Mechirat Chametz (
During the eight days of Pesach,
our homes must cleared of all chametz
products and all products that have any chametz content.
All such items are to be placed in designated areas and sold for the eight-day
period to a non-Jew. During the entire Pesach, the designated cabinets should
not be opened, and no items in the designated areas should be used during this period. Many
authorities maintain that this method should only be used for mixtures
containing some chametz ingredients. In their view,
pure chametz such as bread and cookies should be
physically destroyed or given permanently to a non-Jew.
I
encourage you to see Jules Levenson
personally for the sale of your chametz. This will allow you to appoint him by means of a kinyan, a symbolic acquisition, which is
preferable. For those who find it impossible to do
so, a Power of
Attorney contract for the sale is available here.
Please fill out this form and email it to him at
brandeischametz@gmail.com. For help filling out the form, see these instructions and this sample form.
Please confirm that Jules has received it, and he will discuss further details
with you at that time.
Please note: All chametz should be
sold and stored in marked cabinets before Monday morning April 2. Exact
times for various locations are listed here. Please take
care of your sale long before this time. Foods not included in Wednesday
morning’s sale cannot be added later.
Chametz of Roommates
Jews living with
non-Jewish roommates often have shared chametz, and
it is sometimes ambiguous which chametz belongs to
the Jew. To remove doubt, one should physically hand all of the chametz to the non-Jew prior to Pesach as a gift, stating,
“I give this to you as an unconditional gift, and accept no responsibility for
storing or guarding it.” The non-Jew may then continue to own and use the chametz over Pesach. Once this is done, there is no further
need to sell the chametz. If the Jew will be in the
room over Pesach, the chametz should be stored in
some specifically designated area, to prevent confusion.
Maot Chitim
Pesach is a very expensive holiday, between the Matza, the wine, and all of the other peripheral expenses. There is an ancient tradition of donating money to charity to provide for the needs of the poor on this occasion. The Rambam writes that we are obligated to bring joy on the holidays not only to ourselves and our own families, but also to those who are less fortunate this year.
Maot Chitim
can be donated online by credit card through Ezras Yisroel
to support people in
Fast of the First Born
Firstborn sons fast on Monday, April 2. Many communities
provide a Siyum, or celebration at the end of
learning, where food is served. Attending a siyum
exempts one from the need to fast.
Bedikat Chametz
The Torah
forbids us not only to eat, but also even to own Chametz
on Pesach. We remove any Chametz unknown to us by
“nullifying” it through Bittul Chametz,
thus making the Chametz ownerless. Our chachamim, however, further mandated a thorough check of
the house on the night before Pesach a) in case we have not truly nullified our
Chametz in our hearts and b) lest one find and eat Chametz on Pesach. This is not just a perfunctory check of
our homes! While the custom of putting out 10 pieces of bread has some basis,
finding only those pieces does not fulfill one’s obligation. Places to check
include drawers, coat pockets, garages and cars. One should try to do the bedikah as soon as possible after nightfall; it is improper
to push it off until late at night. The Bedika is
done in the dark, using a candle or flashlight to explore everywhere.
The Bedikah
is performed with a bracha, on Sunday
night, April 1. It should begin immediately after Tzait
HaKochavim (
Those
leaving school before the night of Bedikat Chametz should do bedika the
night before leaving, without a bracha, but with the
“Kol Chamira” declaration: "All Chametz and leavening in my possession which I have not
seen and have not destroyed shall be considered nullified and ownerless, as the
dust of the earth." They should check dorm rooms, closets, desks, lockers
and vehicles that belong to them for chametz. Lockers
where one never stores chametz during the year do not
need to be checked. Students should also participate in bedikat
and biur chametz in their
parents’ homes.
According
to some views, those who will be away from school from before the night of bedikat chametz through the
entire Pesach are exempt from bedikat chametz provided they have sold their chametz
through Jules. In this situation, it is still good to perform bedikat chametz the night before
leaving without a bracha if possible.
Eating, Burning and Disposal of Chametz
Monday, April 2 is Erev Pesach. No chametz may be eaten after the fourth hour,
The chametz that one is
not selling should be disposed of and/or burnt by
At this
time, one also recites the “Kol Chamira”
declaration: "All Chametz and leavening in my
possession which I have seen or I have not seen, that
I have destroyed or I have not destroyed shall be considered nullified and
ownerless, as the dust of the earth."
*Please note that many of the matters discussed below
are subject to debate, and your family may follow a different opinion than what
appears in this guide.*
Basic Cleaning
If you will not be cooking in your dorm during
Pesach, you do not need to Kasher
your cooking appliances in the manner described below. Rather, you simply need
to eliminate all physical chametz in your possession,
including bits of bread in toasters, spills on surfaces, etc. Pieces that are
both smaller than an olive and inedible do not count, so the easiest thing to
do is to dispose of all the large pieces, then clean your surfaces with a
strong, inedible chemical cleaner. If anything remains after this, it is not
edible chametz and you need not destroy it. This is
the simplest method for counters, cooking appliances, refrigerators, and
floors.
