PREPARATIONS FOR THE FIRST PESACHThe first time that the Israelites were instructed to prepare for Pesach was on the eve of their exodus from Egypt. Four days before, on the 10th of Nissan, they were told "to take to them every man a lamb for his household, a lamb for a house" (Shemot 12: 3). To take a lamb for each family and to inform the Egyptians that the intention was to sacrifice these animals which were their idols, demonstrated Israel's faith and confidence in G-d. That year, the 10th of Nissan was a Shabbat, "Shabbat Hagadol", the great Shabbat on which it was perceived that something of transcendental importance was going to happen. Today on Shabbat Hagadol the spiritual leader of each community teaches the laws of Pesach, so that the families can prepare properly for the festival. In order to avoid transgressing the strict ban on chametz during Pesach and that of chametz which remains until after the festival, "sheavar alav haPesach", special care is taken to ensure the thorough cleaning of the home and the removal of every trace of chametz. Equal care is taken in the preparation of the matzot and the purchase of products which are strictly kasher for Pesach. PESACH IN JEWISH PHILOSOPHY & LITERATUREJewish authors in all periods wrote on Pesach, and its accompanying themes. A very partial list is given below:
PESACH IN BIBLICAL AND INTERPRETATIVE SOURCESPeriod and dates of the festival
Names of the festival
The three Pilgrim Festivals - making a pilgrimage
Pesach Mitzrayim
Pesach haDorot
The festival offering
Matzot
Ban on Chametz
Mikra kodesh and rest from work
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