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Getting Your Mind, House, and Soul
Ready for Passover
Passover
Guide
5775-2015
FOR INFORMATION ABOU T PROGRAMS, SERVICES , OR QUESTIONS
ABOUT PESACH LAWS, CONTACT THE SYNAGOGUE
Congregation Beth Israel
15 Jamesbury Drive
Worcester, MA 01609
Phone 508-756-‡)D[508-757-6650
www.bethisraelworc.org
Introduction
In the Torah, the Jewish calendar year is centered around the holiday of Passover. Even though
many things have changed since the days of the ancient Israelites, there is no doubt that Passover is
a central event, both in the life of the family and in the life of the Jewish people as a whole.
At your Sedarim, talk about the world as it exists today and ask what each person at your table can
do to make a difference, to make the world a little better. All you have to do is decide that you can
make a difference, and then you can begin to make a difference.
I hope that this packet will be a helpful tool to enrich Passover for you and for your family.
Enclosed you will find:
x
An authorization form for the selling of hametz, to be returned to the synagogue office
before the holiday.
x
Guidelines for purchasing food and making your home kosher for Passover.
x
A complete schedule for pre-Pesach and Pesach activities and services.
x
Candle lighting and other important times for the entire 8-day holiday of Pesach.
x
Additional readings for your Seder table.
x
Information on counting the Omer (beginning the night of the 2nd Seder).
x
Passover songs to enjoy and enrich your Seder.
If you would like to share your Seder with others in our community or if you would like to be
hosted at a Seder, please let me know. If you have any questions about the preparations for
Pesach, feel free to call or email me.
And join us at our 2nd night Pesach seder at BI!
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SELLING YOUR CHAMETZ ² MEKHIRAT CHAMETZ
WHAT?
Jewish law prohibits Jews from using or even possessing any chametz (leaven)
during Pesach. To insure compliance with this law, we clean our homes and, just to
make sure, we transfer title on any remaining chametz to a non-Jew. This chametz
becomes the property of the non-Jew for the duration of Pesach and should be set
aside in a place where it will not be disturbed or seen during the holiday. The rabbi
will serve as your agent for this transaction.
HOW?
If you would like the rabbi to sell your chametz, mail this form back to the synagogue or bring it to
Congregation Beth Israel in person. Note the deadline below!
It is permissible for one person to sell the chametz for an entire family. However, to teach the importance
of this mitzvah, all members of the family are encouraged to sign this form.
According to our tradition, one of the reasons that the Jews merited being taken out of Egypt was that
they always remembered their Hebrew names. To keep that spirit alive, all are encouraged to add a
Hebrew signature when selling their chametz. (If you need help with your name, call the rabbi.)
There is a longstanding tradition that when selling chametz, one should simultaneously contribute
W]HGDNDKWRWKHV\QDJRJXH·V0DRW+LWWLPOLWHUDOO\´ZKHDWPRQH\µ)XQG7KLV3DVVRYHUUHOLHIIXQGhelps
needy individuals here and abroad celebrate this holiday, as well as the rest of the Jewish year. Please make
checks payable to ´5DEEL·V6XQVKLQH)XQGµ
WHEN?
Completed forms must arrive at Congregation Beth Israel no later than Friday, April 3, at 7:45 AM,
EHIRUHWKHUDEELVHOOVWKHFRQJUHJDWLRQ·VFKDPHW]. No forms can be accepted after that time.
Note that the rabbi will arrange a post-PeVDFKFKDPHW]´EX\EDFNµon Saturday, April 11, at 8:30 PM. If
you sell your chametz through the rabbi, please do not touch your chametz bHIRUHWKLVWLPH,W·VQRW\RXUV
until then!
Authorization of Proxy
We/I hereby authorize Rabbi Aviva Fellman of Congregation Beth Israel, Worcester, MA, to sell all chametz that may be in
our/my possession. We/I understand that he will sell all chametz wherever it may be: at home, place of business, car or
elsewhere, in accordance with the requirements and provisions of Jewish law.