It is good to launder clothes or check their pockets
for chametz if you ever put food in their pockets.
Don’t forget to clean the chametz
out of lockers, desks, vehicles, and other locations around campus where you store
personal property.
In my opinion, as will be elaborated below, one need
not be concerned about owning cosmetics, shampoos, inedible solid medicines,
etc. on Pesach. This is despite what some guide books print.
Although it is nice to neaten up one’s coin
collection, wash windows, etc, these are not really related to Pesach. One
should focus primarily on chametz elimination.
Ovens
In a conventional oven, gas or electric, the oven
must be completely clean before kashering can begin.
Oven cleaner may be necessary to remove baked on grease. If a caustic type of
oven cleaner (such as Easy-Off) was used to clean the oven and some stubborn
spots remain after the caustic cleaner has been applied a second time with
similar results, the remaining spots may be disregarded. Once the oven and
racks have been cleaned, they may be kashered by Libbun Kal. Turning
the oven to the broil setting for 2 hours
satisfies the requirement of Libbun Kal. In a gas oven the broil setting will allow the flame
to burn continuously. In a conventional electric oven the highest setting,
broil or 550oF, kashers the oven.
In a continuous cleaning oven, one cannot
assume that such an oven is clean because the manufacturer claims it to be
continuously clean. A visual inspection is required. Since caustic or
abrasive oven cleaners, e.g. Easy-Off, cannot be used without destroying the
continuous clean properties of the oven, a non-abrasive, and non-caustic,
cleaner must be used to clean the oven. Grease spots will usually disappear if
the top layer of grease is cleaned with Fantastic and a nylon brush. Then the
oven should be turned on to 450oF for 2 hours so that the continuous
clean mechanism can work. If the spots don't disappear the oven should be left
on for a few hours to allow the continuous clean mechanism to deep clean. If
the spots do not disappear, the spots should be removed with oven cleaner or
steel wool. If the spots are dark spots that crumble, they can be
disregarded. In all of the above cases the oven should then be kashered by turning the oven to the broil setting for 2
hours.
In a self-cleaning oven, the self-cleaning
cycle will clean and kasher the oven simultaneously.
This is true for convection ovens with a self-cleaning feature as well.
The oven need not be cleaned well before the process begins because everything
inside of the oven is reduced to ash. The oven door and rubber around the door
should, however, be completely clean before beginning the self-clean cycle.
Oven Racks are very difficult to thoroughly
clean. It is therefore recommended that
they either be placed into a self-cleaning oven or covered with foil (punching
holes though to allow the air to circulate.)
Oven Broiler: The broiler pan and grill cannot
be kashered by just turning on the gas or
electricity. Since food is cooked directly on the pan or grill, they must be
heated to a glow in order to be used on Pesach. An alternate method is to
replace the pan with a new pan and Kasher the empty
broiler cavity by cleaning and setting it to broil for 2 hours. If one does not
intend to use the broiler on Pesach, one may still use the oven, even
without koshering the broiler, provided that the broiler has been
thoroughly cleaned. Similarly, other cooktop inserts
such as a griddle or a barbecue broiler would require “Libbun
Gamur” heating the surface to a red glow before
usage. If not, the insert should be cleaned and covered and not used for Pesach
Cooktop: On a gas
range the cast iron or metal grates upon which the pots on the range sit may
be inserted into the oven after they have been thoroughly cleaned. (If one has
a self-cleaning oven one need not clean the grates first.) The grates can be kashered
simultaneously with the oven. Another
method of kashering the burners is to place a blech (all year round belch may be used) or heavy foil over
each burner and turn on highest temperature for 15 minutes. (For safety concerns it is recommended to
do one burner at a time.) The rest of the range should be cleaned and
covered with a double layer of heavy-duty aluminum foil. (Stainless steel stove tops may be purged
with boiling water and need not be covered.) The burners themselves do not need
Kashering or covering but should be thoroughly
cleaned. The drip pans should be
thoroughly cleaned and need not be kashered. Kashering a Glass,
Microwave Ovens
Clean the microwave thoroughly and do not use for 24
hours. Then boil a cup of water on the highest setting for 20 minutes, or until
all the water has boiled off. The glass plate (if you have one) should be
replaced, covered with saran wrap, or cleaned and kashered
in boiling water. Food should not be heated directly on the glass plate on
Pesach. If your microwave walls have holes or grates through which food has
fallen and cannot be removed, it’s best to cover all foods that you heat in the
microwave on Pesach.
Refrigerator and Freezers
Each shelf should be removed and cleaned
thoroughly. If hot chamtez
was spilled on a shelf then that shelf should be covered (make sure to
perforate any covers to allow for air circulation). Otherwise, covering shelves is not
necessary.
