"Rebbi Yehoshua says, in [Chodesh] Nisan we were redeemed [from Egypt] and in [Chodesh] Nisan we will be redeemed [from our current Galus with the arrival of Mashiach]"
Although the arrival of Mashiach can happen at any given moment throughout the year and indeed it is incumbent on every Jew to anticipate, and fervently pray for, his imminent arrival, the month of Nisan is particularly destined and ripe to be the month of the final Geulah. (For a deeper understanding of this distinction see Turei Even Rosh Hashana 11b, Shu"t Teshuva M'Ahava Siman 211and Peleisi end of Siman 110)
2) Techiyas Hameisim, the Resurrection of the Dead which will take place at some point during the period of Mashiach's arrival (May it be soon) will take place in the month of Nisan. (Tur Siman 490 quoting Rav Hai Gaon, He also writes there that the war of Gog U'Magog will take place in the month of Tishrei)
One of the reasons cited for the white garment known as a Kittel being worn at the Pesach Seder is to have a palpable reminder that Techiyas Hameisim will take place on Pesach, at which time the Talmud (Kesubos 111b) tells us that all Tzadikim will rise fully clothed. (See Sifsei Chachamim Megilah 31a Dibur Hamaschil Afturei B'Pesach at length for more connections between Techiyas Hameisim and Nisan/Pesach)
QUESTION & ANSWER CORNER
Reader Submitted Questions of interest on topics related to Halachos we covered, as well as other interesting topic and Answers. Taken from the Q & A pages on the Halacha For Today website.
Although the answers I give to questions are taken directly from the Sifrei HaPoskim, and aren't my own, they are still for study purposes only, NOT for Psak Halacha.
Questions can be emailed to HalachaForToday@Yahoo.com
Reader's Question:
Can a microwave be Koshered for Pesach?
Answer:
Koshering a Chometz microwave for Pesach use is something that should ideally not be done unless extremely necessary.
If being Koshered, the following procedure should be employed:
The microwave should be totally cleaned.
A cup or bowl of water should be placed inside and the microwave turned on for approximately 10 minutes. The bowl with water should then be placed in a different spot in the microwave, and the microwave should be turned on for an additional 5-10 minutes.
If there is a glass plate in the microwave, a Rav should be consulted regarding if it is able to be Koshered, and if so, how. (See Piskei Teshuva Orach Chaim Simon 451 for more on this topic)
If there are any plastic components on the inside surface of the microwave, a Rav should be consulted to determine if it is possible to Kosher.
If the microwave has a browning element or is a convection oven, it needs to be cleaned, and then turned on to its highest setting for 45 minutes, in order to reach its highest heat and thus render the oven Koshered.
There are certain models that do not reach the required temperature to effect a proper Koshering, so it's important to check with a Rav regarding your particular model.
The food being warmed up in the microwave on Pesach should be double wrapped, even after Koshering. (See Shu"t Teshuvos V'Hanhagos Vol. 2 Siman 212 and Yalkut Yosef Vol. 5 page 360)
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