Name:____________________________________________Hebrew Name:_____________________________________
Address:___________________________________________________________________________________________
Additional Names/Addresses: __________________________________________________________________________
0DRW+LWWLPOLWHUDOO\¶ZKHDWPRQH\µ² it is traditional to donate money to help members of our community celebrate Passover)
Amount Donated $______________
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Guidelines for purchasing food and making your home kosher for Passover
PREPARING FOR PESACH
7KH7RUDKWHOOVXV´6HYHQGD\V\RXVKDOOHDWXQOHDYHQHGEUHDGRQWKHYHU\ILUVWGD\\RXVKDOOUHPRYH
FKDPHW]OHDYHQIURP\RXUKRXVHV([RGXVµ7KLVLVWKHEDVLVIRUWKHODZV
of Pesach. The rabbis specified five grains that can become chametz: wheat, oats,
barley, spelt, and rye. Later Ashkenazi authorities added other foods to the Pesach
SURKLELWLRQV:H¶PDNH3HVDFK·E\FOHDQLQJRXUKRPHVRIDOOWUDFHVRIFKDPHW]RU
leaven. We observe this holiday by carefully avoiding the use of chametz both at
KRPHDQGDZD\7KHWHUP¶FKDPHW]·LVDSSOLHGQRWRQO\WRIRRGVEXWDOVRWRWKH
dishes and utensils in which foods are prepared or served during the year. These may not be used during
Pesach, except as indicated.
What follows is a general guideline. If you have any questions, contact Rabbi Aviva Fellman.
UTENSILS AND DISHES
If you do not have separate dishes and utensils for Passover and you wish to kasher certain utensils or
dishes, the first step is DOZD\VFOHDQLQJ,ILWFDQ·WEHFOHDQHGLWFDQ·WEHNDVKHUHG7KHWHUP¶NDVKHULQJ·
refers to the process by which certain utensils are made fit for Pesach use. New, unused dishes and
utensils need not be kashered before Pesach.
So, step one is to clean the item. Step two is to wait 24 hours after cleaning to continue the kashering
process.
1. Pots made wholly of metal can be kashered by filling them to the rim with water, bringing the water to a
boil, and causing the water to flow over the sides of the pot. Handles and lids should be immersed in
boiling water also. Teflon and porcelain enamel pots cannot be kashered.
2. Silverware, knives, forks, spoons, and small pots made wholly of metal can be kashered by a thorough
cleaning and a five-second immersion in boiling water. The kashering pot should be kashered before and
after it is used. Heavy-duty plastics including dishes, cutlery, or serving items, providing that they can
withstand very hot water and do not permanently stain, may be kashered by immersion in boiling water.
3. The Ashkenazi custom for kashering table glassware is by soaking it in water for 72 hours. (Change the
water after every 24 hour period). The Sephardic custom is to wash the glassware with soap and hot water
only.
4. Utensils used for baking during the year cannot be used during Pesach.
5. Chinaware, enamelware, earthenware, and porcelain cannot be kashered. Fine translucent china can
sometimes be kashered. Speak to the rabbi for details.
6. Pyrex used for cooking cannot be kashered. All other Pyrex (used for mixing cold food) can be
kashered as glassware.
7. Dishtowels and tablecloths to be used during Passover should be laundered normally with detergent
and water before the holiday.
8. Utensils used with fire or heat but without water (for example, pans and spits) can be kashered with a
blowtorch. While the utensil must be cleaned, there is no need to wait 24 hours after the last use. Heat all
4
surfaces of the utensil until they glow. Alternatively, oven-safe utensils may be kashered in an oven;; see
below for how to kasher an oven.
APPLIANCES AND SURFACES
1. Refrigerators and freezers should be cleaned (including all walls, shelves, and baskets). Some people
choose to cover shelves with shelf paper or foil during Pesach. (If you do this, make sure to allow for
good air circulation in the refrigerator).
