Hilchos Pesach 5769
 
821. One may not eat Matzah on the 14th day of Nissan (i.e. erev Pesach, beginning from the night of the 14th) so that there should be a "heker" (recognition) that the Matzah being eaten at the seder is special, for the Mitzvah of Achilas Matzah. Some have the custom to refrain from eating Matzah from Rosh Chodesh Nissan, while others are even more stringent, and do not eat Matzah beginning 30 days before Pesach (i.e. from Purim). Shulchan Aruch w/Mishnah Brurah 471:2, Igros Moshe OC1:155, Rav Poalim 3:27
 
822. There is a Mitzvah for every Jew to study Hilchos Pesach beginning thirty days before the Yom Tov (i.e. 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
 
823. On Erev Pesach after Chatzos one (men) should be Tovel in a mikvah, and dress (men and women) in Yom Tov clothing {which should be even nicer than one's Shabbos clothing because of the extra mitzvah of Simcha on Yom Tov} because this is the time of the sacrificing of the Korban Peasch in the Beis Hamikdash. Following Mincha one should study the laws of Korban Pesach and Hashem will consider it as if one has sacrificed a Korban Pesach. Shulchan Aruch w/Mishnah Brurah 471:3 MB22, SA 529:1, Piskei Tshuvos 471:5 fn17
 
824. 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
 
825. This 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 its ashes and be cleansed from impurity in order to be eligible to join in the Korbon Pesach. Shulchan Aruch w/Mishnah Brurah 685:1
 
826. 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
 
827. Chazal tell us that all one's Parnassah and expenses are predetermined for the entire year on Rosh Hashanah except for that which one expends for Shabbos and Yom Tov needs; if one's spends too little, one loses, and if one adds, extra Parnassah is added for him. Therefore, one should not be precise (i.e. miserly) with one's expenditures L'kovod Yom Tov. Rather, one should spend whatever is necessary to properly provide clothing, wine, matzah and all other items needed L'kovod Yom Tov. Shulchan Aruch w/Mishnah Brurah 529:1 MB2,11
 
828. If one c'v cannot afford to purchase everything needed for a proper simchas Yom Tov there are certain circumstances when one is halachically obligated to borrow funds to purchase clothing and food for Yom Tov. This is a complicated question, and if necessary, should be discussed with a Rov/posek. Shulchan Aruch 242, S'U Betzail Hachochma 5:47, Chemdas Yisroel 2:18, Sfas Emes on Mes. Beitzah 15a
 
829. 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 Apayim (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
 
830. One should not do Melocha - work (i.e. melochos that are not permitted on Chol Hamoed) on Erev Pesach after Chatzos because that is the time of the sacrificing of the Korban Pesach (and it is therefore a Yom Tov) and one is Rabbinically prohibited from doing Melocha (even today when there is no Korban Pesach). Shulchan Aruch w/Mishnah Brurah 468:1
 
831. One who disregards this halacha and works, is (appropriate to be) put in Cherem - excommunication, and will not see a siman beracha from these earnings. Shulchan Aruch w/Mishnah Brurah 468:1
 
832. 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 15th of each month) as well. Gesher Hachaim 26:6, Orchos Rabbeinu 2:305, Piskei Tshuvos 429:4
 
833. Although one may not do Melocha (i.e. those melochos that are not permitted on Chol Hamoed) on Erev Pesach after Chatzos, some opinions permit one to conduct business after Chatzos up until Mincha Ketana (i.e. 2.5 hours before sunset - 4:45 pm NYC time).
Shulchan Aruch w/Mishnah Brurah 468:1,2, see Piskei Tshuvos 468:5 fn23
 
834. It is permitted to have a non-jew do melocha for a Jew on Erev Pesach after Chatzos, even in the home the Jew. Shulchan Aruch w/Mishnah Brurah 468:1 MB5
 
835. 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
 
836. On Erev Pesach after Chatzos one should be stringent and avoid taking a haircut given by a Jew, but one may be lenient and take a haircut given by a non-Jew. Shulchan Aruch w/Mishnah Brurah 468:1 MB4
 
837. L'Chatchila one should cut their nails for Yom Tov before Chatzos on Erev Pesach. However, Bidieved one may be lenient and cut them after Chatzos as well. {The same is true for polishing one's shoes and bathing after Chatzos}. Shulchan Aruch w/Mishnah Brurah 468:1 MB4, Moadom Uzmanim Hil Erev Pesach, S'U Yabia Omer 1:32, Shearim Hamitzuyanim Behalacha 113:6, Shmiras Shabbos Kehilchasa 42:143, Piskei Tshuvos 468:4
 
