Divrei Mav

Pesach 2018 Why Have “Second Days”? The  Yom   Tov  of  Pesach  is an incredible time to build ourselves as Jews. One way we can do this is to take the time to express our gratitude to  Hashem  for everything that He  constantly  does for us. Pesach  is divided into two parts with two days of  Yom   Tov  each celebrating and commemorating extraordinary miracles  Hashem  did for our people. The first two days of  Yom   Tov  commemorate the freedom from bondage under Pharaoh’s reign. To celebrate this we observe the  Yom   Tov  with a  seder  in which we tell in great detail the story of our exodus and sing  Hashem’s  praises through  Hallel  (additional prayers in the morning service). Then, the holiday comes to a close with last two days where we reflect on splitting of the Sea and yet another salvation for our people. The “second day...

Pesach 2018 R idding Ourselves of Chametz The laws of Pesach (Passover) are more stringent than all the other holidays. Pesach has mitzvos (Torah commandments) not just on the holiday, but before and afterwards as well. Getting rid of the chametz (goods containing leaven) is one of these mitzvos . As it says, “ Matzos shall be eaten throughout the seven day period; no chametz may be seen in your possession…. ” ( Shemos 13:7) “ Pesach Cleaning”, not to be confused with “Spring Cleaning” can also be very tedious in preparation for Pesach . One is required to clean every space in his home where food may have gone to make sure that no chametz can be found in his possession on Pesach . Once the house is cleaned, any remaining products containing leaven are burned and/or sold (to a non-Jew) for the course of the holiday and then returned afterwards. Thereby ensuring a chametz- free environment. Pre- Pesach amidst the Jewish community can be quite hectic. As we know, cl...