Behold, all of Pesach 2025/5785 in one place:
- Rabbi Brander's Pesach Guide 5785
- Pesach 5785/2025 Schedule
- Prepare for Pesach With Us
- Sell Your Chametz
- Help Us Support You -- Gift Cards for those in Need
- Maot Chitim Campaign
- Kasher Your Kelim
- Communal Chametz Burning
- Laufer Sefira Program
- Guide for Making 2nd Day Early
- Seudat Moshiach
- Pesach Wine Sale
Click HERE to download this year's complete
Young Israel of West Hartford Passover Guide 2025!
Sell Your Chametz
It is prohibited to possess Chametz nor derive any benefit from Chametz on Pesach. Also, Chametz that was in the possession of a Jew on Passover may not be used even after the holiday. Therefore, any Chametz which cannot be consumed or disposed of before Passover, must be sold to a non-Jew. This is best accomplished by appointing Rabbi Brander to be your agent to sell your Chametz.
The legal act of designation of the Rabbi as agent for the sale of Chametz, is best performed in a personal meeting engaging in the act of Kinyan Suddar - a contractual form in Jewish law in which the transfer of a garment (e.g. a handkerchief) from the Rabbi to yourself is a visible manifestation of contractual intent and in which the garment serves as consideration for the contract.
Rabbi Brander will be available to become the agent for the selling of your Chametz at the following times at the Young Israel of West Hartford:
- Wednesday, April 2nd : 7:30 PM- 8:30 PM
- Sunday, April 6th: 6:30 PM- 7:05 PM & 7:30 PM - 8:30 PM
- Tuesday, April 8th: 7:30 PM- 8:00 PM
- Wednesday, April 9th: 7:40 AM - 9:00 AM
Please bring a completed ‘Delegation of Power of Attorney’ Form with you, which can be accessed here.
You can arrange for Rabbi Brander to sell your Chametz online by completing this form accessed at youngisraelwh.org/chametz. YOU MUST make sure you get a confirmation of receipt email to ensure that it went through – that is the only w ay ot ensure I will sell your chametz.
Which ever way you choose, be sure to take care of it by 9 PM THURSDAY, 4/10/2025.
Maot Chittim (lit. 'Monies for Wheat'; Support for those in need to purchase Pesach provisions) is the name of a longstanding custom to set aside special funds and products for those in need so that they may joyously observe and celebrate Pesach. As opposed to Matanot Le’evyonim, which can easily be taken care of on the day of Purim, Maot Chitim is needed well in advance of Pesach to allow for proper distribution of funds. This special custom provides an opportunity for us to fulfil many mitzvot and increases the meaning of our own celebration. (Rama OH 429:1, Mishneh Berura 429:4). Many make a donation when they fill out their chametz forms. Checks can be made out to “YIWH Rabbi Discretionary Fund” or donations can be made online at www.youngisraelwh.org/
Pesach is generally an expensive time for people. For those who might need, I will have extra scrip cards available. Please email me if you are in need of assistance and I will find a way to get them to you safely and discreetly.
Communal Kashering Pot
In general, separate non-Chametz dishes and utensils are used for Passover. Some year round items can be koshered for Passover by dipping them in boiling hot water. This year, we will be hosting our Communal Kashering Pot at the Crown Market from 10:30 am - 11:30am on Sunday, April 6th.
All utensils to be koshered must be completely cleaned and not have been used for 24 hours prior to koshering.
The following items CANNOT BE KASHERED:
1. Chinaware, pottery, plastics and all types of earthenware.
2. Utensils which have dents or cracks that cannot be reached by glowing heat.
3. Vessels which have an area which cannot be cleaned and scoured from within.
4. Pyrex dishes or any other glassware regularly used for hot food.
5. Teflon and similarly coated ware.
6. Silverware with glued-on handles, plastic handles or wooden handles.
7. Items that require a higher level of kashering including items requiring Kashering by burning, frying pans and large pots.
For more information, check out this year's 2025/5785 Pesach Guide available at youngisraelwh.org/pesachguide or contact Rabbi Brander at rabbi@youngisraelwh.org with any questions
COMMUNAL KASHERING WILL TAKE PLACE AT CROWN MARKET ON SUNDAY APRIL 6, 2025!
COMMUNAL CHAMETZ BURNING
YARD GOATS: CHOL HAMOED FAMILY OUTING
Laufer Sefira Challenge
Seudat Moshiach: The Feast of Moshiach