High Chairs
Should be cleaned thoroughly and the tray should be
covered with contact paper.
Metal Utensils
Metal Utensils that have been used for cooking,
serving or eating hot Chametz may be kashered by cleaning them thoroughly, waiting twenty-four
(24) hours and then immersing them, one by one, into a Kosher for Pesach pot of
water which has been heated and is maintaining a rolling boil when
the vessel is immersed. Note that Teflon coated pots can not be kashered.
The utensils undergoing the kashering
process may not touch each other on the way in to the pot. In other words, if a
set of flatware is being kashered for Pesach, one
cannot take all the knives, forks and spoons and put them in the boiling water
together. They should be placed into the boiling water one by one. The process
is finalized by rinsing the kashered items in cold
water. If tongs are used to grip the utensil, they should be loosened for a
moment while the utensil is underwater. Otherwise, the utensil will have to be
immersed a second time with the tong in a different position so that the
boiling water will touch the initially gripped area. The entire utensil does
not have to be kashered at once; it may be done in
parts.
Please watch out for utensils that are rusty or
difficult to clean properly. Even silverware made of two parts (a handle and a
blade, for instance) should most often not be kashered.
Technically, a non-Kosher for Pesach pot may
also be used for the purpose of kashering, provided
that it is thoroughly clean and has not been used for twenty-four (24) hours.
However, it is the custom to make the pot Kosher for Pesach before using it for
kashering. This can be accomplished by cleaning the
pot, leaving it for 24 hours, filling the pot completely with water, waiting
until the water comes to a rolling boil, and throwing in a hot stone or brick
which has been heated on another burner. The hot rock will cause the water to
bubble more furiously and run over the top ridge of the pot on all sides at one
time. The pot is now kashered.
There are different opinions about whether plastic
utensils can be kashered in the same manner as metal.
Ashkenazim today do not kasher
glass utensils used with hot chametz for Pesach.
Arcolac, Pyrex, Duralex
& Corelle should be treated as glass for kashering purposes. Glassware used with cold chametz may be kashered. Each utensil should be soaked in room
temperature water for 72 hours. The
water should be changed every 24 hours.
Sinks
Stainless steel sinks can be kashered by the
following method. Clean the sink thoroughly.
Hot water should not be used or poured in the sink for twenty-four (24)
hours prior to kashering. (It is recommended that the sink be covered
or the hot water knob covered or removed, etc. to insure that it is not used.) Kashering is accomplished by pouring boiling hot water from
a Pesach kettle/pot over every part of the stainless steel sink. The
poured water must touch every part of the sink including the drain and the
spout of the water faucet. It is likely that the kashering
kettle(s) will need to be refilled a few times before the kashering
can be completed.
Granite sinks can be kashered like a stainless steel sink.
Countertops
Countertops made of granite may also be kashered. Formica
countertops should be cleaned and covered with a waterproof material. The same
goes for tables with synthetic tops. Wood tables could theoretically be kashered with boiling water, but the custom is to clean and
cover them.
Dishwashers
Porcelain and enamel
dishwashers can not be kashered for Pesach. Stainless steel dishwashers may be kashered but the racks should be replaced. These dishwashers must be thoroughly
cleaned. Please contact a rabbi before
doing so.
Pesach 5767 Product Information - Important or
new information bolded
A Pesach product list follows.
I have tried to include as much information as possible, but it still remains a
partial list. If you have questions about particular products not on this list,
you can call me to check on the product.
Please assume
that any product not listed here cannot be used without Kosher for Pesach
Supervision. When specific brands are listed as Kosher for Pesach, it does not
necessarily mean that all other brands definitively contain Chametz
- simply that other brands cannot be used without further information.
Of course, you can call me with any additional
questions you may have at 781-330-4993 or email me.
Air Freshener: Does not require Pesach Supervision.
Alcohol: See: Rubbing alcohol
Aluminum Foil and Pans: Does not require
Pesach Supervision.
Ammonia: Does not require Pesach Supervision.
Antacids: Require Pesach hashgacha. Tums
are NOT acceptable this year.
Artificial Sweeteners: The following brands may be used:
Pure Aspartame (not Equal), Kojel Kosher L’ Pesach
Sweet N’ Good, Leiber’s Kosher L’Pesach
Sugar Substitute, Sweet N’ Low with OUP, Gefen OUP,
V.I.P. Master OUP. Splenda contains chametz and may not be used.
Baby Foods: Formula
– Materna formula, made in
1.
They must be used in
separate utensils and may not be washed in a Kosher for Pesach sink.
2.
It is preferable to
buy all formula before Pesach as it contains traces of ascorbic acid (which may
be Chametz). This applies to both powder and liquid varieties.
Please note that two Enfamil products, Nutramigel Lipil and Pregestimil contain
non-kosher ingredients and that one should consult with one’s doctor and Rav before using them.
