Please read this important message about preparing for a safe and healthy Pesach.

The wise child of the Haggadah – the Chacham – is the child who wants to know all the details of the story of Pesach.  The child asks, “What is the meaning of the rituals, rules, and laws that the Eternal our God has commanded you”.  For this child, the parent is instructed to teach all the mitzvot of Pesach up to and including the mitzvah to complete the meal with the Afikomen. 

Our middah this week is: “Pay careful attention to details”.  Our Seder this year will be more intimate, providing an opportunity to read the Haggadah more closely, ponder more questions, delve into more detail.  This year is an opportunity for all of us to be like the wise child, discovering something new and meaningful by paying close attention to details.  

Paying close attention to details will also help us celebrate Pesach wisely and safely.  Although we may be weary from following so many rules and regulations, it is the greatest mitzvah to ensure the health and safety of ourselves, our loved ones, and our community. 

This Pesach let us gather only with our immediate household members and follow all public health protocols and recommendations. 

The best way to prevent infection is to avoid being exposed. The new COVID-19 variants of concern may spread more easily. It is more important than ever to carefully follow these public health practices:

• Limit trips outside of the home. Only go out for essentials such as shopping for food, health care visits, walking the dog, outdoor exercise, going to school, childcare or work.
• Do not visit friends or family in other households, even if you live in the same building.
• Connect with friends and family by phone, social media, or online.
• Home care, support workers, and emergency repairpersons are permitted.
• People living alone may join one other household for companionship.

On-Site Testing: 

Toronto Public Health recommends COVID-19 testing for students and staff at The Toronto Heschel School in response to a COVID-19 investigation at the school.

The Toronto Heschel School will host the SickKids on-site COVID-19 School Testing Team on Thursday, March 25.   For more information click here. 

Please join us for a virtual information session tonight, Wednesday, March 24 at 8:00 p.m.

Click here to join.

Additional Resources and Information 

• Guidance from Public Health can be found here for how best avoid the spread of COVID-19.  
• Kol HaCovid, a group of top Jewish medical professionals in Toronto, issued an urgent warning to community members about the dangers of the growing variants of COVID-19.
• Here is a letter from medical professionals in the community providing detailed information and answers to FAQ’s about staying safe during the Pesach holiday. 

Wishing you all a safe and healthy Pesach.

Chag Kasher Vesameach, 

Moreh Greg