Passover

 MECHIRAT CHAMETZ -- SELLING CHAMETZ


​On Passover, we are prohibited from owning or receiving any benefit from chametz.  Chametz is any food made from wheat, barley, rye, oat or spelt, or derived from them, that has fermented or risen (leavened).

The rabbis recognized the potential difficulties and hardships for those who possessed leaven in large  quantities and would suffer substantial losses if they destroyed all of their chametz. To remove this hardship, the rabbis instituted Mechirat Chametz, the transfer of leaven to a non-Jew by a legal bill of sale. 

While a physical transfer of the chametz is not necessary, the buyer has the legal right to take possession of it should he or she so chooses.  For this reason, the chametz is bought back after Passover, thus restoring it to the original owner. 

If you would like our rabbis to act as your agent in selling your chametz before Passover, you may authorize them to do so. Fill out a form in the office.


Provisions for the Poor -- "Maot Chittim"

​Before Passover, and often linked to the selling of chametz, it is customary to make a monetary donation to support “maot chitim” – donations to enable the poor to purchase food for Passover. You may do so through the Rabbi’s Discretionary Fund -- contributions will go to JF&CS Family Table and/or directly to members of our community who are in need -- or you may donate directly to Family Table or to the charity of your choice.
 
SCHEDULE OF PASSOVER SERVICES  
For a schedule of Passover Services, see the bulletin or calendar.
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What is the Fast of the First Born, and What is the Siyyum? 

It is a longstanding custom for first-born children to fast on the day before Passover. This fast commemorates God's sparing of the Israelite first born, as told in the story of the Exodus.

However, when there is a festive meal celebrating a mitzvah -- such as a baby naming,  bar or bat mitzvah, or the completion of a course of sacred study, then first born participants partake of the meal, as fasting is prohibited on a joyous occasion. Once they do so, they are permitted to continue eating during the day. 
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 Eating Kitniyot on Passover
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A Teshuvah Permitting Ashkenazim to Eat Kitniyot on Passover

Forward article on the RA decision and the ensuing conversations in American Jewish communities
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Conservative Movement Passover Guide​
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Passover Guide 2017.pdf
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