Pesah

What do we do when we have hametz in our possession that is needed after Pesah is over? According to Jewish law, we cannot “own” any hametz during Pesah. Each person or family can “sell” their hametz to the rabbi. The rabbi, in turn, takes responsibility for the hametz and then sells off the community’s leaven to a person who does not celebrate Pesah. This hametz, in a legal sense, is no longer owned by the Jewish community. The food remains in people’s homes but is hidden away in taped-up cupboards and covered closets. After Pesah concludes, as a sign of one’s willingness to “buy back” one’s personal hametz, it is customary to send a donation to the synagogue in honor of the transaction (Ta’anit Bekhorot).

Please use this form to sell your hametz by noon on Thursday, Apr. 10. If you require assistance filling out the form, please call the office at (919) 848-1420.

Jewish U.: Pesah Cleaning and Kashering — Is the Hassle Worth It?
Sunday, Mar. 16 | 10-11 a.m. | Conference Room and Zoom
Cleaning, kashering, getting rid of hametz (non-kosher for Passover foods) — who needs it!? Is it all just a hassle that we should release with other archaic practices, or is there a deeper meaning to be found in our Passover prep and kitchen overhaul? Rabbi Jenny will offer valuable insights to help us foster a deeper understanding of the significance behind these age-old customs.

Rosh Hodesh Nisan Celebration
Sunday, Mar. 30 | 2-4 p.m. | Library
Sisterhood is inviting all women who are Beth Meyer Synagogue members to an uplifting Rosh Hodesh program to celebrate the month of Nisan. Rosh Hodesh means the “Head of the Month.” It’s a holiday that is for everyone — but for at least 2,000 years, women have celebrated the appearance of the new moon in their own way. Pesah is celebrated during the month of Nisan. Join us as we begin to prepare to celebrate Pesah and explore some of its themes. We will also explore some of the symbolism of the holiday through our Seder plates. Please bring one of your seder plates with you to share its story with us. Judy Fisher, a member of the Sisterhood Board, will lead us in singing, praying, discussing and celebrating Rosh Hodesh Nisan.

Restorative Yoga: Pesah
Sunday, Apr. 6 | 7-8:15 p.m. | Yoga Room and Zoom
Add depth and meaning to your Pesah preparations by participating in this special yoga class led by Rabbi Jenny and Barbara Vosk. Take your prayers into your body by breathing, moving, and resting with the intention of cultivating inner awareness, vision, and connection to self and others. This class can be modified for all bodies.

Community Pesah Seder
Sunday, Apr. 13 | Social Hall
“All who are hungry, come and eat!” Join us as Rabbis Eric and Jenny Solomon lead a second-night Community Pesah Seder. The seder will be soulful, spirited, educational, and fun! Prepare to converse, sing, and engage in this timeless ritual, creating connection across time and space.

Shabbat Guest Speaker: Dr. Omer Abdalla Omer
Saturday, Apr. 19 | Sanctuary and livestream
As we approach Pesah, we remember that we were once strangers fleeing hardship. The Torah commands us: “You shall not oppress a stranger, for you know the soul of the stranger” (Exodus 23:9). This Shabbat, we welcome Dr. Omer Abdalla Omer, who will share how we can fulfill this mitzvah today by supporting refugees in need with his presentation called “Refugees: Global picture and local impact and challenges.”

Pesah Service and Yizkor
Sunday, Apr. 20 | 9:30 a.m. | Sanctuary and Livestream
Please join for a Pesah service, which will also include special prayers for Pesah Day 8 and Yizkor. A kosher kiddush lunch will follow.