Passover is a 7 day (8 days outside of Israel) holiday. The first day (first two days outside of Israel) are Yamim Tovim - days which are observed with the same rules as the Sabbath. (Cooking from an existing flame and carrying, however, are permitted).
Candle lighting
Shabbat and all Jewish holidays always begin the evening before. Because Passover begins on Saturday night (immediately following Shabbat), candles are lit no earlier than one hour after sunset on both the first and second night of Yom Tov.
Because one may not create a fire on Shabbat or Yom Tov, the candles must be lit from a pre-existing flame. For this reason, many people light a yahrtzeit candle (25 hour candle) before Shabbat, or leave a burner lit on the stove before Shabbat.
The procedure for lighting candles for a holiday varies slightly from Sabbath candle-lighting:
* The blessings are said before lighting the candles.
* The end of the blessing is changed to represent the Yom Tov [festival] and includes Shabbat, when applicable:
Ba’ruch ah’tah Ah’do’nai, Eh’lo’hay’nu melech ha’o’lam, ah’sher kidishanu b’mitz’vo’tav v’tzee’vanu l’hahd’leek nayr shel [Shabbat v’] Yom Tov.
Blessed are you Lord, our God, Ruler of the world, who sanctified us through His commandments and commanded us to kindle the lights of the [the Sabbath and] Yom Tov [festival]
An additional blessing, Sheh'heh'cheh'yanu, is pronounced to acknowledge the good fortune of being able to experience the holiday:
Ba’ruch ah’tah Ah’do’nai, Eh’lo’hay’nu melech ha’o’lam, sheh'heh'cheh'yanu v'kee'manu v'hee'gee'anu la'zman ha'zeh.
Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the Universe, who has kept us alive, sustained us, and brought us to this season.
Evening services are held in the synagogue.
The Seder
Due to its length, intricacies and importance, the Seder will be covered more thoroughly in upcoming Jewish Holiday Treats.
Changes In The Morning Synagogue Service
* During Shacharit, the morning service, the Festival Amidah is recited.
* Hallel
1. Hallel is a collection of Psalms that are recited on the festivals and Rosh Chodesh (the new month).
2. Hallel can be found in the siddur (Jewish prayerbook).
3. Full Hallel is recited on the first two days of Passover. Half-Hallel is recited on the remaining days of the holiday.
* The Torah Reading
1. On the first day of Passover, Exodus 12:21-51 is read in synagogue.
2. On the second day of Passover, Leviticus 22:26-23:44 is
read in synagogue.
3. The maftir (additional reading) on both days is Numbers
28:16-25.
4. The haftorah (prophetic message) on the first day is from the Book of Joshua, 3:5-7, 5:2-6:1, and 6:27.
The haftorah on the second day is from Kings II, 23:1-9 and 23:21-25.
* The Prayer for Dew
1. On Passover, the prayer for rain, which began on Shmini Atzeret (the final days of Sukkot), is discontinued and the prayer for dew is now recited.
2. The cantor recites the prayer for dew during the repetition of the Mussaf (additional) service on the first day of Passover.
3. In the Silent Amidah, morid ha'tal, "He who makes the dew descend," is inserted. Morid ha'tal is added to each service until Shmini Atzeret. Many congregations, however, merely omit the previously said mashiv ha'ruach u' morid ha'geshem.
4. In the weekday Amidah, v'ten bracha, "and give blessing," replaces v'ten tal u'matar liv'racha, "and give dew and rain for a blessing," in the 9th blessing.
The Festive Lunch
* The Festival day Kiddush (blessing over wine), found in the siddur (prayer book), is recited.
* Ha'Motzee - After a ritual washing of the hands, the blessing is made over two whole matzot, the pieces of which are sprinkled with salt.
* A festive meal is eaten, followed by the Grace After Meals with the addition of Y'aleh V'Yavo, "He will go up and he will come..." for the Passover holidays and the holiday insertion towards the conclusion of "Harachamon."
Mincha, the afternoon service is recited with the special Festival Amidah (and the special insertions for Shabbat, when applicable).
