In this guide I have made a comprehensive Passover preparation checklist, broken down by timeline and category. This list follows traditional Ashkenazi customs (which avoid kitniyot like corn, rice, legumes). Sephardic customs differ primarily in the area of kitniyot.
Core Concept: The goal is to remove all Chametz (leavened grain products: wheat, barley, rye, oats, spelt that have been in contact with water for more than 18 minutes) from your possession and environment.
Passover Preparation Checklist
Two to Four Weeks Before Passover
- Plan Your Seders: Determine hosts, guests, and menu. Order wine (Kosher for Passover).
- Shop Early: Buy non-perishable Passover foods (canned goods, oils, nuts, etc.) to avoid last-minute shortages.
- Inventory & Clean: Begin cleaning areas that are less frequently used (guest rooms, basements, attics, cars).
- Order Matzah & Special Items: Secure your Matzah (Shmurah is traditional for the Seder), Haggadot, and any needed seder plate items.
- Check Medicines & Toiletries: Consult your rabbi about necessary non-food items (pet food, medications, cosmetics) that may contain chametz.
The Week Before Passover
Cleaning (Goal: Remove all chametz crumbs & residue)
- Kitchen (Primary Focus):
- Oven & Stovetop: Scrub thoroughly. Self-clean cycle or blow-torch burners (kashering). Many use lined foil over surfaces.
- Refrigerator/Freezer: Empty, remove crumbs, wash shelves and drawers. Designate areas for Passover food, often with liners.
- Countertops: Clean thoroughly. Many cover with contact paper, foil, or board covers.
- Cabinets & Drawers: Empty, vacuum, wash. Designate at least some for Passover use; some cover shelves.
- Sink: Clean thoroughly. Kashering with boiling water may apply; often a dedicated liner or basin is used.
- Small Appliances: Toaster, blender, etc. – store away and don’t use. Some kasher dishwashers with a special cycle.
- Dishes & Utensils: Store away your everyday set. Bring out your dedicated Passover set.
- Whole House:
- Vacuum and wash floors, especially dining areas.
- Clean sofas, chairs, pockets of clothing, backpacks, purses.
- Children’s rooms and play areas (toys, books).
Kashering (Making Vessels Permissible)
- Method depends on material. Consult a rabbi for details. Common methods:
- Libun (Fire): For items used directly with fire (grates, racks).
- Hagalah (Immersion in boiling water): For utensils used with boiling liquid (pots, silverware).
- Irui (Pouring boiling water): For surfaces like sinks and counters.
- Note: Not all items can be kashered. When in doubt, use dedicated Passover items.
The Day Before Passover (Erev Pesach)
Final Chametz Removal
- Fast of the Firstborn: Firstborn males often fast or attend a Siyum (celebratory meal) to break the fast.
- Bedikat Chametz (Search for Chametz): After nightfall, perform a formal search using a candle/feather/spoon and 10 pre-placed pieces of bread. Say the blessing first.
- Bitul Chametz (Nullification of Chametz): After the search, recite the nullification formula (declaring any unknown chametz as “dust”).
- Prepare the Seder Plate: Hard-boil the egg, prepare the charoset, etc.
The Morning Before the Seder (14th of Nisan)
- Burn the Chametz (Biur Chametz): Burn the bag of chametz from the search (and any remaining) by the time specified by your community (usually late morning).
- Final Nullification: Recite a final, broader nullification after burning, effective until Passover ends.
- Final Kitchen Prep: Set up for cooking the seder meal. Many do not eat matzah the entire day before the seder.
- Sell Your Chametz (Mechirat Chametz): Arrange with a rabbi to legally sell any remaining chametz you own to a non-Jew. It will be repurchased after the holiday.
During Passover
- Separate Dishes: Use only Passover-designated dishes, cookware, and utensils.
- Separate Food: All food must be certified “Kosher for Passover” or be inherently kosher (like fresh fruits/vegetables).
- No Chametz: Even the smallest amount is forbidden.
After Passover
- Wait to Use Chametz: Do not use previously owned chametz until after the rabbi has repurchased it from the non-Jewish buyer (usually shortly after the holiday ends).
- Switch Back: Return to your everyday dishes and kitchenware. Many wait until after the kitchen has been cleaned of Passover food residues.
According to Reform Judaism, these strategies help reduce Passover preparation stress:
Quick-Reference Shopping List (Passover Specific)
- Matzah (Machine & Shmurah for Seder)
- Wine/ Grape Juice (Kosher for Passover)
- Haggadot
- Passover Foods (with reliable KP certification)
- Special Ingredients for Seder Plate & Meals
- Disposable goods (if using): plates, cups, cutlery, aluminum pans, tablecloths
- Coverings for counters/shelves (contact paper, foil)
Important: This is a general guide. Customs vary greatly. For specific halachic (Jewish legal) questions, especially regarding kashering, always consult your rabbi or a local authority.
Chag Kasher v’Sameach! (Wishing you a happy and kosher Passover!)
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