Jars - Requires Pesach Supervision. Many
Beech-Nut varieties are available with OUP.
Cereals - Even rice cereals must be considered chametz
without Pesach supervision.
Baby oil, lotions and medicated
ointments: Do not
require Pesach Supervision.
Baby Wipes: Do not require Pesach Supervision as
long as its ingredients do not include alcohol.
Baking Soda: Does not require Pesach
Supervision.
Baking Powder: Requires Pesach Supervision.
Bleach: Does not require Pesach
Supervision.
Bottled Water: Any fresh, unflavored spring water
does not require Pesach Supervision.
Candy: Bartons candy remains under the OUP. Elite
Candies must have an OUP. Not all Elite products are certified by the OU,
such as those that contain gelatin. Some Elite products sold in
Carrots: Any brand is acceptable without
Pesach supervision IF without additives (including baby carrots)
Chapstick: May be used on Chol
HaMoed only if new and unflavored.
Coffee:
Instant – Requires special Pesach Supervision, except for Folgers, Key Food
and Taster’s choice. Elite can be used only with an OUP.
Regular - All regular ground coffees with the OU may be used on Pesach without
special Pesach Supervision, with the exception of Nescafe Instant Coffee.
Chicory Coffee requires special Pesach supervision, except for Ellis, Hena and White House brands.
Decaffeinated - Requires Pesach Supervision. Brim, Maxwell House, Sanka, Maxim and Yuban have special Pesach Supervision.
Starbucks Flavorlock bags and Regular Coffee has an
OUP, but one may not buy fresh coffee from a Starbucks store on Pesach.
Flavored - Requires Pesach supervision. Most brands are not kosher for
Pesach.
Coffee
“Singles” – Require
Pesach Supervision.
Coffee Filters: Does not require Pesach
Supervision.
Cosmetics: See “Toiletries”
Dates:
Calavo, Dole, Sunglow, Sunworld
are OK without special Pesach supervision.
Dental Floss: Any unflavored does not
require Pesach supervision.
Deodorant: See “toiletries”
Dishwashing Detergent: Does not require Pesach supervision.
Eggs: Do not require Pesach
Supervision, but should be purchased before Pesach.
Fish: Frozen, Unprocessed,
without added water or salt - Does not require special Pesach Supervision.
Frozen, Processed (including gefilte
Fish) - many brands
have an OUP.
Fresh - Does not require special Pesach Supervision.
Tuna – Bumble Bee Tuna is being sold
with the OUP. It should be readily available this year. In addition,
Fruit: Frozen - whole or sliced,
without additives with no syrup - does not require Pesach Supervision.
Canned - Require
Pesach Supervision even if packed in its own juice.
Fresh - Wax
on whole, unpeeled produce may contain kitniyot, but
is batel and not a problem. Cut-up or peeled produce
requires Pesach Supervision as citric acid may be used to prevent browning.
Dried - Requires
Pesach Supervision (kitniyot oils and chametz flour may be used to prevent sticking). Del
Monte and Dole Raisins are OK.
Glue: Any inedible glue is OK.
Grains:
Most are chametz or kitniyot
and should be disposed of even if they have not been converted into flour.
However, flax, hemp and quinoa are not chametz.
(Some consider flax and hemp to be kitniyot, however)
One who wants to use these grains should check through the box or bag before
Pesach to remove any extraneous matter. Please note that quinoa pasta, while
theoretically kosher for Pesach, is not under any Pesach supervision and should
not be used.
Halvah: May appear with a Kosher for
Passover seal, but is not KP for Ashkenazim as it contains corn syrup.
Honey: Must have Pesach Supervision, as
corn syrup is added to many brands. Rokeach Festive,
Season, Haddar, Western Commerce, Gefen,
Streits are OK with KP.
Ice: Bags from
plain water do not require Pesach Supervision.
Juice: Frozen - 100% pure
orange or grapefruit concentrate without sweeteners, additives, enrichments
(e.g. Calcium) or Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid),
Citric Acid or preservatives does not need Pesach Supervision. All other juices
require supervision as enzymes are used in processing.
Liquid - requires Pesach Supervision.
Lemon/Lime - ReaLemon brand is OK without
special Pesach Supervision. (Liquid only -not frozen)
Grape – Welch’s is no longer made with an OUP. Please note that Kedem grape juice sold in the 1.5 liter glass bottles is
not mevushal.