Havdalah
At the conclusion of the second day of Yom Tov, Havdalah, separating holy days from week days, is recited in the evening Amidah. This Havdalah is followed by the formal Havdalah, which consists of only the blessing over grape juice (HaGafen) and the Havdalah blessing (HaMavdil), which can be found in the prayer book
One may not prepare on the first day of Yom Tov for the second day of Yom Tov. One should wait until after nightfall to set the table, prepare the Seder plate, or any other activity not meant for the enjoyment of the first day itself.
Copyright © 2010 National Jewish Outreach Program. All rights reserved.
Friday, March 19, 2010
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Passover Preparations: Burning of Chametz
Burning of Chametz
Before the end of the fourth hour of daylight, all remaining chametz (except that set aside for Friday and the Shabbat meals), found during the search or left over from breakfast, is burned. A second, and more comprehensive, declaration is then* made stating that any chametz that one owns or possesses is null and void and ownerless. The text of the second nullification may be found in most prayer books.
*When Passover begins after Shabbat: Although chametz may be purchased and eaten all day Friday, the custom is to sell and burn all chametz on Friday morning before the end of the fourth hour since burning it later may lead to confusion in subsequent years. The comprehensive declaration nullifying ownership of the chametz is made on Shabbat morning.
Because the removal of chametz is taking place a day earlier than usual, one should be certain on the day of the Seder (Saturday), not to eat any chametz after the fourth hour of daylight.
Prohibition of Eating Matzah
One may not eat matzah the entire day before the Seder in order to increase the pleasure of eating matzah at the Seder.
Copyright © 2010 National Jewish Outreach Program. All rights reserved.
Before the end of the fourth hour of daylight, all remaining chametz (except that set aside for Friday and the Shabbat meals), found during the search or left over from breakfast, is burned. A second, and more comprehensive, declaration is then* made stating that any chametz that one owns or possesses is null and void and ownerless. The text of the second nullification may be found in most prayer books.
*When Passover begins after Shabbat: Although chametz may be purchased and eaten all day Friday, the custom is to sell and burn all chametz on Friday morning before the end of the fourth hour since burning it later may lead to confusion in subsequent years. The comprehensive declaration nullifying ownership of the chametz is made on Shabbat morning.
Because the removal of chametz is taking place a day earlier than usual, one should be certain on the day of the Seder (Saturday), not to eat any chametz after the fourth hour of daylight.
Prohibition of Eating Matzah
One may not eat matzah the entire day before the Seder in order to increase the pleasure of eating matzah at the Seder.
Copyright © 2010 National Jewish Outreach Program. All rights reserved.
Passover Preparations: Bedikat Chametz - The Final Search for Chametz
The Final Search for Chametz.
Tis the night before Pesach
and all through the place
we must search for our chametz,
in every corner and space.
We've emptied our pockets,
and vacuumed the floor,
every inch has been dusted,
we can clean no more!
With a feather and a candle,
in the dark of the night,
we look for any chametz
that was hidden from sight.
Next day after sunrise
all the chametz must be
burned out of existence
to set ourselves free.
On Passover, Jews are commanded to get rid of all "chametz" (see definition of chametz in overview) which may be in their possession. Weeks are spent cleaning and scrubbing. To confirm the effectiveness of these efforts, a special search for chametz, called Bedikat Chametz, is held on the night before the Seder. (° When the first Seder is Saturday night, Bedikat Chametz is performed on Thursday night.)
Shortly after nightfall, Bedikat Chametz begins. The search is conducted by the light of a candle, in order to look in all the nooks and crannies (if the candle might cause danger, for instance when searching near draperies, one may use a flashlight). It is also customary to "sweep" the chametz away with a feather.
Before the search begins, the following blessing is recited:
Ba’ruch ah’tah Ah’do’nai, Eh’lo’hay’nu melech ha’o’lam, ah’sher kidishanu b’mitz’vo’tav v’tzee’vanu ahl Bee'oor chametz
Blessed are you L-rd, our G-d ruler of the world, who sanctified us through His commandments and commanded us concerning the removal of chametz
From the recitation of the blessing until the search begins, there should be no talking. Likewise, during the search, conversation should be limited to matters which pertain to the search.
