We have all, at one time, faced the often overwhelming task of preparing for Pesakh with dismay and dread. However, it seems to me that it is precisely this work which allows the family to celebrate a kosherFit to use or consume under Jewish ritual law. "Kosher" often refers to the food which it is permissible to eat according to Jewish dietary law, but can also mean the suitableness of a Torah scross or mezuzah for proper ritual use. For more on dietary laws, see kashrut. holiday and, as such, it is sacred work and should be approached and appreciated as such. This t’khine consecrates the tasks and may be said at the beginning of the preparations or, with some modifications, before the formal opening of the sederLit. Order. The festive meal conducted on Passover night, in a specific order with specific rituals to symbolize aspects of the Exodus from Egypt. It is conducted following the haggadah, a book for this purpose. Additionally, there an ancient tradition to have a seder on Rosh Hashanah, which has been practiced in particular by Sephardi communities. This seder involves the blessing and eating of simanim, or symbolic foods. The mystics of Sefat also created a seder for Tu B'shvat, the new year of the trees..
Ribono shel olamLit. Master of the Universe A term sometimes used in the Jewish liturgy to refer to God. (Lord of the Universe), I am about to begin the sacred task of preparing for the holy season of Pesakh. You, God, who liberated us from our oppressors many years ago, commanded us to make the Pesakh offering, to refrain from hametzLit. Leavening Any food made of grain and water which has fermented and risen and is thus prohibited to be eaten during Passover.' and to celebrate with happiness. And so I, according to your instruction, will clean my home and my heart, prepare the ritual meals and rejoice in this holiday, remembering your love and salvation.
As SarahThe first matriarch, wife of Abraham, and mother of Isaac, whom she birthed at the age of 90. Sarah, in Rabbinic tradition, is considered holy, beautiful, and hospitable. Many prayers, particularly the Amidah (the central silent prayer), refer to God as Magen Avraham – protector of Abraham. Many Jews now add: pokehd or ezrat Sarah – guardian or helper of Sarah. our mother quickly ran to bake matzahThe unleavened bread eaten on Passover that recalls the Israelite's hasty escape from Egypt when there was no time for the dough to rise. Matzah is also considered the "bread of our affliction," eaten while we were slaves. for her guests, as RivkaThe second Jewish matriarch, Isaac's wife, and mother to Jacob and Esau. Rebecca is an active parent, talking to God when she is pregnant and learning the fate of her children, then ultimately manipulating Isaac and the children to ensure Jacob's ascendancy. Her Hebrew name is Rivka. cooked the matamim (food delicacies) for Yitzkhak with attention and devotion to a higher cause, as the Isha Hashunamit (the Shunamite woman) prepared her house for the prophet Elisha, so may I complete my tasks with concentration and alacrity.
Dear God, grant me the patience and good cheer to do these often tiring, tedious chores with the same vigilance the kohanim (priests) and levi’im (Levites) brought to their labors. May my kavannahLit. Intention Refers both to one’s intention when performing a mitzvah or when focusing for prayer. Kavanah also refers to specific readings to help focus one's attention prior to performing an act. (focus) as I clean be like that of the levi’im who cleaned the Beit HamikdashThe Holy Temple which stood in ancient times in Jerusalem. (Temple). May it be like that of the kohanim who brought the sacrifices, as I cook. May the smells from the bountiful food you have blessed us with be as pleasing as the k’toret (insense) in your holy Temple.
Ribono shel olam, with trepidation I pray that the tasks I accomplish will enable us to celebrate Pesakh secure in the knowledge that this sacred work was done according to Your will.
Dear God, my heart delights in the thought of our children around our table. May they give me and my beloved husband nachas for many, many years and may we see our family grow and prosper. May our children not be scattered far from home so that we may easily and frequently be together and rejoice in them always.
Dear God, bless the labor of my hands and all my endeavors so the holy work I am about to do will be acceptable to you, will find favor in your eyes and may I, in its merit, deserve the blessings you have bestowed upon me. Amen.
