Helping Others with Passover Needs

The obligations of the month of Nissan already begin thirty days before Passover, when Jewish communities begin to collect for those in need “wheat money” for the matzos. This fund enables them to have the three matzos required when recounting the story of the Exodus on Passover eve.

Although matzah can be from lesser-quality grains, this subsidy is nevertheless called “wheat money.” On Passover every Jew is “a free person”—so even if one chooses to be frugal for himself, for one’s fellow Jew it must be the very best. And the same goes for the rest of the festive meal, and all the other holiday needs—including new Passover best, and treats for the children.

By beginning the obligations of the month of Nissan already thirty days before, may we already see the “Nisei nisim—miracles of miracles” hinted to in the very name of the month.