Medicine Guidelines

The following are guidelines for the use of medication on Pesach for individuals who are ill:

1. Creams, non-chewable pills and injections may be owned and used on Pesach even if they contain chametz, since they are inedible. This covers
most medicines used by adults.

a. It is permissible to grind pills and mix the powder into food items so that a child can take medicine on Pesach. However, a doctor must be consulted to make sure that the child is getting the correct dosage and that the potency of the pill isn’t compromised by grinding it up. Furthermore, pills cannot be groundon the Shabbat or Yom Tov, but rather should be prepared beforehand.

If an equally effective chametz-free alternative is available, it should be used.

2. Liquid medicines, chewable pills (and pills coated with a flavored glaze) are edible and may contain chametz. Therefore:

a. If possible, they should be replaced – under the direction of a doctor – with a non-chewable, uncoated pill.

b. If substitution is not possible and the person is in a state of sakanah or safek sakanah (any possible danger to human life), they may own and consume the medication. The same applies if the condition is not yet a safek sakanah but may deteriorate to that point.

A Rabbi should be consulted as to whether it is preferable to purchase the medicine before or on Pesach, and as to how to dispose of the medicine once
the danger passes.

c. If substitution is not possible and a doctor determines that there is no possibility of sakanah if the person doesn’t take the medicine, a Rabbi should be consulted. He may be able to determine that the medicine doesn’t contain chametz or he may decide that the medicine may be consumed due to the seriousness of the patient’s condition.

3. In many cases, medicinal items which contain kitnios are permitted for people who are ill. Questions on this issue should be directed to your
local Rabbi.

4. People should exercise extreme caution and consult with their doctor and Rabbi before making a decision to not take a medicine.

5. These guidelines do not address the question of consuming medicines on Shabbos and Yom Tov.

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Essential Information for Observing the Holiday

No other ceremony or ritual of the Jewish year is as beloved or is observed by so many as the Passover Seder. Yet celebrating Passover properly requires close familiarity with all the laws governing Passover foods, ownership of chametz, preparing the home, and so on.

In this website, we have provided much of the basic information you will need. However, if you are unsure about any aspect at all of how to observe Passover, or how to make sure your home fully conforms to the Passover requirements, you should not hesitate to ask an Orthodox Rabbi for his guidance.

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The OU symbol: A Mark of Trust

With an array of religious, youth, social action, educational, public policy and community development services, programs and activities, the Orthodox Union is among the largest Jewish organizations in the world. Its kosher supervision label, the OU, is the world’s most recognized kosher symbol.

Over 60% of kosher supervised foods in the USA carry the OU on their labels. That translates to more than 275,000 products from over 2,400 manufacturers, produced in nearly 6,000 plants in 77 countries. Respected and trusted the world over, OU Kashrut makes it easy to shop for kosher products and to keep kosher at home and away.

The OU symbol is a registered trademark in the U.S., Israel, Canada, and the European Union. It may only be used with written authorization of the Orthodox Union Kosher Division. This site includes a list of OU certified kosher products for use for Passover, 2005.

Products appearing in this website are certified as kosher only when bearing the emblem on the label. It is recommended that consumers check the ingredient panel of products with no dairy designation to insure that the pareve status is accurate.

Consumers should look for the P or Kosher for Passover symbols on all products. There are, however, some OU products which do not require special Passover supervision. These are so noted in the Pesach Online Database. Kosher for Passover stickers are generally not acceptable.

This website does not deal with medicines or cosmetics. Personal products such as these also fall under the Passover laws and you should ask an Orthodox Rabbi which products may be permissible to be used, and which must be disposed of or sold.

We encourage you to ask your local grocer or supermarket manager to stock those OU endorsed products that are not readily available in your area.

Kosher updates appear regularly on our website, in our weekly Shabbat Shalom e-mail, and in Jewish Action, our quarterly family magazine.

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Earth’s Best Baby Food

The following Earth’s Best baby food products with the lot codes listed below contain kitniyos from citric acid or ascorbic acid but present no chometz concerns, whether through the ingredients or equipment:

Product Description, Product Code, Code on Cap Includes
Apples-Earth’s Best, IA, 70704246 IA 10 Oct 09
Apples-Earth’s Best, IA, 70704246 IA 21 Dec 09
Apples and Apricots-Earth’s Best, IB, 70704246 IB 24 Jul 09
Apples and Apricots-Earth’s Best, IB, 70704246 IB 25 Sep 09
Apples and Apricots-Earth’s Best, IB, 70704246 IB 29 Oct 09
Apples and Apricots-Earth’s Best, IB, 70704246 IB 14 Jan 10
Apples and Apricots-Earth’s Best, IB, 70704246 IB 29 Jan 10
Apples and Apricots-Earth’s Best, IB, 70704246 IB 31 Jan 10
Apples and Bananas-Earth’s Best , IF, 70704246 IF 24 Jul 09
Apples and Bananas-Earth’s Best, IF , 70704246 IF 10 Oct 09
Apples and Bananas-Earth’s Best , IF , 70704246 IF 31 Jan 10
Pears-Earth’s Best , IG, 70704246 IG 01 Jan 09
Pears-Earth’s Best, IG, 70704246 IG 08 Jan 09
Pears-Earth’s Best, IG, 70704246 IG 09 Jan 09
Bananas-Earth’s Best , IH, 70704246 IH 24 Oct 09
Carrots-Earth’s Best , IN, 70704246 IN 15 Oct 09
Carrots-Earth’s Best , IN , 70704246 IN 16 Oct 09
Carrots-Earth’s Best , IN, 70704246 IN 21 Jan 10
Sweet Potatoes-Earth’s Best , IS , 70704246 IS 13 Mar 09
Sweet Potatoes-Earth’s Best, IS, 70704246 IS 04 Dec 09
Winter Squash-Earth’s Best , IY, 70704246 IY 13 Aug 09
Carrots-Earth’s Best First, NJ, 70704246 NJ 23 Oct 09
Sweet Potatoes-Earth’s Best First, NK, 70704246 NK 14 Feb 09
Sweet Potatoes-Earth’s Best First, NK, 70704246 NK 02 Feb 10
Applesauce-Earth’s Best First, NL, 70704246 NL 25 Sep 09
Applesauce-Earth’s Best First, NL, 70704246 NL 10 Oct 09
Applesauce-Earth’s Best First, NL, 70704246 NL 20 Dec 09
Applesauce-Earth’s Best First, NL, 70704246 NL 16 Jan 10
Applesauce-Earth’s Best First, NL, 70704246 NL 29 Jan 10
Pears-Earth’s Best First, NM, 70704246 NM 01 Oct 09
Pears-Earth’s Best First, NM, 70704246 NM 02 Oct 09
Pears-Earth’s Best First, NM, 70704246 NM 08 Oct 09
Pears-Earth’s Best First, NM , 70704246 NM 08 Oct 09
Pears-Earth’s Best First, NM, 70704246 NM 09 Oct 09
Bananas-Earth’s Best First, NN, 70704246 NN 05 Mar 09
Bananas-Earth’s Best First, NN, 70704246 NN 16 Jul 09
Bananas-Earth’s Best First, NN, 70704246 NN 29 Oct 09
Bananas-Earth’s Best First, NN, 70704246 NN 19 Dec 09
Bananas-Earth’s Best First, NN, 70704246 NN 30 Jan 10

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OU Kitniyot Policy

The following are considered Kitniyot:
Rice
Millet
Soybeans
Peanuts
Corn
Sunflower Seeds
Buckwheat
Sesame Seeds
Poppy Seeds
Cardamom
Fenugreek
Rapeseed
Mustard
Peas
Beans
Lentils

The following are not considered Kitniyot:
Coriander
Anise
Cumin
Caraway
Fennel
Linseed
Cottonseed
Guar Gum
Locust Bean Gum
Carob

The following may be Kitniyot and are therefore not used:
Quinoa
Amaranth

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Beech Nut Baby Food

For many years, the OU certified different varieties of Beechnut Baby Food fruits and vegetables for Pesach. Though Beechnut manufactured cereal that was chometz on equipment that was shared with the fruit and vegetables, the Mashgiach would supervise the proper clean-up and kosherization of the equipment.

