The very first halacha about Pesach in Shulchan Aruch is “We investigate the laws of Passover for thirty days before Passover” (Orach Chaim 229:1). As soon as Purim is over, we put down our hamentashen and pick up our feather dusters in anticipation of this singular event in the Jewish calendar. Nothing – not Chanukah, not Succos, not even Yom Kippur – makes as great an impact on a Jewish family as clearing away the chometz, changing over the dishes, and all the other preparations, ultimately culminating in the Seder.
And so, with Purim barely behind us, OU Holidays changes the window display to reflect the next “big thing” – which, as anyone who’s ever made Pesach will tell you, is a Big Thing indeed.
First up, Richard B. Aiken reviews The Passover Seder – Practical Halacha, courtesy of practicalhalacha.com. Next, Rabbi Dr. Tzvi Hersh Weinreb informs us that Judaism’s Most Important Institution is Not the Synagogue. Then, Rabbi Michael Whitman explains Cleaning for Passover. Finally, Daniel Adler tells us all about Yom Tov Sheini (the second day of a Festival outside of Israel).
There’s lots more about Pesach to be found on OU Holidays. We’ll be changing our top stories every week or so but poke around. You’ll find more than enough law and inspiration not only to get you to Pesach, but to take you through Sefirah and beyond!