Introduction
In commemoration of the fact that G-d spared the Jewish firstborn when He smote the firstborn of the Egyptians, all firstborn Jewish men and boys fast on Erev Pesach.
It is customary to arrange a Siyum, a ceremony where a tractate of Talmud is publicly completed, attended by firstborn men and boys. The ceremony is considered a seudas mitzvah, at which one should eat, and they are then exempt from fasting the rest of the day.
Knowledge Needed
Young children – either biologically young or those who are “young” in their Torah knowledge – should also participate in the Siyum, despite their inability to comprehend the material.
Last Minute Maos Chitim
Just before Pesach, we should again increase and complete our efforts at providing the needy with all that they require, and doing so with alacrity.
We should add – expending far greater energy than we have until now – in our Pesach preparations, our study of the Pesach laws, and our donations to Maos Chitim (supplying Pesach requirements to the needy).
