Approach: Halacha vs. Minhag for Pesach

As Jewish people across the globe prepare for Pesach, we're pleased to re-release this classic episode of the Orthodox Conundrum, originally published in March, 2023.

More than any other Jewish holiday, Pesach is associated with questions. That's obviously true for the Seder, but it's also true when it comes to the intense preparations that precede the chag. Jewish law regarding cleaning for Pesach is very extensive, and the misconceptions are often very prevalent.

For that reason, we're proud to present a conversation with Rav Chayim Soloveichik shlit'a, where Scott asked some of the most common questions people ask as they prepare for Pesach. We thank Rav Chayim for generously giving his time and expertise, and hope that this episode can serve as a valuable resource and guide as people throughout the Jewish world get ready for Zman Cheiruteinu.

Among the issues Rav Chayim addressed are:

8:54 - Crumbs and vacuuming

10:39 - Purchasing milk and eggs before Pesach

12:43 - Medicines on Pesach

14:29 - Defining "Nifsal M'achilat Kelev" (something inedible to a dog)

18:24 - New lipstick or ChapStick on Pesach

18:38 - Canola oil

20:28 - At what point do kitniyot become forbidden on Erev Pesach for Ashkenazi Jews, and can they be cooked in a kosher for Pesach pot

23:10 - Egg matzah

23:42 - Checking books for crumbs

24:50 - Selling chometz

27:46 - Preparing the house if you're going away for the entire holiday

29:33 - Roommates who jointly own chometz

30:10 - A car wash before Pesach

30:48 - Foods that don't require special Pesach certification

31:35 - Dismantling pots and pans before kashering them

31:57 - Kashering a pot with a stain

32:21 - Kashering a gas stove

33:55 - Kashering a non-self-cleaning oven

35:16 - The 24 hour rule regarding an urn used to kasher counters and sinks

35:50 - Lining the refrigerator

36:43 - Kashering a metal sink

36:58 - Kashering dishwashers

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