Sometimes getting into the right mind frame for the search may be difficult, especially if the house has already been thoroughly cleaned for Passover. It is the custom, therefore, to carefully "hide" ten pieces of chametz (for instance 10 pieces of pretzel) in the rooms which will be searched. The search will thus be more diligent, and will not conclude until all the rooms have been checked and the 10 pieces found.
All chametz that is found should be placed safely in a bag for disposal the next morning. You may, however, put aside chametz to eat for breakfast (and Shabbat meals when applicable), making sure to clean up any leftovers and to add them to the chametz bag afterwards.
When the search is over, a general declaration is made stating that any unknown chametz is hereby declared ownerless:
"Any chametz or leaven that is in my possession which I have not seen, have not
removed and do not know about, should be annulled and become ownerless,
like the dust of the earth."
On the morning before the Seder, all chametz found during Bedikat Chametz, or left over from breakfast, is burned. In larger communities, there are often communal chametz burning barrels.
After the burning of the chametz, since the time for eating chametz has passed, we make a more comprehensive declaration nullifying ownership.
"Any chametz, or leaven, that is in my possession, whether I know about it
or not, whether I have seen it or not, whether I have removed it or not, should
be annulled and become ownerless, like dust of the earth."
The removal and destruction of chametz is now complete.
A DEEPER LOOK AT BEDIKAT CHAMETZ
On Passover, the festival of freedom, we commemorate our liberation from slavery. In the 21st century, most people often think of freedom as a lack of restrictions and obligations. With the intensive cleaning and obligatory preparations, Passover seems to be in direct contradiction of freedom. After all, how can we be considered free, when we are obligated to "slave away" cleaning every corner of the house?
While our release from slavery occurred on Passover, the Jewish nation was not wholly free on the day they left Egypt. Although they were no longer subjugated to taskmasters, the Israelites retained the slave mentalities which they had acquired. Slavery, after all, denies a person free will. Lack of free will often causes a person to lose a sense of responsibility. Proof of this can be seen in the fact that throughout their journey in the wilderness, the Jews rebel and cry-out that it would have been better to still be slaves in Egypt! While in slavery, they did not have to choose how to act, their masters told them what to do.
Yes, the Jewish nation was redeemed from Egypt in order to be free, free to serve G-d! Thirty three centuries later, our mission has not changed. Passover is the time for setting ourselves free from that which today enslaves us. While the slavery of the 21st century is not the physical hardship we faced in Egypt, today's bondage is even more subtle and powerful. Today many Americans are enslaved to their jobs, to money, to power and to technology.
How many Jews will miss attending a Seder this year because they "just couldn't get off work" (In America, one can't really loose his/her job for taking time off for a religious holiday!!) How many Jews are aghast at the idea of no TV, pager or cell-phone for 25 hours on Shabbat. And how many Jews balk at the idea of keeping kosher because of the fear of appearing different from others? Is this freedom?
Perhaps the root of enslavement is pride. The popular idiom of modern life, "He who has the most toys, wins," is, unfortunately, hardly a maxim for living life to the fullest. It is probably more a means of showing superiority over others. Does anyone really need a cell-phone/pager/internet with a video screen? The human race has survived without it for millennia. But oh, to be the first one on the block to own one!
Our sages tell us that Chametz (any combination of water and flour which is allowed to ferment) represents "pride," comparing the "puffing-up" of the dough to the "puffing-up" of the ego. We are proud of our business accomplishments, our social coups, and even our "righteousness." Pride and arrogance, however, are allies of the evil inclination, the Yetzer Harah. When a person places too high a value on him/herself, the importance of G-d is diminished and is more likely to sin. As the holiday of our redemption approaches, we are reminded that the People of Israel attained freedom by having faith in G-d and accepting that it is G-d who ultimately runs the world and performs miracles.
Searching for chametz is symbolic of battling the evil inclination. We search every corner of our souls for pride and arrogance. It is only then, when we have labored to rid ourselves of these negative character traits, that we are able to appreciate the freedom that was given to us when we left Egypt.
The actual search, during which pieces of chametz are "hidden" in the house, reminds us that we must still search even when we think that the cleansing is complete. One should never glory in one's "righteousness," after all, no one is ever completely cleansed of "chametz." Isn't the best Jew the one who is always trying to be a better Jew?