Kitniyot: Due to the stringency of not eating chametz on Pesach, Ashkenazic
Jews have developed a custom not to eat Kitniyot
(legumes) on Pesach. Kitniyot include Anise, Ascorbic
Acid (may be chametz), Asparatame
(Nutrasweet), Beans, Black Eyed Peas, Buckwheat,
Canola Oil, Caraway, Citric Acid (may be chametz),
Chickpeas, Coriander, Corn, Corn Syrup, Cumin, Dextrose, Fennel, Fenugreek,
Flax seeds, Hemp, Hydrolyzed Vegetable Oil, Kasha, Kimmel, Lecithin, Lentils,
Licorice, Lucerne, Lupine, Maltodextrins (chametz or kitniyot
derived), Millet, MSG, Mustard, Peanuts, Polysorbates
(may be chametz), Popcorn, Poppy Seeds, Rice,
Saffron, Sesame Seeds, Snow Peas, Sodium Citrate (may be chametz),
Sodium Erythorbate (may be chametz),
Sorbitol (could be chametz
if outside the U.S.), Soy Oil, Corn Oil, Soy, String Beans, Sunflower Seeds,
Tofu (from soy),Vetch, Vetching, Wild Rice, Xanthan gum (may be chametz).
Many Kitniyot products on the market are certified as
Kosher, especially from
Laundry Detergent: Any inedible cleaner is OK.
Matzot: Egg Matzot - Egg
Matzot - Matzot made with
fruit juice or eggs, which include “Kosher for Pesach” Egg Matzot,
egg Matzah crackers, etc. may not be eaten on Pesach
by healthy Ashkenazim. Even the sick and elderlycannot
fulfill their obligation at the Seder with these matzot.
Grape Matzot - sold
by Manischewitz, have the same halachot
as egg matzot. In addition, Manischewitz
sells Passover Tam Tam crackers that are also made
from egg flour dough and must be treated accordingly. This year, Manischewitz will also have Tam Tam
crackers made from flour and water that can be eaten by all. Matzah sticks (Kedem) and matzah crackers (Kedem and Manischewitz) are ordinary matzah
products and can be eaten by all.
Spelt - Kosher for Pesach Hand Shemurah now available at Brauner's
Bakery in
Oat - Kosher for Passover hand and machine Shemurah are available under the supervision of the
Manchester Beis Din. Contact Mrs. Karen Beleck at 410-358-9580or call (323) 655-8870, (845)
364-7217 or (718) 633-0633. Whether the obligation of eating matzah on the first night of Pesach can be fulfilled with
these oat matzahs is questionable, and anyone who can safely eat wheat
or spelt matza should do so.
Margarine: Requires Pesach Supervision.
Meat: Fresh - Does not
require special Pesach Supervision (unless processed or coated).
Frozen - Does not require special Pesach Supervision.
Medicine:
Please read carefully:
·
Medical lotions and creams do not
require Pesach supervision.
PARTIAL Listing of Popular Medications that are acceptable
for Pesach Use Allergy, Antihistamines, Cold & Pain Relief: ALL pill
medication that one swallows is permitted without special hashgacha Afrin Nasal Sprays (All); ChlorTrimeton: Alergy,
Decongestant; Clarinex Syrup &
Tablets; Claritin Syrup & Tablets;
Coricidin Cold & Flu, Cough & Cold, Decongestant, Nightime Cold & Flu; Drixoral all; Motrin : Children’s & Jr. Chewable Grape
Tablets, Jr, Chewable Orange, Berry Cold
Suspension, Infant’s
Concentrated Drops, Children’s Bubblegum, Grape, New Berry, Tropical Punch
Flavor Suspension, Jr. Strength Swallowable
Caplets; Nasonex Nasal Spray; Singulair Oral Granule & Chewable; St. Joseph: Chewable Aspirins, Enteric Coated
Aspirin;’ Theraflu: Hot Liquid
Powder; Tom’s Bronchial
Syrup; Triaminic: Cold &
Allergy Orange Syrup, Cherry Syrup, Nasal Congestion Syrup, Cough & Sore
Throat, Cough Liquid, Cough & Sore Throat Grape Syrup, Flu Cough &
Fever, Long Acting Cough, Night Time Cough & Cold Grape Syrup; Tylenol: With Codeine Elixar.