Currently, Beechnut has discontinued its Kosher for Pesach supervision, and the Mashgiach no longer oversees the kosherization process. In addition, ascorbic acid, which may be chometz, is added to the fruit. Nonetheless, our investigation has shown that the standard cleaning procedures that are in place constitute kosherization, and the ascorbic acid is botel bishishim. Halachically, the baby food fruit and vegetables that are not combined with cereal are Kosher for Pesach.

Nonetheless, since kosherization is performed without a Mashgiach, this situation is not optimal, and we recommend that you prepare your own baby food.

If this is not feasible, the Beechnut Baby Fruit and Vegetables (without cereal) can be used for Pesach. Please note as well that some of the vegetables (such as peas) are kitniyot and should be treated as such (i.e. wash separately in a different sink etc.).

We also suggest that you express to Beech Nut your desire to certify products for Passover next year. Their number is 1-800-233-2468.

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What You Need to Know When Passover Arrives on Saturday Night

Every year, Jews around the world anticipate hearing the pivotal four questions at their seder tables: this year they’ll be asking themselves a fifth one: Why is this Passover different from most others?

This year, Passover arrives immediately following Shabbat – a rare occurrence that creates unique circumstances, directly affecting the typical Passover preparations. (You may remember that this last occurred back in 2005. Take heart, it will not recur until 2021.) The key adjustments may sound daunting at first, but taken step by step, they are definitely doable.

On the eve of Passover (14th of Nissan), all firstborn males are required to fast, commemorating the final plague when God killed the firstborn Egyptians, while the firstborn Jews were saved. Since this year this date falls on Shabbat when fasting is not permitted, it will be observed on Thursday, April 17. The fast can be circumvented if the individual participates in a seudat mitzvah, such as a siyum, celebrating the completion of a portion of Torah learning, usually held in the synagogue following the shacharit service.

The search for leaven, known as Bedikat Chametz, will take place on Thursday night, the 13th of Nisan, April 17th. After the search is completed, one recites the Kol Chamira, the nullification declaration for any chametz that may have been missed. This mitzvah is performed with a blessing only if done on this night; if someone is traveling, he or she should conduct the search on the night of departure without reciting the blessing.

After the search is completed, the remaining chametz is carefully collected and put aside to be burned the following morning. Unlike other years, the second Kol Chamira is not said following the burning of the chametz, since chametz may be consumed until Shabbat morning, during the fourth hour.

Arrangements for the sale of chametz to a non-Jew must be made before Shabbat. This transaction won’t go into effect until after Shabbat, making it permissible to eat challah on Shabbat. If someone forgets to sell his chametz before Shabbat, a rabbi should be consulted.
The Shabbat Meals

Chametz may not be consumed after “the fourth hour,” on the eve of Passover, which is approximately 10:40 a.m. in New York City; check the OU Guide to Passover or consult your local Orthodox rabbi for the time in your area. You should cook only kosher for Passover foods for all the meals on this Shabbat and to serve them on Passover dishes. But since some bread must be eaten, here are two ways this can be done:

1. Eat the challah before the meal over a disposable napkin. The napkin with any leftover crumbs should be folded up and completely eliminated from the home (e.g., flushed down the toilet). Make sure to wash your hands before sitting down to the Shabbat meal.

2. Use egg matzah instead of actual challah. But egg matzah is only considered bread when eaten in sufficient quantities. Some rabbinic authorities rule that so long as it is eaten in the context of a filling meal it is considered bread. Because egg matzah is not chametz, there are differing opinions as to until what time it may be eaten on the eve of Passover, so a rabbi should be consulted.

Most synagogues will start Shabbat prayer services very early, leaving sufficient time to finish eating chametz before the end of “the fourth hour.”

Se’udah shlishit (the third meal) is eaten after midday. By that time, chametz, and, according to Ashkenazic practice, also egg matzah, may no longer be eaten. Here are some options:

1. You could omit bread altogether and eat just meat, fish, or fruit. 2. Since cooked matzah is permitted until the 10th hour of the day, the obligation can be fulfilled by eating matzah balls. 3. Rabbi Abraham Abele Gombiner, a leading Torah scholar of the 17th century, author of Magen Avraham, a commentary on the Code of Jewish Law, recommends eating two Shabbat meals with bread in the morning, relying on those opinions that allow the se’udah shlishit to be eaten before midday.

Since we are not permitted to make preparations on Shabbat for Yom Tov, all preparations for the seder (including setting the seder table) should be made after nightfall.

Wishing you a Shabbat Shalom and kosher, joyous Passover!

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Shopping after Passover

Chametz owned by a Jew during the holiday may not be consumed even after the holiday is over. Consequently, when shopping for chametz products after Passover, one must take measures to avoid chametz products that may have been subject to Jewish ownership during the festival. Because these restrictions are not limited to private individuals, Jewish owned stores, food manufacturers and distributors are required to rid themselves of chametz before Passover in an halachically valid manner, and consumers need to stay clear of chametz products that were in such Jewish possession during Passover. Because tracking distribution is very complex and these determinations can be difficult, we suggest that ask your Rabbi for guidance.

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Tevilat Keilim

Since many people purchase new utensils before Passover, we present here the laws of Tevilat Keilim, immersing utensils in a mikveh prior to their use.

Utensils that need tevilat keilim:

1 The Torah teaches that food utensils acquired from a non-Jew must undergo tevilah, that is, ritual immersion in a kosher mikveh. Even utensils bought from a Jewish store must undergo tevilah if at some point they were owned by a non-Jew. When one is genuinely in doubt, tevilah should be done without a brachah.

2. The Torah lists six metals that require tevilah: gold, silver, copper, iron, tin, and lead. Newer metals such as aluminum, as well as hybrid metals such as steel, are generally assumed to require tevilah as well.

3. Because glass shares certain properties with metal, we are obligated by the Rabbis to tovel glass as well. All types of glass are toveled with a brachah including crystal, Pyrex, and Corelle.

4. Wood, ceramic, stone, rubber, and all types of plastics do not require tevilah.

5. The need to tovel glazed china and porcelain is debated amongst the poskim. Many are of the opinion that these items should be toveled without a brachah.

6. If a utensil is made of a substance that is exempt from tevilah, but is held together with metal screws or rings, then this utensil requires tevilah. If the metal does not come in contact with the food, then a brachah should not be recited.

7. Metal utensils that are coated with other materials that do not require tevilah, such as a Teflon coated frying pan, should be toveled without a berachah.

8. Utensils used to prepare food while it is still in an inedible state should undergo tevilah without a brachah.

9. Disposable, single-use aluminum pans, according to many opinions do not require tevilah. If intended for multiple uses, they do require tevilah even before their first use.

10. If one buys a glass bottle of food or drink, this bottle may be reused without tevilah (Iggerot Moshe). If the jar is made of metal, some authorities require tevilah without a brachah. Metal cans opened by a Jew may be reused without tevilah.

