Holidays – Passover
This year, Passover begins after dark on April 1 through the night of April 9.
The first Seder is the evening of April 1.
Mechirat Chametz: Selling of the Chametz
According to the Torah, Jews may neither eat nor own chametz (leavened foods) during the week of Passover. Many chametz foods can be disposed of prior to Pesach. Some cannot be disposed of without significant loss. This problem can be resolved by selling, according to an ancient formula, any chametz foods to a non-Jewish person, who is not obliged to observe the Holiday.
The chametz is sold with the understanding that the seller will not partake of it during the week of Pesach. The chametz technically becomes the property of the non-Jewish person. However, it remains on the seller’s property, usually in a designated corner of the house or garage, “rented” to the non-Jewish person. The chametz is re-purchased immediately after Pesach for your continued use. CLICK HERE to sell your chametz online. A fully completed form, submitted by Tuesday, March 31, constitutes one’s authorization of Rabbi Sara Metz to sell one’s Chametz on their behalf.
A Virtual Siyum Via Zoom
7:00am Tuesday, April 1, 2026
Ta’ Anit Bechorim – Fast of the First Born
It is customary that all first-born fast on the eve of Pesach commemorating the plague of the first born before the Exodus from Egypt. First born are excused from fasting if they attend a Siyum (end, completion or conclusion), in which we celebrate the conclusion of studying a significant portion of Rabbinic literature.
We invite you to join with Rabbi Metz for a “Virtual Siyum” on Tuesday, April 1 at 7:00am.
Please check your email for the Zoom link.
Bedikat Chametz – Searching for Leaven
One of the pre-holiday ceremonies is Bedikat Chametz, searching for leaven, when we conduct a candle-lit search through our homes to ensure that no chametz is still present. It is a brief ceremony in which the entire family can and should participate.
Make sure that all chametz has been removed or locked away, with the exception of what will be needed for the morning. Carefully hide some crumbs of bread. This is to ensure that the blessing and the ceremony will not be performed in vain. Take a candle, a feather or brush, and a box or cloth for the crumbs, and recite this blessing:
Baruch Ata Adonai, Eloheynu Melekh Ha’Olam Asher Kid’Shanu B’Mitzvotav V’Tsivanu Al Bi’Ur Chametz.
Blessed are you, O Lord, King of the Universe, who has sanctified us with His commandments and commanded us to remove all leaven.
Perform the search and gather up all the crumbs; this is a family project. Tie the crumbs in a bundle, which will be burned the next morning. Recite the following: All manner of leaven, which is in my possession, that I have not seen or removed, shall be annulled and considered as the dust of the earth.Make sure that all Chametz has been removed or locked away, with the exception of what will be needed for the morning. Carefully hide some crumbs of bread. This is to ensure that the blessing and the ceremony will not be performed in vain. Take a candle, a feather or brush, and a box or cloth for the crumbs, and recite this blessing:
The search should take place on Tuesday, March 31. On Wednesday, April 1, at or before 10:00am, burn the leaven and recite the blessing above.
Click here for a description and blessing from the Rabbinical Assembly.
Pesach starts on Wednesday night, April 1.
Freedom, Food & Friends:
Experience the Beauty of Passover in a meaningful and inspiring way.
All are welcome!
Join us for a warm and welcoming Community Passover Seder filled with meaning, connection, and tradition as we retell our timeless journey from slavery to freedom. Led by Rabbi Sara Metz, this Seder will be fun, uplifting, and delicious.
Enjoy a traditional Passover meal prepared by Chef Joph Cord.
MEMBERS – ADULTS : $60 • CHILDREN: $35 • FAMILY* $150
GUESTS – ADULTS : $70 • CHILDREN: $45 • FAMILY* $170
College Student/Military $40
*Family is defined as up to 2 Adults 18+ and 3 children in the same household.
Limited Space – Reserve by March 25.
Anyone unable to drive to and/or from the Seder is welcome to call Handicar for a ride at 520-881-3391.
Anyone in need of a subsidy, please contact Rabbi Metz at RabbiMetz@caiaz.org
CLICK HERE TO RSVP BY MARCH 25
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