Pesach Prep
- Chaya Deutsch
- 1 day ago
- 2 min read
Have you ever found yourself standing in your kitchen, surrounded by cleaning supplies, cookware, and what feels like an insurmountable mountain of preparation, and suddenly wondered: "Is this what freedom really looks like?"
You're not alone. The irony of Pesach preparation—a holiday celebrating liberation—often feels like anything but freedom.
As we approach Pesach, many of us feel a familiar tension rising. The week’s leading up to yontif can feel like an emotional marathon. The endless lists, the meticulous cleaning, the pressure to create the perfect Seder—it can transform what should be a spiritually uplifting experience into an anxiety-inducing ordeal. Many of us find ourselves jumping between excitement and exhaustion, between the desire to have a beautiful seder and the very human tendency to feel overwhelmed.
But what if we could pause? What if, in the midst of scrubbing another surface or checking another ingredient, we could take a breath and remember the deeper essence of this z'man cherutenu—our time of freedom?
Releasing Our Inner Mitzrayim
Mitzrayim was never just a geographical location. It's a metaphor for any place of confinement—the narrow straits of our minds, the self-imposed limitations, the endless loops of anxiety and perfectionism that keep us trapped. Just as our ancestors broke free from physical bondage, Pesach offers us an invitation: to liberate ourselves from the internal constraints that bind us more tightly than any external chains ever could.
Practical Mindfulness Strategies
Breathe and Be Present: When overwhelmed by preparations, pause. Take three deep breaths. Remember that Hashem doesn't demand perfection—He desires our sincere effort and connection. Each moment of preparation can be an act of avodas Hashem when approached with intentionality.
Reframe Your Narrative: Instead of seeing Pesach preparation as a burden, view it as a spiritual opportunity. Each room you clean can represent removing the chametz of negative thought patterns. Each meal you prepare becomes an act of chessed for your family and relatives.
Set Realistic Expectations: True freedom means liberating yourself from impossible standards. It's okay if everything isn't Pinterest-perfect. The Seder is about telling over sippur yetzias mitzrayim, connecting with family, and experiencing gratitude—not about creating Instagram-worthy tablescapes.
A Personal Invitation
Remember, the greatest miracle of Yetziat Mitzrayim wasn't just leaving slavery—it was discovering our potential for transformation. Cheirus isn't just external freedom—it's the ability to choose our response.
This Pesach, choose presence over perfection.
Choose connection over criticism.
Choose joy over judgment.
May you find the courage to free yourself from internal constraints. Chag Pesach Kasher V'Sameach!