The Talmud teaches that 30 days before Passover, we should start learning about theholiday and its meaning. In that spirit, I humbly offer "30 Days of Liberation." For each of the next 30 days, I will offer a brief messagedrawn from the wisdom Pass
The Talmud teaches that 30 days before Passover, we should start learning about theholiday and its meaning. In that spirit, I humbly offer "30 Days of Liberation." For each of the next 30 days, I will offer a brief messagedrawn from the wisdom Pass
a message fromRabbi Knopf
The Talmud teaches that 30 days before Passover, we should start learning about the holiday and its meaning. In that spirit, I humbly offer "30 Days of Liberation." For each of the next 30 days, I will offer a brief message drawn from the wisdom Passover imparts. I hope you find these messages meaningful and inspiring. Feel free to share/forward.
30 Days of Liberation: Day 12 - While on the surface the Exodus story seems grand and national, at its heart is an intimate and personal story about providing homes for the homeless and families for the parentless. It's the story of Moses' adoption: first, by Pharaoh's daughter, then by Jethro. And it's the story of God adopting a people, giving them a home when they had none of their own. Redemption may be big, but it's built on personal acts of love; even small kindnesses can have a heroic impact.
What is Hametz? Wheat, oats, rye, barley, or spelt became hametz (fermented) if they came in contact with water for 18 minutes after harvesting. The term hametz is also applied to dishes and utensils which have been in contact with hametz foods during the year.
The Torah prohibits the ownership of hametz during Pesach. Therefore, we arrange for mekhiratz hametz, the sale of the hametz to a non-Jew. This transfer is accomplished by appointing an agent, the rabbi, to handle the sale. It is a valid and legal transfer of ownership. At the end of the holiday, the agent arranges for the reversion of the ownership of the non-allowed hametz. If the ownership of the hametz was not transferred before the holiday, the use of the hametz is prohibited after the holiday as well.
