Pesach

Halachot of Pesach 2024

HaRav Eytan Weisz, Secretary of the Religious Council

According to:	Last time to eat chametz:	Last time to burn chametz:
The GRA	10:26	11:32
Magen Avraham	09:56	11:17
HaRav Ovadiah	09:57	11:17
HaRav Eliyahu	09:31	10:47

Chatzot on Seder Night - 00:37

The Month of Nissan

Throughout Nissan we do not say Tachnun, and we do not say Tzidkatcha during Shabbat Mincha.

Ashkenazim do not say Av HaRachamim, but some say Av HaRachamim after Pesach.

No one should fast during the whole month, and only the firstborn should fast on the eve of Pesach.

Ashkenazi brides and grooms may fast on their wedding day.

One who sees flowering fruit trees in Nissan can say the blessing of the trees:

"ברוך אתה ה' אלוקינו מלך העולם שלא חיסר בעולמו כלום, וברא בו בריות טובות ואילנות טובים, ליהנות בהם בני אדם"

This blessing is said once a year, and it is good to say it on Rosh Chodesh Nissan and with a minyan. The blessing is only made on trees that bear fruit, and care must be taken to say the blessing when one can see two fruit trees.

Cleaning the Home and Office

Thoroughly clean all places where chametz may be found: the house, especially the kitchen, the dining room, the office, storage areas, cars, bags, pockets, etc. The Gabbai of the synagogue must take care of cleaning the synagogue.
Books do not need to be shaken.

Bedikat Chametz

On the 14th of Nissan both men and women must do bedikat chametz. Ideally bedikat chametz should be done as soon as the stars appear. Maariv can be said before bedikat chametz. Those who usually daven later or without a minyan should do bedikat chametz on time and pray later.
One should not eat, start working, or even learn Torah half an hour before the stars come out, lest they forget to do bedikat chametz.
It is mandatory to check all places where there is a risk of chametz, for example: rooms, storage areas, offices, kitchens, dining rooms, garden balconies, cars, the stairwell of a shared house belongs to all the tenants and they must all check or appoint one person to check.
Before bedikat chametz, we say the blessing of ‘al biur chametz’, and no one should talk between the blessing and the beginning of the bedika. It is advisable not to talk throughout the bedika, except in matters related to the bedika.
After the bedika, we say kol chamira as it appears in the Haggadah and Siddur. If one does not understand the Aramaic text, they should say it in a language that they understand.
Bedika should be done using a candle with one wick, so one should not use a havdalah candle. If there is no candle or it is not possible to put a candle in a certain place (such as a car, etc.) - use a flashlight.
You can check many places with one blessing - walking between the places is not considered a break.
Books do not require inspection.

Bedikat Chametz for Someone who is Traveling

If one leaves his house within thirty days of the holiday, that is, between Purim and Pesach, and intends to return after Pesach, he should clean his house and do the bedika on the evening before he leaves, with a candle but no blessing.
If one left his house before Purim, he does not need to do bedika. If he finds chametz when he returns home, he must burn it.
If he intends to return before Pesach or on Chol HaMoed, he must do bedika before he leaves (even if he leaves long before the holiday), otherwise he can appoint a messenger to check his home for him on the night of the 14th.

In all the above cases - all his chametz must be nullified on the 14th of Nissan from wherever he is at that time.

One Who is in the Army, or in a Hotel During Pesach

One who is a tenant in a hotel must do bedikat chametz on the night of the 14th of Nissan with a blessing, and to then nullify the chametz that may remain in his possession.
If he arrived at the hotel in the middle of Pesach, he should ask if the rooms have been checked, and if not, he should check his room himself.
A patient who is hospitalized, or a soldier staying in his room, or a student staying in yeshiva should do bedika in his room and closet on the night of the 14th, but he should not make the blessing, because the room does not belong to him.

Selling Chametz

Any chametz that one owns which he wishes to keep after Pesach, can be sold to a non-Jew. Some say that private individuals can not sell chametz.
A partition, at least 80 cm long, should be placed in front of the chametz that has been sold and is still in the house, or, it should be put in a marked cupboard, so that no one accidentally opens or eats it.
Chametz that is sold cannot be used - dogs and other animals should not be fed chametz foods.

