The Fast of the Firstborn (Ta’anit Bechorim) commemorates the horrific tenth plague that God inflicted on Pharaoh and the Egyptian people. After Pharaoh again refused to let the Children of Israel go, Moses warned of the impending plague that would see the death of every firstborn child in the land. 

In recognition of this moment, when we are grateful the Israelite children were spared, we are also empathetic to the suffering of the Egyptians, and so firstborn Jews fast on Erev Pesach.

As this is a minor fast, there is a widely practiced exemption: Judaism allows for anyone who attends a religious feast to forego fasting. It is customary to hold a celebratory meal on the completion of study of a piece of text, called a siyyum (conclusion).

The rabbis initiated the practice of studying a portion of text after morning services. After the study session it is permitted for those present to partake in the siyyum, and they are not required to fast for the rest of the day.

We invite you to participate in our siyyum on Friday, April 15 at 8:00am in the sanctuary, following Shacharit. Whether you are a firstborn relieving yourself from the pre-Pesach fast, or anyone else simply looking to learn a little, come join us for the siyyum. Rabbi Bedo will complete studying the last chapter of Masekhet Pesachim of the Babylonian Talmud. This is the chapter in the Talmud where the rabbis discuss the seder, so the siyyum might even include material for your evening’s discussion!

After the siyyum, we will celebrate with a light breakfast!