Eve of Passover on Shabbat
In Judaism, when the Eve of Passover falls on Shabbat, special laws regarding the preparation for Passover are observed.
Fast of the Firstborn
When the Eve of Passover falls on Shabbat, the Fast of the Firstborn customarily takes place on the preceding Thursday, instead of the day before. This is because it is forbidden to fast on Shabbat, and it is preferable not to fast on Friday.Search for ''chametz''
Normally, the search for chametz occurs on the night of the 14th of Nisan, which is one night before the start of Passover. When this night is a Friday, the search for chametz takes place one night earlier, since use of a candle and the act of burning chametz are forbidden on Shabbat. The chametz is then burned on Friday morning.It is normally forbidden to eat before conducting the search for chametz, which is carried out by the firstborn. This firstborn may be fatigued or uncomfortable due to having just observed the Fast of the Firstborn. According to the Mateh Moshe and Mahari"l, a firstborn who is fatigued or uncomfortable from the fast may eat some food before the search, or another person may be appointed to perform the search on behalf of the firstborn.
After completing the search, we recite the first kol chamira, a text found in any haggadah or Passover prayer book. We recite this passage to nullify any chametz that may not have been found. Chametz to be eaten on Friday and Shabbos is stored in a safe place, where it will not get mixed with the Pesach foods.
The Shabbos meals
The first of the three meals is consumed on Friday evening, as usual. On Saturday morning, morning services at synagogue are held earlier than usual in most communities. Following services, a second meal is held; it is a proper practice to divide this meal into two because according to some opinions one fulfills Shalosh Seudot in this manner.One should not eat the challah over the Pesach utensils and tablecloths. One should prepare the exact amount you need for the members of your household, in order to avoid being stuck with leftovers. It is best for to serve small rolls, as they leave fewer crumbs, and to eat over a tissue or napkin, which can be flushed down the toilet when done. After finishing the challah, any leftover chametz should be disposed of by crumbling them over the toilet and flushing it. When done, the second kol chamira is recited. For those who are concerned about having chametz around, there is also the option of eating kosher for Passover egg matzos or cooked matzos. Consult your rabbi to know how much of it must be consumed.
Chametz may not be eaten after the fourth halachic hour on Shabbos morning. Consult a Jewish calendar for the exact time in your area. One may not eat Passover matzos this entire day. We eat the meal early in the morning, so that the challah is finished at the proper time. For those who used egg matzos or cooked matzos, consult your rabbi if you can eat this later in the day.
Many people utilize the long Shabbos afternoon as an opportunity to familiarize themselves with the text and translation of the Haggadah in advance of the Seder. It is also a good idea to take a nap, but one may not verbally express that they are taking a nap in preparation of the Seder, as doing so would be considered preparing from the Sabbath for after the Sabbath.
Observing ''Seudah Shlishit''
Seudah Shlishit is the third meal of Shabbat, usually eaten on Shabbat afternoon. Traditionally, two loaves of bread are served with the three Shabbat meals, including Seudah Shlishit. However, when the Eve of Passover falls on Shabbat, the restriction on consuming such chametz begins on Saturday morning. As such, it is a proper practice to divide the morning meal into two because according to some opinions one fulfills Shalosh Seudot in this manner; however, most opinions assume that this doesn't work as Seudah Shelishit must be eaten in the afternoon, so many do not observe this practice.In the afternoon, one should eat meat, fish or fruit sometime in the afternoon. In some communities, egg matzah or cooked matzah is eaten at this meal. It is proper to refrain from eating too much so as to maintain an appetite for the matzah at the Seder.
Preparations for the Seder, such as setting the table, washing the dishes, or making the salt water, may not be made until after Shabbos is over.
Havdalah is inserted into the Kiddush at the Seder as it appears in a Haggadah, and va'todi'enu is recited in Shemoneh Esrei of Maariv just like any other Yom Tov that falls at the conclusion of the sabbath.