Tho observance of Passover this year is complicated by the fact that the festival begins on Saturday night, April 6. The proper observance of Shabbat and the preparations for the Seder, as well as the mitzvot usually performed the day before the holiday, tend to conflict. Special care must therefore be taken to observe both Shabbat and Pesach properly. The coincidence of Shabbat and Erev Pesach is unusual; the lat time it occurred was twenty years ago. I am therefore offering this article of guidance in advance of the annual Passover Bulletin. Dur next issue will carry the usual instructions about permissible foods, kashering, etc. Please make sure to consult the following carefully bafarax in preparing for this year’s festival observance.* * * * THURSDAY, APRIL 4 The Taanit Bekhorim (Fast of the First-Born) will be observed on Thursday this year. Our morning services will begin at [TIME] AM. All first-born – and fathers of minor boys who are first-born – should attend services. Those who are planning to fast should of course do so. All others are invited to stay for the conclusion of the study of a Talmudic tractate and the refreshments that follow – in which case they are permitted to eat during the day. All kashering should preferably be done on this day and concluded before Friday. The bedikat chametz (search for the chametz) takes place Thursday evening, as soon as possible after 7:57 PM. Consult your Siddur or Haggadah for the blessing and for the kol chamira formula that should be recited as usual. All chametz foods which you plan to use on Friday and Saturday (see below) should be kept in one place – preferably in the room where the chametz meals will be served. It is advisable that this not be the kitchen, which will be readied for Pesach foods.FRIDAY, APRIL 5 The bi'ur chametz (burning of the chametz) should be performed today before 11:30 AM (DST). However, do not recite the usual kol chamira formula normally said at the burning. We city-dwellers will pr…

Not everyone is aware of the prohibition against wearing garments made of wool and linen mixed together. It is a Biblical commandment, recorded in Deuteronomy 22:11. It is thus incumbent upon us to observe this commandment properly. Fortunately, because of the efforts of the Shatnez Laboratory in Brooklyn, it has become a simple matter for everyone to observe this law – free of charge in most cases. Either bring your garment for inspection to the Laboratory at 203 Lee Avenue in Brooklyn, or call EV 7-8520 and they will give you the names of establishments nearest your home who engage in this sacred work. An appointment for a man to come to your home to inspect your garment is available at a nominal fee. By having your garment checked and then stamped with the “Shatnez-free” label of the Shatnez Laboratory, you will enjoy the knowledge that you have fulfilled this commandment in the proper way.