During Passover, it is technically forbidden to have any chametz, or leaven, in our possession. Because we cannot finish it all, and it is improper to destroy usable food, the rabbis provided for a symbolic sale of all chametz to a non-Jew who then “sells” it back to us after Pesach. The chametz is then no longer “in our possession” during the holiday. Technical ownership reverts back to us when the festival is over.
Deadline to complete sale of chametz through Shaare Torah: Friday, April 11 at 11:30 AM
The Fast of the Firstborn is a tradition where firstborns don’t eat on the day before Pesach. But, if Pesach starts on a Saturday night, the fast happens on Thursday. This fast commemorates how God protected the firstborn Israelites during the last plague that was inflicted upon the Egyptians. Instead of fasting, people can join a special meal called a Siyyum, which happens after someone finishes learning a part of the Talmud. This takes the place of the fast. Everyone is welcome to join us for the service and Siyyum at Shaare Torah on Thursday, April 10—whether you’re a firstborn or not!
Sponsored by the Spiegel Family in honor of Ryan’s grandfather, Dr. George Spiegel
Click below to register for the service and siyyum.
Register for the service and siyyum
Thursday, April 10
8:00 AM – Ta’anit Bechorot Service and Siyyum sponsored by the Spiegel Family
Click here to register for the service and siyyum
Friday, April 11
Sell and Burn Chametz before 11:30 AM
Shabbat Candle Lighting at 7:28 PM
Saturday, April 12
Shabbat HaGadol Morning Services at 9:30 AM
Pesach Day 1 Candle Lighting at 8:25 PM
Sunday, April 13
Pesach Day 1 Morning Services at 9:30 AM
Pesach Day 2 Candle Lighting at 8:26 PM
Monday, April 14
Pesach Day 2 Morning Services at 9:30 AM
Havdalah for Pesach Day 2 at 8:27 PM
Tuesday, April 15 – Friday, April 18
Pesach Chol HaMoed
Friday, April 18
Shabbat and Pesach Day 7 Candle Lighting at 7:35 PM
Saturday, April 19
Shabbat and Pesach Day 7 Morning Services at 9:30 AM
Pesach Day 8 Candle Lighting at 8:32 PM
Sunday, April 20
Pesach Day 8 Morning Services ~ With Yizkor at 9:30 AM
Havdalah for Pesach Day 8 and first chametz after the holidays ends at 8:34 PM
Saturday, April 19
Join us as we gather to bid farewell to Rabbi Scott and celebrate his impact on our community.
If you have extra room at your seder table or if you are looking for a place to celebrate, please write to degber@shaaretorah.org with the subject, Seder Hospitality.
This guide from the Rabbinical Assembly outlines the policies and procedures relevant to the preparation of a kosher for Pesach home in accordance with the principles of Conservative Judaism’s understanding of Jewish Law.
Does your family love card games? Do your kids enjoy “future tellers?” Do you need a Passover tablescape or a handy checklist? Look no further than this mega-list of Passover-themed printables for decorations, kid-friendly activities, and more.
Get PJ Library’s Passover Printables
One of the primary mitzvot surrounding Pesach is Ma’ot Chittim – donating funds prior to Pesach to help community members in need cover their holiday expenses. You can fulfill this mitzvah locally, through Yad Yehuda, or through support of those in need in Israel, with Leket Israel.
YAD YEHUDA
Yad Yehuda’s mission is to serve as the Greater Washington Jewish community’s safety net, while seeking to address a variety of community strengthening needs.
LEKET ISRAEL
Leket Israel, Israel’s largest food rescue operation, is committed to leading the safe, effective and efficient collection and distribution of surplus nutritious food in Israel, to those who need it.
