Every year before Passover, we remind you of the tradition of the sale of your ẖametz (leavened foods, representing the "puffed up" aspects of our lives).
As part of our preparation for the Festival of Freedom, we're commanded to remove/destroy all ẖametz in our possession -- and yet, the rabbis recognized that this would be difficult for most of us to do (particularly for some pricier alcoholic beverages in our possession that we don't manage to use up and don't want to toss!). Thus developed the practice of mekhirat ẖametz, the sale of ẖametz to a someone who isn't Jewish.
Here's how this works: We identify a specific cabinet or area in our homes, in which we place those hametz items that we're selling, and we seal them off and mark them as SOLD—that whole area and it's contents DOES NOT BELONG TO US DURING THE DURATION OF THE HOLIDAY.
(Here's how the buying/selling takes place: a price is set and a token down payment is made by the buyer. The contract stipulates that the sale must be completed by the day before Passover. After Passover, the buyer “decides” not to pay the balance, allowing the ẖametz to be "bought back" by the seller. Confused? Happy to explain more in person!)
In addition to accomplishing the mitzvah of selling your ẖametz, we're enabling you to accomplish a second mitzvah of this festival: Ma’ot H̱ittim, the contribution of funds specifically to support the observance of the Passover by needy Jews.
As in years past, we will support the work of the New York Board of Rabbis, whose Passover Campaign this year will send seder packages for homebound individuals and those in long-term care and correctional facilities; provide holiday celebrations for developmentally disabled individuals; provide spiritual support for victims of abuse and violence; and offer compassionate care through chaplaincy services. Some money will also be given to support internal refugees in Israel during this trying time.
Your contributions here will be used entirely to provide Passover support for these Jews.
With blessings for a H̱ag Kasher V'sameaẖ (a happy and kosher Passover), a Zissen Pesach (sweet Passover), and redemptive Festival of Freedom!
Please note that this form will close at 9:00am on Sunday, April 21, so that the Rabbi may facilitate the Mekhirat H̱ametz transaction.
Any ẖametz will become yours again on Monday, April 30, 2024 at 9:30pm.
Please include: Type of ẖametz (food, liquor, toiletries, etc.), the location/s where items will be stored at above address (i.e. kitchen cabinet, basement freezer, etc) and their approximate values (if uncertain, it is better to overestimate than underestimate).