Erev Pesach

On Erev Pesach, firstborn males must fast. A firstborn who is not feeling well is exempt from fasting. One can also avoid fasting by participating in a siyum. Those who are strict about fasting must be sure that they will still be able to conduct the Seder properly.
Ashkenazim do not say Mizmor LiTodah on Erev Pesach, and Sepharadim do.
Lamnatzeach is not said on Erev Pesach, and Sepharadim also do not say Tefila LiDavid during all of Nissan.
Chametz is allowed to be eaten until the end of the 5th hour, and all the remaining chametz must be burned until the end of the 6th hour. Utensils that will be used for Pesach must be completely cleaned and prepared by this time.
If the chametz cannot be burned, there are several options for destroying it: crumble it up and sprinkle it into the wind or throw it into the sea, make it unfit for eating by pouring bleach or oil on it, or flush it down the toilet.
Kol Chamira should be said before the end of the fifth hour. It should be said as it appears in the Haggadah or Siddur. One who does not understand the Arabic wording should say it in a language that he understands.
Starting from midday of Erev Pesach it is forbidden to do work that is not related to preparing for Pesach or preparing food. One should do laundry and get a haircut before midday. But work that is permitted on Chol Hamoed is also permitted on Erev Pesach, so one is allowed to cut nails and shine shoes after midday (ideally Ashkenazim should cut their nails before midday).
Eating matzah is forbidden on Erev Pesach. Soldiers are allowed to eat matzah even on Erev Pesach, since that is the food available to them on base.
After the tenth hour, it is forbidden to eat anything that requires the blessing of mezonot or hamotzi. One is permitted to eat other things but should be sure to be hungry for the matzah.
Light candles before sunset, with the blessing 'Lehadlik ner shel yom tov’. It is customary to say Shehecheyanu as well. After Maariv, Hallel is said. Some say that one who is praying alone should not say Hallel.

Kashering Kitchen and Utensils

Do not use utensils for a full 24 hours before kashering them

Toasters should not be kashered.

Sink: There is a difference between a stainless steel sink and a ceramic sink. A stainless steel sink can be kashered by pouring boiling water over it (do not use hot water in the sink for a full 24 hours prior to kashering it). A ceramic sink, according to the Ashkenazi ruling, cannot be kashered. According to Rav Ovadia Yosef, a ceramic sink can be kashered by pouring boiling water. Thoroughly clean the sink, pour the boiling water, and place a plastic bowl or net in the sink for all of Pesach. Bleach or acid should be poured around the drain. The strainer should be thoroughly cleaned, and it is best to use special strainers for Pescah.

Stove (gas): Thoroughly clean all surfaces, buttons, etc.

Burners - Thoroughly clean the burners and grates, turn them on for a few minutes. If possible, use different grates for Pesach or cover them with aluminum foil. Or, if possible, bring the grates to the hagalat kelim station for libun.

Surface under burners - pour boiling water over them and cover with aluminum foil.

Electric Stove: Clean well and run at maximum heat for an hour.

Ceramic Stove: There are two approaches to this: thoroughly clean the entire surface, do not use for 24 hours, and then run the heating element at maximum heat for half an hour. Some say that fireproof glass cannot be kashered. (Those interested can cover the heating element with aluminum foil (only during cooking, for a relatively short time. This is not recommended by the manufacturer!)

Induction Stove: Place a pot with water and a piece of paper inside, and heat until the paper is charred.

Dishwasher: It is best not to kasher a dishwasher. If you must kasher it, operate it at maximum heat with detergent. Grease should be thoroughly cleaned. If it is not possible to clean well - do not kasher it. The parts that can be removed should be cleaned separately.

Hot Water Urn: If you use it only for water - clean it thoroughly, remove the mineral build up, fill it to the brim with water, and boil until the water overflows. The tap must be opened at the time of boiling in order for it to be kashered as well.

If you occasionally place chametz (challah, rolls, etc) on to the urn to heat them on Shabbat, the cover of the urn should be kashered with libun kal.

Microwave: Some rabbis recommend not kashering a microwave for Pesach.

Some say it can be kashered as follows: Clean well, put a cup of water in it, and heat at maximum heat for a quarter of an hour (until there is steam rising). Once it is kashered, open the microwave door immediately. The glass tray ("swivel plate") should be replaced or covered. It is advisable to put only covered food products in the microwave on Pesach.

Food processor: The body of the mixer must be thoroughly cleaned and it is advisable to wrap it in plastic or aluminum foil (not the vents!). It is advisable to use special parts for Pesach (especially if you use the food processor for chametz). If this is not possible - disassemble the parts as much as you can and do hagala on the metal and plastic. The parts intended for kneading dough should not be used on Pesach. If the device was never used for chametz, and was only used for cutting fruits and vegetables, cleaning and rinsing can be sufficient.

Refrigerator/freezer: Clean thoroughly with water and cleanser. Be careful to clean the rubber around the door and the rails of the shelves. Pay special attention to the crumbs in the slots at the bottom of the freezer compartment! Some people make sure to cover the shelves with plastic or paper after cleaning.

