Holidays - Pesah

The holiday of Pesah (Passover) commemorates the exodus of the Hebrew slaves from Egyptian slavery. It is also the springtime festival that celebrates the rebirth of the earth after the long, cold winter. Perhaps more than any other holiday, Pesah has shaped who we are as a Jewish people and who we want to become. Its story of slavery and freedom recalls our earliest history as a nation and also expresses our ongoing dream of a world redeemed.

The laws and customs of Pesah are extensive and detailed and preparing for the holiday requires some time and effort. But the mitzvot of kashering our homes for Pesah and making a seder bring to life the timeless lessons of this beautiful festival.

For more information on the laws and rituals of Pesah, how to celebrate and the meanings behind this celebration of freedom, explore the articles and links below. Further resources are available in the Beth El library and from the rabbis.

2008 Pesah Checklist

Not sure what to do when Pesah falls immediately after Shabbat? Check out our Saturday Night Preparation Checklist:

Mekhirat Hametz (Sale of hametz) - If you have not yet sold your hametz, there is still time. Visit the daily minyan or see cut-out on page 7 of the April Shofar.
Ma'ot Hittim (literally, "coins for wheat") - Gave tzedakah in honor of Pesah - Participate in Beth El's food drive
Ta'anit B'khorim (Fast of the first born) - Break your fast after the Thursday morning minyan by attending a siyyum (ceremony that includes a period of study)
B'dikat Hametz (Hametz search) - Search your house Thursday night before the seder by candle light and feather for the last crumbs of hametz
Biur Hametz (Hametz bonfire) - Burn hametz Friday morning.
Hakhana L'seder (Seder Preparation) - Thought of ways to make the seder thoughtful, fun and interesting.

Additional Resources

Saturday Night Seder Check List

How To Do A Saturday Night Seder

Kashrut Guide for Preparing Your Kitchen

MyJewishLearning.com - Gateway to Jewish Exploration

JewishEncyclopedia.com - Online Jewish Encyclopedia

Coalition on the Environment and Jewish Life