Halocho #1315 - Is January the first month?

This Shabbos we take out 2 Sifrei Torah. In the first we will read the weekly Parsha of  תַזְרִיעַ, in the second we will read Parshat הַחֹדֶשׁ (Exodus Ch. 12, Verses 1-20). 

Parshat הַחֹדֶשׁ reminds us of the following upcoming Mitzvot: 

• The month of Nissan (which begins on Tuesday) is the first month in the Jewish calendar, as the opening words of Parshat הַחֹדֶשׁ proclaim: הַחֹדֶשׁ הַזֶּה לָכֶם, רֹאשׁ חֳדָשִׁים - "This month is for you the first month". 
• The laws of Korban Pessach; sacrificed on Erev Pessach in the afternoon; it has to be roasted whole and then eaten on the first night of Pessach with Matza and Marror (bitter herbs). 
• Korban Pessach leftovers have to be burnt on the first day of Chol Hamo'ed. 
• Matza needs to be made carefully to ensure it doesn't become Chametz (leaven). 
• The first and last days of Pessach are Yom Tov. 
• One may not own Chometz, nor eat it, during Pessach. 

Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 140:2

Shabbat Shalom uMevorach

- Danny
Thursday, 25 Adar II 5774