Beth Meyer Synagogue Guide to Pesah 5783/2023

B E T H M E Y E R S Y N A G O G U E ’ S
G U I D E T O
Pesah
פסח
5783/2023

Beth Meyer Synagogue is a Conservative
congregation rooted in three sacred
principles: Torah, Avodah (Prayer), and
Gemilut Hasadim (Acts of Lovingkindness)
and is located at 504 Newton Road, Raleigh,
NC 27615. (919) 848-1420.
Board of Trustees
Keith Satisky, President
Steve Hammel, Vice President of
Organizational Health
Sherry Shapiro, Vice President of
Jewish Living and Learning
Brian Orol, Treasurer
Bonnie Leach, Secretary
Sandi Bouchard
Susan Ehrlich, Immediate Past President
Rick Kane
Steve Katz
Suzanne Kirschbaum
Karl Mundt
Benjamin Pollack
Adam Rosenzweig
Shana Silverstein
Sam Suls
Professional Staff
Eric Solomon, Rabbi
Dr. Jenny Solomon, Rabbi
Christine Baker, Catering and Kitchen
Coordinator
Crystal Bass, Assistant Preschool Director
Sarah Beall, Facilities Coordinator and
Clergy Assistant
Carole Eagle, Director of Member Services
Samantha Gottlich, Programs Coordinator
Lauren Isaacs, Communications Manager
Cathy Kaplan, Director of Religious
School and Family Programs
Rebecca Krantz, Preschool Director
Steve Sheriff, Facilities Custodian
Britt Stamey, Religious School Assistant
Jonathan Wertheim, Executive Director
Kim Wicksel, Youth Programs Advisor
“Passover, widely known by its Hebrew name, Pesah,
commemorates the exodus from Egypt. On a spiritual
level, the festival confronts us with the notion of
redemption. In terms of the calendar, it occurs in the
spring. All three of these concepts — freedom,
redemption, and springtime — come together in
different aspects of Passover observance.”
-Alan Lucas, The Observant Life
Hag Kasher v’Sameah!
A Happy and Kosher Holiday!
We hope this Pesah guide offers you the information you need to make
the upcoming holiday transformative, meaningful, and soulful. We look
forward to celebrating with you!
Take a look at what we have in this year’s guide:
A round-up of our services and events;
five easy ways to give back to those in need;
a Pesah checklist to help with your planning;
and more!
חג כשר ושמח!‏
Join Beth Meyer Synagogue as we come together in different aspects of
Pesah observance with our services, events, and more leading up to our
capstone event — our Community Pesah Seder on the evening of
Thursday, Apr. 6. Don’t miss this opportunity to celebrate together with
friends and family as we gather for an inspiring, catered community
seder, led by Rabbis Eric and Jenny Solomon. Space is limited, so be
sure to register on our website before Wednesday, Mar. 22 to ensure
your seat before registration opens to prospective members and the
general public.
Whether you’re fasting (Yes, fasting! See page 4 for details) or feasting,
may this Pesah be a great one for all of us!

RABBI’S RABBI’S MESSAGE
“If our hearts are
closed and hard,
then like Pharoah,
we will eventually
suffer the
consequences of
our obstinance.”
Pharoah’s Hardened Heart
by Rabbi Eric Solomon, erics@bethmeyer.org
Some years ago, I sat with a set of parents
and their grown child in my office. They
sought me out because they were bitterly
fighting and could not seem to find a way
forward. The source of conflict: the child
wanted to pursue his artistic dreams, while
the parents found his journey away from
the academic path to be irresponsible
and selfish.
At one point in our meeting, the child
began to tear up as he explained why it
was so important to him to, at least,
attempt to pursue his dreams at this stage
in his life. One of his closest friends
tragically died while in high school and he
carried it with him all of the time like a
weight. “I can always go back to school. This
is the time to pursue my dreams. I want to
live the life that my best friend could not,”
he shared. He was young, idealistic, and
struggling. Even if it wasn’t the financially
secure path, the young man had a point.
Unfortunately, his parents couldn’t even
hear it. When I asked them to simply
paraphrase what their son was saying, the
best the father could eke out was: “He
wants to throw his life away.” The son’s
gaze fell to the ground.
These parents loved their child. They
wanted what was best for him. But they
didn’t really give themselves over to
feel what their child was feeling. They
were too angry, disappointed, and
worried. Their hearts had become
hardened.
So many times throughout our Exodus
story, Moshe Rabbeinu (Moses our
Teacher) approaches Pharaoh and
gives him a chance to do the right
thing and let our people go. Plague
after plague is presented and
thousands of Egyptians suffer. Even
Pharaoh’s house screams out after the
Death of the First-Born. But every
single time, the Torah tells us,
Pharaoh’s heart remains hardened.
Someone with a softened heart can feel
the pain of the other. With a hardened
heart, no feelings can come in or out.
Empathy is bounced to the side.
The Kotzker Rebbe once taught that
there is nothing more whole than a
broken heart. Pharaoh exemplifies the
opposite: there is nothing more broken
than a hardened heart.
There is so much pain in the world:
economic, physical, social,
psychological, spiritual. Everyone is
going through their own straits of
pain — just like those in the Exodus
story.
An Exodus-driven life is one in which
we allow others, especially the people
we care about most, to penetrate our
hearts. If our hearts are closed and
hard, then like Pharoah, we will
eventually suffer the consequences
of our obstinance. A world filled with
hardened hearts is a terrible world to
live in.
At the end of my session with the
parents and child, there was no
Kumbaya-Shalom Al Yisrael (Peace On
Israel) moment; both parties still
vehemently disagreed with each
other. But they began to soften their
hearts to one another’s perspective
and pain. That was one small step out
of relationship exile and one step
closer to redemption.
This Pesah, may we take that journey
as well.
G U I D E T O P E S A H | 3

