5–10 Nisan: Preparing for Pesach

5 Nisan — Drawing "Mayim Shelanu"

On the fifth of Nisan, the Chabad tradition includes a special custom: the Rebbe would personally go out to draw "mayim shelanu" — water that has "rested overnight" (literally "our water"). This water is used for baking shmura matza — matza that is guarded from the very moment of the wheat harvest. What appears to be a simple act — drawing water — contains deep meaning: preparation for liberation begins with the smallest details. Every step in Pesach preparation is an act of mindfulness, transforming a physical action into spiritual service to G-d. The Rebbe emphasized that the very meticulousness in preparing "mayim shelanu" reflects our striving for perfection in serving the Almighty.

10 Nisan — Separating the Paschal Lamb

On the tenth of Nisan, four days before the Exodus from Egypt, G-d commanded every Jewish family to set aside a lamb for the Passover offering (Exodus 12:3). This was an act of extraordinary courage: the lamb was a deity of the Egyptians, and tying it to the bedpost meant openly defying idolatry. The number ten in Jewish tradition is connected to the ten Sefirot — the channels through which Divine light descends into the world. Preparation for Pesach enters its active phase during these days: thorough cleaning of the home from chametz, checking utensils, purchasing supplies. All of this is not merely household chores but spiritual work of purifying the soul from "inner chametz" — pride and complacency.