The Jewish concept of freedom is not a world without laws. Freedom is the removal of obstacles in the path of serving G-d. Free will is G-d's gift to humankind, but the freedom to use it properly must be learned and earned.
May you have a successful search and a joyful Passover.
Copyright © 2010 National Jewish Outreach Program. All rights reserved.
Tis the night before Pesach
and all through the place
we must search for our chametz,
in every corner and space.
We've emptied our pockets,
and vacuumed the floor,
every inch has been dusted,
we can clean no more!
With a feather and a candle,
in the dark of the night,
we look for any chametz
that was hidden from sight.
Next day after sunrise
all the chametz must be
burned out of existence
to set ourselves free.
On Passover, Jews are commanded to get rid of all "chametz" (see definition of chametz in overview) which may be in their possession. Weeks are spent cleaning and scrubbing. To confirm the effectiveness of these efforts, a special search for chametz, called Bedikat Chametz, is held on the night before the Seder. (° When the first Seder is Saturday night, Bedikat Chametz is performed on Thursday night.)
Shortly after nightfall, Bedikat Chametz begins. The search is conducted by the light of a candle, in order to look in all the nooks and crannies (if the candle might cause danger, for instance when searching near draperies, one may use a flashlight). It is also customary to "sweep" the chametz away with a feather.
Before the search begins, the following blessing is recited:
Ba’ruch ah’tah Ah’do’nai, Eh’lo’hay’nu melech ha’o’lam, ah’sher kidishanu b’mitz’vo’tav v’tzee’vanu ahl Bee'oor chametz
Blessed are you L-rd, our G-d ruler of the world, who sanctified us through His commandments and commanded us concerning the removal of chametz
From the recitation of the blessing until the search begins, there should be no talking. Likewise, during the search, conversation should be limited to matters which pertain to the search.
Sometimes getting into the right mind frame for the search may be difficult, especially if the house has already been thoroughly cleaned for Passover. It is the custom, therefore, to carefully "hide" ten pieces of chametz (for instance 10 pieces of pretzel) in the rooms which will be searched. The search will thus be more diligent, and will not conclude until all the rooms have been checked and the 10 pieces found.
All chametz that is found should be placed safely in a bag for disposal the next morning. You may, however, put aside chametz to eat for breakfast (and Shabbat meals when applicable), making sure to clean up any leftovers and to add them to the chametz bag afterwards.
When the search is over, a general declaration is made stating that any unknown chametz is hereby declared ownerless:
"Any chametz or leaven that is in my possession which I have not seen, have not
removed and do not know about, should be annulled and become ownerless,
like the dust of the earth."
On the morning before the Seder, all chametz found during Bedikat Chametz, or left over from breakfast, is burned. In larger communities, there are often communal chametz burning barrels.
After the burning of the chametz, since the time for eating chametz has passed, we make a more comprehensive declaration nullifying ownership.
"Any chametz, or leaven, that is in my possession, whether I know about it
or not, whether I have seen it or not, whether I have removed it or not, should
be annulled and become ownerless, like dust of the earth."
The removal and destruction of chametz is now complete.
A DEEPER LOOK AT BEDIKAT CHAMETZ
On Passover, the festival of freedom, we commemorate our liberation from slavery. In the 21st century, most people often think of freedom as a lack of restrictions and obligations. With the intensive cleaning and obligatory preparations, Passover seems to be in direct contradiction of freedom. After all, how can we be considered free, when we are obligated to "slave away" cleaning every corner of the house?
While our release from slavery occurred on Passover, the Jewish nation was not wholly free on the day they left Egypt. Although they were no longer subjugated to taskmasters, the Israelites retained the slave mentalities which they had acquired. Slavery, after all, denies a person free will. Lack of free will often causes a person to lose a sense of responsibility. Proof of this can be seen in the fact that throughout their journey in the wilderness, the Jews rebel and cry-out that it would have been better to still be slaves in Egypt! While in slavery, they did not have to choose how to act, their masters told them what to do.