11. Utensils that do not come in direct contact with food do not require tevilah. Therefore, oven racks, stove top grates, crock pot shells and can openers do not require tevilah. Additionally, utensils that are always lined with paper or foil are not obligated.

12. Electronic appliances, such as urns and grills, require tevilah. In many cases, when left to dry properly, it has been demonstrated that contact with water is not detrimental.

13. If one absolutely needs a utensil and for some reason it cannot be toveled, a Rabbi should be consulted.

Procedure for tevilat keilim:

1. Utensils must be cleaned from any dirt, glue, or residue.

2. All adhesions such as stickers and labels that are not intended to remain on the utensil must be removed.

3. If the utensil requires kashering then this must be done before tevilah.

4. Utensils should be brought to a kosher mikveh (note that not all men’s mikva’ot are kosher for tevilat keilim), or to the ocean, sea, or a non-flowing lake.

5. Rivers and streams are flowing bodies of water. Their permissibility is complex and would require a ruling by a Rabbi who is knowledgeable in the laws of mikva’ot and the properties of the river.

6. Anyone can do the actual immersion, even a child or a non-Jew. However, the tevilah must be done in the presence of a Jewish adult who can verify that it was done properly. Additionally, it is not considered correct to have a non-Jew do the tevilah if it means that a brachah will not be recited.

7. The entire utensil must be submerged in such a way as to enable water to touch all parts of the utensil simultaneously. One must therefore be careful that ensures that no air pockets remain. Even one’s hand cannot come between the water and the utensil. Therefore, either pre-wet your hand so that a layer of water separates your hand from the utensil, or submerge the utensils in a basket.

8. One may not pile up dishes and immerse them all at once, since the weight of the dishes will block the water.

9. The brachah, “. . . al tevilat kelim,” should be recited before the tevilah, and one should not talk or do other things until all of the toveling has been completed. If one is immersing only one utensil then the proper berachah is “. . . al tevilat kli”.

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Pet Food

Since it is forbidden to own or benefit from chametz during Passover, food that contains chametz may not be fed to pets. However, it is permitted to give pets food that contains kitniyot. If one is unable to procure pet food that does not contain chametz, some rabbinical authorities allow for a sale, which would
transfer to a gentile the ownership and responsibility of caring for the pet. Ask your Rabbi for guidance.

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Non-Food Items

The consensus of the OU’s Poskim is that the following may be used on Pesach without certification:

The following regular instant coffees (note: not decaffeinated) are certified as Kosher for Passover all year and are acceptable even when only bearing an OU:

Folgers Regular Coffee Procter & Gamble Cincinatti, OH

Taster’s Choice Regular Coffee Nestle USA Glendale, CA

The following instant coffees may be consumed on Passover, but only when bearing an OU-P:

Elite Instant Coffees, Turkish Ground Roasted Coffees Elite Confections Israel

Gefen Instant Regular Coffee Kenover Marketing Corp. Brooklyn, NY Shelton, CT

Coffee “singles” are a mix of regular and instant coffee, and therefore, (with the exception of Folgers and Taster’s Choice) require Passover certification.

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Toothpaste, Mouthwash and Lipsticks

Rabbinical authorities disagree as to whether these items must have special Passover certification (and also year round kosher certification).

Consult with your Rabbi about what you should do.

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Quinoa

Quinoa is not one of the five grains that can create chametz (wheat, oat, barley, spelt and rye). Nonetheless, there is a difference of opinion among Rabbinic decisors (machloketh haposkim) as to whether quinoa is considered kitniyoth (Ashkenazic custom is not to eat kitniyoth on Pesach). We suggest asking your local Orthodox Rabbi if it is or is not kitniyot.

It should be noted that although Quinoa is not grown in the same vicinity as the five chometz grains mentioned above, the processing of Quinoa is often done at the same facility where they process wheat. Therefore, if you rely on the lenient opinion and treat quinoa as non-kitniyos, we suggest that you sift through the quinoa to make sure that there are no other grains mixed in.

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8The Jewish Action 2008 Passover Guide

The OU’s Passover Guide 2008 can be downloaded electronically as a single pdf by clicking here or it can be ordered by calling 212-613-8137.

If you have any questions about the Guide or its contact, you can email the Webbe Rebbe or call the Kashruth Hotline at 212-613-8241.

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Soy Milk

The following soy milks do not contain any chometz ingredients:

Vitasoy San Sui Original Natural soy milk http://www.vitasoy-usa.com/ethnic/sansui_osd.html

Soy Dream Original un-enriched soy milk: http://www.tastethedream.com/media/SDnutri_O.jpg

Anyone for whom it is necessary to consume kitniyos may drink these products. However, because we are unable to verify the kosher for Passover status of the equipment on which they are produced, we recommend purchasing these items before Passover, at which point any traces of chometz would be batul (nullified.

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Gluten Allergies

Regretfully, because the Halacha is that one can only perform the Mitzvah of eating Matzo at the Seder with a Matzo that is made from one of the five varieties of grain, eating Matzos using any of the other flours that are gluten free would still not enable one to fulfill the mitzvah. [The five grains are barley, wheat, rye, oats, and spelt].

In researching for some kind of solution, we have learned the following – some people with the same gluten allergy use either oat Matzah or spelt Matzah. While not completely gluten-free, oat Matzah is especially soluble and easy to digest. We suggest that the allergy sufferer discuss the matter with his or her allergist and his or her Rabbi.

We are aware of one brand of Shemura Oat Matzah manufactured in the United Kingdom by Rabbi Kestenbaum and certified by Dayan Westheim of Manchester, England. We are told, but have not personally verified, that this Shemura Oat Matzah is made from a special crop of oats which had been bred and grown to be gluten free, as verified by a laboratory.

We are told that the Matzah is distributed throughout the world. You may be able to purchase some in your general vicinity.

As a matter of policy, the OU does not share evaluations of other Hechsherim with the general public for a variety of reasons. We recommend that you discuss these questions with your local Rabbi.

To purchase the Oat Matzahs you can try the following:

The phone number at the source in London is 011-44-230-8455-9476.
The fax number at the source in London is 011-44-20-8455-3212.
Email: sula [at] waitrose.com
Website: http://glutenfreeoatmatzos.com

Obviously, you are familiar with the Halacha – If, in the performance of a Mitzvah, should a situation arise where an illness or an allergic reaction becomes life-threatening – not only do we not have to perform the Mitzvah, but the Mitzvah becomes not to put your life in danger. In other words, not eating the Matzo is the Mitzvah.

Otherwise, if the allergic reaction is not life-threatening, but would bring on severe reactions, a Rabbi should be consulted. The Rabbi will ask pertinent question about the nature of the reaction and of the possible risks involved. From the answers given, the Rabbi may (or may not) rule that Matzoh should not be eaten on Passover.

If the reaction would bring on mild discomfort, it may be helpful to know that according to most Poskim the only times when one MUST eat the prescribed amount of Matzo are at the Seder table. If one would not eat Matzo the rest of the Passover holiday, there would be no violation of a commandment.

But as we mentioned earlier, this matter should be discussed with both your allergist and your local reliable Orthodox Rabbi.

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Alcoholic Beverages

Alcoholic beverages must bear certification to be used for Passover. There are numerous issues involving what the alcohol is made from, the equipment it is produced in, and the fermentation process itself. We encourage all Kosher consumers to find alcoholic beverages with reliable certification or to abstain for the eight days of Passover.

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Kitniyot

As the OU follows Ashkenazic tradition, we do not certify Passover products that contain kitniyot.

