Ma’ot Hittin – Passover Tzedakah Fund
From the beginning of the month of Nisan, we are especially sensitive to the needs of fellow Jews who may need our special help and support toward fulfilling all the mitzvot of the Pesah season. If you or another member are in need of financial assistance to purchase Passover food, please contact Tika Bonner at 412-421-2288 x114 or tbonner@bethshalompgh.org. All requests will be kept confidential.
Special Considerations for Saturday Night Start
Since Pesah begins on Saturday night this year, no hametz may be owned or consumed after Friday morning, April 11. On Shabbat, please use Kosher-for-Passover egg matzah instead of Challah. Light Yom Tov candles from an existing flame on Saturday night after 8:38 p.m. First Seder should not start until this time.
Fast of the First Born & Siyyum Bekhorim: Thursday, April 10
All first-borns should fast on this day, usually the day before Pesah, in commemoration of the deliverance from Egypt of the Israelite firstborn. The Rabbi offers a siyyum (public completion of study) which is followed by a festive meal at which all present may eat, and once having eaten, a first born need not fast that day. The siyyum and the se’udat mitzvah will be held this year on Thursday morning in person at 8:15 a.m., following the 7:30 a.m. morning minyan. The Siyyum Breakfast is sponsored by Stanley & Cherie Maharam in loving memory of beloved parents and grandparents Bess & Aaron Maharam.
Bedikat Hametz: Thursday night, April 10
The traditional search for hametz on the night before Pesah falls this year on Thursday night immediately after sunset. The blessings for bedikat hametz, found at the beginning of most Haggadot, are recited and the kol hamira formula nullifying unseen hametz may be recited. Hold any found hametz for ritual burning the following morning, April 11. If you need help finding these prayers, please contact Rabbi Adelson.
Sale of Hametz: Friday morning, April 11 before 11:00 a.m.
One of the central commandments of Pesah is that we rid ourselves of all forbidden hametz in our possession. Individuals who fully observe Pesah do their best to eliminate hametz as far as possible and then traditionally resort to the procedure of “selling” any hametz which may have been packed away or missed. All hametz must be removed or sold by 11:00 a.m.
CLICK HERE TO SELL YOUR HAMETZ
Bi’ur Hametz: Friday morning, April 11
The ritual burning of the hametz found during Thursday night’s search should be completed by 11:00 a.m. The stove should be fully kashered and all cooking proceeds in Pesah pots with Pesah utensils only. Traditionally no hametz or matzah is eaten after this time until the Seder.
Candle Lighting Blessing
