Erev Pesach: Difference between revisions

* A close analysis of the Rambam indicates a different understanding of this prohibition. Initially, one may be confused as to whether the Rambam thinks this prohibition is due to the korban Pesach or more general Yom Tov concerns. On one hand, the Rambam places this prohibition in Hilchos Yom Tov (8:17-18) and not in Hilchos Korbon Pesach. He places the issur alongside the issur to perform melacha (from zman mincha and on) by other Yomim Tovim. Additionally, the Rambam compares this issur to that of Chol HaMoed and refers to both prohibitions as midivrei sofrim. On the other hand, however, the Rambam explains that the prohibition on erev pesach is more pronounced because of the shechitas hapesach and chagiga. This seems to be highlighting the prohibition’s connection to the korbon Pesach. To answer this question, we may be able to suggest that the Rambam thinks that the hakrava of the korbon Pesach generates a quasi-yom tov with its own unique issur melacha. The practical impossibility of bringing the korbon Pesach does not cause the “Yom Tov” of korbon Pesach to cease to exist. (See the Shulchan Aruch HaRav (Orach Chayim 468:1) for a variation of this approach. The Ba’al HaTanya claims that the general prohibition to perform melacha on the day that one brings a korbon is rabbinic in nature. The issur melacha on erev pesach is an extension of this general principle. Hence, erev Pesach is a rabbinic yom tov that was placed on all of am Yisroel.)

* Pnei Yehoshua there explains that it is because the rabbis gave erev [[pesach]] the status of [[chol hamoed]].</ref> It is forbidden to do any melacha, even not a melacha gemura, for profit after midday.<ref>Shulchan Aruch 468:2. Mishna Brurah 468:6-7 explains that it is even prohibited to perform melacha that is not considered gemurah for the sake of profit. Additionally, it is prohibited to perform melacha gemurah even if it is for the purposes of the upcoming Yom Tov. </ref>

##Writing for oneself (not professionally) is not melacha gemura.<ref>Aruch Hashulchan 468:4. Shulchan Aruch 468:2 writes that it is not melacha gemura to write in the process of learning on erev pesach. However, Aruch Hashulchan writes that the minhag is to permit even writing a letter.</ref>  

#If Erev Pesach falls out on Shabbat the prohibition to work on Erev Pesach does not apply to Friday.<ref>Beiur Halacha s.v. mechatzot u'limala explains that according to Tosafot's reason if [[Pesach]] falls out on erev [[shabbat]], melacha is not prohibited until [[mincha]]. But he adds that for Rashi the prohibition would still apply even when [[Pesach]] falls out on erev [[shabbat]] it would still be forbidden after mid-day, but concludes that most poskim hold like tosafot so one doesn't need to be stringent. Kaf HaChayim on Shulchan Arukh, Orach Chayim 468:3:1 is lenient on work on Friday when Erev Pesach falls out on Shabbat. Nitai Gavriel 2:45:18 agrees. </ref>  

#It is forbidden to do laundry after midday on Erev Pesach.<ref>Mishna Brurah 468:7</ref>  

#It is permitted to start a laundry machine before chatzot even though it is going to finish after chatzot.<ref>Piskei Teshuvot 468:6 and Yalkut Yosef 468:13 write that one may start a washing machine before midday although it will certainly continue to run after midday.</ref>

=== Haircut and Shaving ===

#It is permitted to cut one's nails after midday on erev pesach if one forgot to do so beforehand.<ref>Mishna Brurah 468:5. Orchot Rabbeinu vol. 2 page 56 says this can be done without restrictions. Sha’ar HaTzion 468:7 writes that it is permitted to cut one’s nails after chatzos if he forgot to do so beforehand. Aruch Hashulchan 468:3 quotes a dispute between Maharshal who forbids cutting one's nails after chatzot and Chok Yakov and Eliya Rabba who permit.</ref>

===Before Midday===

===Traveling from One Place to Another===