Passover in West Bloomfield: What You Need to Know

Jewish families throughout West Bloomfield will join millions around the globe Monday in celebrating Passover, the annual holiday commemorating the Israelite's exodus from slavery in Egypt to freedom in Canaan. Along with the special meal, the wine and the famous matzah, there are several important traditions involved in retelling the story.

What is Passover?

Also known as Pesach, in its Hebrew translation, Passover begins at sundown, March 25 and lasts eight days. During that time, Jews will honor how God protected and 'passed over' the homes of ancient Israelites as they began to leave Egypt.

The Matzah

The flat unleavened bread is eaten today as a symbol of the quick exodus from Egypt, which did not allow time to let bread for their trek to rise. All bread and leavened products are forbidden during the holiday.

Prior to the holiday, Jews clean their homes and get rid of such foods, called chametz. The Birmingham-Bloomfield Chai Center reminds residents:

• Finish eating chametz by 11:34 a.m. Monday, March 25
• Burn chametz by 12:36 p.m. Monday, March 25

The Seder

The Seder — Hebrew for 'order' — is the ceremonial retelling of the exodus through a special series of prayers, songs and rituals outlined in the Haggadah. It is performed on the first two nights.

Celebrating in West Bloomfield

The Shul Chabad-Lubavitch

• 7 a.m. Thursday, March 28
• 7 a.m, 6:15 p.m., 7:37 p.m. Friday, March 29
• 9:30 a.m. Saturday, March 30
• 8:30 a.m, 6:15 p.m. Sunday, March 31
• 9:30 a.m., 6:15 p.m. Monday, April 1
• 9:30 a.m., 7:15 p.m. Tuesday, April 2

Bais Chabad Torah Center

• 10 a.m. Sunday, March 31
  

Temple Shir Shalom

• Offices closed Monday and Tuesday
• Congregational Seder: 6 p.m. Tuesday, March 26

Temple Kol Ami

• Passover worship service: 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, March 26

Temple Beth El - Bloomfield Hills

• First Seder: Monday, March 25
• Beth El Family Seder: 6 p.m. Tuesday, March 26

Birmingham Bloomfield Chai Center - Bloomfield Hills/Birmingham

First Days Services

• Evenings: 7:35 p.m. Monday-Wednesday, March 25-27
• Mornings: 10 a.m. Tuesday-Wednesday, March 26-27

Chol Hamoed Services

• 7:15 a.m. Thursday-Friday, March 28-29
• 7:40 p.m. Thursday-Friday, March 28-29

Do you know of any more Passover events happening in the West Bloomfield area? Make sure to add them to our Event Calendar.