Despite the fact that we are the certifying agency and know all the product information, the most we can tell you in any case is whether or not a product potentially contains Chametz or Kitniyot. Allow us to explain to you why we cannot tell you definitively if the product contains Chametz or Kitniyot.

All products are made from ingredients, and ingredients are often made from sub-units. For example, a candy generally contains a flavor, and the flavor may be made from as many as 30 ingredients. Some of the ingredients in the flavor are made from other ingredients, as well.

The OU often accepts the certification of other reliable Kashruth agencies on ingredients. In such instances, we do not have access to the formula of the ingredients. As such, it would not be possible to evaluate the Passover status, since we do not know what ingredients are present in the product.

The following regular instant coffees (note: not decaffeinated) are certified as Kosher for Passover all year and are acceptable even when only bearing an OU:

FOLGERS Regular Coffee Procter & Gamble Cincinatti, OH
TASTER’S CHOICE Regular Coffee Nestle USA Glendale, CA

The following instant coffees may be consumed on Passover, but only when bearing an OU-P:

ELITE Instant Coffees, Turkish Ground Roasted Coffees Elite Confections Israel
GEFEN Instant Regular Coffee Kenover Marketing Corp. Brooklyn, NY Shelton, CT
SCHWARTZ Instant Coffee Schwartz Supreme Brooklyn, NY

Coffee “singles” are a mix of regular and instant coffee, and therefore, (with the exception of Folgers and Taster’s Choice) require Passover certification.

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Splenda

While the OU does certify Splenda for year-round use, Splenda is not certified Kosher for Pesach as it contains kitniyos.

There is an industrial Kosher for Passover Splenda, but it is not available for consumers.

The following sweeteners are certified by the OU for Passover use when bearing the OU-P or OU-Kosher for Passover

Brand: GEFEN Product: Sweet N’ Low Company: Kenover Marketing Corp. Brooklyn, NY
Brand: VIP MASTER Product: Low Cal Liquid Sweetener Company: VIP Foods, Inc. Ridgewood, NY

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Baby Rice Cereals

There is possible chometz in most baby rice cereals, so the OU cannot recommend them for Passover use. However, there is no problem owning rice and making your own cereal over Passover.

One should make the cereal using a special non-Pesach, non-chametz pot, and this special pot (and any special utensils used for the cereal) should not be washed together with the Pesach dishes. You can Kasher a pot before Passover and dedicate it for making the rice real over Passover.

Similiarly, the grinding of the rice should not be done in a Passover grinder on Passover. You can grind the rice in a clean chometz grinder before Passover or purchase a dedicated grinder for use over Passover.

Sample Recipe:
Rice Cereal
1. 1/4 c. rice powder [brown or white (not enriched) rice ground in blender, food processor, or coffee grinder].
2. 1 cup water.
3. Bring liquid to boil in saucepan. Add the rice powder while stirring constantly.
4. Simmer covered for 10 minutes, mix in formula or breast milk and fruits if desired
5. Serve warm.

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Lactose Intolerant

Can I buy Lactaid for Passover?

Lactaid production is likely to involve chometz. This renders chewable lactaid tablets problematic.
However, our Rabbinical authorities have decided that lactaid milk is permissible if purchased before Passover since any chometz contained within Lactaid milk would be nullified (batel).

Lactaid non-chewable tablets are more complicated. Many rabbinical permit non-chewable vitamins and supplements without regard to their kashruth status. According to such opinions, one may take these tablets just like any other non-chewable pill.

Other rabbinical authorities believe that vitamins and supplements are akin to food even when swallowed. According to this opinion one may take the lactaid tablet when wrapped in tissue paper. However, one who is unable to do so may swallow the tablet without wrapping it, and rely on the lenient authorities, since milk is such an important health need.
We suggest that you consult with your local rabbi as to which of these opinions you should follow.

We certify a number of lactose reduced products for Passover. Please consult our Passover product search for more information.

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Lactose Intolerant

Lactaid Milk

According to the OU poskim, if one purchases unflavored and unenriched lactaid milk before Passover, they can then use it on Passover.

Lactaid Pills
Lactaid pills come in two forms – inedible/swallowable and chewable – which are taken at the same time the person begins consuming a dairy product. The lactase used in these products is made via a chometz based fermentation process.

As such, one may definitely not take the chewable pills on Pesach (and we think that you should even sell them to a non-Jew or get rid of them).

However, according to the OU poskim, one can consume the inedible pills.

Nonetheless, one should preferably wrap them in tissue paper before swallowing them. But if that’s too difficult then one can take them “as is”.

We certify a number of lactose reduced products for Passover. Please consult our Passover product search for more information.

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Are OU-P matzos 18 minute matzos?

Are OU matzos 18 minute matzos? It depends on what you mean. We always make sure that the entire matzah baking process—from adding the water to the flour until the matzos are done baking—takes place in less than 18 minutes.

If you are asking if we stop the factory after each 18 minute run to clean everything, the answer is that we do not. Needless to say, we constantly clean all utensils and machinery involved in kneeding and mixing the dough. However, other pieces of machinery in the factory does not require cleaning every eighteen minutes. Since they are constantly in motion there is no risk of anything becoming chometz. Additionally, all particles are blown off. Needless to say, we make sure the entire factory is rigorously cleaned at the end of each work day.

If you want more non-food Passover information, visit the OU.org website.

We at the OU wish you and your family a Chag Kosher ve-Sameach.

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Pesach Recipe Substitutes

By: Eileen Goltz

At some point during Pesach preparations we’ve all tried to convert a main stream recipe into a Pesach one only to discover that we don’t have a clue as to what to substitute for a chometz ingredient. This panic moment is why I started compiling my COMPLETE LIST OF PESACH SUBSTITUTES. I’ve added some great new substitutions this year, thanks to readers who’ve sent in their own ingenious creations. If anyone has any other substitutions that they would like to share please let me () know and I’ll attach them to the next Pesach article.

1 oz. baking chocolate (unsweetened chocolate) = 3 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder plus 1 tablespoon oil or melted margarine

16 oz. semi-sweet chocolate = 6 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder plus 1/4 cup oil and 7 tablespoon granulated sugar

14 oz. sweet chocolate (German-type) = 3 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder plus 2 2/3 tablespoon oil and 4 1/2 tablespoon granulated sugar
1 cup confectioners’ sugar = 1 cup granulated sugar minus 1 tablespoon sugar plus 1 tablespoon potato starch pulsed in a food processor or blender
1 cup sour milk or buttermilk for dairy baking = 1 tablespoon lemon juice in a 1 cup measure, then fill to 1 cup with Passover nondairy creamer. Stir and steep 5 minutes

Butter in baking or cooking use pareve Passover margarine in equal amounts. Use a bit less salt

1 cup honey = 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar plus 1/4 cup water

1 cup corn syrup = 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar plus 1/3 cup water, boiled until syrupy

1 cup vanilla sugar = 1 cup granulated sugar with 1 split vanilla bean left for at least 24 hours in a tightly covered jar

1 cup of flour, substitute 5/8 cup matzo cake meal or potato starch, or a combination sifted together

1 tablespoon flour = 1/2 tablespoon potato starch

1 cup corn starch = 7/8 cup potato starch

1 teaspoon cream of tarter= 1 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice or 1 1/2 teaspoon vinegar

1 cup graham cracker crumbs = 1 cup ground cookies or soup nuts plus 1 teaspoon cinnamon

1 cup bread crumbs = 1 cup matzo meal

1 cup matzo meal = 3 matzoth ground in a food processor

1 cup matzoth cake meal = 1 cup plus 2 tablespoon matzo meal finely ground in a blender or food processor and sifted

3 crumbled matzo = 2 cups matzo farfel

1 cup (8 oz.) cream cheese = 1 cup cottage cheese pureed with 1/2 stick butter or margarine

Chicken fat or gribenes = 2 caramelized onions, Saute 2 sliced onions in 2 tablespoon oil and 2 tablespoons sugar. Cook until the onions are soft. Puree the onions once they are golden.