Hotplate for Shabbat: For starters, it is better to use a different hotplate for Pesach. For those who must kasher the hotplate: clean it thoroughly (including the legs and the electrical cord that may have food residue stuck to it). Operate it for two hours at maximum heat. After kashering, it is advisable to cover it with aluminum foil.

Electric kettle: If you only use it for heating water you may clean it thoroughly, remove the mineral build up, fill it to the brim with water, and boil until the water overflows. The tap must be opened at the time of boiling in order for it to be kashered as well. If you put chametz in the electric kettle you can not kasher it.

Marble: If there are cracks in the marble - it is impossible to kasher it and it must be covered throughout Pesach.

If the marble is intact, clean it well and pour boiling water over it. It is customary to cover the marble after kashering. If there is plastic on the edge of the marble, it must be removed before kashering and cleaned thoroughly from the inside as well. A distinction must be made between ‘granite’, which is natural marble that can be kashered with boiling water, and ‘caesarstone’ which is artificial and made of small stones. Some believe that caesarstone cannot be kashered, and it should be covered on Pesach.

Oven: Some say that an oven cannot be kashered.

For those who wish to kasher the oven: clean it thoroughly so that no chametz remains (it is advisable to use special cleansers). Particular care must be taken to clean the various buttons. Kasher the oven by operating it (empty) at maximum heat for two hours. Use the self cleaning mechanism if possible. Kashering is possible only for the oven itself and not for the molds (such as pyrex molds), so special molds or disposable molds should be used on Pesach. Regarding the oven racks - they can be kashered while the oven is being kashered.

Kashering Cooking and Dining Utensils

Kiddush Cup: If made of metal, clean thoroughly and do hagala even though there is no fear that it was used for chametz. If made of glass - it should be treated like glassware (detailed below).

Glassware: Most Sephardim say that glassware can be kashered by washing it thoroughly. Ashkenazim say that it is preferable not to kasher glassware. When necessary, kasher it by soaking it in water for 3 days, and changing the water every 24 hours.

Dorlex and Pyrex Dishes: Sephardim treat these materials like glassware (and kasher it by clearing thoroughly), and Ashkenazim prefer not to kasher them. When necessary, do hagala (preferably 3 times) and after that, only wash it with cold water.

Pottery and Porcelain: Do not kasher (one who has old dishes that have not been used for several years should ask a posek about kashering them).

Pans: Although some allow hagala, it is actually customary to kasher by libun kal.

Teflon pans that are used without oil should not be kashered.

Enamel Pots: Some say that these can be kashered like metal pots with hagala. It is advisable to dip them 3 times.

Metal Pots: Thoroughly clean and do hagala. If there is rust or 'wrinkles', do libun kal on these places before hagala. Rinse with cold water immediately after hagala, one should also do hagala on the pot lid. Handles and connecting pieces must be disassembled, cleaned thoroughly, and scalded separately.

Cutlery (metal): If the fork/knife/spoon is made from one piece - it can be kashered by hagala. If made from two separate pieces, it should be disassembled, thoroughly cleaned, and then do libun kal. If the handle is made of wood or plastic it cannot be kashered.

Plastic cutlery (hard): According to most it can be kashered through hagala.

Baking Molds: It is not possible to kasher (including Pyrex molds), unless it is used during the year as a 'mold within a mold', in which case the "external" mold can be kashered with libun kal.

Additional Guidelines for Kashering the Kitchen

Utensils that are not used on Pesach:

Clean well before Pesach and put them in a hidden place so that they will not be used by mistake
The kitchen may contain electrical appliances that are not used for cooking (such as a radio). Those appliances must be thoroughly cleaned, including the wires.
Chairs and tables should be thoroughly cleaned (especially the corners and crevices!). The table should be covered with a tablecloth (special for Pesach or washed in boiling water). If there is no such tablecloth - the table should be pinned and covered with a nylon tablecloth.
It is advisable not to use things that are on the table all year round during meals (such as birkat haMazon booklets).
Appliances that have a filter (such as a washing machine or dishwasher) must be thoroughly cleaned.
Remember to thoroughly clean the vacuum cleaner and replace the bag before biur chametz.
Women who wear rings while working with dough, etc. - are recommended not to wear them on Pesach.

