- Fasting of the firstborn. Shifts to Thursday. The time of the fast is from the time of "alot a-shahar", the alahic sunrise, until the stars come out (for exact beginning and ending times, see the Jewish calendar or ask your rabbi). According to many opinions, those who participate in a seudat mitzvah (a meal commemorating the fulfillment of a commandment) have the right not to fast.
- Hamtz search. We do it Thursday night. Some congregations have a wording of annulment of hametz, some do not. Check with your rabbi to find out what is "your" custom.
- The burning of the hametz (or other destruction). It is very desirable to perform the burning of the hametz before 12:40 p.m. Israel time (attention! The time in other parts of the world may vary, ask your rabbi). As a last resort, it is permissible to burn the hametz before the lighting of the Shabbat candles. The wording about annulment is again omitted.
- Important: Prepare all the elements for the Passover ke'arah in advance. This is especially true for those items that must be heat treated and that are actually symbols but are not eaten during the seder (e.g., zroah).
- Don't forget to place a long-lasting candle before lighting the Shabbat candles - its flame will light the holiday candles.
- There are different opinions about whether you can eat matzah at the evening Shabbat meal. Ask the rabbi of your congregation what the custom is in your community.
- It is forbidden to eat matzah at the morning meal according to most opinions. Therefore, a small amount of matzah should be left for the number of people at the morning meal. Pita or lavash are best for this purpose, as they do not crumble.
- It is forbidden to eat hametz after 10:30 in Israel, so it is important to time the start of the morning meal to fit within these limits. Other food may be eaten, even if it is prepared in hametz utensils (just remember to put the utensils away afterward).
- Within one hour after the banning of the hamster, the crumbs must be destroyed. You can, for example, flush them down the toilet. You must also clean the tablecloth, plates and other kitchen utensils where crumbs were left. It is important to do this without violating the laws of Shabbat!
- After the annihilation of hametz, it is time for the wording of the annulment of hametz. See your siddur for the exact wording.
- For the third meal, you can eat something simple and hearty, such as potatoes and meat. This will prevent a sudden feeling of hunger during the reading of the haggadah.
- On the Sabbath, you can take a nap during the daytime.
- Any preparation for the holiday is forbidden during Shabbat.
- It is important to fulfill the commandment to donate for matzah for poor families. The Yad Yitzchak Foundation will help you fulfill it easily and to the best of your ability.
When we help the poor - G-d helps us.
Together, let us make sure that every Jewish home is filled with light, joy and a sense of freedom this Passover.