Yes, the Jewish nation was redeemed from Egypt in order to be free, free to serve G-d! Thirty three centuries later, our mission has not changed. Passover is the time for setting ourselves free from that which today enslaves us. While the slavery of the 21st century is not the physical hardship we faced in Egypt, today's bondage is even more subtle and powerful. Today many Americans are enslaved to their jobs, to money, to power and to technology.
How many Jews will miss attending a Seder this year because they "just couldn't get off work" (In America, one can't really loose his/her job for taking time off for a religious holiday!!) How many Jews are aghast at the idea of no TV, pager or cell-phone for 25 hours on Shabbat. And how many Jews balk at the idea of keeping kosher because of the fear of appearing different from others? Is this freedom?
Perhaps the root of enslavement is pride. The popular idiom of modern life, "He who has the most toys, wins," is, unfortunately, hardly a maxim for living life to the fullest. It is probably more a means of showing superiority over others. Does anyone really need a cell-phone/pager/internet with a video screen? The human race has survived without it for millennia. But oh, to be the first one on the block to own one!
Our sages tell us that Chametz (any combination of water and flour which is allowed to ferment) represents "pride," comparing the "puffing-up" of the dough to the "puffing-up" of the ego. We are proud of our business accomplishments, our social coups, and even our "righteousness." Pride and arrogance, however, are allies of the evil inclination, the Yetzer Harah. When a person places too high a value on him/herself, the importance of G-d is diminished and is more likely to sin. As the holiday of our redemption approaches, we are reminded that the People of Israel attained freedom by having faith in G-d and accepting that it is G-d who ultimately runs the world and performs miracles.
Searching for chametz is symbolic of battling the evil inclination. We search every corner of our souls for pride and arrogance. It is only then, when we have labored to rid ourselves of these negative character traits, that we are able to appreciate the freedom that was given to us when we left Egypt.
The actual search, during which pieces of chametz are "hidden" in the house, reminds us that we must still search even when we think that the cleansing is complete. One should never glory in one's "righteousness," after all, no one is ever completely cleansed of "chametz." Isn't the best Jew the one who is always trying to be a better Jew?
The Jewish concept of freedom is not a world without laws. Freedom is the removal of obstacles in the path of serving G-d. Free will is G-d's gift to humankind, but the freedom to use it properly must be learned and earned.
May you have a successful search and a joyful Passover.
Copyright © 2010 National Jewish Outreach Program. All rights reserved.
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Passover Preparations: Getting Rid of Chametz
Cleaning the House
The home and place of business are thoroughly cleaned in an effort to get rid of chametz, which one is forbidden to possess.
It is important to thoroughly clean the kitchen and dining room areas, where food is generally eaten. Be sure to brush or vacuum out crumbs from drawers and cabinets.
In living rooms and other rooms where food, especially snacks, is eaten, be sure to vacuum carpets and couches.
"Turning the House Over" - Perhaps you have heard this phrase uttered by a friend, or you remember your grandmother using such language. "Turning the House Over" means changing the kitchen from Chametz to Pesachdik (ready for Passover) and vice-versa after the holiday.
* During Passover, one may not use dishes, silverware or pots and pans that are regularly used with chametz foods. It is customary to have separate sets of dishes, cutlery and cookingware for Passover.
* For those who are just beginning to observe the Passover laws or who are on a strict budget, paper, plasticware and aluminum are easy and affordable.
* The non-Passover dishes, cutlery and cookware should be stored away so that they will not mistakenly be used. One may either box them and put them in another room, or tape the cabinet closed.
* Appliances used for chametz should be removed from the counters and not used during Passover.
* Because counters and table tops often come in direct contact with chametz during the year, one should cover them. A tablecloth is sufficient for the table and foil, plastic sheeting or contact paper (being cautious that it is removable without damage) to cover counters.
The Removal of Chametz
Any item which contains wheat, wheat, oat, barley, spelt or rye should be consumed before Passover, given away, thrown out or sold (see below).
Any item that does not contain chametz, but is not specifically labeled Kosher for Passover, should be stored in a cabinet and the cabinet should be taped closed.
During the holiday, one should only eat food specifically marked Kosher for Passover. While a product may not appear to contain chametz, according to Jewish law it may still be chametz since the US FDA does not require any ingredient under 2% to be listed on the label. There are also some production techniques that use chametz based oils in packaging or canning products, which would not be listed on the labels.