Food Items that are Kosher for Pesach

General: The "kosher for Pesach" stamp must be on every product. Do not rely on stickers affixed to the packaging, and check who gives the hashgacha. It is highly recommended to check the list of ingredients to avoid problems (for example - it is not always indicated whether the product is only kosher for those who eat kitniyot).
Food products that are completely chametz: falafel powder, soup powder, noodles, coated peanuts, dough, biscuits, bulgur, beer, bisli, blintzes, vegetarian meat of all kinds, ice cream cones, granola, breakfast cereals, porridge (semolina, oatmeal), fish or meat with bread crumbs (schnitzel), waffles, whiskey, wheat, puffed wheat, lotus spread, sausage and hot dogs, bran, semolina, sorbitol, grain starch, cakes and cookies, pasta, pizza, toast, crackers, soup nuts, dried figs, instant tea, various extracts. Regarding coffee substitute (chico, etc.): The main ingredient is chicory (chicory) which is not chametz, but it is often mixed with grains, and then it is chametz.

Flour: Because wheat is soaked in water before grinding, many people fear the possibility of leavening, so we do not use regular flour on Pesach. If you have flour left in the house you do not have to burn it, but you can hide it. Flour for baking matzah is regular wheat flour, except the wheat is not soaked in water. Gluten-free flour is not chametz. Chickpea flour, corn flour, and rice flour are kosher for those who eat kitniyot.

Kitnyot: Ashkenazim (and some who are Adot Mizrachi) do not eat legumes on Pesach. Most also do not eat legume-derived products (oil, lecithin), but do allow legumes for small children and those who are sick.

Most Adot Mizrach communities eat legumes, and those who do must clean them thoroughly before the holiday. Be careful not to eat nuts that have been lightened with flour. Potato flour is used in stores that are kosher for Pesach.

Kitniyot include: rice (which we are more stringent with than other legumes), peas, glucose, sunflower, chickpeas, fenugreek, tofu, cumin, beans, mustard (grains), soy (including soy milk), lentils, beans, popcorn, cornflour, caraway, sesame, corn. Most Ashkenazim do not eat any kitniyot.

Oils that have no kitniyot: olive oil, palm oil (there is also margarine made from palm oil), nut oil, almond oil. Most also allow cotton oil. As for soybean oil and canola oil, some allow it and some do not.

Products that may contain kitniyot: soup powders (even those that are kosher for Pesach), bamba, processed or ground meat with added vegetable protein, vegan milk, peanut butter, cocoa butter, Milky, mayonnaise, margarine, soy, pudding, pri-li, parve whipped cream, cocoa, chocolate, oil (as detailed above). Some Ashkenazim allow products (such as milky) that contain minor amounts of kitniyot and were 'eliminated' before Pesach. However, according to the Chief Rabbinate's guidelines, these products are also marked 'kosher for those who eat kitniyot’. There are many products that do not contain any kitniyot. Each product should be inspected individually. (Efrat stores usually have appropriate signage).
One who does not eat kitniyot may eat with one who does eat kitniyot, using his dishes and utensils, so long as he does not actually eat the kitniyot.
Enriched Matzah: Matzah made from flour and juice, wine, or eggs. Sephardim eat enriched matzah on Pesach and Ashkenazim do not, except for those who are elderly or sick. However, according to many, enriched matzah can only be eaten when it was baked in the same conditions as regular matzah. Even small children can be given enriched matzah. It is important to note: sometimes enriched matzah cookies are marked as ‘kosher for Pesach’, but this is only for Sephardim and not Ashkenazim Cakes made from matzah flour with fruit water are not enriched matzah at all, and may be eaten on Pesach.
'Neutral' food products such as meat, fish, eggs, milk, etc., should not be a problem, and yet - meat needs supervision.
Minced/processed meat needs supervision.
Fish: Rinse before use. Ground/processed fish needs supervision.
Eggs: In principle there are no concerns. In previous years there was a problem with the seals on the eggs, but this problem was solved.
Milk: According to some, there is a problem with the milk of cows that ate chametz. That is why there is supervision over the barns
Processed dairy products (cheeses, delicacies, etc.) require supervision. Some products contain kitniyot. Please note: Some dairy products are 'mehadrin' kosher for the whole year, but not for Pesach!
Quinoa: It is clear that it is not one of the grains (both botanically, and because it does not contain gluten and cannot be leavened).
Cosmetics and detergents: Some cosmetics and detergents (especially imported from abroad) may contain alcohol derived from grains which are chametz. However, this chametz has been 'disqualified’, so many allow the use of these substances. There are those who forbid the use of dishwashing detergents for Pesach (which may interfere with food), products intended for body lubrication, and toothpaste that has a good taste and no hashgacha.
General cleaning materials, powders, shoe polish, etc. - do not need to be kosher for Pesach.
Medications: Some medications may contain ingredients that are chametz, and therefore should be treated as follows: A patient who is in danger can take any medication given to him by the doctor. A patient who is not in danger may use injections, wicks (candles), ear and eye drops, external creams, skin patches, etc. Most also have no problem using pills or bitter syrups. The problem exists with lozenges or syrups that give a pleasurable taste. If you need such a medicine, ask the doctor or pharmacist for a comparable medicine that is kosher for Pesach. Those who take vitamins and supplements should consult a doctor and a rabbi about how necessary this is.

