The Shabbat before Pesach is called Shabbat Hagadol. When this occurred, the Egyptians did not react at all, so we call the day: The Great Shabbat The Jews were commanded to set aside a lamb for the Pesach sacrifice four days before Pesach. In the first year, that day was on Shabbat.

Any chametz that will be sold to a non- Jew should be set aside in a secure, secluded place.

There is another method of getting rid of chametz called bitul, in which we declare our chametz ownerless.

There is some fear that this declaration might not be sincere. Theres also a fear that if chametz is left in the home, we might come to eat it.

Therefore, before Pesach begins we must search our homes making sure they are thoroughly cleansed of all chametz, and only after that do we declare it ownerless. Click to Play

On the night before Pesach we search our homes for any remaining chametz. Before we get started we say the following blessing:

We conduct the search using a candle, although its recommended to use a flashlight for places that cannot be reached safely with a candle.

After the search is concluded, this declaration (bitul) is made:

The custom is for firstborns to attend a siyum (celebration of the completion of a Torah text) that morning, which will exempt them from fasting.

One should not eat matzah that whole day. Some dont eat matzah for the entire month of Nisan; Some dont the month before Pesach. Two possible reasons: So we will eat the seder matzah with the proper appetite. To demonstrate that at the seder we eat the matzah because we are commanded to do so, not solely for our own pleasure.

The seder should be ready to go as early as possible. One reason: To ensure that the Afikoman is eaten before midnight.

The matzah, maror, and several other symbolic items should be placed before the leader of the seder.

Each one has an advantage: Romaine lettuce is easier to eat in the quantities necessary, but must be cleansed and checked, since it commonly has small bugs hiding within.

The seder plate should also include a roasted bone with a little meat left on it. This is supposed to represent the Pesach sacrifice, and it should be roasted on the afternoon before Pesach, since thats when the sacrifice was offered.

WRONG!!

Also on the seder plate: Charoset. Its made to look like and represent the mortar used to build in ancient Egypt.

It is made up of several ingredients, often including: Red wine Cinnamon Apples Various other fruits and nuts

Everything is symbolic. For example: The red wine is symbolic of the Jewish blood spilled by the Egyptians.

Also on the seder plate: Karpas. This could be one of many things, such as: Celery Parsley Radishes Some say boiled potatoes

Everything is arranged on the Seder plate as follows: זרוע כרפס מרור חרוסת