Selling the leftover Chametz
In cases of significant monetary loss, it is customary to sell certain types of chametz to a non-Jew, for instance unopened economy size boxes of cereal or bottles of scotch.*
Copyright © 2010 National Jewish Outreach Program. All rights reserved.
The home and place of business are thoroughly cleaned in an effort to get rid of chametz, which one is forbidden to possess.
It is important to thoroughly clean the kitchen and dining room areas, where food is generally eaten. Be sure to brush or vacuum out crumbs from drawers and cabinets.
In living rooms and other rooms where food, especially snacks, is eaten, be sure to vacuum carpets and couches.
"Turning the House Over" - Perhaps you have heard this phrase uttered by a friend, or you remember your grandmother using such language. "Turning the House Over" means changing the kitchen from Chametz to Pesachdik (ready for Passover) and vice-versa after the holiday.
* During Passover, one may not use dishes, silverware or pots and pans that are regularly used with chametz foods. It is customary to have separate sets of dishes, cutlery and cookingware for Passover.
* For those who are just beginning to observe the Passover laws or who are on a strict budget, paper, plasticware and aluminum are easy and affordable.
* The non-Passover dishes, cutlery and cookware should be stored away so that they will not mistakenly be used. One may either box them and put them in another room, or tape the cabinet closed.
* Appliances used for chametz should be removed from the counters and not used during Passover.
* Because counters and table tops often come in direct contact with chametz during the year, one should cover them. A tablecloth is sufficient for the table and foil, plastic sheeting or contact paper (being cautious that it is removable without damage) to cover counters.
The Removal of Chametz
Any item which contains wheat, wheat, oat, barley, spelt or rye should be consumed before Passover, given away, thrown out or sold (see below).
Any item that does not contain chametz, but is not specifically labeled Kosher for Passover, should be stored in a cabinet and the cabinet should be taped closed.
During the holiday, one should only eat food specifically marked Kosher for Passover. While a product may not appear to contain chametz, according to Jewish law it may still be chametz since the US FDA does not require any ingredient under 2% to be listed on the label. There are also some production techniques that use chametz based oils in packaging or canning products, which would not be listed on the labels.
Selling the leftover Chametz
In cases of significant monetary loss, it is customary to sell certain types of chametz to a non-Jew, for instance unopened economy size boxes of cereal or bottles of scotch.*
Copyright © 2010 National Jewish Outreach Program. All rights reserved.
Passover Preparations: What Is Chametz
"And this day will be for you as a memorial and you will celebrate it as a festival for G-d. Throughout your generations you shall keep it a feast for an everlasting statute. Seven days you will eat only matzah, but on the first day you shall have put away your Chametz (leaven) from your houses..." (Exodus 12:14-15)
The Torah teaches that by the beginning of the holiday of Passover, no Chametz should be left in one's house. To fulfill this directive, the house (and other spaces where one spends significant time, i.e. one's office or car) is thoroughly cleaned. Many begin their Passover cleaning immediately after Purim, thus giving themselves a month to prepare. The following is a guide to the special actions taken to eliminate chametz from one's possession:
What is Chametz?
Chametz is defined as leaven and is any product in which wheat, oat, barley, spelt or rye come in contact with water for 18 minutes or longer (without kneading or manipulating).
Kitniyot - Legumes -
During the holiday of Passover, Ashekenazim (Jews of Western and Eastern European ancestry) follow the Rabbinic decree to not eat kitniyot, foods such as rice, corn, soy beans, string beans, peas, lentils, peanuts, mustard, sesame seeds and poppy seeds.
Why? - Kitniyot products are often stored together with chametz grains and it is difficult to insure that there is no chametz mixed with the products. Also, when kitniyot are ground into flour, the untrained eye could mistakenly think that this it is real flour and, therefore, accidentally come to use prohibited flour.
In the house - While the decree prohibits one to eat products containing Kitniyot, they do not need to be removed from one's possession, as does chametz.
Peanut oil and other derivatives -- a commonly noted Passover item on the supermarket shelf is peanut oil. There is a difference of opinion about using kitniyot-based oils. Please check with your local rabbi as to whether or not you may use these products.
