As Pesach approaches, we often find ourselves in a whirlwind of physical preparations, cleaning every corner of our homes, removing every crumb of chametz. But, as Rabbanit Yemima Mizrachi so beautifully teaches, the real challenge lies not only in the dirt and clutter but in our mouths and our hearts. This is a time when we must be extraordinarily cautious with our speech, for we are under the influence of Pharaoh, whose very name contains the Hebrew words “פה רע” – an evil mouth. It is not merely the physical crumbs that weigh us down, but the careless words and thoughts that can corrupt our inner sanctuaries.

The Power of the Mouth in Nisan

Rabbi Pincus explains that Nisan is the month of rebirth, paralleling the birth of a child. Just as a newborn enters the world with a closed navel and an open mouth, we too are spiritually reborn during this time. However, as we open our mouths, we risk falling into arguments, complaints, and negativity. We forget all the wisdom we’ve acquired, letting the stress of Pesach overwhelm us.

How do we reclaim control? Through our speech. By consciously choosing to speak well, to daven, and to express gratitude, we reshape our reality. Rabbanit Yemima suggests a beautiful, simple practice: sing “Ma Nishtana” throughout the week leading up to Pesach. This small act can reduce tension and cultivate a sense of peace. Singing can shift the atmosphere in your home, infusing it with joy and mindfulness.

Rosh Chodesh Nisan: A Time of Renewal

On Rosh Chodesh Nisan, we ask for growth and greatness, just as the moon waxes and wanes. The Kiddush Levana prayer reminds us to ask for wholeness, for light in our lives, and for Hashem to heal us from our wounds, both physical and emotional. As women, we are invited to pray not only for material blessings like jewelry and new clothes for the chag but also for beauty—inner beauty, the kind that shines through when we feel connected to ourselves, our families, and to God.

Rabbanit Yemima emphasizes the notion of royalty during this month. Rosh Chodesh Nisan is the new year for kings, and we are encouraged to ask for our own personal malchut (sovereignty). It’s not just about ruling others, but about mastering ourselves—our impulses, our desires, and the chaos around us.

Spiritual Cleaning: Making Space for Redemption

Pesach cleaning can feel overwhelming, but it’s also an opportunity for deep spiritual work. Just as we rid our homes of chametz, we can rid ourselves of emotional clutter. The extra possessions we hold onto, the things we think we “might need someday,” often drain our energy. Rabbanit Yemima reminds us: “If the article of clothing gets no use, it has no life force, and it starts to suck it from you.” It’s a powerful metaphor for the way unneeded objects—and unresolved emotions—sap our vitality.

By decluttering our homes, we make space for something new. Pesach isn’t just about removing chametz; it’s about creating an environment where new life, new ideas, and new blessings can enter. This is especially true for women. When we clean, we’re not just fighting dirt—we’re making room for redemption.

The Love in Overdoing It

One of the most comforting insights from Rabbanit Yemima is her perspective on “overdoing it.” Yes, women tend to go overboard in their Pesach preparations. We clean places where no chametz could logically be hiding, and we stress over details that may seem excessive. But this, she explains, is a form of love. When women “overdo it,” we are expressing our deep devotion to the mitzvah. It’s the same kind of love that led the women in Egypt to insist on having children, even in the darkest times. It’s the same love that led them to donate endlessly to the building of the Mishkan.

This love, this overdoing, is not a burden—it’s our gift.

Gratitude as You Clean

As we scrub and scour, it’s easy to lose sight of the holiness in our efforts. Rabbanit Yemima encourages us to transform the way we approach our cleaning. With every corner we dust, every closet we declutter, we should be offering prayers and expressing gratitude. Thank Hashem for every possession, every room, and every small detail in your life. Pray that everything you have serves a higher purpose and brings you closer to Him.

Shabbat HaGadol: Love Over Fear

The Shabbat before Pesach is called Shabbat HaGadol, commemorating the great miracle that occurred when the Israelites publicly prepared their Pesach offerings without fear of Egyptian retaliation. But it also represents a spiritual shift. The Shabbat before Yom Kippur is rooted in fear (Yirah), but the Shabbat before Pesach is rooted in love (Ahavah). It’s a reminder that while fear can motivate us, love is what truly elevates us. As we enter Pesach, we are invited to serve Hashem out of love, not just obligation. This Shabbat gives us the spiritual energy we need to approach Pesach with joy and openness.

Conclusion

As we prepare for Pesach, let’s remember that our efforts, both physical and spiritual, are deeply intertwined. The cleaning, the cooking, the organizing—all of it is an opportunity for transformation. By watching our speech, decluttering our homes and hearts, and approaching our work with love, we create the space for redemption, for miracles, and for true freedom. May this Pesach bring us all closer to our inner malchut, and may we usher in a time of peace, joy, and growth.

Chodesh Tov and a joyful, meaningful Pesach to all!