838. 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
 
839. One may not do laundry on Erev Pesach after Chatzos. However, one may have a non-Jew do laundry, and one may also begin a load in the washing machine before Chatzos, even if it will not be completed until after Chatzos. Shulchan Aruch w/Mishnah Brurah 468:2 MB7, Piskei Tshuvos 468:6
 
840. Any type of work (or circumstances) permitted on Chol Hamoed is also permitted Erev Pesach after Chatzos. Shulchan Aruch w/Mishnah Brurah 468:2 MB7
 
841. This Shabbos, 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
 
842. On Erev Pesach after Chatzos one should be stringent and avoid shaving, but one may be lenient and receive a (kosher) shave given by a non-Jew. Shulchan Aruch w/Mishnah Brurah 468:1 MB4
 
843. If one took upon himself a chumra (stringency) to not eat out of his own home on Pesach, and now wants to spend Pesach at his parent's or child's home; one need not be Matir Neder (release his vow) because since there is no cooking at his home, it is considered as if he is eating in his own home. S'U Shraga Hameir 6:140, Piskei Tshuvos 468:13 fn60
 
844. On the night preceding the 14th day of Nissan (erev Pesach) one must search the home for all Chometz items (Bedikas Chometz). 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
 
845. Once a couple who come from different communities (Kehillos) with diverse halachos and minhagim (e.g. Ashkenazi and Sefardi, or Chassidish and Litvish) get married, the woman must follow all the halachos and minhagim of her husband's community, whether the husband's customs are more stringent or more lenient. {This does not apply however, to stringencies (chumra's) taken on by her husband which are above and beyond the norm in the husband's community.} Igros Moshe OC1:158, EH2:12, EH4:100, S'U Minchas Yitzchok 4:83, S'U Yabia Omer 5:37, Piskei Tshuvos 468:11
 
846. This halacha is particularly relevant to differing customs surrounding Pesach and the Seder, and is applicable to halachos brought in Shulchan Aruch & Poskim, as well as to minhagim that are not necessarily founded upon Shulchan Aruch & Poskim, but which are the accepted custom of the husband's community. Igros Moshe OC1:158, EH2:12, EH4:100, S'U Minchas Yitzchok 4:83, S'U Yabia Omer 5:37, Piskei Tshuvos 468:11
 
847. 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
 
848. Rosh Chodesh Nissan (Thursday March 26th) 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 locations where Spring takes place in Elul or Tishrei (e.g. Australia, Argentina, Brazil), [or in a leap year, when trees may begin to bloom in Adar (particularly in Eretz Yisroel)] the beracha may be said in those months.
 
The text of the beracha is: Boruch atah Hashem Elokeinu melech haolam shelo chisar ba'olamo klum, uvara vo beriyos tovos v'ilanos tovim lehanos bahem b'nei adam.
 
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
 
849. 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.
 
850. On Erev Pesach (as well as on all Erev Yomim Tovim) one should not have any surgery unless the situation involves Pikuach Nefesh (life and death) and is necessary to be done at that time. Therefore, one should avoid elective surgery, scheduled caesarian sections, blood tests, and even donating blood on Erev Yom Tov. {Erev Yom Tov of the last day of Pesach is permitted because it is not a separate Yom Tov}. Shulchan Aruch w/Mishnah Brurah 468:10 MB38, Piskei Tshuvos 468:14
 
851. The reason behind this halacha is because the Gemara in Mes. Shabbos says that on Erev Shavuos a "Shade" (demon) named Tibuach comes to slaughter the flesh and blood of the Jews if they do not accept the Torah. Therefore, Chazal decreed that one should not do any surgery on any Erev Yom Tov because it is a time when our Mazel is weak. Shulchan Aruch w/Mishnah Brurah 468:10 MB38, Piskei Tshuvos 468:14
 
852. 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 (e.g. 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
 
Hilchos Birchas Hachama
853-864
 
865. This Shabbos is Shabbos Hagadol. It is called Shabbos Hagadol because in the year that the Bnei Yisroel left Mitzrayim the 10th 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
 
866. Some have the minhag to say the Hagadah on Shabbos Hagadol after Mincha from "Avadim Hayinu" until "Lechaper al kol avonoseinu". However others, including the Vilna Gaon, did not agree with this minhag. Shulchan Aruch w/Mishnah Brurah 430:1, see Biur Halacha
 
867. Things To Remember for Bedikas Chometz on Tuesday Evening, April 7th
1. The Bedikas Chometz should ideally begin immediately after Tzeis Hakochavim, and not be delayed until later on at night.
 
