A small list of [Pre]-Pesach reminders.

  • On Erev Pesach we don't say "Mizmor L'David" in Shacharis.
  • Finish eating Chametz before 10:14AM (Times for Johannesburg, SA -- for your local time click here )
  • Sell and burn Chametz before 11:12AM (Times for Johannesburg, SA -- for your local time click here )
  • Haircuts should be done before midday.  If one forgot to take a hair cut before midday, a non-Jew must cut your hair.
  • Don't forget to make an Eiruv Tavshilin this year.  
  • We recite the Seder of the Korban Pesach before Mincha.
  • We recite a full Hallel on the first two nights of Pesach.
  • In order to start the Seder as quickly as possible, prepare everything beforehand.  The entire table should be set before nightfall.  This is so the children should stay up throughout the entire seder.
  • We should give children nuts in order to stimulate their curiosity and get them in the asking questions mood.
  • The Rebbe Rashab said: At the Seder one should think that one should be a Mentch.  By the opening of the door, towards the end of the Seder, is an opportune time to ask for ones desires.  One should ask for Spiritual wellbeing, not physical wellbeing.
  • When you eat the Karpas have in mind the Maror that you will eat later.  Also, eat less than a Kezayit of Karpas in order to avoid the need to make an after blessing on the Karpas.  
  • We pour the Ten Plagues into a broken vessel.  (Prepare that beforehand.)
  • When we do Mayim Acharonim, we don't put the water to our lips.
  • On the first night when reciting the bed time Shma, we only recite Shma and Hamapil.  We omit everything else.  We return to the regular bed time Shma on the second night.
  • We start reciting Morid HaTal during Musaf on the first day.  Don't forget to include "V'Ten Bracha" on the first day of Chol Hamoed.
Have a Kosher and Joyous Pesach!

May you shed your old self and emerge a new one this Pesach! 

Just as the Jewish nation emerged into a new nation so too shall you emerge into a new person.  A person who is cleansed of their Chametz, humbled to leave their addictions, and empowered to carve out new frontiers in their life.  A Pesach in which you "pass over" all of the shackles which hold you prisoner to your addictions.  And let us say ....