Medicines

A patient who is in danger must take any medicine prescribed by the doctors. If there is an alternative medicine which does not contain chametz, then it is preferred.
Medicines containing kitniyot are allowed for every patient (even those who don’t eat kitniyot on Pesach).
Ointments, eye drops, and external medications are allowed for every patient.
Every year, the Kuppot Cholim publish a list of medicines that are kosher for Pesach.

Preparing for the Seder

The Seder table should be arranged in a dignified manner as a way of showing freedom.
One must prepare for the Seder before Shabbat - arranging the Seder plate, roasting the zroah, checking the lettuce, preparing the marror, charoset, and salt water.
Karpas must be a vegetable on which we say ha’adamah. It is customary to use celery, some use potatoes, radishes, or parsley. You can use any other vegetable, except lettuce or horseradish.

Reclining

On the night of the Seder every person should eat and drink while reclining, to demonstrate that they are free.
One should recline to the left side, even lefties should recline toward the left.
One must recline in several moments during the Seder: while eating a kezayit of matzah, drinking four cups of wine, while eating korech, and the afikoman. One should not recline when reading the Haggadah or eating marror.
If one ate the kezayit of matzah without reclining, he must eat it again while reclining, but he should not make another blessing. If he ate Korech or afikoman without reclining, he does not have to eat it again if it would be difficult for him.
If he drank one of the four glasses without reclining, Sepharadim say he should drink it again without a blessing. But according to the Ashkenazi custom, this is the law only for the second cup (he should not drink the first cup again) and for eating matzah as the mitzvah, but he does not have to eat the afikoman again.
According to Sephardim, women must also recline. Some Ashkenazim say that women must recline.

Kiddush - 4 Cups of Wine

Men and women must drink four cups of wine or grape juice on Seder night.
These cups should be drunk in the order stated in the Haggadah. Sephardim make a blessing on the first and third cups, and Ashkenazim make a blessing on all four cups. One has not fulfilled his obligation if he drank them one after the other without saying the Haggadah between them.
Ideally, each cup should be filled to the brim. It is best not to use a cup that is too large if one does not intend to drink most of it.
Ideally, one should drink at least a reviit of each cup, but one fulfills his obligation if he drinks a majority of a reviit.

Urchatz - Washing Hands Without a Blessing

Everyone should wash hands without a blessing, some say only the one leading the Seder should wash. Everyone should take less than a kezayit of karpas.

Karpas

The karpas is dipped in salt water or vinegar, and some people dip it in charoset. We say borei pri ha’adamah, and we intend this blessing to cover the marror that we will eat later. Some say that only the leader should make the blessing and he should have everyone in mind.

Yachatz

The middle of the three matzot is broken in half, (those who use only two matzot on Seder night should split the lower matzah). The smaller piece should stay on the table, and the larger piece should be wrapped up to use for the afikoman.

Maggid - Telling the Story

The main point of this evening is the transmission of tradition to the next generation, and we therefore try to extend (in an appropriate manner) the evening by talking about the wonders of the Exodus from Egypt.

"It is a mitzvah from the Torah to recount the miracles and wonders that were done to our ancestors in Egypt on the night of the fifteenth of Nissan."
One who does not say: Pesach, Matzah, and Marror and discuss their interpretations has not fulfilled his obligation.
The Haggadah must be explained and discussed in such a way that everyone at the table will understand and fulfill their obligation to tell the story of the Exodus from Egypt.
The recitation of the Haggadah begins with Ha lach manya.
It is customary to cover the matzahs or take them off the table (until avadim hayinu), and pour a second cup and then say mah nishtana.
There is a disagreement about whether one should rinse his cup between the first and second cups of wine.
The recitation of the Haggadah ends with the blessing of Ga’al Yisrael, after which the second glass is drunk while reclining to the left.

Rachtzah - Washing with a Blessing

Everyone must wash their hands and say the blessing in preparation for eating matzah.

