Pesach 5786 | Passover 2026
Please read below for our Pesach information
Kashering for Pesach with the Vaad
We will once again host the Vaad in the Meat Kitchen on Monday, March 30, 2026 from 5:00 - 7:00 pm
Yizkor prayers are said during morning service after the reading of the Torah on 8th Day Pesach, Thursday, April 9, 2026 at approximately 10:30 am
Pesach Haggadah Melody
Shabbat HaGadol Drashah
March 28, 2026
One of the most important sermons of the year.
Please stay after services.
Chametz Sale 2026
Dear Friends,
Pesach preparations are under way. As most of us know, the Torah prohibits us from not only eating, but also owning, chametz on Pesach. The sale of chametz is a time-honored tradition in Jewish Law enabling us to more easily observe this prohibition. It is a complicated procedure and it is customary to have a Rabbi familiar with the requirements handle the sale.
Some of you have sold your chametz through BMH-BJ in previous years, and I encourage everyone to do so. I am ready – and would be honored - to act as your agent and assist you in this important tradition.
By filling out your information online at https://www.bmh-bj.org/form/chametz-sale-2026.html, you appoint me as your agent to sell your chametz on your behalf. Forms are also available in the main office or you can download it and print it yourself and email it to clergyassist@bmh-bj.org, or bring it in to me personally at my office. I would love the opportunity to meet and speak with you and assure you that everything will be handled properly and according to Jewish Law. If you need help, please call Rachael in the clergy office, so she can help you sell your chametz over the phone.
The deadline for submission is midnight, Thursday, March 26, 2026.
Please note that there are many in our community who find it difficult to celebrate Pesach. It is a financial hardship for them. A contribution to my discretionary fund earmarked for Maot Chitim – Passover Food, will make it easier for those in need to have kosher food for Pesach. Your generosity is most appreciated.
Best wishes to you for a Chag Kasher v’Sameach, a joyful and kosher Pesach.
Warmly,
Rabbi Chaitovsky
Family Fusion: Pesach
Freedom is best learned by stepping into the story together. We will gather for a fun, interactive mini Seder on Wednesday, March 25th at 5:30 PM in the Gallery. Through song, storytelling, movement, and hands on experiences, children will act out the story of leaving Mitzrayim and discover that Pesach is not only something we remember but something we live through each year. We will taste the symbols, ask questions, sing together, and feel what it means to move from narrow places into open space.
Pesach becomes real when freedom is felt with the whole body and heart. This is designed for kids and families.
Pesach Schedule 5786, April 1 - 9, 2026
Erev Pesach, March 31, Bedikat Chametz/Search for Chametz after nightfall
Erev Pesach, April 1, Taanit Bechorot/Fast of the Firstborn/Shacharit 6:45 am (Chapel) with Siyum. Eat Chametz by 10:57 am /
Latest time to BURN/NULLIFY/SELL Chametz 12:01 pm. Mincha/Maariv 7:05 pm (Chapel), Candle Lighting 7:06 pm, Earliest Seder 8:04 pm.
1st Day Pesach, Thursday, April 2, Shacharit 9:15 am, Mincha/Maariv 7:05 pm
Candle Lighting 8:07 pm, Earliest Seder 8:05 pm.
2nd Day Pesach, Friday, April 3, Shacharit 9:15 am, Mincha/Kabbalat Shabbat 5:45 pm
Candle Lighting 7:08 pm.
Shabbat Pesach, April 4, Shacharit 9:15 am, Mincha/Third Meal/Maariv 7:05 pm
Havdallah 8:09 pm.
Chol HaMoed, Sunday Shacharit 8:30 am - Monday and Tuesday Shacharit 6:30 am
Mincha/Maariv (Chapel) at 7:15 pm. April 7, Candle Lighting 7:12 pm.
7th Day Pesach, Wednesday, April 8, Shacharit 9:15 am, Mincha/Maariv 7:15 pm.
Candle Lighting 8:13 pm.
8th Day Pesach, Thursday, April 9, Shacharit 9:15 am, Yizkor prayers at approx. 10:30 am
Mincha/Maariv 7:15 pm, Havdallah 8:14 pm.
Please allow approximately 35 minutes after the end of yom tov before eating chametz.
Best wishes to everyone for a Chag Kasher v’Sameach, a joyful and kosher Pesach!
For a comprehensive guide on Passover, home preparation, rituals, and food, please refer to:
The Minimalist Guide to Passover and Seder from Anshe Sholom Congregation in Lakeview, Illinois, 2021. For those who may never have made Pesach, or have not done so in a very long time, from shopping to kashering to doing a seder.
Preparing Your Home for Passover - information from 5780.
International Rabbinic Fellowship Pesach 2020 Guide
A Guide to a Concise but Halachik Seder