2. Ovens and ranges should be scrubbed and cleaned. Include every part that comes in contact with food
and all surfaces. After cleaning, heat the oven and range as hot as possible for thirty minutes. Self-cleaning
ovens can just be put through the self-cleaning cycle. If you have a gas stove, cover your stove top with tin
foil (except for the burners).
3. Microwave ovens should be scrubbed and cleaned. Kasher the glass/Pyrex revolving tray like glassware.
Kasher microwave ovens by washing all removable parts, cleaning the inside walls, and waiting 24 hours.
After the 24 hours, boil a cup of water inside the oven for 5 minutes. When the 5 minutes has elapsed, the
microwave is kosher for Passover. A microwave oven that has a browning element cannot be kashered
for Pesach.
4. Electrical Appliances: If the parts that come into contact with chametz are removable, they can be
kashered in the appropriate way (for example: if metal, follow the rules for metal utensils). All exposed
parts should be thoroughly cleaned. If the parts are not removable, the appliance cannot be kashered.
Toaster ovens cannot be kashered. Dishwashers can be kashered by running empty through a complete
cycle with detergent at the highest temperature setting with the racks inside.
5. Table tops, shelves, pantry and kitchen surfaces that are used during the year should be thoroughly
cleaned before placing Pesach utensils on them. Some people cover all such surfaces during the entire
week of Pesach. This also serves as a nice visual reminder of the holiday. You can use heavy shelf paper,
parchment paper, heavy foil or ornamented plastic cloth to cover all surfaces.
6. Kitchen Sinks: Kasher metal sinks by a thorough cleaning and by pouring boiling water over all
surfaces. Porcelain sinks cannot be kashered. If you have a porcelain sink, thoroughly clean all surfaces
and use a kosher-for-Passover sink rack.
7. Chametz (non-Pesach utensils, non-Pesach dishes, pots, and food) whose ownership has been
transferred when you sell your chametz should be separated, locked up or covered and marked to
prevent accidental use during Pesach. These items do not belong to you during Pesach, and you
FDQ·WXVHWKHPXQWLODIWHUWKHKROLGD\LVRYHU
PROHIBITED FOODS
Prohibited foods include bread, cakes, biscuits, cereal, crackers, pasta, alcohol and vinegar made from
these five grains: wheat, barley, oats, spelt, and rye. All of these are chametz unless specifically marked
kosher-for-Passover, which means that they were not allowed to leaven.
KITNIYOT
Most Ashkenazi authorities have added the following foods (kitniyot) to the above list: rice, corn, millet,
and legumes, i.e. beans and peas, including soy. String beans are permitted. Most of these authorities also
forbid chickpeas, sesame seeds, and lecithin. Some Ashkenazi authorities permit, while others forbid, the
5
use of legumes in a form other than its natural state, for example, oils. Sephardi authorities generally
permit the use of all the above. Permitted oils include: safflower, sunflower, cottonseed, peanut, extra
virgin olive oil. Consult Rabbi Aviva Fellman for guidance in the use of these products.
Kitniyot do not have to be removed from the home, because they are not actually chametz. Baby formula
that is kosher year-round may be given to infants even if it contains kitniyot. Vegans and others with
special dietary needs: please contact Rabbi Aviva Fellman regarding the use of kitniyot.
PERMITTED FOODS
During the eight days of Pesach, chametz cannot lose its identity in another food. Therefore, the smallest
amount of chametz renders the whole food chametz and its use on Pesach is prohibited. However, during
the rest of the year, chametz follows the normal rules of foods mixing together, i.e. it loses its identity in a
mixture of one part chametz and sixty parts of non-chametz. This difference in the law allows us to
differentiate between foods purchased before and during Pesach.
