Passover 5785

Passover begins next week and is celebrated by Jews every year, commemorating the anniversary of our miraculous Exodus from Egyptian slavery. 

On the first two nights of Passover (just the first night in Israel), we hold a Seder. After candles have been lit, we enjoy a ritual-rich 15-step feast, which centers around telling the story of the Exodus. Some highlights include: Drinking four cups of wine, dipping veggies into saltwater, children kicking off the storytelling by asking the Four Questions (Mah Nishtanah), eating matzah (a cracker-like food, which reminds us that when our ancestors left Egypt they had no time to allow their bread to rise) and bitter herbs, and singing late into the night.  

Beginning on the evening preceding 15 Nissan, Passover lasts for 8 days in the Diaspora and 7 days in Israel. This year Pesach (Passover) is from April 12 to April 20 2025

On Passover, Jews may not own or consume chametz, anything containing grain that has risen. This includes virtually all breads, pastas, cakes and cookies. Prior to the holiday, homes are thoroughly cleaned for Passover, kitchens are purged, and the remaining chametz is burned or sold. Please visit www.chabad.org/sellchametz for this crucial sale!

Since Passover comes directly after Shabbat this year, things are a bit different. We search for chametz on Thursday, burn (and/or sell) it on Friday, leaving just a bit for Shabbat morning and make sure to prepare for the Seders in advance.

Following the intermediate days, when work restrictions are somewhat relaxed but chametz remains forbidden, we celebrate the final two days of Passover (just one day in Israel), during which we look forward to the future redemption through Moshiach.  

Please visit Passover.org for all further details. 

Passover is important to Jews, as it celebrates our birth as a nation. Additionally, the first Exodus is the source of all future redemptions, including the final redemption that we are eagerly awaiting, may it happen now!

Shabbat Shalom!

Candle lighting time: 7:06 PM