Please note that while many Sephardim are permitted to eat kitniyot, the food must be thoroughly checked that it is not mixed with chametz.
Copyright © 2010 National Jewish Outreach Program. All rights reserved.
The Torah teaches that by the beginning of the holiday of Passover, no Chametz should be left in one's house. To fulfill this directive, the house (and other spaces where one spends significant time, i.e. one's office or car) is thoroughly cleaned. Many begin their Passover cleaning immediately after Purim, thus giving themselves a month to prepare. The following is a guide to the special actions taken to eliminate chametz from one's possession:
What is Chametz?
Chametz is defined as leaven and is any product in which wheat, oat, barley, spelt or rye come in contact with water for 18 minutes or longer (without kneading or manipulating).
Kitniyot - Legumes -
During the holiday of Passover, Ashekenazim (Jews of Western and Eastern European ancestry) follow the Rabbinic decree to not eat kitniyot, foods such as rice, corn, soy beans, string beans, peas, lentils, peanuts, mustard, sesame seeds and poppy seeds.
Why? - Kitniyot products are often stored together with chametz grains and it is difficult to insure that there is no chametz mixed with the products. Also, when kitniyot are ground into flour, the untrained eye could mistakenly think that this it is real flour and, therefore, accidentally come to use prohibited flour.
In the house - While the decree prohibits one to eat products containing Kitniyot, they do not need to be removed from one's possession, as does chametz.
Peanut oil and other derivatives -- a commonly noted Passover item on the supermarket shelf is peanut oil. There is a difference of opinion about using kitniyot-based oils. Please check with your local rabbi as to whether or not you may use these products.
Please note that while many Sephardim are permitted to eat kitniyot, the food must be thoroughly checked that it is not mixed with chametz.
Copyright © 2010 National Jewish Outreach Program. All rights reserved.
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Passover Dictionary
Wondering what all those Passover terms mean? Check out NJOP's quick and easy Passover dictionary:
Chametz -- Leaven and any product in which wheat, oat, barley, spelt or rye come in contact with water for 18 minutes or longer (without kneading or manipulating), is called chametz.
Charoset -- A tasty mixture of chopped walnuts, wine, cinnamon and apples that represents the mortar the Jewish slaves used to build Pharaoh's cities (recipes may vary by community).
Dayenu -- One of the most famous of all Seder songs, Dayenu praises G-d for the many miracles and gifts He gave the Jews by stressing after each great miracle, "Dayenu - It would have been enough!"
Gebruchts -- Foods containing matzah with liquid. Numerous communities have accepted upon themselves a stringency not to eat gebruchts for fear that additional fermentation may occur when the matzah and liquid are combined.
Haggadah -- From the Hebrew infinitive l'haggid, to tell, the Haggadah is the special Passover guide book from which Jews fulfill the commandment of telling the story of the Exodus.
Hallel -- Hallel is a collection of Psalms that are recited on the festivals and Rosh Chodesh (the new month).
Kitniyot -- During the holiday of Passover, Ashekenazim (Jews of Western and Eastern European ancestry) follow the Rabbinic decree to not eat kitniyot, foods such as rice, corn, soy beans, string beans, peas, lentils, peanuts, mustard, sesame seeds and poppy seeds.
Maot Chitim -- It is customary for every city to supply the poor with their Passover needs from a communal fund called Maot Chitim.
Maror -- Bitter herbs, usually fresh ground horseradish or romaine lettuce leaves, which are eaten during the Seder.
Matzah -- Unleavened bread that is permissible to eat during Passover. To be Kosher for Passover, the matzah must be made in under 18 minutes. Jews eat matzah at Passover to remind them of the unleavened bread which the Jews hastily took with them as they left Egypt.
Matzah Shmura or Shmura Matzah -- Literally "guarded matzah," shmura matzah has been specially supervised since before the wheat was cut so that it did not come in contact with chametz. This practice is based on Exodus 12:17, "And you shall guard the matzot...". It is best to use shmura matzah for the Seder.
Passover -- The English name of the holiday derives from the fact that G-d "passed-over" the Jewish homes during the plague of the first born.