CALENDAR
Pesah
APRIL 5-13
PRAYER SERVICES
EREV PESAH
Wednesday, Apr. 5
6:45 a.m. Pre-Pesah Siyyum
(details at right)
7:21 p.m. Candle Lighting
PESAH DAY 1
Thursday, Apr. 6
6:15 p.m. Community Pesah
Seder (details at right)
8:22 p.m. Candle lighting
PESAH DAY 2
Friday, Apr. 7
Shabbat Hol Hamoed Pesah
8 p.m. Kabbalat Shabbat
7:23 p.m. Candle lighting
PESAH DAY 3
Saturday, Apr. 8
Shabbat Hol Hamoed Pesah
9:30 a.m. Shabbat Morning
Services
8:24 p.m. Havdalah
PESAH DAY 4
Sunday, Apr. 9
9 a.m. Sunday Minyan
EVENTS
PESAH DAY 5
Monday, Apr. 10
7:30 a.m. Monday Minyan
PESAH DAY 6
Tuesday, Apr. 11
7:26 p.m. Candle lighting
PESAH DAY 7
Wednesday, Apr. 12
Shvi'i Shel Pesah
5:30 p.m. Wednesday Minyan
7 p.m. Counting the Omer
begins
8:27 p.m. Candle lighting
PESAH DAY 8
Thursday, Apr. 13
Shmini Shel Pesah
9:30 a.m. Pesah Service and
Yizkor
8:28 p.m. Havdalah
AFTER PESAH
Friday, Apr. 14
6:30 p.m., Shabbat B’Yahad
(Shabbat Together!) and Pizza
Dinner
Please register for all of the below events at bethmeyer.org/calendar.
Resorative Pesah Yoga
Sunday, Mar. 26, 7-8:15 p.m., Social Hall and Zoom
Add depth and meaning to your Pesah preparations by participating in
this special yoga class led by Rabbi Jenny and Dr. Barbara Vosk. This
class can be modified for all bodies and is appropriate for everyone;
no previous yoga experience is required.
Siyyum
DID YOU KNOW?
סיום
There is a long-standing tradition
for first-born children to fast on the
day before Pesah in commemoration
of the fact that first-born Hebrew
children were spared during the
night of the tenth plague (“Slaying
of the First-Born”). According to
Jewish law, this fast can be
shortened if a first-born child
attends and listens to a Torah
lesson, a pre-Pesah Siyyum (see
below for details), which celebrates
the end of the study of a Talmudic
volume. Those who are first-born
children will then be able to eat as
normal on the day before the first
Pesah Seder.
Pre-Pesah Siyyum
Wednesday, Apr. 5; 6:45 a.m.
Shaharit, 7:30 a.m. Siyyum; Zoom
All first-born children are
encouraged to participate in a
traditional pre-Pesah Siyyum of
Masekhet Bavli Sotah, led by Rabbi
Mordecai Schwartz. Registration is
via the Rabbinical Assembly.
Participation is free and movementwide.
All are welcome to join for this
all-levels celebration of learning.
Community Pesah Seder
Thursday, Apr. 6; 6:15 p.m. doors
open, 6:30 p.m. Seder; Social Hall
Rabbis Eric and Jenny will lead a
seder catered by Bruce Kaplan
(menu at right). This event will be
capped at 100 guests. $65 per
plate for adults; $35 for children 12
and under. Subsidized tickets may
be available to households
experiencing financial hardship;
contact Jonathan Wertheim at
jonathanw@bethmeyer.org or
(919) 848-1420 for more info.
4 | G U I D E T O P E S A H

