Passover Information

The Torah prohibits the ownership of hametz during Pesah. Ridding oneself of hametz is a three-step process:

1. 1. MECHIRAT HAMETZ (SELLING OF HAMETZ) can be arranged anytime up until 10 A.M., Monday, March 29, 2010. The hametz is sold via the Rabbi to a non-Jew in a valid and legal transfer of ownership. At the end of the holiday, the Rabbi arranges for the reversion of ownership. Any hametz that is "sold" must be stored out of sight (and of course, not used), since it technically now "belongs" to the person who bought it.
   Mechirat Hametz can be arranged through the Greenfield Chapel, by calling Rabbi Rosen’s office, completing this form and returning to our office or by submitting the following authorization to Rabbi Rosen through the magic of the Internet:

1. 2. At the time you sell your hametz, it is customary to make a charitable donation to the Moes Hittim Fund of Congregation Beth Yeshurun for the benefit of others in our congregation and community who may need help purchasing Passover food. BEDIKAT HAMETZ (SEARCHING FOR HAMETZ) takes place at sunset on Sunday, March 28. At this time we check that all hametz and hametz products are stored out of sight and that our house is ready for the start of Passover. The search for hametz is traditionally done by the light of a candle, with the assistance of a wooden spoon and feather. It’s a beautiful way for parents and children to go through the kitchen and see that everything is really ready for the holiday.
   
2. 3. BI’UR HAMETZ (BURNING OF HAMETZ) takes place no later than 10 A.M. on Monday, March 29. At this time we burn any hametz which may be found, and which will not be put away, given away or sold.

TA’ANIT BEKHORIM (SERVICE OF THE FIRST BORN) is on Monday, March 29 at 6:45 A.M. in the J.B.Greenfield Chapel. The fast is broken with a brief study of Jewish Law with one of our rabbis, followed by a breakfast. All first-born (including children) are urged to attend this beautiful service.

YIZKOR takes place during Passover Services on the last day of the holiday, on Tuesday, April 6, 9:30 A.M. in the Freedman-Levit Sanctuary (8:30 in the Greenfield Chapel). A Yahrzeit candle should be lit on the night before. It is customary and meritorious to make a donation to the synagogue in memory of your loved one(s).

SEDER PLATES AND HAGGADOT: The Sisterhood Gift Shop has a large assortment of beautiful seder plates, matzah covers, kiddush cups, Passover Haggadot and other objects to make your seder the most beautiful ever.

REMEMBER THE HUNGRY AT PASSOVER: As you clean your home at Passover, remember the poor and hungry in our community by bringing your unopened packages of hametz to the synagogue before Pesah begins. All food collected will be taken to the Houston FoodBank.