Erev Pesach

Today is Erev Pesach. Things this morning seemed a bit hectic as people all over were burning any chametz that they found during their search last night. Similar to the stations for koshering cookware and flatware, there were stations every few blocks for burning chametz. The pictures below were taken within 6 blocks of the apartment.

I also went to the mikveh (ritual bath) today for the first time. It was a very pleasant and rewarding experience. It is through immersion in water at the mikveh that one is purified, and as a result I feel a stronger connection to HaShem.

I will be attending a seder (literally this means “order”, but in this context is a holiday meal) this evening at a friend’s home a few blocks away and then services tomorrow morning. I expect the seder to be very similar to what we experience in the US, but the feeling here is VERY different. I cannot really explain it, but when 75% or more of the country is all doing the same thing at the same time it just feels more special and much more personal. I know that sounds like a contradiction, but it is not. The whole experience takes on a more personal meaning.

I will undoubtedly post something about the seder later this week.

Until then ----- חג שמח פסח --- Happy Passover!!!!!!!