Passover is a holiday that mandates our complete involvement, not just during
its eight days but for weeks before. Aside from the regular holiday
obligations -- we don't work or perform creative labors for four of its eight
days, we add special prayers, etc. -- we are also commanded (Exodus 13:3-7):
"No leaven shall be eaten... For seven days you shall eat unleavened bread... and
no leaven shall be seen of yours [in your possession]." So we must eat matzah,
and we must also ensure that we neither eat nor own any chametz.
How do we accomplish this? By cleaning and inspecting our homes well before
Passover, and gradually eliminating chametz from every room and crevice. We
begin with the rooms from which it is easiest to keep chametz from reentering --
bedrooms, closets, the basement -- and, once clean, ensure that no chametz
whatsoever enters these places. Eventually we get to the dining room, moving all
eating to the dinette; then, the week before Passover, the kitchen. Finally, our
homes are cleaned and Kosher-for-Passover, and we are ready to tackle the
Passover cooking and Seder preparation.
This intensive cleaning takes place in Jewish homes throughout the world.
Following is a brief guide to help you tackle the process in your own home.
