Taanit Bechorim - The Fast of the First-Born - Wednesday, April 8, 2020 - 8:30 am
Every year on the morning of Pesach,Taanit Bechorim is observed. This fast is for the first-born males in our families. To express our gratitude for being redeemed with Yitziat Mitzraiim (the Exodus) when our Egyptian counterparts perished in the 10th plague, the first-born males fast from sunrise until the Seder.
However, tradition realized this wasn't the easiest day to fast for anyone as we are immersed in preparing food for the Seder ritual and festival meals. Therefore, we created a situation where the fast could be broken early in the day. After services which I will lead on Zoom, I will share some Talmudic learning I am preparing with everyone. Afterwards, we will say Kaddish Di'Rabbanan to celebrate the learning we did, then eat a Seudat Mitzvah, a celebratory meal. Once we break the fast and eat, we no longer have to fast again. This will denote the last time that people will be able to sell their hametz to me for Pesach. Then, we will sell our hametz and continue to prepare for the First Seder that night. The entire program will last about an hour, followed by breakfast on our own. Everyone - not just the first-born males - are welcome to this unique program!! Come join us and be a part of our BTBJ Pesach preparation!
Please refer to your email for ZOOM ID and password to access!