1 cup milk (for baking) = 1 cup water plus 2 tablespoon margarine, or 1/2 cup fruit juice plus 1/2 cup water

1 1/4 cup sweetened condensed milk =1 cup instant nonfat dry milk, 2/3 cup sugar, 1/3 cup boiling water and 3 tablespoons margarine. Blend all the ingredients until smooth. To thicken, let set in the refrigerator for 24 hours.

1 cup wine= 13 tablespoons water, 3 tablespoons lemon juice and 1 tablespoon sugar. Mix together and let set for 10 minutes.

For frying: Instead of chicken fat, use combination of olive oil or vegetable oil and 1 to 2 tablespoons pareve Passover margarine.

Eggs: Passover egg substitutes don’t work quite as well as the chometz egg substitutes. For kugels, matzo balls, fried matzo and some cakes the recipes will probably be ok. However, if you want to avoid them (and I do) you can add one extra egg white and 1/2 teaspoon of vegetable oil for each yolk eliminated when baking. Use only egg whites as the dipping to coat and fry meats.

Italian Seasoning= 1/4 teaspoon EACH dried oregano leaves, dried marjoram leaves and dried basil leaves plus 1/8 teaspoon rubbed dried sage. This can be substituted for 1 1/2 teaspoons Italian seasoning.

Curry Powder= 2 tablespoons ground coriander, 1 tablespoon black pepper, 2 tablespoons red pepper, 2 tablespoons turmeric, 2 tablespoons ground ginger. Makes 2/3 cup.

Pancake syrup=use fruit jelly, not jam and add a little water to thin. I always like to combine the jelly and water in a microwave safe bowl and heat it gently before I serve it.

Seasoned Rice Wine Vinegar= 3 tablespoons white vinegar, 1 tablespoon white wine, 1 tablespoon sugar, 1/2 teaspoon salt. Mix to combine. Makes 1/4 cup
Flavored Vinegar= lemon juice in cooking or salad, grapefruit juice in salads, wine in marinades.

Water Chestnuts- substitute raw jicama

Orange liqueur =substitute an equal amount of frozen orange juice concentrate
You can mince the tops of green onions and use them in recipes that call for chives or use celery tops instead of parsley (who are we kidding, we always have parsley during Pesach)

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Restaurants

The following OU restaurants and hotels will be open over Passover. Please call to confirm times.

Clubhouse Cafe
155 West 46th Street New York, NY 10036
212-354-3838

Darna Restaurant
600 Columbus Avenue New York, NY 10024
212-721-9123
Meat

Dougie’s Express
74 West 47th 3rd floor, New York, NY 10036
212-398-7070
Meat

Fischer Bros & Leslie
Take Out and Meat
230 West 72nd Street
212-787-1715

Granit Hotel, a.k.a. Hudson Valley Resort
Kerhonksen, NY

Homowack Lodge a.k.a. Spring Mountain Resort
Spring Glen, NY

Le Marais Restaurant
150 West 46th Street New York, NY 10036
212-869-0900
Meat
http://www.lemarais.net/

Levana Restaurant
141 West 69th Street New York, NY 10023
Meat
212-877-8457

Mendy’s Restaurant
10 Park Avenue New York, NY 10016
212-576-1010
Meat
http://www.mendysdeli.geomerx.com/

Mendy’s Galleria
115 E. 57th St. New York, NY 10016
212-308-0101
Meat

Prime Grill Restaurant
Location: New York City – Manhattan
60 East 49th Street New York, NY 10021
212-692-9292
Meat
http://theprimegrill.com

Renaissance Jerusalem Hotel
Ruppin Bridge at Herzl Blvd. Jerusalem, Israel 91033
Dairy, Meat, & Parve

Solo
550 Madison Avenue New York, NY 10022
212-833-7800
Meat

Talia’s Steakhouse
668 Amsterdam Avenue, New York, NY 10025
212-580-3770
Meat

Village Crown Catering
212-207-3888
Meat

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A Summary of Halachos for Erev Pesach Shechol B’Shabbos - 5768

By: Rabbi Yaakov Luban

• As is always the case in halacha, there are divergent opinions among Poskim. In the following summary, I have presented a set of practical recommendations based on mainstream positions. Individuals should consult with their local Rabbis for specific direction.

• The times listed in this summary are sho’os zemanios, and they must be converted into standard times of the day. I have not done that because the times vary from city to city. Once again, one should consult with the local Rabbi.

1. Ta’anis Bechorim (fast of the firstborn) occurs on Thursday, April 17. The traditional siyum will be Thursday morning after davening.

2. Bedikas Chometz is performed Thursday evening. A bracha is recited before the bedika, and bitul chametz (kol chamira) is recited after the bedika.

3. Although chometz can be eaten until Shabbos morning, all chometz remaining after the bedika should be placed in a secure and designated area. Chometz should be eaten with care, and all crumbs must be swept and discarded.

4. Biur Chometz (burning the chometz) is done Friday morning before the end of the 5th hour (If one forgets, it can be burned until Shabbos.) Bitul Chametz (kol chamira) is not recited at this time.

5. Chometz is sold Friday morning before the end of the 5th hour. Please appoint your Rabbi as your agent beforehand.

6. Utensils can be kashered for Pesach all day Friday.

7. The challah used for hamotzi on Shabbos should be eaten at a non-Pesach table, or over the floor. It is best to eat over a wooden or tile floor, which can be swept. (Carpets may not be swept on Shabbos.) When finished, the tablecloth must be shaken out and put away with the chometz utensils. The floor should be swept and the broom should be shaken over a toilet.

8. One may eat chometz on Shabbos morning until the end of the 4th hour.

9. Chometz must be removed from one’s property by Shabbos morning, the end of the 5th hour. Crumbs and small pieces of challah should be flushed down the toilet. Chometz in garbage bags must be removed from garbage pails and placed off one’s property on the side of the curb before the end of the 5th hour.

10. After cleaning up all chometz, bitul chometz (kol chamira) is recited before the end of the 5th hour Shabbos morning.

11. After the end of the 5th hour, chometz is muktzah and may not be moved. If by any chance chometz remains in the house, it must be covered and burned on chol hamoed (Monday evening).

12. Regular matzoh (as opposed to egg matzoh) should not be eaten the entire Shabbos. Either challah or egg matzoh may be used for the Shabbos meal at night and in the morning. According to Ashkenazic custom, egg matzoh should not be eaten later than the end of the 4th hour Shabbos morning. In addition, egg matzoh should not be eaten on Pesach plates or tablecloths. However, egg matzoh is not chometz and may be kept in the home.

13. At least a k’beitzah (volume of an egg) of bread or egg matzoh must be eaten at each meal.

14. One may eat challah outside in the yard and the remainder of the meal indoors, or the challah may be eaten indoors in one area and the meal completed in another area. If the two areas are not in sight of one another, kiddush and birkas hamazon must be recited where the challah was eaten.