C o m m u n i t y
P e s a h S e d e r
M e n u
S O U P
Fluffy and Light Matzah Ball Soup
L I G H T B I T E S
Crudités and Eggplant Dip
Hard-Boiled Eggs
Gefilte Fish
Haroset
M A I N C O U R S E
Sautéed Salmon with Sauce
Herb-Roasted Potatoes
Roasted Vegetable Medley
D E S S E R T
Gluten-Free Cake
Assorted Desserts
Sefirat HaOmer
DID YOU KNOW?
ספירת העומר
From Pesah through the holiday of Shavuot in
May, we observe a centering practice called
Counting the Omer (see below for details). The idea
of counting each day represents spiritual preparation
and anticipation for the giving of the Torah, which God
gave on Mount Sinai at the beginning of the month of
Sivan, which we commemorate on Shavuot. This period also
marks the beginning of the barley harvest when, in ancient
times, Jews would bring the first sheaves to the Temple as a
means of thanking God for the harvest. The word omer
literally means “sheaf” and refers to these early offerings.
The Psalmist says, “Give us the wisdom to count our days,”
and during this time of uncertainty and waiting, our Omer
practice will guide us in finding meaning in each day.
Counting the Omer
Vary dates between Apr. 12-May 24, varying times, Zoom
Join Rabbi Jenny each week for a short time to introduce the
theme of the new week of the Omer, offer inspiration for
practice, and share personal reflections. Our text study and
conversation will include suggestions for practice through the
week and a ritual counting of the Omer/day together. Join us
for as many sessions as you can!
Shabbat B’Yahad (Shabbat Together!) and Pizza Dinner
Friday, Apr. 14, 6:30 p.m., Sanctuary and Livestream
Join us for an intergenerational, musical service and indulge in
the return of hametz with a Shabbat Pizza Dinner following
prayer services.
B E V E R A G E S
Juice
Water
Soda
Wine
Coffee
G U I D E T O P E S A H | 5

GIVING BACK
Five Ways to Incorporate
Tikkun Olam This Passover
Preparations for Pesah include helping those in need. Here are five ways you can help give
back this season.
PRE-PESAH HAMETZ FOOD DRIVE FOR
INTERFAITH FOOD SHUTTLE
The Passover ritual of removing hametz (leaven) products
from the home provides an opportunity to collect your
unopened food donations for our community members
facing food insecurity. Bins for hametz items will be in the
lobby now through Mar. 24.
JEWISH FAMILY SERVICES (JFS)
• Good Deeds Day: Toiletries Donations
The JFS Food Pantry is expanding its outreach to members
of our community who are in need of toiletries. In
conjunction with Good Deeds Day on Sunday, Mar. 26,
Beth Meyer is collecting toothpaste, toothbrushes, shaving
cream, razors, deodorant, liquid and bar soaps, shampoo,
conditioner, socks, combs, hand sanitizer (wipes or small
bottle), bottled water and socks. Donations can be left in
the bins in both of our lobbies.
• Kosher for Passover Food Drive
Help local Jewish families in need celebrate Passover with
donations of matzah, matzah ball mixes, gefilte fish, grape
juice, macaroons, candied fruit slices, cake mixes and/or
grocery gift cards. Please check that all food is labeled
“Kosher for Passover.” Drop off your donations at the JFS
office (8210 Creedmoor Road, Suite 104, Raleigh 27613) by
Tuesday, Mar. 28.
MITZVAH MATZOS
Beth Meyer Synagogue is once again a Mitzvah Matzos
distributor. Mitzvah Matzos bakes and sells soft, organic
shmura matzah that is kosher for Passover. All profits benefit
organizations with established track records in fighting
human trafficking and helping survivors find their paths to
independence and freedom. Place your order at
mitzvahmatzos.org by Tuesday, Mar. 28 and select Beth
Meyer Synagogue as your pickup location at checkout. All
local orders will come to the synagogue in one shipment
even though the website asks for a shipping address. Orders
will be available for pick-up at Beth Meyer Synagogue on
Thursday, Mar. 30 from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and 7-8 p.m. The price
is $45 for a one-pound box of three delicious matzot.
Ma’ot Hittin
DID YOU KNOW?
מעות חיטין
“All who are hungry, let them come and eat”
(Passover Haggadah). Ma’ot Hittin is an ancient
custom of assisting the poor with food for Pesah.
According to the Jerusalem Talmud (Baba Batra
1:6), it was a third-century Palestinian custom to
give wheat to the poor for baking matzot. Citizens
were subject to a special Pesah charity tax, which
in turn provided free wheat for residents-in-need.
This form of assistance became known as ma’ot
hittin (“money for wheat”). Modern custom has
adopted both practices: the distribution of money
and food to those who are less fortunate.
BE A MENSCH
Did you know it is an extra special mitzvah to invite
folks to your home for the seder who don’t have a
place to celebrate the Pesah meal? If you have a seat
(or two) at your seder table on the first night (April 5),
please e-mail Rabbi Jenny at jsolomon@bethmeyer.org
and she will help make the match. You do not need
to have the most kosher home or the most elaborate
seder ritual. All you need is a seat at the table, an
open heart, and the desire to fulfill this mitzvah!
EPISCOPAL FARMWORKER MINISTRY
(EFwM) SUPPLY DRIVE
Beth Meyer Synagogue members have partnered
with the EFwM every March since 2007 to bring both
financial support and needed items — maseca,
vegetable oil, instant coffee, rice, beans, laundry
detergent, granola, protein bars, dried fruit, Clorox,
men’s clothing, hygiene products and more— to
migrant farmworkers in Eastern North Carolina.
Donation barrels are in the lobbies throughout
March. Financial donations can be made at
episcopalfarmworkerministry.org/donate/.
6 | G U I D E T O P E S A H

