Last Updated on March 2, 2023 by Kimberlee Johnson
The countdown to Passover is on.
As the celebration of the Jewish people’s exodus from Egypt draws near, one of the essential questions arises: when do you stop eating bread for Passover?
From learning the history of leavened bread to understanding the significance of the ritual, our team is here to help you understand the importance of abstaining from bread during Passover. Read on.
When Should You Stop Eating Bread During Passover?
According to Jewish law, the last day to eat chametz or bread is the morning of the 15th day of Nissan, the first month of the Jewish calendar [1].
On the morning of this day, all chametz must be removed from the home.
Jews typically have a formal “bedikat chametz” ceremony in which they search the home for any remaining chometz.
After this is done, any remaining pieces of chametz must be destroyed or burned.
Jews are then obligated to abstain from eating chametz until the night of the 22nd day of Nissan.
“I love Passover because for me it is a cry against indifference, a cry for compassion.”
– Elie Wiesel, Romanian-American Water
This marks the end of Passover, and Jews can resume eating chametz. During this week of
Passover, it is essential to remember that no leavened bread should be eaten, and any chometz found must be destroyed immediately.
Find out if you can eat red meat on Easter Sunday here.
When Is Unleavened Bread Removed?
Unleavened bread should be removed after it has been eaten on the last day of the Passover celebration or the Passover seder.
It is done to remind participants of the haste with which the Jews left Egypt, as they did not have time to wait for the bread to rise.
During the seder, the matzo symbolizes the affliction of slavery, and the unleavened bread is a reminder of the freedom that was achieved.
Find out if honey needs to be kosher for Passover here.
What Time Do Jews Stop Eating Chametz?
Jews stop eating chametz after the fourth halachic hour at three on the morning before Passover. It is known as the start of the Pesach or Passover holiday.
All chametz must be removed from homes and businesses before this time. This includes any food made from wheat, barley, spelled, oats, and rye.
Besides, Jews are obligated to find and destroy any chametz left in their homes and to sell any chametz that cannot be removed.
After the 14th of Nissan, Jews could not eat chametz or even own it.
Find out if you should light candles on the second night of Passover here.
What Are The Consequences Of Eating Chametz?
According to the Torah, anyone who knowingly eats chametz on Passover must be cut off from their people.
It means that people who eat chametz will receive the divine punishment of Gareth or premature death, a form of spiritual excision from the Jewish people.
Can Bread Be Eaten On The Final Day Of Passover?
According to Jewish tradition, leavened bread, or chametz, cannot be eaten during the eight days of Passover.
Hence, no bread can also be consumed on the last day of Passover.
Though some communities will eat unleavened bread, or matzo, on the last day, this is different from eating regular bread.
Matzo is only allowed to be eaten during the seven days of Passover, starting on the first day and ending on the seventh.
The last day is traditionally a rejoicing and celebration, but no bread can be eaten during this time.
Instead, some communities may eat light foods, such as fruits and vegetables, to commemorate the end of Passover.
Is It Okay To Eat Cornbread During Passover?
No, you cannot eat cornbread during Passover [2].
This is because corn is considered a grain, and grains are not allowed to be eaten during Passover, as they are considered chametz or leavened food.
To follow the rules of Passover, it is important to avoid all grains, including corn, during this time.
What Can You Eat During Passover?
During Passover, Jews eat unleavened bread, matzah, and other traditional foods.
It includes matzah ball soup, brisket, gefilte fish, charoset, and other Passover-friendly dishes.
Matzah is a flat, cracker-like bread made with only flour and water. The Jews consumed it to remind themselves that they did not have enough time to let their bread rise before departing from Egypt.
Next, brisket is a cut of beef from the breast of the animal that is braised in wine and vegetables.
Gefilte fish is a traditional Jewish dish made with ground fish and spices. Lastly, charoset is a sweet paste made of apples, nuts, cinnamon, and sometimes wine or honey.
Also Read: What Should I Bring As A Guest To Easter Dinner?
FAQs
Is it okay to eat bagels during Passover?
No, it is not okay to eat bagels during Passover as they are made with leavened bread and are not considered kosher for Passover.
What are the Passover fasting rules?
The traditional Passover fasting rules are that no food or drink is allowed from sunrise to sunset on the first two days of Passover (the 14th and 15th of the Hebrew month of Nissan).
Which means that there’s no food or drink, even water. Eating and drinking will be resumed after nightfall on the second day.
Can you eat rice during Passover?
It is not permitted to eat rice during Passover as it is one of the five grains that are not allowed during the holiday.
Can you eat mashed potatoes on Passover?
Mashed potatoes are not considered Kosher for Passover, as potatoes, and other grains are not allowed during this holiday.
However, some Jews do choose to eat mashed potatoes on Passover, as long as the potatoes are cooked without any flour or other grains mixed into them.
Key Takeaways
As Passover season is fast approaching, remember that abstaining from eating bread is a critical part of the holiday tradition.
Bread is a typical staple food, so cutting it out of your diet could be challenging.
Still, it’s crucial to remember the significance of the Passover festival and the reason for the prohibition.
With the help of family and friends, it’s possible to make the Passover season enjoyable and meaningful.
References:
- https://daily.jstor.org/how-does-the-jewish-calendar-work/
- https://www.livestrong.com/article/526863-why-is-cornbread-good-for-you/
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