7KH IROORZLQJ IUHVK DQG XQSURFHVVHG IRRGV UHTXLUH QR ´.RVKHU OH 3HVDFKµ ODEHO LI SXUFKDVHG either
before or during Pesach:
Fresh fruits and vegetables (except kitniyot)
Eggs
Kosher fish and meat (except ground beef)
Baking soda
Pure, unflavored black, green, or white tea (not Regular coffee (not flavored, and not decaf)
herbal, and not decaf)
Olive oil (extra-virgin only)
Whole (not ground) spices and nuts
7KHIROORZLQJIRRGVUHTXLUHQR´NRVKHUOH-3HVDFKµODEHOLISXUFKDVHG before Pesach and if they remain
in an unopened package at the start of the holiday. During Pesach, you can purchase these products
RQO\LIWKH\KDYHD´NRVKHUOH-3HVDFKµODEHO
Milk, butter, cottage cheese, cream cheese (but not Frozen, uncooked, vegetables with no additives (for
ODFWDLG RU ´GDLU\ VXEVWLWXWHµ SURGXFWV ² these kitniyot, see above)
require a kosher le-Pesach label even if purchased
before Pesach)
Frozen, uncooked fruit with no additives
Frozen fruit juices with no additives
Sugar, uniodized salt, pepper and other natural Cocoa ² only 100% pure, no additives
spices (this does not include brown sugar or
confectioQHU·VVXJDUZKLFKERWKQHHGWREHODEHOHG
´.RVKHUIRU3DVVRYHUµ1RWH\RXdo need new jars
of spices for Pesach, because the old ones are often
held over hot pots and dishes, and the chametz in
those pots and dishes is considered to rise up with
the steam into the spice jar.
6
7KH IROORZLQJ SURFHVVHG IRRGV UHTXLUH D ´.RVKHU OH-3HVDFKµ ODEHO no matter when they are
purchased (either before or during Pesach):
All baked products, including matzah, cakes, Fruit juices-canned or bottled
matzah flour, farfel, matzah meal, and any products
containing matzah.
Canned fish
Wine, liquor, vinegar, ketchup
Oils, margarine
Dried fruits, candy, chocolate milk
Ice cream, yogurt, sour cream, cheeses, lactaid or Sodas
´GDLU\ VXEVWLWXWHµ products, and other dairy
products not listed above
Decaffeinated or flavored coffees and teas, herbal Frozen processed foods
teas
MEDICINES
All prescription medicines may be taken. Non-prescription pills and capsules may be taken. For nonprescription liquids, please consult the rabbi.
PESACH LABELS ON PROCESSED FOODS
1RSURFHVVHGSURGXFWFDQEHXVHGRQ3HVDFKXQOHVVLWLVDFFRPSDQLHGE\DUHOLDEOH´.RVKHUOH-3HVDFKµ
FHUWLILFDWLRQ $ ODEHO UHDGLQJ VLPSO\ ´)RU 3DVVRYHUµ DQG DGRUQHG ZLWK -HZLVK symbols is not reliable
especially if not integral to the package. These guidelines do not cover every situation. Please feel free to
contact Rabbi Schwarzman with any questions you have.
PETS
3HWVGRQ·WKDYHWRREVHUYH3HVDFKEXWWKHLURZQHUVGR7KHUHDre three options for pet owners: 1) you
may feed your pet food that is kosher for Pesach or kitniyot;; 2) you may give your pet to a non-Jew for
3HVDFKZKRZLOOIHHGLWWKHSHW·VQRUPDOIRRGRU\RXPD\VHOOWKHSHWDORQJZLWK\RXUFKDPHW]DQGIHHG
it its regular food on behalf of the new owner, making sure to keep the pet foods and utensils away from
the kitchen.
NON-­FOOD ITEMS
Detergents and other household items that are not edible may be used for Pesach and do not require any
Passover certification. This includes items such as foil, plastic wrap, candles, coffee filters, laundry items,
dish detergent, oven cleaner, paper and plastic goods, unused sponges, and the like.
7
Pre-­Pesach Checklist
Monday, March 30, 2015
x
The process of preparing the synagogue, including the kitchen and the social hall, will begin to
make Beth Israel entirely kosher for Passover. Do not bring any food into BI that is not certified
Kosher for Passover.
x
Begin cleaning your home for Pesach.
x
Last day to RSVP for the Community Seder!
Thursday, April 2, 2015
x
Finish Passover cleaning at home, work, your cars, etc.
x
After dark ² Search for Chametz (Bedikat chametz): hide ten pieces of chametz around the house.
