Passaic Jews Burn Chametz Ahead of Passover

Annual ritual to remove leavened foods before the holiday

Apr. 1, 2026 at 8:30pm

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As part of the Jewish tradition before Passover, residents of Passaic, New Jersey gathered to participate in the ritual burning of chametz - leavened foods and products that are forbidden during the holiday. This annual event is an important pre-Passover custom for the local Jewish community.

Why it matters

The burning of chametz is a symbolic act that represents the removal of leavened products from one's home and life before Passover, a major Jewish holiday commemorating the Israelites' exodus from Egypt. This ritual is an important part of Passover preparations for observant Jews.

The details

During the chametz burning ceremony, members of the Passaic Jewish community brought leavened foods, breads, and other prohibited items to a designated public area. The items were then collectively burned in a ceremonial fire, signifying the purging of these foods from homes and lives before the start of Passover.

  • The chametz burning took place on April 1, 2026, just days before the start of Passover on April 5.

The players

Passaic Jewish Community

The Jewish residents of Passaic, New Jersey who participate in the annual pre-Passover ritual of burning chametz.

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The takeaway

The burning of chametz is a centuries-old Jewish tradition that helps prepare the community for the observance of Passover, one of the most important holidays in the Jewish faith. This annual ritual in Passaic reflects the continued importance of maintaining cultural and religious practices within the local Jewish community.