with a Rov in each case.

379. The Shelah Hakodosh writes that on every Yom Tov one should one should study the Mesechtah related to that Yom Tov. This is based upon the Gemara in Sanhedrin 101a that says "One who reads a possuk in its time brings Geulah (salvation) to the world".

Piskei Tshuvos 429:1 citing Chok L'Yisroel, Kaf Hachaim 429:6

380. This Shabbos is erev Pesach and is also Shabbos Hagadol. It is called Shabbos Hagadol because in the year that the Bnei Yisroel left Mitzrayim the 10^th of Nissan fell on Shabbos. On that day they took the sheep, the god of the Egyptians, and tied it to the bedpost as commanded by Hashem while the Egyptians stood by silently at this brazen act of rebellion against them.

Shulchan Aruch w/Mishnah Brurah 430:1

381. Some have the minhag to say the Hagadah on Shabbos Hagadol from "Avadim Hayinu" until "Lechaper al kol avonoseinu" even when Shabbos Hagadol is erev Pesach like this year. However others, including the Vilna Gaon, did not agree with this minhag.

Shulchan Aruch w/Mishnah Brurah 430:1, see Biur Halacha

Chag Kasher V'sameach