In response to common questions regarding Pesach, Rabbi Passow and the co-chairs have put together the FAQs below (adapted from 2021).

 

If you are in town for Pesach and you are in need of a seder, food, or other resources that are not listed here, please contact us.

 

PREPARATION FOR PESACH

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Q: How am I supposed to sell my chametz this year?

A: Rabbi Passow is planning to arrange for the sale of chametz for members of our community this year, as he did before COVID. This will involve filling out a form and engaging in a halachic kinyan (transaction) in person. Please see the recent email or contact us for more information. For those who are not able to sell their chametz in person, the KVH can arrange to sell your chametz via an online form. You should sell your chametz even if you have the practice to not keep real chametz (chametz gamur) over Pesach.

 

Q: I don't know how to kasher my kitchen, what utensils can be kashered, or what food I can buy. Where do I start?

A: The KVH, OU and CRC Pesach guides all provide a great overview of how to prepare your kitchen for Pesach. Additionally, they have lists of foods that are acceptable for Pesach without special certification. For a complete list of Pesach guides available online see kashrut.com/Passover.

 

Q: Where should I shop for Passover foods?

A: The Butcherie in Brookline is now fully stocked with Pesach packaged products, meat/poultry, and prepared foods. The Stop & Shop and Star Market locations in Allston should also carry many Pesach products. Limited Pesach products are available at most area supermarkets.

 

Q: I'm quarantined or unable to leave home. How can I get groceries delivered?

A: For Pesach-specific groceries, the Butcherie delivers throughout Cambridge and Somerville with a $100 minimum order. See their website for more information. Limited KFP groceries are available via Amazon Fresh, Peapod, Instacart etc. (please note that matzah sold in supermarkets is often NOT KFP).

 

Q: I have new utensils that need to be toveled for Pesach. What are my options?

A: The Keilim Mikvah at Daughters of Israel in Brighton is open Sunday-Thursday 8am-4pm, Friday 8am-12pm. Use the 103B door.

The Keilim Mikvah at Young Israel of Brookline is open during office hours by appointment only (email office@yibrookline.org). 

The Charles River is a kosher mikvah and may be used for toveling keilim. There is a boat launch by the Magazine Beach baseball field that provides easy access to the water (search "Magazine Beach Cartop Launch" on Google Maps). Additionally, there is a spot to the right of the Weeks Footbridge (down the street from Hillel) that allows access to the water. Wear shoes that can get wet. 

 

Q: I have questions that are not answered here. Where can I find other resources for making Pesach this year?

A: Check out the Passover page!

 

EREV PESACH

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Q: How do I burn my chametz on erev Pesach?

A: We are planning to hold a communal biur chametz this year, 8-9am in the Hillel courtyard (please arrived by 8:45am). Alternatively, you can use an outdoor BBQ grill if you have access to one. If you are not able to attend the communal biur and you do not have access to a grill, you should dispose of chametz in another way (i.e. by flushing it down the toilet or putting it in a public garbage can).

 

Q: I'm a bechor (first-born). How can I hear a siyum this year so I don't have to fast on erev Pesach?

A: We are planning to have an in-person siyum following Shacharit on erev Pesach. We will provide a livestream on Zoom for those who cannot attend in person.

 

Please contact us if you have any questions.

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Best wishes for a Chag Kasher v'Same'ach!

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