Adult Liquid Cherry
Pain Reliever, PM Liquid, Plus Cold & Runny Nose, Sore Throat Liquid AM
& PM,
Children’s Suspension Bubble Gum, Cherry Blast, Grape, Very Berry Strawberry,
Plus Flu, Children’s Plus Cold & Cough & Allergy Suspension, Infant Concentrated
Drops, Max Strength Flu Nighttime Liquid, Meltaways
Children’s, Jr Bubblegum, Grape, Punch, Watermelon,
Vick’s Children’s Cough and Cold,
Dayquil, Nyquil, Nasal Spray, Sinex, Vapor Inhaler,
Vaposteam, Zyrtec Syrup. Please note
that at the time of this printing, the following products were Not on the approved list: Benadryl, Pediacare, Robtisussin and
Triaminic. Antacids: ALL pill medication that one swallows
is permitted without special hashgacha. Bromo Seltzer Antacid; Maalox: Max Suspension,
Multi Symptom Max Strength Chewable Tablets, Quick Disolve Regular Stength Tablets, Regular Strength Suspension & Mint. Peptic Relief Chew
Tablets, Liquid; Prevacid Delayed Release Capsules
& Oral Suspension Please note that both Tums and Rolaids are NOT approved
for Pesach this year. Anti-diarrhea: ALL pill medication that one swallows is permitted without
special hashgacha. Pepto Bismol: All
forms Miscellaneous: Amoxicillin oral
suspension and Chew tabs; Ex-Lax: Chocolate Laxitive;
Eye drops, All;
Gas-X: Extra
Strength Soft Gels, w/Mallox Softgels;
Immodium: AD Caplets, Liquid,
Advanced Caplets,
Chewable Tablets;
Injections: All; Inhalers: All; Lanacane: Spray; Lotrimin: Powder
Spray, Liquid Spray, Creams; Metamucil; Capsules, Original
Texture Unflavored & Benefiber contains Chametz! Milk of Magnesia; Pedialite
Kitniyos;
Pediaflor Drops; PediaSure Banana, Chocolate,
Strawberry Kitniyos Tinactin Spray. |
Milk: Fresh - Does
not require Pesach Supervision if purchased before Pesach. If purchased on Chol HaMoed, should have Pesach
Supervision. Flavored milks require Pesach Supervision.
Lactaid - Can be purchased before Pesach for those with Lactose
intolerance. Lactaid chewable pills and drops may not be used on Pesach.
Powdered - Powdered
milk with an OU-D is OK but should be purchased prior to Passover.
Mouthwash: All major brands, with the
exception of Flourigard and Prevident
Mouthrinse are certainly OK.
Mustard: Actual mustard is not used because
its seed grows like kitniyot. Rokeach
produces substitute mustard with an OUP.
Nail Polish Remover: Does not require Pesach Supervision.
Nutritional supplements: Ensure Liquid Protein may
contain actual chametz and should be avoided. Other
Ensure and Glucerna products contain kitniyot and may be consumed by the elderly or ill that
need them. Those who use these products as an "additional"
nutritional supplement should consult a rabbi before using them on Pesach.
Nuts: Must be free of added
preservatives and other additives. Note: products coated or sprayed with BHT or
BHA should not be used on Pesach. Raw whole, chopped or ground nuts (e.g.
walnuts, almonds, etc.) without added preservatives or other additives such as
BHT or BHA are approved for Passover. Note: Midget Pecans & Pecan Pieces
require a reliable KFP certification, as they are soaked in chametz
during processing.
Oven Cleaner: Does not require Pesach Supervision.
Paper Goods: Napkins: Do not require Pesach Supervision.
Plastic - Does not require Pesach Supervision.
Styrofoam - Does not require Pesach
Supervision.
Paper – Chinet with OKP, Georgia Pacific,
Paper Towels: May have starch-based glue at
beginning and end. (Some say do not use first and last couple sheets).
Pet Food: Pets may be fed kitniyot,
but not chametz, and many pet foods contain chametz. See detailed discussion below.
Perfume: See “toiletries”
Play Doh: Contains chametz
Quinoa Pasta: May be manufactured in the same
machines as regular pasta and thus should not be used.
Raisins: Most require Pesach Supervision, as
they may be sprayed with kitniyot. Del Monte, and Dole may be used even without supervision. In
addition,
Rice: May only be
eaten by Sephardim.
Roach Traps: Combat Roach Killing System, d-Con
Rat and Mouse baits and Black Flag Roach Ender contain chametz.
Raid ant and roach baits are kitniyot and do not have
to be put away. All insecticide sprays may be used.
Rubber Bands: Orthodontic rubber bands may be
coated with powder. If so, they should be rinsed before Pesach.
Rubber Gloves: OK if not lined with powder.
Rubbing Alcohol: Any isopropyl or synthetic (acetyl,
lanolin, benzyl and methyl-) may be used.
Salads: May be coated with citric acid and should have KP supervision. Dole Pre-Washed salads bearing a star-K are kosher for Passover without special Pesach certification. Fresh Express requires an OKP. OU certified peeled carrots don’t require special “P” certification.
Salt: Non-iodized,
without dextrose or polysorbates - does not require
Pesach Supervision. No salt substitutes are available.
Seltzer: This year a
number of supermarket labels will have OU-P flavored seltzers for Pesach. These
include
Shampoo: See “toiletries”
Silver Polish: Does not require KP.
Soda: Coca-Cola: Must
have OUP on the yellow cap (or the lid of the can). Coke will be available in
2-Liter bottles and cans this year. This includes Sprite, diet sprite and
Seagram’s Ginger Ale. Pepsi Cola: May be used with a KP. Other sodas bottled by
Pepsi may also be used with a KP. Sodas certified by the cRc
for Pesach (bearing the cRc symbol and P-04) are
acceptable for Ashkenazim despite whatever kitniyos
might be listed in the ingredients.