15. It is preferable to eat three Shabbos meals with bread. Therefore, the morning meal should be divided into two parts. One should make kiddush, hamotzi, eat one course and recite birchas hamazon. After a distinct interruption (such as taking a walk or learning) one washes again for hamotzi and completes the third meal. The morning meals must be completed by the end of the 4th hour.

16. For a variety of reasons, it is preferable to cook and eat the Shabbos meal in Pesach utensils. Obviously, with the exception of the challah, the food would be kosher for Pesach.

17. After eating challah or egg matzoh, one should wash his hands and rinse his mouth in a bathroom sink before eating the remainder of the meal with Pesach utensils. One may also use a dry toothbrush without water.

18. After six and one-half hours (mincha gedolah) one should eat meat, fish or fruit to fulfill the mitzvah of shalosh seudos, since it is a matter of dispute if shalosh seudos can be fulfilled in the morning. However, one should not eat a large meal that would diminish his appetite at the Seder.

19. During Shabbos, matzoh and baked foods containing matzoh, such as Pesach cake and cookies may not be eaten. Those who eat gebrukts may eat knaidlach (which are cooked in liquid) the entire Shabbos until the end of the 9th hour.

20. Preparations for the Seder may not be done on Shabbos. Even setting the table for the Seder is not permissible.

21. It is permissible to sleep on Shabbos to be more alert for the Seder, but one should not say that this is the purpose of his sleeping.

22. The zeroah (shank bone) and roasted egg should be prepared before Shabbos. If one forgot, they may be prepared Motzei Shabbos provided that they are eaten on Sunday during the daytime (they cannot be eaten at the seder since we do not eat roasted food at the seder). One cannot prepare a zeroah or roasted egg on Motzei Shabbos for the second Seder. Rather, a second set is prepared Sunday night and eaten Monday.

23. Charoses should be prepared before Shabbos. If one forgot, it may be prepared on Motzei Shabbos, but the grinding and chopping must be done with a shinui (done in a different manner than usual, such as the grater being turned upside down, or the pieces allowed to fall on a table rather than a plate). One may not prepare Motzei Shabbos for the second Seder.

24. Some rabbinic authorities recommend grating horseradish before Shabbos, and storing it in a sealed container. The Vilna Gaon on the other hand required its preparation on Motzei Shabbos. The grating must be done with a shinui (see 23 above). One may only prepare enough for that Seder.

25. It is preferable to prepare salt water before Shabbos, but if not, it can be made Motzei Shabbos.

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Erev Pesach on Shabbat

By: Rabbi Alfred Cohen

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Kosher for Passover Supermarkets

The following supermarkets have Meat or Deli sections that are certified as Kosher for Passover by the OU. Please be aware that although the Bakeries will be open and certified as Kosher throughout Passover, they are not Kosher for Passover:

Acme #7713 (Narberth)
829 Montgomery Ave
Narbeth, PA 19072

Acme (Milltown)
300 Ryders Lane
Milltown, NJ 8850

Acme (Clifton)
467 Allwood Road
Clifton, NJ 7012

Albertson’s (Delray Beach)
4801 Linton Blvd.
Palm Beach, FL 33445

Albertson’s (Boca Raton)
20409 State Road 7
Boca Raton, FL 33434

Jewel Osco (Evanston)
2485 Howard Street
Evanston, IL 60202

Jewel Osco (Highland Park)
1600 W. Deerfield
Highland Park, IL 60035

Albertson’s (Las Vegas)
2910 Bicentennial Parkway
Henderson, NV 89044

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Hints for Pesach Cleaning

By: Courtesy of Women's Branch of the Orthodox Union

A Few Hints For Pesach Cleaning

1. START EARLY - If you begin right after Purim and do a little bit every day, the job is not overwhelming.

2. Start with areas where chametz does not usually go and declare them off limits until Pesach.

3. Start buying Pesach staples early. Have a place ready to store them.

4. For the last week before Pesach, indulge in convenience foods and paper plates.

5. Clean the oven as early as possible and use only stove top or toaster oven until Pesach. They are well worth the price for ease and speed in food preparation.

6. Check with your Rabbi for instructions to Kasher the microwave.

7. Invest in a food processor and electric hand-mixer for Pesach. They are well worth the price for ease and speed in food preparation.

8. Aluminum foil is a great help on Pesach – it can cover counters, shelves etc. as well as wrap cooked foods.

9. Don’t forget to clean brooms, vacuum cleaners, clothing pockets, car and garage.

10. Be sure to consult your OU Pesach Directory – there are new products every year to enhance your holiday.
11Enjoy having the entire house clean at one time and keep up a cheerful front. You will appreciate Pesach more and so will your whole family.

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Selected Halachot of Erev Pesach when it falls on Shabbat

By: Rabbi Herschel Billet (Young Israel of Woodmere)

This article is not meant to be the final arbiter. If you have any questions, please consult a competent halachic authority. Provided by the Orthodox Union's Department of Synagogue Services.

Fast of the firstborn males: Since one is prohibited to fast on Shabbat, the firstborn should fast on Thursday. The 12th of Nisan. The fast is not held on Friday to avoid entering Shabbat feeling uncomfortable because of the fast. Immediately following the fast on Thursday evening, those firstborn responsible for searching for “chametz” who are able to make the search without eating should do so. If not, they should either have a light bite of fruit or other food of which people do not usually make a meal, or they should appoint others to make the search for them so they may eat a regular meal. Those firstborn who exempt themselves from the fast by participating in a “seudat mitzvah” are not exempt from the prohibition against eating before the search for “chametz”.

The Search For Chametz: The search for chametz takes place on Thursday night (the eve of the 13th of Nisan) at the exact time and under the exact same circumstances it normally takes place on the eve of the 14th of Nisan in other years. One starts the search immediately with nightfall (“tzayt Hakochavim”- appearance of the stars) on Thursday night. The blessing for the search is recited as well as the text for voiding the chametz (“bitul chametz” ) which follows. The chametz should then be placed in a safe place until the appropriate time for burning it the next day.

DESTRUCTION OF THE CHAMETZ (“BI’UR CHAMETZ” ): It is preferred that one burn the chametz on Friday before midday (“chatzot” ) as one normally does on erev Pesach in other years. One should not void the chametz after the destruction of the chametz since he will still be eating chametz for the rest of Friday and during part of Shabbat. The final voiding of chametz (“bitul” ) should take place on Shabbat, erev Pesach.

FOOD FOR SHABBAT: One should leave enough bread for two meals on Shabbat. Those who wish to follow the opinion, which states that if necessary one can eat the third Shabbat meal before midday should leave enough bread for three meals. There should be enough whole loaves or rolls to have “lechem mishnah” for two or three meals. One may also leave bread for eating on Friday after the time of “bi’ur chametz”. If desired, one may burn all the bread on Friday in order to avoid possible errors on Shabbat. In that case, one should prepare egg matzah (“matzah ashirah” ) for the “lechem mishnah” to be eaten at the Shabbat meals which take place before the time when chametz becomes prohibited.

COOKING FOR SHABBAT
1. One may prepare food for Shabbat in pots used for chametz. One should be careful, however, not to prepare chametz food which will stick to the pot and which will be hard to remove without scrubbing on Shabbat.

2. It is therefore advisable to prepare non-chametz food in pots used for Pesach. One should remove this food with a new serving utensil and then transfer the food to a chametz pot for serving.

3. Some authorities are strict in their application of the law (“machmir” ) and say that one should be careful not to pour hot liquids from a Pesach pot in which they were cooked (“kli rishon” ) directly into a chametz pot.

