As Passover quickly approaches, many people have questions about how best to prepare for the holiday. From recent concerns about kosher egg supplies to tips and tricks for getting your home ready, Rabbi Levy Teitlebaum of the Ottawa Vaad HaKashrut (OVH) provides timely insight to help you and your family make the most of this special time of year.
This year, one notable concern is the supply of kosher eggs on Canadian shelves. With many kosher birds in the United States — home to several major kashrut agencies — being affected by avian flu, the flow of kosher eggs into Canada has been disrupted. This raises questions about both the quantity and quality of the eggs available.
Rabbi Teitlebaum shared that “the standards for the health and safety of eggs that are being allowed by the authorities has lowered due to supply and demand issues. Because of this, we have to ensure whether the species of bird [the eggs] are coming from are kosher and whether or not there will be blood spots in the eggs.”
Despite these challenges, there is reason for optimism. Rabbi Teitlebaum was part of a recent meeting with kashrut agencies across the country, where they reaffirmed their commitment to upholding the same standard of kosher certification as before the avian flu outbreak. Agencies are working closely with suppliers to ensure that kosher eggs arriving in Canada remain both halachically sound and safe.
Eggs play a critical role during Passover — not just in cooking, but symbolically. On the seder plate, a roasted egg (beitzah) represents the festival sacrifice once offered in the Temple and is a symbol of mourning for its loss. Many families also follow the custom of eating a hard-boiled or roasted egg dipped in salt water before the meal. Practically speaking, eggs are also a staple in Passover recipes, serving as a pareve alternative and rising agent, especially since leavening agents are not permitted.
And for those preparing their homes, here are some helpful tips to ease the process:
Start with a Plan
Make a checklist of rooms to clean and tasks to complete. Prioritize areas where chametz is commonly found: kitchen, dining area, living room, car, and kids’ rooms.
Declutter Before You Clean
Use this opportunity to get rid of expired food, old snacks, and unnecessary items. It makes the actual cleaning much easier.
Chametz Search Zones
Focus cleaning efforts on places where chametz may have been brought: couch cushions, coat pockets, backpacks, car seats, etc.
Sell or Burn Chametz
If you're looking to sell your chametz, there are several ways to do so locally. "All local rabbis can help you sell your chametz," said Rabbi Teitlebaum. You can also sell chametz online through Chabad here.
Switch Over Your Kitchen
Clean appliances thoroughly — especially the oven, stovetop, and microwave. Line shelves, drawers, and counters. If you need help kashering utensils, pots, and metal silverware, you can bring it to Hillel Lodge this Sunday, April 6, between 1:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. Rabbi Teitlebaum will be on-site to kasher it for you.
Stock Up on Kosher for Passover Items
Loblaws at College Square, 1980 Baseline Rd., has the largest selection of kosher for Passover food in Ottawa. However, there are several other grocery stories that have special Passover sections including Metro on Greenbank and many area Loblaws have small dedicated Passover sections.
Get the Family Involved
Give kids age-appropriate tasks like vacuuming, dusting, or sorting food. Make it fun with music or a countdown chart. Visit PJ Library for tips.
Remember Passover is about freedom, not perfection. Cleaning can be meaningful without being overwhelming.
“I encourage people to use Passover as an opportunity to connect with the next and previous generations,” said Rabbi Teitlebaum. “Call your parents and children and share memories of Passover, they'll appreciate it.”
If you have questions for Rabbi Teitlebaum, he can be reached at rteitlebaum@jewishottawa.com.
For a listing of Passover community events and seders as well as links to online Haggadahs, visit our Passover page here.