*** PLEASE NOTE: In the past, Pepsi has had bottles with
yellow caps that were not KP. Please look
for the label, not
only for the bottle cap cover. ***
Spices: Require Pesach Supervision.
Sugar: White - All pure,
granulated corn sugar without dextrose - does not require Pesach Supervision.
Brown – Domino Regular (even without OKP) and brownulated
with OKP, and Jack Frost are OK.
Confectioner’s –
Requires Kosher for Passover supervision.
Substitute – See Artificial
Sweeteners.
Tablecloths: Some vinyl tablecloths are coated with powder. They should
not be used on Pesach.
Teas: Unflavored, regular
- Does not require Pesach Supervision.
Decaffeinated – Requires Pesach Supervision. Most brands are not
acceptable. Lipton Decaffeinated and Swee-Touch-Nee
97% decaffeinated are acceptable even without special Pesach supervision.
Flavored - Wissotzky teas with OUP. Swee-Touch-Nee
Herbal Caffeine-free Seren-I-Tea with OUP.
Good Earth OUP, G’Day Herbal Teas (Star-K), Wissotzky OUP
Instant - Nestea
regular and decaffeinated without sweetener may be used without special Pesach
Symbol.
Toiletries: Cosmetics and Toiletries which are
inedible and not put in the mouth do not require Pesach supervision. They
may be used regardless of their ingredients. This includes soap,
shampoos, stick deodorants and most cosmetics.
Lipsticks with wheat products in the
ingredients should not be used and flavored lipsticks should not be used.
Some are strict that colognes,
perfumes, hairspray, shaving lotions and deodorants that have restorable
denatured alcohol should not be used. Even according to those who are strict,
this only applies to products in a pure liquid state. Others are lenient about
all these, and this is my practice.
Toothpaste: All major brands are acceptable.
Vanilla – Requires Kosher for Passover
supervision.
Vegetables: Frozen -
Requires Pesach Supervision as the same equipment may be used during the year
to make pasta products. Bodek (O/U p), Garden Pure (O/U p), Meitav
(O/U), B-Tam Star KP.
Canned -Requires Pesach Supervision. (Shoprite, Pathmark
and
Fresh uncut: Does not need KP
Supervision, but should be rinsed before use.
Fresh-cut and packaged –
See salads
Vitamins: See Medicines (under capsules)
Wine: Not all wines are Kosher
for Pesach. Some may contain corn syrup (kitniyot).
Be especially careful of Maneschewitz wines. The most
preferable Seder wines are red, not mevushal, and
have no added water or sweeteners. However, if non-Jews will be attending your
Seder, make sure the wine is mevushal.
Yogurt: Needs Pesach Supervision. Note: Dannon with OUP only - not all Dannon
is certified OU. Please check carefully.
Pet Food
One
of the many challenges of Pesach is finding permitted pet food. There are two
separate Kashrus issues for us to be aware of, one
related specifically to Pesach, the other related to the rest of the year as
well. The year-round problem concerns meat and milk. Commonly, dog and cat food that contain meat (not chicken) and milk together is
rendered forbidden to Jewish pet owners all year round. However there is even
more for a Jewish pet owner to be concerned about during Pesach. Due to the
prohibition of deriving any pleasure or benefit from chametz, we are not permitted to
use or own pet food containing any type of chametz on Pesach. It is
therefore important to be aware of the prevalent use of the five grains (wheat,
rye, barley, oats, spelt) in dog and cat foods today. Almost all dry pet food
list wheat or oats as their first ingredient. This is true for fish food and
bird food as well.
Benefit
from "Kitniyot" (legumes) is permitted on
Pesach even for an Ashkenazic Jew. Therefore, rice
does NOT pose a problem in pet foods.
Click
here for the Chicago Rabbinical Council’s lists of pet foods that do
not contain forbidden milk and meat mixtures or chametz.
While it
would be impossible to list all of the Halachot of
the Seder in this Guide, certain Halachot deserve
special attention.
Starting Time
The Sedarim should start as early as possible, but after it has
become fully dark. Check
here for your local
time, follow “Gaonim
Tzeit Hakochavim
Minimum Size of Wine Cup (Kosot)
For the four cups of wine
(including Kiddush) the cup must be at least 2.9 fluid ounces in size. This is the size of a
One must drink at least “rov kos”, more than half of the cup of wine. The same Halacha applies to each of the 4 cups. If you don’t want to drink a lot of wine, get a cup that is only a little bigger than the minimum size.
Minimum Strength of Wine:
1. If health reasons preclude the use
of wine or a person’s appreciation of the Seder is significantly diminished by
using wine, grape juice may be drunk.
2. One may also dilute the wine with a
small amount of grape juice or water. The ratio should not exceed 2/3 cup water
to 1/3 cup grape juice/wine.
