Passover 5785

There are many ‘I’s to dot and ‘T’s to cross to prepare for Passover properly.

This year, with the holiday beginning on Saturday night, it makes for a few more challenges.

• Because we do not fast on Shabbat, the Siyyum for the first born will take place Thursday morning, April 10th after 7:30 PM minyan. 

• While we usually rid ourselves of Chametz by burning it the morning of the Passover Seder, we are prohibited from burning on Shabbat. Therefore, Biyyur Hametz – ridding our home of Chametz – is usually done when the first Seder is Saturday night, by throwing it in the garbage or flushing it down the toilet with the necessary prescription. (We have searching for Chametz kits at the Temple for whoever needs, and Omer counters).
• The sale of Chametz will take effect on Friday afternoon by the rabbis. All Chametz needs to be sold to them by Friday, April 11, 2025 at 2:00 PM.
• It is prohibited to eat Matzah the day preceding Passover. The first bites should be at the Seder. It is also prohibited to eat bread after 10:00 AM on Saturday April 12, 2025. While we need to eat a small size of bread to constitute a meal for Shabbat, it should be done by or before that hour (10:00 AM). Also, as a result, there will be NO Kiddush lunch or Hamotzi at Temple Emanu-El on Shabbat morning. We will make up for that Sunday and Monday with Kiddush!
• Selling of Chametz is important not only for the holiday of Passover but also because we are forbidden to eat leavened products that were not properly sold on Passover. You can use the following form to sell you Chametz to the clergy for the holiday to alleviate those issues.
• With rising grocery prices, too many in our community need help for the holiday. Like all years, we collect for the Maot Hittim fund to provide Passover meals and grocery cards to all who are hungry. If you would like to contribute, please click HERE.
• This year we also made a meaningful contribution to the Abuyadaya Jewish Community in Uganda to help supply Matzah and wine for Passover. Thanks to those who would like to join in this Mitzvah.
• Anyone who needs a place to attend Passover, please reach out to Rabbis Kirshner or Ruberg by email or phone call. We will help placement with discretion and dignity for all.
• Starting the second night of Passover, we begin to count the Omer. If you would like to receive our sports counter reminder, daily, please click HERE. We also have some hard copy Omer counters for you to take at the Temple.