Rabbi's Desk

I want to share several reminders regarding preparations for the upcoming Passover Holiday.

• As you know, it is forbidden for Jews to own chametz on Passover. I am happy to act as your agent to sell your chametz on your behalf. You are encouraged to visit the website and fill out the authorization form ASAP.
   
• Bring all of your Passover questions to class on Wednesday at 6:00 p.m.We'll discuss everything from shopping to kashering to cooking and seder prep. Zoom in for Pesach Prep and pick my brain about all things Passover.
   
• Firstborn Jewish males have a tradition to fast on the eve of Passover to commemorate their having been spared from the final plague that struck Egypt. Clever rabbis, in their wisdom, have found a "work-around" in order to avoid the discomfort. Upon completion of a tractate of Mishnah or Talmud, one is required to have a celebration including food and drink. Our weekly Mishnah class has been studying Tractate Bava Kama all year and we'll conclude with a Siyyum on Thursday, March 25th at 8:30 a.m. Zoom in to join us for the final class and celebration - especially if your are a firstborn!
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• While we are sad to remain physically distanced for this year's seder, you are invited to join us virtually for the Second Seder: Haleila HaZoom. It's free - just let us know who will be joining us.

Please visit htaa.org/passover to sign up for all of these events. You will also find more Passover information including service & Yizkor times, kitchen cleaning guide, and more.

I'll leave you with a thought about Passover cleaning as we approach "crunch time." Just like avoiding chametzis a mitzvah on Passover, so, too, is cleaning it from our houses and posession. The very act of cleaning areas where we keep food and searching for the chametz is a mitzvah all to itself. This reminds us of the need to scrutinize all aspects of our behaviors and relationships on a regular and recurring basis. May we all be given the strength to remove the figurative "chametz" from our lives as scrupulously as we search for each crumb this coming week.

Wishing you and your family a happy and kosher Passover.

Shabbat Shalom!
Rabbi Suson