Amid the ongoing war and continued rocket alerts, Rav Yitzchok Yosef has released detailed halachic instructions for how to conduct Pesach preparations and the Seder under emergency conditions, addressing scenarios such as sirens during kiddush or achilas matzah, and guidelines for those displaced from their homes.

The guidance was issued with a tefillah that the war should end in a decisive victory before Pesach, allowing families to conduct the Seder without disruption. However, recognizing that hostilities may continue, the Rishon LeTzion outlined practical rulings for those facing these circumstances.

Regarding bedikas chametz, he rules that if a siren sounds after making the brachah, one should quickly check even a small area, such as a drawer, and then proceed immediately to a protected space. In a situation where there is no time at all, one must go straight to safety without speaking. After the danger passes, the search should resume without repeating the brachah.

In shared spaces such as a communal shelter, protected room, or stairwell, there is an obligation to perform bedikas chametz. Residents should appoint a representative, such as a building committee member, to check on behalf of everyone. If some neighbors are not observant, one should have in mind not to acquire any chametz they leave behind.

Someone whose home was damaged by missile strikes and is no longer living there should include any chametz remaining inside in the sale of chametz to a non-Jew. Evacuees staying in hotels are required to perform bedikas chametz with a brachah in their rooms.

If individuals in a shared protected space bring chametz during Pesach while sheltering from a siren, it is proper to gently explain the seriousness of the matter. If they do not listen, one is still permitted to remain there.

Addressing Seder night, the Rishon LeTzion rules that if a siren is heard during kiddush in an area where there are two to three minutes to respond, one should quickly complete kiddush, drink a revi’is while reclining, and then go to a protected area. If there is no time, one must stop immediately—even in the middle of a bracha—and go to safety. Upon returning, the brachah should be restarted from the beginning.

If one needs to relocate during achilas matzah or korech and continue eating in a protected space, no new brachah is required, and the same applies during the meal.

If a brachah was made on matzah or maror and a siren sounds, one should take a small bite and go immediately to safety. Upon returning, one should eat 27 grams while reclining without making another brachah. It is preferable to be stringent and eat two kezaysim while reclining. Speaking during a siren is permitted when necessary—for example, to alert others to go to a protected room—but one should minimize talking, since the brachah on achilas matzah also covers korech, and one should not speak until eating korech.

If a siren interrupts the brachah of “Asher Ge’alanu” and there is no time to delay, one should stop in the middle of the bracha and proceed to a protected space. The brachah may be continued there even without holding the cup, and upon returning, one should drink the second cup while reclining.

If one drinks the second cup or eats a kezayis of matzah in a protected area and cannot recline properly, one should at least tilt slightly to the left while eating or drinking.

If a siren sounds during the reading of the Haggadah, one should stop immediately—even in the middle of a posuk—and go to safety. Upon returning, it is preferable to resume from the beginning of that section.

The Rishon LeTzion concluded his message with a brachah: “With wishes for a kosher and joyous festival, may you merit many pleasant and good years, and with a prayer for the soldiers that they return to their homes for good life and peace for long days and years. With the blessing of the Torah.”

{Matzav.com}