Pesach is just around the corner! That means it’s crunch time, and it’s officially acceptable to start panicking just a little. Cleaning, kashering, meal planning, Seder prepping—it’s a full-time job, and unfortunately, no one’s offering to pay for it. But Pesach prep isn’t just about scrubbing the floors like your life depends on it (even if your mom insists otherwise). It’s also a time for spiritual prep, no one wants to show up to the Seder exhausted, overwhelmed, and running purely on caffeine and matzah crumbs.
So, let’s break it down. Here’s how to get ready for Pesach—physically and spiritually—without losing your mind.
Step 1: Cleaning Without the Meltdown
There’s cleaning for Pesach, and then there’s Cleaning for Pesach™—the Olympic sport where people declutter their entire lives in the name of chametz. Yes, Pesach cleaning is about getting rid of leavened bread, but it’s not about reorganizing your entire wardrobe (unless that’s your thing).
✔ Start with the actual chametz zones – The kitchen, dining area, and anywhere you’ve casually snacked in the past year. Be honest, if there are crumbs in your bed, maybe deal with that, too.
✔ Work smart, not hard – If you haven’t eaten a sandwich in your bookshelf, you don’t need to take apart your bookshelf. Focus on where chametz really is.
✔ Delegate – Pesach cleaning is a team sport. Siblings, roommates, significant others—everyone gets a job. No one gets out of this alive (or at least, without a sponge in their hand).
✔ Set a deadline – If you’re still stress-cleaning the night before the Seder, you’re doing it wrong. Give yourself time to enjoy the holiday.
Step 2: Cooking Like a Pro (Or at Least Not Burning Anything)
There are two types of people before Pesach: those who meal plan weeks in advance and those who realize at the last second that they only have a box of matzah and some random vegetables. Aim to be somewhere in the middle.
✔ Stock up wisely – Don’t buy everything labeled “Kosher for Passover.” You don’t need Pesach mayonnaise in industrial quantities.
✔ Keep it simple – Some of the best Pesach dishes are the easiest. Roasted veggies, eggs, salads, and of course, mountains of potatoes.
✔ Test your recipes now – Trying a new Pesach recipe for the first time on Yom Tov is risky business. Give it a test run to avoid disaster.
✔ Emergency snacks are a must – Because mid-Pesach hunger is real, and there’s only so much matzah one can eat before it feels personal.
Step 3: Spiritual Prep – Because Pesach is More Than Just Cleaning
Cleaning is important, but so is preparing for Pesach internally. The holiday isn’t just about scrubbing—it’s about freedom, growth, and leaving behind whatever’s been holding you back.
✔ Think about what “freedom” means to you – The Exodus wasn’t just a history lesson; it’s a reminder that everyone has their own personal Egypt to escape from. What’s yours?
✔ Get into the Pesach mindset – Listen to a podcast, learn something new, or just take a few minutes to actually think about what this holiday is about.
✔ Slow down before the Seder – Instead of running into Yom Tov completely drained, take a breath. The cleaning can wait for five minutes while you collect your thoughts.
✔ Make a game plan for the Seder – Whether it’s reading the Haggadah this year or staying awake past the second cup of wine, set a goal.
Step 4: Don’t Forget to Enjoy the Holiday
At the end of the day, Pesach isn’t just about how much chametz you found in your couch or how perfectly you folded your napkins for the Seder table. It’s about celebrating freedom, family, and way too much matzah. So do the work, but also take a second to appreciate what this holiday is all about.
And if all else fails? At least you’ll have some solid Pesach-cleaning war stories to tell next year.
Chag sameach and may your matzah be crisp, your Seder be meaningful, and your house be chametz-free (or at least close enough)!
Photo credit: Canva
