News and Updates from the Community

As you know, the Biblical prohibition of possessing Hametz on Passover applies only to Hametz that one actually owns; thus, it is permitted to have Hametz in one’s home provided that it is owned by a non-Jew and that it is kept in a closed place set aside for that purpose. To effect this sale, the Sages established a document (Shtar Harsha’ah) by which the signatories empower the Rabbi (or local rabbinate) to sell their Hametz for them and to buy it back on their behalf after Passover.

This year, I will not be accepting forms in person. Instead, I have created a digital form which will work as your authorization for the sale of Hametz. Click here.

The form will ask you to specify where the Hametz is located, estimate its value, and agree to authorize me to sell it on your behalf. There are six sections and you will need to scroll a bit. It should not take longer than three minutes to complete.

I (or my designated representative) will sell your Hametz on Tuesday evening, April 6th. When I have received your authorization, you will receive a confirmation. If you do not hear from me, or if you have any questions, please contact me here.

One final point: Although there is a widespread custom to pay the rabbi who facilitated the sale of Hametz, I urge you not to do so. Instead, please feel free (but not obligated) to contribute to the my Discretionary Charity Fund. Be sure to specify that this is for Passover Charity. You may pledge an amount on the form and/or pay on the website or simply Venmo the synagogue @sixthstreetsynagogue.

Wishing you health, healing, and a Season of Redemption that is festive and meaningful.

Gavriel Z. Bellino