Pesach -- The Hebrew name of the holiday refers to the Pesach offering, the Pascal Lamb that was an integral part of the Seder during the time of the Temple. During the actual exodus, G-d commanded the Jewish people to take a lamb into their homes, slaughter it five days later, and put the blood on the doorposts of their homes to indicate that it was a Jewish home.
Seder -- The festive Passover meal is referred to as the Seder. The word Seder actually means order, and the feast is called by this name to indicate that there is a certain order that should be followed.
Copyright © 2010 National Jewish Outreach Program. All rights reserved.
Chametz -- Leaven and any product in which wheat, oat, barley, spelt or rye come in contact with water for 18 minutes or longer (without kneading or manipulating), is called chametz.
Charoset -- A tasty mixture of chopped walnuts, wine, cinnamon and apples that represents the mortar the Jewish slaves used to build Pharaoh's cities (recipes may vary by community).
Dayenu -- One of the most famous of all Seder songs, Dayenu praises G-d for the many miracles and gifts He gave the Jews by stressing after each great miracle, "Dayenu - It would have been enough!"
Gebruchts -- Foods containing matzah with liquid. Numerous communities have accepted upon themselves a stringency not to eat gebruchts for fear that additional fermentation may occur when the matzah and liquid are combined.
Haggadah -- From the Hebrew infinitive l'haggid, to tell, the Haggadah is the special Passover guide book from which Jews fulfill the commandment of telling the story of the Exodus.
Hallel -- Hallel is a collection of Psalms that are recited on the festivals and Rosh Chodesh (the new month).
Kitniyot -- During the holiday of Passover, Ashekenazim (Jews of Western and Eastern European ancestry) follow the Rabbinic decree to not eat kitniyot, foods such as rice, corn, soy beans, string beans, peas, lentils, peanuts, mustard, sesame seeds and poppy seeds.
Maot Chitim -- It is customary for every city to supply the poor with their Passover needs from a communal fund called Maot Chitim.
Maror -- Bitter herbs, usually fresh ground horseradish or romaine lettuce leaves, which are eaten during the Seder.
Matzah -- Unleavened bread that is permissible to eat during Passover. To be Kosher for Passover, the matzah must be made in under 18 minutes. Jews eat matzah at Passover to remind them of the unleavened bread which the Jews hastily took with them as they left Egypt.
Matzah Shmura or Shmura Matzah -- Literally "guarded matzah," shmura matzah has been specially supervised since before the wheat was cut so that it did not come in contact with chametz. This practice is based on Exodus 12:17, "And you shall guard the matzot...". It is best to use shmura matzah for the Seder.
Passover -- The English name of the holiday derives from the fact that G-d "passed-over" the Jewish homes during the plague of the first born.
Pesach -- The Hebrew name of the holiday refers to the Pesach offering, the Pascal Lamb that was an integral part of the Seder during the time of the Temple. During the actual exodus, G-d commanded the Jewish people to take a lamb into their homes, slaughter it five days later, and put the blood on the doorposts of their homes to indicate that it was a Jewish home.
Seder -- The festive Passover meal is referred to as the Seder. The word Seder actually means order, and the feast is called by this name to indicate that there is a certain order that should be followed.
Copyright © 2010 National Jewish Outreach Program. All rights reserved.
Welcome to the Passover Guide!
You've probably noticed that the supermarket shelves are suddenly stocked with matzah, gefilte fish, and those special Passover jellied-sugar fruit candies. With less than a month till Passover, the Jewish community is in a flurry of activity. The seven day (8 days outside of Israel) holiday of Passover commemorates the Exodus of the Jews from Egypt which led to the birth of the Jewish nation at Sinai. The Passover Seder, which is held on the first (and second night outside of Israel) of Passover, is perhaps the most widely observed Jewish practice.
Jewish Treats Holidays hopes to give you a comprehensive overview of the holiday to help add a whole new dimension to your holiday.
Copyright © 2010 National Jewish Outreach Program. All rights reserved.
Jewish Treats Holidays hopes to give you a comprehensive overview of the holiday to help add a whole new dimension to your holiday.
Copyright © 2010 National Jewish Outreach Program. All rights reserved.
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