Passover (Pesach) is the Jewish holiday that reminds us of the date when the Jewish people left Egypt, moving from slavery to freedom. Although there is a mitzvah throughout the entire year to remember the Exodus from Egypt, and we mention it several times every day in prayer, the holiday of Passover — and especially the night of the Seder — revolves entirely around this moment.
In Jewish homes around the world, the preparation for Passover begins well before the holiday itself. Already weeks, and sometimes even months, before Passover, many families begin cleaning their homes carefully — room by room, corner by corner — so that no chametz remains.
Bedikat Chametz – Searching for Chametz on the Night Before Passover
On the night of the 14th of Nissan, Jews perform Bedikat Chametz, the traditional search for chametz in the home.
It is customary to wash the hands beforehand and then recite the blessing “Al Biur Chametz.” This blessing appears in many versions of the Passover Haggadah.
During this search, Jewish families traditionally place ten small pieces of bread around the house. Often the mother or children hide them, and the father searches for them after making the blessing.
One should be careful not to hide them in inappropriate places, such as under a bed, in a bathroom, or in places where chametz should not be placed.
After carefully searching every corner of the house, the declaration “Kol Chamira V’Chamia…” is recited. This text appears in most editions of the Passover Haggadah.
By reciting this declaration, we declare that any chametz we may still own — that we did not find, did not see, or are unaware of — is considered ownerless. This is done so that we do not violate the Torah prohibition of “Bal Yera’eh and Bal Yimatzeh” which forbids having chametz in our possession, whether inside or outside our home.
Burning Chametz on Erev Pesach
On the day of Erev Passover, chametz may be eaten only until the end of the fourth halachic hour of the day.
These are not the four hours we usually think of. Instead, the day is divided into 12 proportional hours, calculated from sunrise to sunset.
Chametz must be burned (Biur Chametz) by the end of the fifth halachic hour.
After burning the chametz, it is customary to again recite “Kol Chamira V’Chamia…”, declaring all remaining chametz ownerless so that we do not violate the prohibition of possessing chametz.
Preparing the Passover Seder Table
After the preparations are complete, families prepare the Passover Seder table.
The table is arranged with:
- a beautiful tablecloth
- a Passover Seder plate
- pillows for reclining
- and Passover Haggadahs for everyone at the table
A beautifully arranged Seder table creates a meaningful and elegant atmosphere for the evening.
Many families choose a beautifully printed Passover Haggadah, such as a classic Hebrew Passover Haggadah, and place one at each seat around the table.
You can explore beautiful editions here: Passover Collection
Some families even personalize each Haggadah for Passover with a name. Personalization turns the Seder table into a meaningful and luxurious family experience.
Personalized Passover Haggadah – Name Embossing Available
Lighting the Holiday Candles
Before sunset, the holiday candles are lit in elegant candlesticks, just as candles are lit every Shabbat and holiday.
Some families light before the evening prayer, while others light afterward by transferring flame from an existing flame.
Many versions of the Passover Haggadah include the blessing for lighting the holiday candles.
There are also separate candle-lighting booklets for Shabbat and holidays that include special prayers such as:
- prayers for children
- prayers for livelihood
- prayers for success
- the well-known Prayer of Hannah
These can also be personalized, such as embossing the name of a beloved mother.
The Four Cups of Wine
A beautiful cup is an essential part of the Passover Seder.
During the Seder night, we drink four cups of wine.
It is recommended to use a beautiful kiddush cup, preferably crystal or silver-style.
Each cup should contain at least a Revi’it, the minimum halachic measurement.
A child who has reached the age where he understands the meaning of the Seder should also be trained to drink the required amount.
The cup should be complete and without any cracks or damage.
The Cup of Elijah the Prophet
It is customary to place a special cup in the center of the table for Elijah the Prophet.
Later in the evening, the door is opened for Elijah the Prophet.
Many families choose a beautiful decorative cup especially for this moment.
Reclining Like Royalty
During the Seder, we eat while reclining — symbolizing freedom.
It is therefore important to prepare comfortable seating with beautiful pillows so that everyone can recline properly, like royalty.
Preparing the Matzot
Three whole matzot are prepared for the Seder.
Additional Shmurah Matzah should be prepared so that each participant can eat:
- a kezayit of matzah
- a kezayit for korech
- two kezayitim for afikoman
Someone who has difficulty eating matzah should prepare thin matzot, so the required amount can be eaten within the halachic time.
An elderly or sick person who cannot eat matzah may grind it and eat it in that form.
Preparing the Passover Seder Plate
The Passover Seder plate contains the symbolic foods used during the Seder.
These items include:
- Karpas
- Boiled potatoes, radish, or soft onions.
- Maror
Lettuce is commonly used.
The lettuce must be carefully checked for insects. Those who are not experienced in checking lettuce leaves should use the root, where insects are easier to detect.
Each participant should have enough maror for two olive-sized portions — one for maror and one for korech.
- Charoset
Charoset is traditionally made from fruits compared to the Jewish people:
- apples
- figs
- dates
- walnuts
- pomegranates
- almonds
Spices such as cinnamon and ginger are added, and red wine is mixed in as a remembrance of the blood. The mixture is made thick to resemble the mortar used in Egypt.
- The Shank Bone
A shank bone is roasted slightly before the holiday. It represents the outstretched arm with which G-d redeemed the Jewish people.
If one forgot to prepare it before the holiday, it may be roasted on Yom Tov but eaten the next day.
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The Egg
A boiled egg is prepared as a remembrance of the festival sacrifice.
Salt Water
Salt water should be prepared before the holiday. If forgotten, it may be prepared at night in small quantity for the needs of the holiday.
It should not be made too strong — meaning not two parts salt to one part water.
Encouraging Children to Ask Questions
It is customary to prepare nuts and roasted grains to give to children so they will stay awake and ask questions during the Seder night.
This helps fulfill the central mitzvah of the evening — telling the story of the Exodus.
A Beautiful and Meaningful Passover Table
Preparing the Passover Seder table with beautiful items enhances the entire experience.
- Families often decorate the table with:
- a beautiful Passover Seder plate
- elegant kiddush cups
- a fine tablecloth
- pillows for reclining
- and Passover Haggadahs for each participant
Many families today also choose personalized Passover Haggadahs with name embossing for each person at the table.
Explore Passover Haggadahs, Seder Plates, and Personalized Judaica here.
Personalized Judaica adds warmth and meaning, turning the Passover Seder table into a family tradition that lasts for generations.