Motzi Matzah - Eating the Matzah

It is a mitzvah for every person, both men and women, to eat matzah on Seder night.
We say the blessing of haMotzi on the three matzahs . Then put down the lower matzah and make the blessing of al achilat matzah on the top two matzahs. Everyone should eat a kezayit of matzah while reclining.
There is a disagreement on whether or not one should dip the matzah in salt.
Ideally one should eat two kezayit of matzah, but one kezayit is sufficient.
The matzah from the Seder plate should be divided up so that everyone eats some of that matzah with the rest of their kezayit of matzah.
According to Sepharadim, the kezayit is about 27 grams. 19 grams is sufficient for those who are weak or sick.
For Ashkenazim the amount of a kezayit is 27 cc, and 19 cc for those who are weak or sick.
Assuming that machine matzah weighs about 30-35 grams, then eating a whole matzah, by all accounts, fulfills the obligation.
The matzah should be eaten in 4 minutes, and some say it can be eaten in 9 minutes.
Do not talk while eating the matzah. If one speaks about something that is not related to the matzah, Ashkenazim must say the blessings and eat the matzah again, and Sephardim do not recite the blessings again.
The blessing al achilat matzah will also count for korech.
If by mistake one ate before the stars came out, he should eat again at the right time but without the blessing of al achilat matzah. The matzah should be eaten before chatzot, and if it is eaten after chatzot he should not make the blessing.

Marror

Dip a kezayit of marror in charoset and shake off the charoset, eat it without reclining.
Because we ate karpas at the beginning of the Seder, we do not make the blessing of ha’ahdamah now, but we do make the blessing of al achilat marror.
Five kinds of bitterness are mentioned in the Mishnah, but in practice two are used: lettuce, which is associated with chazeret in the mishnah, and chrain (the white, popularly called 'horseradish'), which is associated with tmacha in the mishnah. But it is better to use lettuce.
Eat a kezayit of marror.

Korech

Take a kezayit from the third matzah and a kezayit of marror, dip it in charoset, and eat it like a sandwich while reclining.
There is no blessing for korech.
There are different wordings for zecher limikdash kiHillel, and everyone should follow their custom.

Shulchan Orech - The Meal

Eat a festive holiday meal. One should avoid drinking too much wine so that he does not fall asleep.

Tzafun
After the meal, eat a kezayit of the afikoman while reclining and without a blessing. Some say two kezayits should be eaten.

It is forbidden to eat anything after the afikoman. There is a disagreement about whether one can drink after eating the afikoman. Some say one can use mouthwash.
There is disagreement as to whether it is permissible to smoke after afikoman.
When you have finished eating the afikoman, pour the third cup of wine.
The afikoman must be eaten before chatzot 00:44

Barech

We say birkat haMazon including ya’ale viYavo without reclining, and then we drink the third cup while reclining.
Everyone agrees that we should make a blessing on the third cup of wine. Sephardim also say a blessing on the fourth cup.
We do not say the after blessing after drinking the third cup.
One is permitted to drink water after the fourth cup.
After drinking the third cup, a fourth cup is immediately poured, and it is the custom of the Ashkenazim to also pour a cup for Elijah, praying that he will come soon and bring the redemption.

Hallel

Before saying Hallel, it is customary to say Shfoch chamatcha… and the Ashkenazi custom is to open the door of the house while saying this.
Hallel should be said from lo lanu to yehallelucha and continue with Hallel haGadol (Psalm 26), nishmat kol chai, and yishtabach.
Hallel should be said with joy and with a feeling of freedom. Some hold their wine cup during Hallel.
Some make sure to say Hallel before chatzot.
At the end of Hallel, drink the fourth cup while reclining. Some say the blessing over the wine, and everyone agrees that we say the after blessing when finished drinking.
One does not have to say Hallel and drink the fourth cup in the same place where they ate the meal.

Bedtime Shema

Sephardim recite the bedtime Shema in its entirety (some do not say hamapil), and Ashkenazim recite only the first parsha of the Shema and hamapil.

Mitzvah	Measurement	Actual Measurement	Timing	Comments
Matzah	1 kezayit, ideally 2 kezayit	Kezayit: Ashkenazim: two-thirds of a machine made matzah, and some say one third. Sephardim: About one third of a machine made matzah, and some say a complete matzah	Ideally it should be eaten continuously without pause. May be eaten in 2 - 9 minutes. Rab Ovadiah Yosef - in 6-7.5 minutes.	Matzah is a mitzvah from the Torah. One should try to eat the ideal amount. Some only use hand made matzah at the Seder.
Marror	1 kezayit	About 25 grams, or a large lettuce leaf for those who are strict.	Same as above	Make sure the lettuce is free from bugs
Korech	1 kezayit of matzah, 1 kezayit of marror	About a third of a matzah, and some say a fifth of a machine made matzah marror- about 25 grams, or a large lettuce leaf.	Same as above	Some say that if it is difficult, one does not need a kezayit of marror for korech.
Afikomen	1 kezayit	Ashkenazim use about a third of a matzah, and some say a fifth of a machine made matzah is acceptable. Sephardim - ideally about a third of a machine made matzah, some say a whole matzah.	Same as above	Some say you must eat 2 kezayit
4 Cups of Wine	A reviit of each cup	86 ml (about one-third of a disposable cup) Some say 150 ml.	Ideally it should be drunk all at once It can also be drunk in the time frame that one eats the matzah.	Ideally one should drink a reviit of 150 ml. If the glass is large enough, drink most of the glass.

