Erev Pesach is on Shabbes

Because the first seder is Saturday night, certain preparations for Pesach are moved earlier this year. Ta’anit bechorot, the fast of the first-born, is on Thursday. Bedikat chametz, the ritual search for hametz with blessing, is done Thursday night. All chametz not being used for Shabbes meals should be disposed of by 11:30 Friday morning. No chametz may be eaten later than a few minutes after 10 on Saturday, and the formula for bittul chametz should be said by 10:30.

 

There are different practices and opinions about what to use for motzi on Shabbat; it’s permissible to eat challah Friday night, as long as you are careful to dispose of the crumbs! There is a prohibition against eating matzah on erev Pesach (the day before the seder), but egg matzah can be used for motzi on Friday night or Shabbat day.

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Here is a summary of the ritual pieces:

Thursday night: bedikat chametz - the ritual search for chametz

Friday morning: biur chametz - disposing of the chametz by burning it, flushing it down the toilet, or scattering it to the wind. This year, we do not recite the formula on Friday morning.

Saturday morning: bittul chametz - nullifying chametz in our hearts by repeating this formula in any language we understand:

כָּל־חֲמִירָא וַחֲמִיעָא דְּאִכָּא בִרְשׁוּתִי דְּלָא חֲמִתֵּהּ וּדְלָא בַעֲרִתֵּהּ לִבְטִיל וְלֶהֱוֵי כְּעַפְרָא דְאַרְעָא

Kol chamira v’chamiya d’ika virshuti d’la chamitae u’d’la va’aritei livtil vlehevei k’afra d’ara.

May all chametz or leaven that is in my possession, whether I have seen it or not, whether I have removed it or not, be annulled and deemed like the dust of the earth.

 

A Note On Preparing for Pesach

Preparing a home for Pesach can be satisfying, and can be overwhelming! It can make people feel left out or totally drained. It can make people feel like they will never be able to do a good enough job or be a “good enough Jew.”  Everyone can find a practice that is meaningful and works for them. If you are looking for any support with your practice this year, please do not hesitate to reach out to Rabbi Leora.

 

Mechirat Chametz / Selling Chametz

One way people “remove” the chametz in their home, when it would be a financial burden to give or throw it all away, is by selling it to a non-Jew for the duration of the holiday. The chametz is stored in a hidden, sealed off place in your home, and then sold to a non-Jewish person. Ideally, you would make the sale yourself, in person - if you would like help learning how to do that, let me know! If you would like to authorize me to sell your chametz for you, please complete this form by 11 am on Thursday, April 10. If you need a version of the form you can print, or if you need a printed copy, let me know.

 

Tzedakah: Let all who are hungry come and eat

As Passover approaches, we all have the opportunity to fulfill the beautiful mitzvah of Maot Chittim (“wheat money”) by making a donation to Yad Chessed to ensure that every member of our community can afford food and joyfully celebrate this cherished holiday.

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Maot Chittim is a mitzvah which dates to ancient times when individuals would contribute funds so that everyone in their community could afford the necessary provisions for the Passover holiday. Yad Chessed, an organization focused solely on assisting Jews in our community currently struggling with financial hardship and food insecurity, is committed to upholding this tradition by helping families purchase food on Passover. Your generous donation will contribute to ensuring that no one is left behind during this special time of year.

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By giving to Yad Chessed, you are not only fulfilling a fundamental mitzvah but also spreading hope, joy, and unity throughout our community. And, if you know of someone in our community who is struggling with financial challenges, please encourage them to reach out to Yad Chessed (https://www.yadchessed.org/intake-form/) for assistance.