Chapter 1:

Mitzvot in Preparation for Pesach

Chapter 1:

Mitzvot in Preparation for Pesach

Studying the Laws1

The Talmud2 and Shulchan Aruch3 emphasize that one should begin study of the laws of Pesach 30 days prior to the holiday of Pesach, starting on Purim day4. The commentators5 explain that this is because the laws of Pesach are more extensive and complicated than the laws of any other holiday, due to the restriction on chametz, which is normally permissible during the year, and so the laws are much more difficult to implement for just one week. Some say this is the reason rabbis give special classes on Shabbat Hagadol, the Shabbat before Pesach, because it is extremely important for people to learn these complex laws prior to the holiday since otherwise it would be virtually impossible to keep them properly.6 It is my hope that this guide will help accomplish this goal.

Ma’ot Chitin/Kimcha D’Pischa

Ma’ot Chitin/Kimcha D’Pischa refers to the mitzvah of providing money for poor people so that they can afford to perform the mitzvah of matzah and be able to purchase food that is kosher for Pesach. This is a critical mitzvah7 deserving of the highest priority when formulating a Pesach agenda.8

Notes

  1. One of the important distinctions we should make about Pesach, as with any halachic topic, is the difference between commandments at the Torah level (d’Oraita), rabbinic level (d’Rabbanan), and custom (minhag.) Even though one obviously must keep all three, there are circumstances where it is halachically acceptable not to treat them equally. For example, in the case of doubt, which we will clarify, the general rule is that concerning a biblical (Torah) commandment, one must be stringent (Safek d’Oraita l’Chumra), but regarding the rabbinical level of law, one may be lenient (safek d’Rabbanan l’Kula) (Shabbat 34a and Beitza 3b.) And in a case of minhag/custom, according to the rule of safek minhag l’Kula (one may rule leniently in case of doubt concerning a custom), it is even more so the case that one may be lenient (see Shu”t Daat Kohen 4, Chida in Shiurei Bracha 214:2, Igrot Moshe OC 2:99 and 8:38, Ateret Tuvia end of Hil. Megilla etc.) There are also many cases of S’feik S’feika or a “double doubt,” where one can sometimes be lenient even regarding a Torah prohibition. We will be applying these distinctions throughout this guide.

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  2. Pesachim 6a.

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  3. Orach Chaim (OC) 429:1.

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  4. Mishna Berura (MB) 429:2.

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  5. See Beit Yosef OC 429:1.

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  6. See Shibulei Haleket Seder Pesach 205 in the name of Rashi in Sefer HaPardes 17 and Sefer Maharil Minhagim.

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  7. See Mishneh Torah (MT) Hilchot Shivitat Yom Tov 6:18.

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  8. See MB 429:6-7.

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