Laws of Chol HaMoed

Just as it is a mitzvah to honor the Shabbat, so too is it a mitzvah to honor Chol HaMoed in the way we dress and what we eat.
During Chol HaMoed one should wear clean clothes, and ideally, one should wear Shabbat clothes.
It is a mitzvah from the Torah to be happy and kind-hearted on Chol HaMoed. Therefore it is mitzvah to eat meat, wine, and other things that make us happy.
It is a mitzvah to eat a meal with matzah every morning and evening of Chol HaMoed, but this is not mandatory.
In birkat haMazon we add ya’ale viyavo. If one forgot to say it and has already begun the next blessing, he should not go back and say it.
In Shacharit, Mincha and Maariv, we say ya’ale viyavo in the Amidah. If one forgot to say it, but remembers before stepping back at the end of the prayer, he can go back to ritzeh and repeat it. If he remembers after stepping back - he should go back to the beginning of the prayer and say it again.
Hallel is said in the morning.

Prohibition from Work

In order that Chol Hamoed feel different from regular weekdays, we are forbidden from doing work.
Routine activities that are not bothersome, such as talking on the phone, driving a car, etc., are allowed, even if one is doing them for reasons unrelated to the holiday.
Writing, commerce, and other crafts must not be done on Chol Hamoed. But if they give any benefit or pleasure toward the holiday itself (such as solving crossword puzzles), or it is absolutely necessary, it is allowed.
Work (not including preparing food) is allowed only when one could not have done the work before the holiday. But if he intended to do the work before the holiday and postponed it, he is not allowed to do it on Chol HaMoed.
Many permit doing work that does not require skill, even when it has no benefit.
Work that requires training or skill (such as construction work) - may not be done even for the purpose of the holiday, except in the following cases:

• Preparing meals for the holidays, as well as repairing kitchen utensils needed for cooking.

• Doing what is required for the body's needs, such as repairing the shower that will be used during the holiday.

• Davar HaAvud - prevention of financial or health damage, as well as financial loss

• Something that many people will need for the holiday itself.

Haircuts and shaving are forbidden on Chol HaMoed so that people will be sure to take care of these things before the holiday. Even those who shave everyday may not shave on Chol HaMoed.
Laundry is forbidden on Chol Hamoed, but ironing is allowed.
Local cleaning of a stain is permitted if the garment got dirty during the holiday, or if one does not have another garment (even if it got dirty before the holiday).
It is permitted to wash socks and other clothes that get dirty frequently, if they got dirty during the holiday and other garments are nor available. In this case, it is permissible to put additional clothes in the washing machine that will be needed during the holiday.
It is forbidden to buy or sell on Chol HaMoed, except for things that are needed during the holiday, or if one has an opportunity for a lucrative deal that would be difficult to obtain after the holiday. Money should be spent for the joy of the holiday.
Any work that is forbidden on Chol HaMoed must also not be done by a non-Jew.

Tefillin

In Israel the custom is not to wear tefillin on the Chol Hamoed, and some wear it in private and without a blessing.

Isru Chag

It is customary to lightly increase one's eating and drinking on Isru Chag, and the custom is not to fast or eulogize.

Laws of Sefirat HaOmer

There are a number of reasons why we do not say Shehecheyanu on counting the Omer:

Because the counting of the Omer is reminiscent of the destruction of the Temple.
Because we do not say Shehecheyanu on mitzvot that are not time bound.
Counting the Omer is done in preparation for Shavuot, and we don’t say Shehecheyanu on preparing for a holiday.
The mitzvah of counting the Omer is only complete at the end of the Omer, and we don’t say Shecheyanu at the end of a mitzvah.
We say Shehecheyanu on joyous occasions, and during the count itself there is no joy, because we are waiting for Shavuot.