2. Before beginning the Bedikah some have the minhag to wash their hands, (without a beracha).
 
3. 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.
 
4. One may not do any work, or eat, beginning a half hour before 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 Tzeis Hakochavim.
 
5. 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.
 
6. 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 Wedneday morning.
 
7. One may not speak between the beracha and the start of the search for chometz. If one did speak, one must repeat the beracha.
 
8. 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.
 
9. If one forgot, or was unable to make the Bedikah on Tuesday night one should make the Bedikah on Wednesday, as early as possible, by candlelight, with a beracha.
 
10.  If the Bedikah was not done before Yom Tov, a Bedikah should be done on Chol Hamoed with a beracha, (but not on Shabbos or Yom Tov), as soon as one remembers.
 
11. 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).
 
12. If one is traveling for Pesach and will not be home on Tuesday evening, one should do the Bedikah the night before traveling without a beracha, followed by the nullification of Chometz that normally follows the Bedikah (as printed in the siddur).
 
13. If one arrives at a hotel before Tuesday evening (or anytime during the night) one searches the room with a beracha. If one arrives Erev Yom Tov, one searches without a beracha.
 
14. If one owns or rents an office or a second home one should L'chatchilah do a Bedikah at that location on Tuesday 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.
 
15. According to some opinions if a 2nd home has not been transferred to a non-jew before Tuesday 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 Tuesday evening.
 
16 Nevertheless, if one did not arrange for the sale to the non-jew before the time of Bedikah, one may rely on the lenient opinions of those that do not require the early transfer.
 
Shulchan Aruch w/Mishnah Brurah 431-437
 
868. Things to Remember for Erev Pesach, April 8th
 
* Siyum for Bechorim Wednesday morning. (Fast begins - Jerusalem 5:05 am, NYC 5:02 am).
* All male firstborn to either parent must fast, as well as a firstborn following a miscarriage.
* Some Sefardim have the minhag that female firstborn also partake in the siyum.
* Fathers should attend siyum in place of a minor firstborn child.
* Consider Davening Shachris K'vasikin, before Birchas Hachama.
* Do not say Mizmor Lisoda and Lam'natzeach.
* Birchas Hachama - as early as possible after Sunrise. (Jerusalem 6:14 am, NYC 6:27 am)
* Birchas Hachama may be said until Chatzos. (Jerusalem12:41 pm, NYC 12:58 pm)
* Stop Eating Chometz end of 4th hour. (Jerusalem 10:04 am, NYC 10:14 am)
* Brush teeth thoroughly before end of zman Achilah.
* Complete Burning of Chometz end of 5th hour. (Jerusalem 11:21 am, NYC 11:35 am)
* Say Kol Chamira - Bittul (Nullification) of Chometz in a language that you understand.
* Remove vacuum cleaner bags with chometz before zman biur chometz.
* Chometz garbage that will not be collected by sanitation before z'man biur should
   not be left in garbage cans. Rather, it should be left in bags at the curb.
* Dentures, bi-pates, etc. should be cleaned (and kashered if removable) before zman biur.
* Work restrictions after Chatzos.
* No haircuts or shaving after Chatzos.
* Make Eruv Tavshilin with a beracha before Yom Tov.
* All kitchen and dining areas must be covered before Yom Tov.
* Prepare for the Seder: Roast the Zeroah, Beitzah. Grate the Maror, Make the Charoses,    

  Check the Maror leaves, mix the salt water.
* Set Shabbos clocks to allow lights to stay on very late for the Seder (Sedorim).
* Many have the minhag to immerse in a mikvah in honor of Yom Tov.
* Prepare Kittel for the Seder. Open any staples or tags left on by the Dry Cleaners.
* For those who eat gebrokts one may only eat boiled foods with matzoh meal (e.g. 

  knaidlach).
* One may not eat baked matzoh meal products at any time during the day.
* After Mincha Ketanah (Jerusalem4:49 pm, NYC 4:45 pm) one may not eat knaidlach, 

  drink wine, or fill oneself.
* Many have the minhag to recite the order of the Korbon Pesach (printed in many

  Haggados) after Mincha, thereby meriting as if having offered a Pesach sacrifice in the Bais

  hamikdash.
* Remember to make Eruv Tavshilin.
 
869. 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.