מנהגי חב"ד לפסח שני

1. The Background and Message of Pesach Sheni

Pesach Sheni, observed on the 14th of Iyar, is a unique date in the Jewish calendar. It was established for those who, for legitimate reasons, were unable to bring the korban Pesach—the Passover offering—on the 14th of Nisan. Hashem, in His compassion, provided a second opportunity for these individuals to fulfill this mitzvah a month later. This concept carries a powerful message: it is never too late to make up for missed opportunities in our service of Hashem. Even if one has missed an important mitzvah, there is often a way to rectify and reconnect. The practical observance in the times of the Beis HaMikdash was that people would bring the korban Pesach on this day just as they would on Erev Pesach in Nisan. The animal was slaughtered in the afternoon and eaten at night, similar to the Seder night experience.

2. The Status of Pesach Sheni as a Holiday

Unlike other holidays, Pesach Sheni does not have the status of a full-fledged yom tov. There are no special prohibitions or festive meals associated with it beyond the bringing and eating of the korban. The main observance was centered around the offering itself, which took place during the afternoon of the 14th of Iyar, with its consumption at night. This distinction also affects how we treat certain prayers and customs associated with holidays. For example, while on most days preceding a holiday we omit Tachanun—supplicatory prayers—from Mincha, on Erev Pesach Sheni we do not omit Tachanun at Mincha since Pesach Sheni is not considered a full holiday.

3. Chabad Customs Regarding Tachanun on Pesach Sheni

There is discussion regarding whether Tachanun should be omitted during various prayers connected to Pesach Sheni. According to Chabad custom as brought by the Alter Rebbe and discussed by the Rebbe, even though tomorrow (the 14th of Iyar) we do not say Tachanun, tonight at Kriyas Shema she'al hamitah—the bedtime Shema—we also refrain from saying Tachanun. This is considered somewhat novel since technically there is no holiday status at night. The Rebbe points out that this practice requires explanation because there is no inherent sanctity to the night before Pesach Sheni; nevertheless, Chabad custom follows this approach. Furthermore, there is discussion about whether to say Tachanun tomorrow night after Pesach Sheni has passed. The Rebbe compares this situation to what we do after Shabbos or Rosh Chodesh: just as we do not say Tachanun immediately after those days, so too here.

4. The Custom of Eating Matzah on Pesach Sheni

A well-known custom associated with Pesach Sheni is eating matzah. The question arises: when should one eat matzah? Technically, since the original offering was brought during the day and eaten at night (like at the Seder), some are accustomed to eat matzah during the daytime of Pesach Sheni. However, it is brought down that the Rebbe himself would also eat matzah at night as well as during the day. In Israel, some have a custom to eat matzah tonight and recite special texts such as “the hadra of Rabbi Meir.” Nevertheless, from a halachic perspective, tonight (the eve of the 14th) is not really connected to eating matzah; rather, it commemorates bedikas chametz—the search for chametz—and not yet eating matzah like on Seder night. The main time for eating matzah in connection with Pesach Sheni remains during its actual observance on the 14th by day or possibly that evening.

5. Halachic Debates About Bringing Korban Pesach Today

There has been much discussion among authorities regarding whether it would be possible or obligatory to bring a korban Pesach today if one were within walking distance of Yerushalayim even without a standing Beis HaMikdash. Some Rishonim maintain that being close enough could obligate one in bringing an offering even nowadays. The Rebbe once suggested that people should avoid being within walking distance of Yerushalayim on Erev Pesach or Erev Pesach Sheni so as not to incur this obligation according to those opinions. However, he later clarified that due to current political realities and practical impossibilities—despite Israel’s control over certain holy sites—there is no real obligation or possibility today to bring such an offering. This topic was discussed extensively between the Rebbe and Rav Zevin among others but ultimately does not apply practically today.

6. The Enduring Lesson of Pesach Sheni

Above all else, Pesach Sheni teaches us that “it’s never too late.” If one missed an opportunity—whether due to circumstances beyond their control or otherwise—Hashem provides another chance for connection and rectification. This message applies broadly across all areas of our service: we should always seek ways to make up what was missed and never despair from returning or improving our relationship with Hashem. The customs surrounding Tachanun and eating matzah serve as reminders of this powerful lesson embedded within Jewish tradition through Pesach Sheni.