Before counting we stand and say the blessing al sefirat haOmer.
The count must include the number of the day and the number of weeks.
One should count after the stars appear, it is preferable to count after Maariv.
One who forgot to count one day should continue counting without blessing

Mourning on Sefirat HaOmer

Various mourning customs are practiced during the Omer. These practices begin immediately after Pesach and continue until Lag B'Omer. Some Ashkenazim mourn from the 2nd of Iyar until Shavuot.
Sepharadim also have a custom to mourn on the day of Lag B'Omer and the night after. They can express happiness and get haircuts on the morning of the 34th day of the Omer. Ashkenazim express happiness on the morning of Lag B'Omer.
This year Lag B'Omer falls on a Friday, so Sepharadim are also allowed to get haircuts in honor of Shabbat.
Mourning customs include refraining from getting married, getting haircuts, and shaving. (Some people have the custom to shave). We also refrain from listening to happy music, but music is allowed at an engagement meal.
One may attend a wedding during Sefira if it is the custom of the bride and groom to get married at that time. The invited guest may dance and eat at the wedding even if it is not his custom to get married at that time
Sephardi women are permitted to get haircuts, but Ashkenazi women are not.
It is permitted to have a party that does not include music and dancing.
Relaxation and outings are permitted as long as there is no music.
On the 28th of Iyar, Yom Yerushalayim, we do not practice mourning.
Even on Rosh Chodesh Iyar, haircuts and shaving are forbidden. But when Rosh Chodesh Iyar falls on Shabbat, it is permissible to get a haircut and shave on Friday.
The introduction of a Torah scroll is permitted during Sefira.

Yom Yerushalayim and Yom HaAtzmaut

It is customary to shave in honor of Yom HaAtzmaut.
It is a mitzvah to make these days of gratitude, feast, and joy.
It is a mitzvah to say Hallel on both of these days (there is a disagreement about whether one should say a blessing or not).
Tachnun is not said on these days.
Most agree that mourning customs do not apply on these days.

Shavuot

Customs for Shavuot include: studying late into the night, decorating synagogues and houses with greenery, eating dairy foods and honey.
The custom of staying up late to learn is important, but not at the expense of being able to pray properly the next morning.
For those who stay awake, it is permissible to eat and drink until dawn (3:39).
Birkot HaShachar and hand washing for those who did not sleep at night - Most have the custom to say all the blessings, and some have the custom to hear the blessings from someone who did sleep during the night.
The blessings should be said around the time of Shacharit, some say that Birkot HaShachar should be said after chatzot, and Birkot HaTorah should be said after dawn.
Reading the Book of Ruth - Sephardim and most Ashkenazi do not make a blessing on the reading of the Megillah, but some Ashkenazim who make sure to read from the parchment say the blessings al mikra megillah and shehecheyanu.

Sephardim and Yemenites read the megillah before mincha, Ashkenazim read it before reading the Torah at Shacharit, but some Ashkenazim read it before Mincha so that even those who were up all night can focus on hearing it.

On Isru Chag we do not say Tachnun, laMnatzeach, and on Shabbat we do not say Av haRachamim or tzidkatcha.

Mourning

Ashkenazim do not fast throughout the month of Niasan, even on the day of the death of their father and mother.
There are no eulogies in the month of Nissan, but it is permissible to hold a memorial service without eulogies.
It is permissible to visit a grave on the anniversary of death to recite Psalms, but do not say the memorial prayer or K-el maleh rachamim.
Both Pesach and Shavuot cancel shiva, even if someone has been sitting shiva for a short time before the holiday. Ashkenazim get up from shiva at chatzot on erev Pesach and prepare for the holiday. Sepharadim mourn until the beginning of the holiday, but are allowed to wash clothes for the holiday after chatzot.
A firstborn male who is in mourning should not leave his house to attend a siyum, but he can give charity to redeem himself from the fast.
One who is sitting shiva should still do bedikat chametz. An onan is exempt from positive commandments, so he should appoint a messenger to do the bedika.
Although the shiva is stopped due to the holiday, it is customary to light a candle for seven days in honor of the deceased.
A mourner and an onan are obligated in all the commandments of Seder night, including Hallel and reclining.
Ashkenazi mourners should not wear a kittel on Seder night.
If someone dies during the holiday or Chol HaMoed, the funeral will take place on Chol HaMoed, and there is no public mourning. The mourners should attend synagogue, and only after the holiday is over do they begin to sit shiva. There are practices (both Ashkenazim and Sephardim) that the blessing of Dayan HaEmet is said at the time of death/funeral, and the tearing is performed after the holiday. There are those who do the tearing at the time of death/burial.
An onan should count the Omer without a blessing.
If Shavuot falls during shiva, the mourner is allowed to learn Torah on Shavuot night.

Pesach

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