Using a candle or flashlight to light the way, find the chametz and brush it into a paper bag
(traditionally, using a feather and wooden spoon). Set aside for the next morning. See the texts
and instructions on the next page.
Friday, April 3, 2015
x
7:00 AM ² )DVWRIWKH)LUVWERUQ7D·DQLW%HFKRUot) and morning service. A siyum (completion of
a Jewish text) will follow so that those present may end their fast.
x
7:45 AM ² Mekhirat Chametz ² Last chance to grant Rabbi Fellman the authority to sell your
chametz.
x
8:00 AM ² Remove last chametz from your house, car, office, etc. Final Chametz Breakfast at
Shul to mark the siyum.
x
9:00 AM ² %L·XU&KDPHW]%XUQLQJRI&KDPHW]FROOHFWHGWKHSUHYLRXVQLJKW- BI will be hosting
DJDWKHULQJIRU%L·XU&KDPHW]:HZLOOKDYHD fire available to burn your chametz, so come with
your friends and family. See the front of your Haggadah for readings and blessings (readings will
EHDYDLODEOHDW%,DVZHOO$IWHU%L·XU&KDPHW]RQHLVQRWSHUPLWWHGWRHDWRUSRVVHVVFKDPHW]
until the conclusion of Passover.
No Chametz to be eaten after 11:30am on Friday, April, 3rd 2015
8
9
Candle Lighting (Worcester, MA) -­ Passover 5775 (2015)
Date
Friday, April 3
Saturday, April 4
Thursday, April 9
Friday, April 10
1st night of Pesach (Seder I)
2nd night of Pesach (Seder II)
7th Day of Pesach
8th Day of Pesach
Time
7:04 PM
8:05 PM
7:11 PM
7:12 PM
Blessings
2 and 3
1 and 3
1
2
On Saturday night, April 4th, and on Friday evening April 10th light the candles from a pre-lit flame (such
as a yahrzeit candle) instead of striking a match.
Candle Blessings
U~-}W
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8EyŒ8iP‹X
XK‚…XjP€Qj&8Ey‚-6€H
F,\R,KN~-U‰EHKiNVƒYjN
Barukh attah Ado-nai, E-loheinu Melekh Ha-RODPDVKHUNLG·VKDQXE·PLW]YRWDYY·W]LYDQX
O·KDGOLNQHUVKHO<RP7RY
Praised are You, Lord our God, King of the Universe, who has sanctified us with His commandments,
and has commanded us to kindle the light of the Festival.
Used only in years when a holiday falls on Shabbat)
U~-}W
RkN,J‚Y4gNy~Q8EKyH2{WZYY‚7ƒW48Uk&
8EyŒ8iP‹X
XK‚…XjP€Qj&8Ey‚-6€H
F,\R,KX&-N~-U‰EHKiNVƒYjN
Barukh attah Ado-nai, E-loheinu Melekh Ha-RODPDVKHUNLG·VKDQXE·PLW]YRWDYY·W]LYDQX
O·KDGOLNQHUVKHO6KDEEDWY·<RP7RY
Praised are You, Lord our God, King of the Universe, who has sanctified us with His commandments,
and has commanded us to kindle the light of Shabbat and the Festival.
RkN,J‚Y4gNy~Q8EKyH2{WZYY‚7ƒW48Uk&
Yˆ=ƒYLƒQ‹=lN8EykJKŠ'€Y‹X8Ey‚Q‹+€H‹X8EyŒK{M~Y~-
Barukh attah Ado-nai, E-loheinu Melekh Ha-olam, she-KHKH\DQXY·NL\·PDQXY·KLJL·DQXOD]·PDQKD-zeh.
Praised are You, Lord our God, King of the Universe, who has kept us alive, sustained us, and brought
us to this season.
