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FAST OF THE FIRST BORN

Because the first born of the Israelites were spared when the Egyptians were smitten in the tenth plague, all first-born Jewish males fast of Erev Pesach until the Seder. This is called Ta’anis Bechorim. If however one attends a Se’udas Mitzvah, (a feast that accompanies the performance of a religious duty), one is not required to fast.

It is, therefore, customary in all synagogues that a Siyum or conclusion of a Talmudic tractate follows the morning service on this day. The conclusion of a Talmudic book is an occasion of rejoicing and warrants a feast or Se’udas Mitavah. Services on Erev Pesach, Monday,March 29, will begin at 7:00 A.M.

MA’OS CHITTIM

It is customary to distribute charity to the poor before Pesach so that those less fortunate than ourselves will also be enabled to enjoy a happy and festive Yom Tov. Our congregation traditionally conducts a Ma’os Chittim appeal on Parshas Ha-Chodesh. We invite you all to participate by mailing your check to the synagogue office.

SHMURAH MATZAH

All Jews must fulfill the mitzvah of Achilat Matzah – eating of Matzah. This Matzah is eaten at the Seder before the Seder meal, at which time the blessing of Hamotzi and Al Achilat Matzah are pronounced. Such Matzah must be prepared with the express purpose of the mitzvah of matzah Le-Shem Matzat Mitzvah.

The flour from which this matzah is prepared must be specially supervised from the time the wheat is cut – Shmurah Misha’at Ketzirah. When this special supervision has been instituted only from the time of milling – Techinah – matzot prepared from such flour may be used for Matzat Mitzvah only when Shmurah Misha’at Ketzirah matzah is not available.