Pesach Begins on motzei Shabbat:

When Passover (Pesach) Begins on Saturday Night: A Step-by-Step Halachic Guide for 5784

With insights from Rabbi Ofir Malka

This year, the Jewish calendar presents us with a unique halachic situation: Passover (Pesach) begins on Motzei Shabbat (Saturday night). While rare, this overlap creates a variety of logistical and halachic challenges—especially surrounding chametz, Shabbat meals, preparations for the Seder, and fulfilling key mitzvot at their proper time.

In a special interview with Rabbi Ofir Malka, renowned author of Halichot Shabbat and Halichot Moed, wet explored the practical implications of this calendar configuration. Below is a clear, detailed, step-by-step guide summarizing his halachic rulings and advice.

1. Bedikat Chametz (Searching for Chametz)

The issue: Normally, the search for chametz is conducted on the night of the 14th of Nissan (leil Yud-Daled). However, this year that night falls on Friday night, and it is forbidden to perform bedikat chametz on Shabbat.

Halachic ruling:

The Sages (Chazal) instituted that the search be moved up to Thursday night, which is the 13th of Nissan (leil Yud-Gimmel).

The bedika is performed with a candle, with a bracha (blessing), and in the same manner as in any normal year.

If one forgets or misses the Thursday night bedika, they should search on Friday morning, also with a candle and a bracha.

Bottom line: Everyone should make a point of performing bedikat chametz on Thursday night, just as they would normally—but this year, it’s a day earlier. Missing it doesn’t mean the mitzvah is lost; it can still be done on Friday, but ideally not left to the last minute.

2. Biur Chametz (Burning and Nullifying Chametz

The issue: Biur chametz—burning and eliminating chametz—normally occurs on the morning of Erev Pesach (Friday this year). But because burning is prohibited on Shabbat, adjustments must be made.

Halachic ruling:

Chametz must be burned on Friday morning, ideally before the end of the fifth halachic hour, around 11:00 AM (consult a local halachic calendar for exact time).

This maintains consistency with normal years and prevents confusion for future observance.

If someone fails to burn by that time, they may still burn it later on Friday—even at 2:00 or 3:00 PM—and still fulfill the mitzvah.

The first nullification (bitul chametz) is recited after Thursday night’s bedika.

The second nullification is postponed until Shabbat day, after all chametz is eaten and eliminated.

Bottom line: Burn your chametz on Friday morning, before 11:00 AM. Say the first nullification Thursday night after the search. Save the second for Shabbat, once you’ve finished eating and discarding any remaining chametz.

3. What to Eat on Shabbat: Two Halachic Paths

The issue: Shabbat meals must be eaten—but by Shabbat morning, we are hours away from the start of Pesach, when chametz becomes strictly forbidden. How do we eat the required Shabbat meals without violating Pesach laws?

Two options:

Option A: Eating Actual Chametz (Pita or Bread)

Keep a small amount of pita or other non-crumbly chametz (avoid challah or rolls).

Store it in a closed, controlled place away from children.

For Friday night and Shabbat morning meals, eat the bread on a disposable table covering.

After finishing the bread portion, remove all crumbs and dispose of the tablecloth.

Then continue the meal with kosher-for-Pesach foods, served in Pesach utensils.

By 10:00 AM, all eating must be done, and any leftovers disposed of properly.

Option B: Going Chametz-Free

Burn and nullify all chametz on Friday.

Home is fully kosher for Pesach before Shabbat begins.

For Friday night, you may eat regular matzah (if not following the Ben Ish Chai's stringency).

For Shabbat morning, prepare boiled matzah (matzah mevushelet) before Shabbat. Boiling changes its halachic status, making it permitted on Erev Pesach.

Bottom line: If your home can carefully handle small amounts of chametz and maintain strict separation, Option A is more halachically ideal. But if you're worried about crumbs, kids, or mistakes—Option B is safer and less stressful. Choose based on what will allow your family to be calm and spiritually prepared.

4. Disposing of Leftover Chametz on Shabbat Morning

The issue: Once the Friday meal is over, you may still have a little chametz left by Shabbat morning—but burning it isn’t allowed on Shabbat. So how do we dispose of it properly?

Halachic options:

Small amount left? Crumble and flush it down the toilet, intending to fulfill the mitzvah of tashbitu ("you shall destroy").

More than a kezayit (olive-sized)? Place it in two bags, pour bleach or soap to make it inedible, shake and nullify it verbally (hefker), and place it in the outside garbage.

No eruv? Two people should carry the bag together.

Bottom line: Plan ahead to have only a minimal amount of chametz left. Destroy it before the latest time and recite the second bitul chametz on Shabbat between 10:00–11:00 AM.

5. Seudah Shlishit (Third Shabbat Meal)

The issue: We must eat three meals on Shabbat, but by the afternoon, it is forbidden to eat chametz and also forbidden to eat regular matzah. What’s the solution?

Three valid options:

Option 1: Boiled Matzah

Eat matzah that was cooked before Shabbat, such as matzah boiled briefly in water or broth. Eat before the tenth halachic hour (~3:00 PM). Ensure the matzah remains at least a kezayit in size.

Option 2: Fruit or Light Foods

If boiled matzah is too heavy or impractical, you may fulfill seudah shlishit by eating fruits—especially those from the seven species (shiv’at haminim), like dates, figs, grapes.

Option 3: For Ashkenazim Only

Split the morning meal in two:

Eat pita or boiled matzah with dips around 9:00 AM.

Recite Birkat Hamazon.

Wait 20–30 minutes.

Eat another small meal (e.g., cholent) to count as the third meal.

Bottom line: Sephardim should avoid splitting the meal and instead use fruit or boiled matzah. Ashkenazim have more flexibility. Consult your posek if unsure.

6. Preparing for the Seder: What’s Permitted and When?

The issue: It’s forbidden to prepare on Shabbat for Yom Tov. So when can you set the table, warm food, or bring out matzot?

Halachic ruling:

No preparations may be made until after Shabbat ends, around 7:40 PM (check local times).

Once it’s dark, say "Baruch Hamavdil bein kodesh l'kodesh" to separate Shabbat from Yom Tov.

Only then may you:

Set the Seder table

Remove matzot from the freezer

Wash dishes

Do any Seder prep

Tip: If possible, set the Seder table before Shabbat, and eat the Shabbat meals on a different table or cloth.

Bottom line: No Seder preparations before nightfall. Wait, say the havdalah phrase, and only then begin. Planning ahead makes this transition smoother.

7. Additional Halachic Points to Know

Shabbat Clothing: You may wear your Yom Tov clothing on Shabbat if you derive enjoyment from it (hana’ah).

Showers: Not permitted on Shabbat. If needed, shower on Yom Tov (using water warmed before).

Chametz Sold to a Non-Jew: Do not consume chametz sold via mechirah unless the sale contract explicitly permits you to use it. Most do not.

Taanit Bechorot (Fast of the Firstborn): This year, the fast is observed on Thursday. Firstborns may attend a siyum (completion of a Talmudic tractate) to exempt themselves. Minors are exempt.

Final Words from Rabbi Malka:

"The most important thing is not to panic. Whether you eat pita or use boiled matzah, do what is calm and manageable. Enter the Seder with simcha, with rest, and with a heart ready for geulah (redemption). Let the family rest on Shabbat so they can arrive at the Seder spiritually energized."

May we all merit a chag kasher v'sameach, and soon celebrate Pesach in the rebuilt Beit HaMikdash in Yerushalayim.•