10
Counting the Omer ² 5775 (2015)
The Torah commands that from the second day of Pesah, the day the Omer offering of new barley was
brought in the Temple, each Jew should count forty-nine days. The festival of Shavuot is celebrated on
the fiftieth day. This period of counting is called Sefirat HaOmer. The counting of the days also acts as a
buildup of anticipation, from the jubilation of the physical freedom of Passover, to the joy and excitement
connected with receiving the Torah at Mt. Sinai, the event we commemorate on Shavuot. The Omer is
counted after nightfall, while standing. If you forget to count at night, you can count during the next day
without the blessing, and may continue to count and recite the blessing on succeeding nights. If you forget
to count for an entire day, you can still count on succeeding nights, but without a blessing.
See the siddur for the text for counting each day of the Omer.
Pesach Service Calendar
Friday, April 3
14 of Nisan
Fast of the Firstborn
Day of First Seder
Morning Minyan/Study for the First Born 7:00 a.m.
Kabbalat Shabbat - 6:00 p.m.
Wednesday, April 8
19 of Nisan
Shabbat Hol Hamoed
Fifth day of Pesach
Morning Minyan ² 7:00 a.m.
Evening Minyan² 7:00 p.m.
Thursday, April 9
20 of Nisan
Sixth day of Pesach
Morning Minyan ² 7:00 a.m.
Evening Minyan-7:00pm
Saturday, April 4
15th of Nisan
First Day of Pesach (Full Holiday)
Day of the Second Seder
Begin Counting Omer at the second seder
Morning Service - 9:00 a.m.
Evening Minyan as part of the BI community
seder-6:30pm
Friday, April 10
21 of Nisan
Seventh Day of Pesach (Full Holiday)
Morning Service ² 9:00 a.m.
Afternoon/Evening Holiday Service ² 7:00
p.m.
Sunday, April 5
16th of Nisan
Second Day of Pesach (Full Holiday)
Morning Service ² 9:00 a.m.
Afternoon/Evening Service ² 7:00 p.m.
Holiday ends at 8:06 p.m.
Saturday, April 11
22 of Nisan
Eighth Day of Pesach (Full Holiday)
YIZKOR
Morning Service ² 9:00 a.m.
Afternoon/Evening Minyan - 7:00 p.m.
Holiday ends at 8:13
Monday, April 6
17th of Nisan
Third day of Pesach (Hol Hamoed
begins)
Morning Minyan ² 7:00 a.m.
Afternoon/Evening Minyan ² 7:00 p.m.
Tuesday, April 7
18 of Nisan
Fourth day of Pesach
Morning Minyan ² 7:00 a.m.
Evening Minyan-7:00pm
11
.
Mazon
Dear friends,
Another year has passed and again Passover is approaching. As you gather with friends and family
WRFHOHEUDWHRXUSHRSOH·VIUHHGRPIURPERQGDJHZHPXVWDOVRGRPRUHWROLEHUDWHWKRVHZKR
remain enslaved by hunger and poverty. Nearly 50 million Americans ² including 17 million
children ² live on the edge of hunger. It is a tragic situation, but also one we can fix.
I urge you to donate what you can to MAZON: A Jewish Response to Hunger and to encourage
your guests to do the same. By donating to MAZON, you symbolically observe the Jewish
tradition of not starting any celebration until the poor in the community have been fed.
0$=21´IRRGµLQ+HEUHZLVGHGLFDWHGWRSUHYHQWLQJDQGDOOHYLDWLQJKXQJHUDPRQJSHRSOHRI
all faiths and backgrounds. Throughout over 25 years of advocacy efforts and strategic
grantmaking, MAZON has helped millions of hungry and impoverished men, women and
children receive the sustenance they need to thrive.
(DUO\LQWKHVHGHUZHVD\´/HWDOOZKRDUHKXQJU\FRPHDQGHDWµ3OHDVHJLYHPHDQLQJWRWKDW
invitation with a donation to MAZON. Visit www.mazon.org to make your donation.
Wishing you all the joys of the Passover season,
Rabbi Aviva Fellmlan
CONGRE-­ 12 -­
CONGRE-­ 13 -­
CONGRE-­ 14 -­
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