Saying Mizmor LeTodah During Pesach: The Sephardic Custom

Question

I recently prayed at a Sephardic minyan, and the chazzan recited Mizmor LeTodah during Shacharit on Chol HaMoed Pesach. As far as I know, the halachah—at least according to Ashkenazi custom—is that Mizmor LeTodah is not recited during Pesach. I was unsure whether the chazzan made a mistake, or whether this reflects a legitimate Sephardic custom. Could you please clarify this matter?

Answer

Indeed, the Sephardic custom is to recite Mizmor LeTodah as usual throughout Chol HaMoed Pesach, as well as on Erev Pesach. This stands in contrast to the widespread Ashkenazi custom, which is to omit it.

Explanation

Many Ashkenazi authorities, beginning with the Rema and other Ashkenazi poskim, record the custom to omit Mizmor LeTodah during Pesach. The reason given is that the Korban Todah included forty loaves, ten of which were chametz, and since chametz may not be offered on Pesach, the thanksgiving offering could not be brought at that time. For this reason, the corresponding psalm is omitted.

However, a number of Sephardic authorities disagreed with this reasoning. They argued that the recitation of Mizmor LeTodah during prayer is not directly connected to the actual offering of the korban, and therefore the fact that chametz was part of the sacrifice is irrelevant to its recitation in tefillah. Accordingly, the Sephardic custom is to continue reciting Mizmor LeTodah throughout Pesach.

It is interesting to note that although the Alter Rebbe writes in several places that Mizmor LeTodah is omitted on Erev Pesach and during Chol HaMoed Pesach, the Tzemach Tzedek nevertheless records and defends the practice of those who do recite it.

Sources:

Custom to omit: Admur 429:13; Kama 1:17; 51:1; Siddur Admur; Rama 429:2; 51:9; M”A 429:7; Taz 467; Kitzur SHU”A 14:5

Custom to recite: Kneses Hagedola on Beis Yosef 51:8-9; Peri Chadash 429:2; Shalmei Tzibur p. 68; Zechor Leavraham 429; Kaf Hachaim Falagi 12:19; Kaf Hachaim 51:51; 429:39; Chazon Ovadia Pesach p. 8; Tzemach Tzedek Chidushim Pesachim p. 208 defends the custom; See Rebbe in Igros Kodesh 3 p. 71-72