Passover 5783
We’ve assembled a set of downloadable, essential resources to help you plan for the holiday. If you don’t have access to a printer and need hard copies, please contact the BI Office, 508-756-6204, or email Sue Dufault, receptionist@bethisraelworc.org.
Passover 5783
This year, 5783, Passover (Pesach) begins on Wednesday night, April 5, and ends at 8:10 p.m. on Thursday, April 13. Since Erev Passover effectively stretches over three days as a result, there are some special halakhic requirements. On Thursday, April 6 (second night of chag), Friday, April 7th (erev Shabbat), and Wednesday, April 12 (final night of chag), it is ideal to light the candles from a pre-lit flame (such as a yahrzeit candle) instead of striking a match.
The Rabbinical Assembly Pesach Guide 5783
Comprehensive guide to Kashrut (Jewish laws regarding kosher foods and food preparation) for Passover. Download PDF here.
5783 Congregation Beth Israel Pesach Guide
Our comprehensive guide to holiday preparation, kashrut for Pesach, complete schedule for all rituals, candle-lighting, seders, and service times for the holiday, and more. Please note that all services will be held both in person and on Zoom using the Zoom link for the festival, or daily minyan links for intermediate days, as appropriate. Since Pesach begins on a Wednesday night this year, our Zoom link will remain open from Wednesday before sunset, April 5, through Shabbat, April 8. Similarly, the Zoom link will remain open for the last two days of the holiday, from before sunset on Tuesday, April 11, through Thursday afternoon, April 13. Download PDF here.
The Search for Hameitz
The formal search for hameitz (leaven—also spelled chametz) takes place the night before Pesach, after dark on Tuesday, April 4. Instructions and blessings: Download PDF here.
Selling Your Chametz—Mekhirat Chametz
During Pesach, we clean our homes thoroughly to remove all traces of leaven. Just to be sure, we temporarily transfer title of any remaining chametz (or hameitz, if you prefer) to a non-Jew. Rabbi Fellman serves as your agent for this transaction. It’s also traditional to donate money to help members of our community celebrate Pesach. Please complete and mail or return this form to sell your chametz through Beth Israel. Download PDF here. Deadline: Forms must be received by Wednesday, April 5 at 8:30 a.m.
Haggadot Resources
Wondering where to find a Haggadah? Wish you could make your own but don't know where to start? You'll find a variety of ways to buy, borrow, or create a Haggadah in this guide. Download PDF here.
Pesach Recipes
Here are some of our favorite Pesach recipes, compiled a couple of years ago as a 5781 supplement to the BI Cookbook, From Our Kitchen to Yours. Download PDF here. And be sure to check the BI Cookbook for more yummy holiday recipes! If you have your own special recipe to share, please post it to the BI Facebook page.
Omer Counter
The Omer is counted every evening after nightfall, from the second night of Pesach until the night before Shavuot. This 49-day period marks the beginning of the barley harvest. In ancient times, Jews would bring the first sheaves of barley to the Temple in Jerusalem in thanks for the harvest. Jewish mystics taught that counting the omer brings healing and blessings to the world. Today some make the counting of the omer a mindfulness practice of self-reflection. Download PDF here.
Image from the Haggadah shel Pesah, British Museum