The eight days (seven in Israel) of Pesach (Passover), celebrate G-d's redemption of the Israelites from Egypt. In an outpouring of gratitude, and in fulfillment of the various Biblical and Rabbinic mitzvoth (commandments), Jews commemorate this event each year by holding a celebratory meal called the “Seder.” “Seder” means “order,” and each ritual of the evening is performed according to the guidelines set down by Jewish Law and in accordance with each group’s traditions. More discussion about some of these traditions is found later in this guide. For more specifics on your minhagim (traditions), consult your synagogue’s Rabbi. Also, most Haggadot contain excellent tips and instructions (minhagim and details will vary, so it is advisable to pre-determine if the Haggadah you choose matches your needs).
The importance of Pesach in the Jewish calendar and the special restrictions and expectations relating to food is reflected in the fact that the laws and customs extend significantly before and after the holiday.
Very specific rules govern what may be eaten on Pesach. The Torah repeatedly stresses that we can not eat Chametz. Moreover, we are forbidden to find it or have it in our possession. So strong is the prohibition that even the smallest amount of Chametz is absolutely forbidden on Passover. We are not allowed any benefit from these items.
The seriousness of the prohibition has resulted in a number of special laws and customs. For example, although during the year, a small amount of non-kosher ingredient that inadvertently becomes mixed with kosher ingredients may still be Halachically fit to eat (depending on the amounts, types of food, etc.), during Pesach week, if even a tiny amount of Chametz falls into a large amount of kosher-for-Pesach food, it renders the food unfit for use on Pesach. (As in all such halachic questions, consult your rabbi if a problem arises.)
Because of the nature of the prohibitions against Chametz, people generally are much more stringent during Passover than other times of the year. That said, Jewish Law gives discretion to rabbis to grant dispensation for individuals in need. An important principle is that “Hatora hassa al mamonam shel yisrael.” The Torah is careful not to waste the money of Bene Yisrael. Also, if a person is ill, it is incumbent upon him or her to consult with the rabbi about taking medication. Similarly, a rabbi may give strict or lenient rulings to individuals that would not normally be given to a community as a whole.
One must be realistic about his or her individual situation. Many are used to doing a full Spring cleaning and then some for Passover. This is certainly laudable, but not necessarily required. If one has special circumstances or needs that interfere with normal steps taken in preparation for the holiday – they should certainly consult with their rabbi to see what is truly required. Especially in a city like Seattle where different communities live side by side, differences between communal minhagim often cause confusion. For example, while general Ashkenazi practice (followed by most Jews of European descent), is to avoid Kitniot (non-Chametz forming grains, beans and legumes), even in derivative forms; Sephardi Jews (those of Mediterranean, Near Eastern or Spanish descent), are generally more lenient. However, minhagim vary substantially. For example, many communities do not eat rice. Please consult your rabbi regarding your practice. The Va’ad Rabbis have spent considerable time and effort to present a set of practices which are true to individual customs and which permit interaction between communities. For example, the implications of being a host or a guest at meals where practices other than your own are observed. The main issues arise for an Ashkenazi going to the home of a Sephardi. While one option is for the Sephardic host not to serve food containing food items which are permitted under Sephardic practice but not under Ashkenazic practice, if the foods are those listed in this document, the host should inform the guest what menu items, if any, have Kitniot or are otherwise permissible to Sepharadim but not Ashkenazim, then the guest can partake of all of the rest of the meal - that is, there is no concern, e.g., utensils.
