Avoiding Passover Panic


I remember cleaning for Passover last year all too clearly: Sweat, tears and more tears. "Let's just move into a hotel!" I remember begging my husband. On Passover, Jews are forbidden to own, benefit or eat even one crumb of leavened bread. As a result, the weeks prior to Passover are spent searching and cleaning the entire home, from the corners of every closet, to pockets of every jacket. You would be surprised where I have found whole crackers worth of crumbs: in the railing of the bed frames, under radiator covers, inside an old notebook. The week before Passover last year my poor husband was neglected, and every part of my pregnant body ached - Even my hair hurt me!

This year, I refuse to procrastinate, bli nedar (without a promise)! I ask that all of you join me. "It's About Time...", written by Nechama Berg and Chaya Levine, is a wonderful book on Jewish housekeeping. The first step recommended in "It's About Time..." is to decide what to clean. "Once every task is listed and categorized by room," Nechama and Chaya write, "Your [Passover] cleaning will seem less mind-boggling." I live in a two-bedroom apartment, and here is my list. I hope it will help you compile your own. 

I. Balcony, Hot water heater closet
II. Master Bedroom
A. Closet
1. Floor, track and corners
2. Clothes, pockets, shoes
3. Top shelf
B. Overhead Storage
C. Vanity
1. Sink
2. Medicine Cabinet
3. Drawers
D. Beds
1. Frame
2. Mattress
3. Linens, Blanket Cover
4. Underneath
E. Small Table
F. Dressers
1. Top
2. Drawers
3. Underneath
G. Window
H. Wall
I. Carpet
III. Baby's Room/Office
A. Closet
1-3. (See Master Bedroom)
B. Crib	
C. Stroller
D. Toys
E. Changing Table/Dresser
1. Top
2. Drawers
3. Underneath
F. Books and Bookshelves
G. Computer
1. Keyboard
2. Monitor
3. Printer
H. Desk
1. Top, Shelves
2. Drawers, Keyboard shelf
3. Underneath
4. Chair 
I. Walls
J. Window
K. Carpet
IV. Dining Room and Living Room
A. Books and Bookshelves
B. Telephone table, Telephone
C. Shabbos Candle Table
D. Dining Room Table and Chairs
E. Wall
F. Couch and Rocking Chair
G. Door
H. Carpet


The copyright of the article Avoiding Passover Panic in Jewish Family Traditions is owned by Rachel Gurevich. Permission to republish Avoiding Passover Panic in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.




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