4. If one wishes to follow the opinion stated above regarding total removal of all chametz on Friday then one should cook all the meals in Pesach pots and use only Pesach dishes since there is no longer any chametz left in the house.

THE SHABBAT MEALS AND THE “TWO LOAVES” (“Lechem Mishna”)
1. Each of the three meals that one is required to eat on Shabbat should begin with two whole loaves of bread (“lechem mishnah”) . The third Shabbat meal cannot be eaten before the time for “mincha gedolah” which is 6.5 hours (“sha’ot zemaniyot”) into the day. This poses the following problems when erev Pesach occurs on Shabbat:

(a) What does one use for “lechem mishnah” for the first two meals?

(b) How does one fulfill the mitzvah of eating the third Shabbat meal without bread, for it is forbidden to eat chametz after four hours (“sha’ot zemaniyot”) into the day of erev Pesach?

2. One may use bread for “lechem mishnah” and general consumption on Friday night and Shabbat morning provided that the morning meal is eaten and finished before the end of the first four hours of the day (“sha’ot zemaniyot”) . Therefore, one should rise early on such a Shabbat and pray with an early minyan. The service should be conducted with dignity, and conclude early enough to eat the second Shabbat meal before the time when the chametz is prohibited.

3. If one does not wish to use bread on Shabbat and has removed all chametz from the house before Shabbat, then he can use egg matzah (“matzah ashira”) for the first two Shabbat meals provided that the second meal is finished before the time when the chametz becomes prohibited. Although “matzah ashirah” is not chametz, it is our custom not to eat it during that time period when we may not eat chametz.

4. It is forbidden to eat regular matzah on erev Pesach. Therefore matzah cannot be eaten at the Shabbat meals. On Friday night, it is conceivable that one may use matzah since the prohibition against eating matzah is not probably dependent on daytime and not a 24-hour period. Yet, we are stricter and include Friday night in the prohibition.

5. There are several opinions as to what one may do for the third Shabbat meal.

a. Those whose custom it is to eat “matzah ashirah” on Pesach (contrary to the opinion of the Ramah – Rabbi Moshe Isserles) may use “matzah ashirah” for the “lechem mishnah” of the third meal provided that they conclude the meal before the end of 9 hours into the day (“sha’ot zamanyiot”) .

b. One may use cooked matzahs for they are not included in the prohibition against eating matzah on erev Pesach. The prohibition encompasses only, baked matzah which can be used at the seder. Here too, one must finish the third meal before the end of 9 hours into the day (“sha’ot zamaniyot”) .

c. Bread can be used for the third meal in the following manner: Immediately after the morning prayers, one washes, recites the “beracha” over “lechem mishnah” and eats the proper “shi’ur” for “birkat hamazon”. He then recited the “birkat hamazon”. He has thus eaten the second Shabbat meal. After waiting a short while, he commences the whole procedure again, this time eating a whole meal. This is his third Shabbat meal. This third meal must be finished before the end of the fourth hours into the day. In this manner, one fulfills the mitzvah of the three Shabbat meals “bedi’avad” since only some authorities allow the third meal to be eaten in this manner.

d. The third meal may consist of fruit or fish or meat to the exclusion of bread, for there are some authorities who state that these foods fulfill the requirement for the third meal. These foods can be eaten after the beginning of the 10th hour of the day provided that one partakes of then in moderation.

e. According to some opinion, one can learn Torah instead of eating the third meal. The Zohar states that particularly on this Shabbat, Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai would study Torah instead of eating the third Shabbat meal.

6. Our custom is to follow suggestions #c or #d. Therefore, one should either eat two meals before the end of the 4th hour (“sha’ot zemaniyot”) or eat a third meal consisting of fruit, fish or meat.

Destruction And Voiding The Chametz
1. If one ate chametz on Shabbat by using bread from the house by the end of the fifth hour into the day (“sha’ot zemaniyot”) .

2. Methods of removal are as follows:

a. Any tiny crumbs that remain may be deposited on the floor in a place where people regularly walk. It is preferable, however, to gather these crumbs and place them in the garbage can, toilet or outside the door of the house (provided there is no problem on “hotza’ah” – removal from one domain to another) .

b. Larger pieces of bread can be given to a non-Jew. One should be careful not to ask the non-Jew directly to remove the chametz from the house. One may not give the non-Jew more than one meal’s worth of chametz at a time.

c. The chametz may also be fed to a dog or flushed down the toilet.

d. If non of the above were done, then the chametz must be covered and placed in a safe, isolated spot in the house and burned after Yom Tov (“motza’ay yom tov”) on Monday night.

3. Once one is prohibited to derive any pleasure whatsoever from chametz (the “isur hana’ah” begins in the sixth hour), then the chametz is “muktzah” and a Jew can no longer move it from place to place. A non-Jew, however, may remove it for him.

4. One must void (“bitul”) the chametz at the proper time on Shabbat, erev Pesach, regardless of whether or not there actually is any chametz in the house. The “bitul” should be performed before the end of the fifth hour into the day (“sha’ot zamaniyot”).

Washing The Dishes And Other Food Utensils
1. If chametz food is cooked for Shabbat, one should be careful not to prepare food which will stick to the pot and which would, therefore, have to be scrubbed on Shabbat. If one was not careful about this, then it is permissible to clean the pots but with minimal effort as possible.

2. Other pots and dishes should be cleaned gently and put away. Even if there is no chametz in them, they should be cleaned and put away.

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What Is The Passover “SEDER”?

The Seder is a ritual banquet which reenacts the Exodus, conducted on both the first and second evenings of Passover.

Its major feature is the reading of the Haggadah, which relates, in detail, the events of the Exodus of the Jewish people from ancient Egypt, complete with symbolic reenactments using Kosher wine, specially prepared Matzah, and bitter herbs.

The specially prepared Shmurah Matzah is made specifically for use at the Seder, with specially supervised flour according to particularly stringent Jewish traditions and laws. The bitter herbs (Maror) consisting of either romaine lettuce or horseradish, commemorate the harsh conditions of slavery in ancient Egypt.

Four cups of wine are consumed during the course of the Seder to commemorate the redemption of the Jewish people, the sanctity of the holiday and events related in the Haggadah. The Seder is a traditional occasion for Jewish families to gather together to reinforce their ties to Judaism.

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What is “Matzah”?

Matzah is a crisp, flat, unleavened bread, made of flour and water, which must be baked before the dough has had time to rise. It is the only type of “bread” which Jews may eat during Passover, and it must be made specifically for Passover use, under rabbinical supervision.

Eating Matzah on Passover commemorates the unleavened bread eaten by the Jews when they left Egypt in such haste that there was no time for the dough to rise. There are many mystical concepts tied to the unique relationship between Matzah and Chametz on Passover.

One interpretation equates Matzah with G-d’s commandments (Mitzvot), and Chametz with sin (Chayt). The rigorous laws of Passover, in this interpretation, represent the great care that must be taken to follow the G-dly path.

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What is Kosher for Passover?

What Does “KOSHER FOR PASSOVER” Mean?

During Passover, Jewish law forbids the consumption or possession by Jews of all edible fermented grain products (Chametz) or related foods. Therefore, even foods and household products which meet the strict, year-round dietary regulations, and are considered Kosher, are nevertheless, often unacceptable, or require special preparation for Passover use in the Jewish home in order to be Kosher for Passover.

How Can One Tell If A Product is “KOSHER FOR PASSOVER?”

Most processed foods and beverages require special rabbinical supervision for Passover use. They must also be Kosher for year-round use, and prepared in accordance with all of the regular Jewish dietary laws.

