#10: Erev Pesach on Shabbat (Part 1)

Rabbi Eli Ozarowski

This year, Erev Pesach (14th of Nissan) falls on Shabbat, presenting many important halachic questions regarding the proper observance of its many halachot and customs. Over the next two weeks, we will outline many of the key guidelines for this unique situation without delving into the basic halachot in detail. For further information, please refer to the following resources:

1. https://consumer.crckosher.org/publications/erev-pesach-that-falls-on-shabbos/ (Chicago Rabbinical Council)

2. https://halachipedia.com/index.php?title=Erev_Pesach_That_Falls_out_on_Shabbat (Halachipedia)

3. https://www.ou.org/holidays/when-erev-pesach-falls-on-shabbos/ (OU)

4.https://www.star-k.org/articles/wp-content/uploads/erev-pesach-on-shabbos.pdf. (Star-K)

For specific questions, it is advisable to consult a local rabbinic authority. You are also welcome to reach out to us for guidance.

  1. In a typical year, it is customary for the community rabbi to give a special derashah (sermon) on “Shabbat Hagadol” (the Shabbat before Pesach) about Pesach-related topics (Shulchan Aruch, O.C. 430:1). This year, however, it is customary for the derashah to be delivered on the Shabbat a week before Erev Pesach (Mishnah Berurah 429:2). Some rabbis also give a special derashah on Erev Pesach itself (Chazon Ovadia, Pesach, p.253).
  2. In a typical year, the Fast of the Firstborn is observed on Erev Pesach (Shulchan Aruch, O.C. 470:1). This year, however, it is observed on Thursday (Rema, O.C. 470:2). Most people nowadays attend a siyum (completion of a Talmudic tractate) to exempt themselves from this fast. Therefore, a firstborn should attend a siyum this year on Thursday. Some hold that Sephardim are not required to even attend a siyum this year, though it is recommended if possible (Chazon Ovadia, Pesach, p.254), while others hold that Sephardim also must attend a siyum this year (R. Mordechai Eliyahu, Ma’amar Mordechai, Moadim, ch.10).

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Dedicated by Fran Broder as a zechus for the hostages to be released safely to their families and may everlasting peace come to Eretz Yisrael in the merit of learning Hilchos Shabbos.