Dear Friends,
Here we are…Almost the 7th Day of Pesah! Following one of the lines of conversation at this morning’s morning minyan breakfast table, I will throw out the following question:
What is your favorite Jewish holiday? And, what makes it your favorite? Yes, I am truly interested in your feedback! Please share your thoughts with me.
In the meantime, as the 7th Day of Pesah is approaching…Here are the traditional rituals associated with the observance of the final two days of Passover:
Eruv Tavshilin and preparation of flame:
When a festival (Yom Tov) occurs on Friday, since it is permitted to cook on Yom Tov only for that particular day of Yom Tov, but it is forbidden to cook on Shabbat, an eruv tavshilin is done on Thursday afternoon to permit the completion of cooking on Yom Tov for Shabbat.
On Thursday afternoon, place at least two cooked foods, generally a matzah and a hard-boiled egg (or piece of chicken or fish) on a plate, raise it and recite the blessing “Barukh Attah Adonai, eloheynu melech ha-olam, Asher Kiddeshanu b’mitzvotav v’tzivanu al Mitzvat Eruv”, followed by the declaration: “By means of this combining (eruv), we are permitted to bake, cook, warm, kindle lights, and make all necessary preparations for Shabbat during the festival (Yom Tov) for the Sabbath, we and all who live in this city/locale.”
On Yom Tov, kindling a new fire is not permitted; however, the use of an existing fire for cooking or other purposes is permitted. To light candles for Day 8 (Shabbat), ensure that you have a fire burning before candle-lighting time for Day 7 (Thursday evening) that will continue to burn until sunset on Friday. For example: A Burning candle that lasts for more than 25 hours; A pilot light that remains lit on a gas range. This will allow you to light Shabbat candles on Friday evening without kindling a new fire on Yom Tov!
Wishing you a sweet conclusion to Passover and looking forward to hearing about your favorite Jewish holiday!
Chag Sameach and Shabbat Shalom!
