In the auspicious days between, or in proximity to, Pesach Sheni and Lag B’omer, we should hold a special farbrengen in every location.
In the joyful atmosphere of these farbrengens, we should seek to inspire others to correct and improve all areas of their divine service.
Joyfully Repair the Past
However, we should ensure that even discussions on ways to fix the past are not conducted in a negative or depressing manner, G-d forbid; but rather, in a spirit of joy.
Notachanun
We do not recite tachanun (penitentiary supplications) on Pesach Sheni; although tachanun is recited during Minchah of the previous day.
It is customary to conclude a farbrengen with a practical instruction, since HaMa’aser Hu HaIkar – "The main thing is the deed":
For a start, we spoke about arranging farbrengens in every location, in connection with the lesson and directive of Pesach Sheni. Our efforts at Tikun (correction) and Teshuvah (repentance) should also be done, not amidst despondency, G-d forbid, but rather, specifically with joy - and through a Chassidishe farbrengen.
In addition, there is great practical superiority to be gained by gathering together to discuss the way to correct and complete all aspects of divine service to the most perfect extent.
However, regarding the actual matter that needs to be corrected or completed, one does not require another to rouse him to take action - but rather, he arouses himself, on his own initiative. That is how it was in the original episode of Pesach Sheni [as recorded in the Torah], where the men came forward on their own initiative, without anyone prompting them, and complained to Moshe, "lamah nigarah – why should we lose out?!"
There are many special customs associated with Pesach Sheni, including the marvelous opportunity of an additional farbrengen together with many Jewish men, women and children; held in an atmosphere of ahavas yisrael and achdus yisrael.
Eat Matzah
We should make a point of eating Matzah during the daytime meal of Pesach Sheni.
[The Rebbe’s custom (in the majority of years) was to also eat Matzah on the night of Iyar 15 (Motzei Pesach Sheni).]
We should already begin to "live" with the spirit of Pesach Sheni during the afternoon of Iyar 13.
Whether or not Tachanun is recited in kri'as shema she’al hamitah [said before retiring at night] on the eve of Iyar 15 remains unclear.
The Pesach Sheni sacrifice was actually eaten with Matzah on the eve of the Iyar 15. Nevertheless, the sacrifice was offered on the day of Iyar 14. Hence the custom to eat Matzah during the day of Iyar 14, commemorating the beginning of the festival.
[See Parshas Shemini 5740, regarding some who have additional hiddur of eating Matzah on the eve of Pesach Sheni (Iyar 14) as well.]
