Temple Beth Haverim Passover Schedule 2010 / 5770

(For lots of Pesach information please visit this website: http://www.uscj.org/Passover5813.html hosted by the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism)

Sale of hametz by Monday March 29^th  9 am 

The Torah prohibits us from owning bread or products that contain leaven, dough, grain alcohol (whiskey, beer, etc) or other products (known as hametz) that are not kosher for Pesach, during Pesach.  Therefore we either have to rid our homes of hametz  during eight days of Pesach or sell the hametz to one who is not obligated to follow this law .  Each year Rabbi  Weissman acts as our agent to sell all hametz in accordance with Jewish law, to one who is not Jewish, and therefore permitted to own bread products during Passover.   The custom is to make a small donation (for example $18) to the temple for this service.  This enables the seller to store their hametz at home in a box or covered cupboard that will not be opened until after Pesach.  After Pesach the buyer returns the ownership to the sellers.  We buy back the hametz from the buyer at the end of Pesach.  In this way we do not violate the Torah prohibition of owning hametz during Pesach.

In order to sell your hametz please sign the contract below and mail your check to Temple Beth Haverim in order that it be received by March 29, 2010. 

I authorize Rabbi Gershon Weissman to act as our agent to sell all the hametz in our home and in our possession:

name_________________

Address____________________________

See below

Sunday March 28, 2010 evening after nightfall:  Search for Leaven (Hametz)

It is traditional to search our home for all bread and cracker products that have been placed around the house.  We use a small Chanukah candle, a large feather to sweep the bread, and a large wooden spoon.  We do this in silence after reciting the blessing in our Haggadah.  After collecting the crumbs and throwing them away we say the concluding blessing acknowledging that our home is now  free of Hametz.

Minyan for Fast of the First Born: Monday March 29^th 7:15 am to 9 am there will be a minyan and Siyum Hasefer (concluding of a book from the Talmud, which requires a seudat mitzvah, a ritual obligation of eating a meal, which supercedes the fast of the Firstborn) led by Rabbi Gershon Weissman for all first born and parents of first born children under 13 yrs old …followed by a mini-breakfast.  This is in commemoration of the tenth plague, the slaying of the first born of Egypt, as recounted in the book of Exodus.  Our tradition obligates a fast for all first born children.  By participation in this service and study of Torah, first born are exempted from the fast.   

Last time to Sell Hametz:  Monday March 29^th   9 am.  Contact Temple Beth Haverim office to include your family.   

First Seder Monday March 29^th in the evening at home.

Tuesday March 30^th  9:30 am-12 noon 1^st Day Pesach Yom Tov service:  Come to express thanks to God for the legacy of freedom with responsibility taught by the Haggadah.  Torah reading, Hallel, songs of praise, and congregational participation.  Led by Rabbi.

Second Seder Tuesday March 30^th in the evening at home.

Wednesday March 31^st 10:30 am-11:45 am 2^nd Day Family Pesach Service for Parents and children together.  This is perfect for our ECC families and Jewish Day School Families who have no school in observance of Passover.  Beautiful prayers, melodies led by Song Leader Judy Farber and an inspirational message from the Rabbi.   Passover Treats to follow.

Friday April 2^nd  6 –6:30 pm Brief Shabbat Pesach Service at the Temple led by Rabbi Weissman.

Saturday April 3^rd 9:30 am – 12 noon Shabbat Hol HaMoed Pesach Service.  Come to enjoy the beautiful prayers, Psalms, Torah reading, and Discussion led by Rabbi Weissman. 

Sunday April 4^th 9:00 am to 9:45 am  Hol HaMoed Weekday Service led by Rabbi Weissman.

Monday April 5^th   10:30 am-11:45 am 7^th  Day Family Pesach Service for Parents and children together.  This is perfect for our ECC families and Jewish Day School Families who have no school in observance of Passover.  Rabbi Weissman will lead the interactive children’s service. Passover Treats to follow.

Tuesday April 6^th  9:30 am to 12 noon Last (8^th) Day of Passover Pesach Service with Yizkor Memorial Service beginning around 11 am.   Beautiful prayers and melodies led by Rabbi Weissman

Pesach ends April 6^th around 8:15 pm

Temple Beth Haverim, 29900 Ladyface Court, Agoura Hills, CA 91301 (818)991-7111 office,  (818)991-2423 fax

If you have questions: Ask the Rabbi (818)991-7111 ext 245