Pesah Prep: In Review
Follow our handy checklist below to help prepare your heart — and home —
for Pesah.
TO-DO LIST
R E G I S T E R F O R O U R E V E N T S
You can register for most events
and classes on our website. Check
bethmeyer.org/calendar, find the
event you are looking for, and follow
the instructions to register.
P U R C H A S E K O S H E R F O R
P A S S O V E R F O O D S
Kosher for Passover items can be found already at
Food Lion, Harris Teeter, Publix, Trader Joe’s,
Wegmans, and Whole Foods. Shop now for the best
selection!
S T O C K U P O N J U D A I C A
The Beth Meyer Sisterhood Judaica Shop has many
beautiful ritual items to use at your Seder table
including artistic Seder plates, Elijah’s and Miriam’s
Cups, matzah plates, haggadot, and toys for children.
The Judaica Shop’s regular hours are from 10 a.m.-
noon on Fridays and Sundays. You can also make an
appointment with Shelly at judaicashop@bethmeyer.org
or shop online at beth-meyer-judaica-shop.square.site.
O R D E R M I T V A H
M A T Z O S B Y M A R . 2 8
Simply place your order on the
online store at mitzvahmatzos.org
and select Beth Meyer Synagogue as
your pickup location at checkout.
Find complete details about this
program on page 6.
K A S H E R Y O U R K I T C H E N
For the complete Beth Meyer
interpretation of the Rabbinical
Assembly Pesah Guide, with guidance
from Rabbi Eric Solomon, please visit
bethmeyer.org/pesahguide.
Hametz
C L E A N T H E H O M E
( B U T D O N ’ T G O C R A Z Y )
Spring cleaning is fun for some people, but it
should not be confused with Passover cleaning.
When cleaning the house for Passover, attention
should be given only to places where edible hametz
is stored or consumed.
DID YOU KNOW?
What do we do when we have hametz in our
possession that is needed after Pesah is over?
According to Jewish law, we cannot “own” any
hametz during Pesah. Each person or family can
“sell” their hametz to the rabbi. The rabbi, in turn,
takes responsibility for the hametz and then sells
off the community’s leaven to a person who does
not celebrate Pesah. This hametz, in a legal sense,
is no longer owned by the Jewish community. The
food remains in people’s homes but is hidden
away in taped-up cupboards and covered closets.
After Pesah concludes, as a sign of one’s
willingness to “buy back” one’s personal hametz, it
is customary to send a donation to the synagogue
in honor of the transaction.
S E L L Y O U R H A M E T Z
B Y A P R . 5
Please use the form on our website
at bethmeyer.org/sale-of-hametz to
sell your hametz by noon on
Wednesday, Apr. 5. If you require
assistance filling out the form,
please call the office at
(919) 848-1420.
חמץ
G I V E B A C K
Donate unopened hametz to the Interfaith Food
Shuttle, collect Kosher for Passover food for Jewish
Family Services, and/or fill our Episcopal
Farmworker Ministry Supply Drive donation bins.
See page 6 for complete details.
G U I D E T O P E S A H | 7

Beth Meyer Synagogue
504 Newton Road
Raleigh, NC 27615
919-848-1420
office@bethmeyer.org
bethmeyer.org
Find us on your favorite social media platforms:
fb.com/bethmeyersynagogue
Morning Torah with Rabbi Eric most Friday mornings
Minhah Moments with Rabbi Jenny most Tuesday afternoons
youtube.com/bethmeyersynagogue
@bethmeyershul and @krameratbms