Although Passover can provide various opportunities to save money, for example by not eating or drinking outside and having to avoid some favorite foods and snacks, it can also be an expensive time of the year for observant Jews. This is especially true if you are having many guests over for a Passover seder. Many grocery items and snacks that are acceptable to eat are pricey. This page provides information, tips and some great ideas on how to have a cheap Passover.

The most expensive costs associated with Passover for observant Jews is the purchase of specific food and drinks that are kosher for Passover. Any food containing chametz, (food made from the five grains wheat, barley, rye, oats, spelt, or their derivatives), which has leavened or fermented, is prohibited. Many Jews also don't eat kitniyot (legumes) during Passover. Food that is kosher for Passover is usually more expensive, especially if you are picky and still want your favorite foods.

• If you follow Passover dietary guidelines and want to save money during Passover, the most important thing is to plan ahead. Instead of doing your kosher for Passover shopping in the last minute, go shopping beforehand and stock up on items for Passover.

1. Buy kosher for Passover before Passover.
2. To remain kosher for Passover, the items cannot be opened beforehand.
3. Buy items such as matzah in bulks and share with others.
4. Make shopping lists and don't buy more items than you will use during Passover.
5. This also applies to products bought before Passover - plan head so you don't have to waste them and try to use up as many products as possible before Passover.

1. Although many meals must be cooked from scratch during Passover, some pre-made and frozen food can be found in stores. It is generally cheaper to cook from scratch. If you have time, also consider to bake from scratch instead of buying ready-made expensive baking mixtures for Passover.

2. Cook from scratch.

3. Bake from scratch.

4. Consult kosher cooking books or Web sites for guidelines on how to bake during Passover.

• When preparing for the Passover Seder, consider the same guidelines. Plan ahead to avoid finding only the most expensive items left in the store and to catch any sales on products.

1. Follow the above guide lines.
2. Use leftovers for meals for the following days.
3. Use the products bought for the Seder to prepare other meals during Passover.

Although many households still permanently get rid of chametz and kitniyot before Passover, for example through donations, it is becoming more common to instead sell it to someone who is not Jewish, and then buy it back after Passover. The person buys the food for a symbolic sum, which you then pay after Passover to get back the food. This is considered acceptable if the transaction is made through a Rabbi.

• Introduction
• Step 1: Plan Ahead
• Step 2: Cook from Scratch
• Step 3: The Passover Seder
• Step 4: Sell Your Chametz