The 2000 Guide to Kosher for Passover Foods is available online.

Jewish consumers are urged to look for the P or the Kosher for Passover designations as an integral part of the product label, and to be familiar with the rabbi or organization giving the Passover endorsement. The mere mention of Kosher For Passover on the label is not a sufficient guarantee of the product’s acceptability for Passover use.

The largest and most widely respected Kosher supervisory agency is the Kashruth Division of the Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America. Its registered service mark, OUP, on thousands of consumer and industrial food products, is a guarantee of the highest standards of Kashruth for Passover. Processed foods not carrying any rabbinical supervision should be cleared with a rabbi before Passover use, as should any medicines and vegetables.

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Preparing for Passover

What Special Preparations Must Be Made In The Jewish Home
For Passover?

The home must be thoroughly cleaned of all Chametz before Passover. Any Chametz not removed from a Jew’s premises before Passover should be sold. Jewish law forbids the use of any Chametz which remains in a Jew’s possession during Passover, even after the holiday is over.

All cooking and eating utensils must be either set aside exclusively for Passover use, or, in some cases, “made Kosher” in consultation with a rabbi, according to the procedures of Jewish law. All of these preparations must be completed by the morning before Passover.

What Are The Rituals For The Period Before Passover Begins?

The day before Passover is a fast day for Jewish firstborn males, in commemoration of the tenth plague, the slaying of the firstborn male Egyptians, which immediately resulted in the Exodus.

In many congregations, a special celebration Siyum is conducted, following which participating firstborn males are permitted to break their fast. A ritual search for Chametz is conducted the previous night, and the Chametz that is found is burned the next morning.

Preparing for Passover

For more detailed instructions and guidance, a competent Halachic authority should be consulted.

1. Removing Chametz

A. Prior to Passover, every Jew is required to remove all Chametz from his home, property, and all premises under his or her jurisdiction (i.e. desk, office, locker, car). Even if one will not be on the premises during Passover, as long as one is there within 30 days of Passover, the obligation to remove all Chametz before Passover applies. In such cases, one should consult a competent Halachic authority and make the necessary arrangements.

B. To facilitate the removal of Chametz, each Jew is obligated to conduct a diligent search in all places where Chametz may have been kept or consumed any time during the preceding year. The specified time for this search is the night before Passover, traditionally using a feather and the light of a single candle. However, Passover cleaning in Jewish homes must be started much earlier. The premises should be clean by the time the search begins (approximately 45 minutes after sunset). The blessing is recited before the search begins, and a public disclaimer of ownership of Chametz (Bitul) is recited afterward. These texts can be found in most traditional Haggadahs.

C. It is permissible to sell Chametz to a non-Jew before the restrictions on Chametz go into effect on the day before Passover. To comply with the stringent requirements of Jewish law, the sale is conducted by contract through an Orthodox rabbi, who is empowered to act as an agent by a Power of Attorney Form for the Sale of Chametz. The sold Chametz is the non-Jew’s property until after Passover ends and must be treated accordingly. The Chametz should be locked away until after Passover when the Rabbi repurchases it for the community.

D. Restrictions on the eating, then use, and finally, possession of Chametz normally begin on the morning before Passover. Just before these restrictions begin, the remaining Chametz must be destroyed (usually burned) and a public disclaimer of Chametz ownership (Bitul) recited. The exact times depend on your geographic location. Consult your local Orthodox rabbi for the times when these restrictions go into effect, or see Halachic Times for Passover.

E. Chametz which remains in a Jew’s possession during Passover may not be used by him or any other Jew at any time, and it may not be purchased after Passover. If Chametz is discovered during Passover, it should be disposed of, in accordance with Jewish law, as soon as possible. Consult an Orthodox rabbi immediately for the appropriate procedures.

2. Utensils For Use on Passover

A. Jewish law requires special dishes, cooking utensils, glassware, and silverware for Passover use, with separate meat and dairy sets. They can be made of any material, including plastic or paper. Once these are used for Chametz, they may not be used again on Passover.

B. If it is not possible to maintain a complete set of separate utensils for Passover it may be possible to use some year-round utensils for Passover after a special “kashering” procedure.

“Kashering” should only be done under the guidance of an Orthodox rabbi. Metal and wooden utensils, if they can be thoroughly cleaned, may be “kashered,” but earthenware utensils may not be “kashered”. Procedures for “kashering” depend on how the utensil was used during the year. Consult with your local Orthodox rabbi for details.

C. Shelves, countertops and eating surfaces used year round should be cleaned and covered for Passover use, and special dish racks, sink racks and wash basins should be used. Cooking surfaces should be thoroughly cleaned and covered. Ovens should be thoroughly cleaned, and either “kashered” by being burnt out (consult your rabbi for details) or used with a special insert liner.

3. Foods Which May Not Be Used On Passover

A. Any food or food product containing fermented grain products (Chametz) may not be used or remain in a Jew’s possession on Passover. Even foods with minute amounts of Chametz ingredients, or foods processed on utensils which are used for other Chametz-containing foods, are not permissible for Passover use.

B. Ashkenazic Jews, (Jews of Eastern European descent) also do not eat many legumes (Kitniot) – beans, corn, peas, rice, etc. and products containing them as ingredients throughout Passover, while Sephardic, Yemenite and Oriental Jewish custom varies from one community to another.

C. Because of the large number of food products which contain Chametz or Kitniot ingredients, only food products manufactured under reliable rabbinical supervision should be purchased for Passover use. That includes beverages, condiments, spices, and all processed foods such as fruits and vegetables, fish, meat and dairy products, and especially, baked goods.

D. Grain alcohol is a fermentation product, and is therefore Chametz. Any edible items which normally contain grain alcohol, including whiskey, liquor, and liquid medications (however, see paragraph F for further information on medications), and even those which are not usually taken internally (such as perfumes, cologne, toilet water, hair spray, hair tonic, shaving lotion, mouthwash, liquid and roll-on deodorants) should be treated as Chametz unless specifically approved for Passover use.

E. Totally inedible non-food products which contain grain alcohol such as polish, ink, paint and floor wax, are permissible for Passover use.

All chametz utensils that will be used for Pesach must first be thoroughly cleaned.

This involves the removal of all food, rust, dirt, calcium deposits and anything else that protrudes; it does not include the removal of discolorations. Items which have narrow cracks, crevices, deep scratches or other areas that cannot easily be cleaned, cannot be kashered for Pesach. Therefore, the following, for example, cannot be kashered:
• Colanders
• Decanters or baby bottles (due to their narrow necks)
• Filters/screens over drains in sinks
• Graters
• Knives (or other utensils) where food or dirt can get trapped between the blade and handle
• Slotted spoons
• Sponges
• Toothbrushes

Additionally, the common custom is to cover tables, counters, refrigerator shelves and other areas where one might not have been able to clean away every trace of chametz.

Purging

In addition to cleaning, most items require some form of hot purging in order to remove the flavor that has been absorbed. As a rule, any utensil that came in contact with hot food, was washed with hot water or was used to store liquids, requires hot purging. A comprehensive analysis regarding when hot purging is required and how one determines which form of purging is effective is beyond the scope of this article. Rather we will describe the standard method of purging flavor from the most common items.

Utensils made from the following materials cannot be kashered:
• Ceramic—all types—including brick, china, coffee mugs and enamel.
• Glass—all forms—including Corning Ware, Corelle, fiberglass, porcelain enamel (for example, porcelain sinks and enamelized pots), Pyrex or Thermoses.
• Plastic—Rabbinical authorities disagree as t