Minimum Amount of Matzah
Shmurah
Men and women must eat the minimum
amount of Matzah Shmurah
the following three times during the Seder: 1) After the Bracha
Al Achilat Matzah 2) for Korech 3) for the Afikomen.
For 1 & 3: After reciting
the Bracha, Al Achilat Matzah and for Afikomen - a piece
equivalent in size to 7 inches by 6 3/8 inches. This is about the size of two
medium hands, with the fingers held loosely.
For 2 - a piece
equivalent in size to 7 inches by 4 inches. This is about the size of one
medium hand, with the fingers held very loosely.
If for health reasons, one cannot eat Matzah, then Matzah Shmurah Meal (upon which one is permitted to recite the Hamotze) may be substituted as follows: 1&3.
After reciting the Bracha, Al Achilat
Matzah and Afikomen - an
amount of meal that can be compacted into a vessel measuring 1.5 ounces. For Korech -
an amount of meal that can be compacted into a vessel holding 1.1 fluid ounces.
Matza and Maror should both be eaten at a steady clip, without
taking major breaks. However, they should not be gobbled down in an
abnormally fast manner.
Minimum Amount of Maror
Each person must eat a minimum amount
of Maror twice during the Seder. Once after the Bracha, Al Achilat Maror, and once for Korech.
The use of Romaine Lettuce is preferable for Maror (even though it doesn’t hurt going down). However,
one absolutely must check for bugs on this lettuce, before Yom Tov. The lettuce should be soaked rinsed thoroughly and
then checked leaf by leaf for bugs. One can also clean one’s lettuce by rubbing
each side forcefully with a sponge and soap. The leaves can then be rinsed off
and do not need to be checked. Some
lettuce is sold pre-checked.
Romaine lettuce, whole leaves: Enough leaves
to cover an area 8 x 10 inches. This is slightly less than a sheet of
standard paper.
Romaine lettuce, stalks only: Enough stalks
to cover an area of 3 x 5 inches. This
is the size of an index card.
Pure grated horseradish:
1. After reciting the Bracha, Al Achilat Maror, an amount that can be compacted into a vessel
measuring 1.1 fluid ounces. This is the size of a disposable shot glass,
slightly overfilled.
2. For Korech,
an amount that can be compacted into a vessel measuring .7 fluid ounces. This
is a shot glass about 2/3 filled.
If you have trouble
eating horseradish in these quantities, you can just have a little, then eat
lettuce in the quantities described above.
See the Printable Guide to Matza
and Maror Amounts for a graphical
representation of these amounts.
Remember that Shulchan Orech (the meal) is part of the Seder and part of our
praise of Hashem. This should be reflected in the
tone of the meal and conversation at the meal.
One should be sure to leave a little room for the Afikomen
so that it not be eaten after one is already stuffed. We do not eat after the Seder in order to
allow the taste of the Matza to remain in our mouths.
The Omer
The period from Pesach until Shavuot is known as the Omer. Each night, beginning with the second night of Pesach, we count the day of the Omer, starting with 1 and going up to 49. The text is found in siddurim. You only need to say the blessing and the “Hayom ____ LaOmer part,” although some have the custom to add on additional psalms and declarations.
If you forgot to count one night, you can count the following day without saying the blessing. That makes you still be eligible to count the Omer with a blessing the following nights.
If you totally missed a 24 hour period, you can’t count the Omer with a blessing anymore. However, you are still obligated to count the Omer without a Bracha. Ideally, one in this situation should hear the bracha recited by someone else, say Amen, and then count the Omer. For this reason, in synagogues, the rabbi or chazzan recites the bracha out loud every night at Maariv.
Rabbi Akiva’s students died out during the Omer, because they were not respectful to one another. We should use the Omer as a time to work on mutual respect, and keep it up even after the Omer is over.
In memory of Rabbi Akiva’s students, there are several mourning customs that apply during the Omer
1) Not getting haircuts (even on Fridays)
2) Men – not shaving (some shave on Fridays in honor of Shabbat)
3) Not listening to live music
4) Not going to parties, even without live music
Going to movies is obviously not discussed in the Gemara or Shulchan Aruch, but some have the practice of refraining from this as well. This seems appropriate if you consider going to a movie to be a festive activity, which may depend on the person and the specific movie in question.
There are two customs about when these restrictions apply:
1) From after Pesach until Lag Ba’omer
2) From Rosh Chodesh Iyar until Shavuot
The restrictions of the Omer (except getting a haircut) are suspended on Pesach, Shabbat, and Yom Ha’atzmaut.
Chametz She’avar Alav HaPesach
Chametz that was owned by a Jew (even by
someone other than you) over Pesach cannot be eaten after Pesach. This applies
to anything owned by private people, or by Jewish-owned supermarkets and
stores. Detailed information about stores that present a problem will be
publicized immediately after Pesach.
A Chag Kasher v’Sameach to all!!