COVID-19 Updates

Good afternoon! I am sorry for not sending this out this morning, but I had a time conflict.

Please note these important announcements:

1. OU DAILY TEHILLIM: Join the Orthodox Union community for the recitation of Tehillim (in ethe ArtScroll: chapters 20 – p. 152, 27 – p. 170, and 130 – p. 82). To participate, please dial 773-377-9170.

2. CORRECTED EMAIL ADDRESS: If you know anyone in need of assistance (and that can include you, as well) with food, shopping, financial issues, please contact denverchesedtaskforce@gmail.com.

3. TEVILAT KEILIM: Earlier in the week, I mentioned Rabbi Steinberg innovated a solution for when the Mikva’ot are unavailable for Tevilat Keilim. However, the AISH Keilim Mikvah is still open.

4. KASHERING DISHES: The Scroll-K has issued the following information regarding Kashering utensils for Pesach this year:

Due to the current situation, we encourage all those who are able to Kasher their personal items at home to do so. Please refer to page 7 of Kashrus Komments for a synopsis of utensil kashering instructions. 

Communal pre-Pesach Kashering will be available with drop-off and pick-up only as detailed below:

1. 1. Please do not enter the kashering location. Please place items in a bag or box with a clear phone number. It is also prudent to include a list of all items in the bag/box.
   2. Please make sure your items are completely clean and ready to kasher. Any adhesives or foreign matter must be removed prior to drop-off.
   3. The items to be kashered should not be used for 24 hours.
   4. The Vaad is not responsible for loss or breakage.

Location: BMH-BJ (table in Schreiber Gardens, between stage and hallway)

Date: Mon, Apr 6

Drop-off time: 8-11 am

Pick-up time 2-5 pm

Contact Number (303) 815-4882

The area will be under constant monitoring for the security of your items.

5. PESACH CLASS: Tonight's Pesach class is entitled, “Leading a Seder.” It will be held at 7:45 pm. Log in at: https://zoom.us/j/661971155. 

5. THURSDAY CLASS TIME CHANGE: Our class on "Biographies of our Tanaim and Amoraim" will be held weekly at 4:45 pm, and available at https://zoom.us/j/661971155

7. TA’ANIT BECHORIM: As we do every year, following Shacharit (see the bullet on our Virtual (non)Minyan) on Erev Pesach (Wed, Apr 8), there will be a Siyum. Anyone attending via Zoom is considered a participant, and is exempt from fasting. It has been suggested to me that this year, in particular, perhaps the Firstborns should consider fasting, rather than availing themselves of the opportunity to participate in a Siyum. I leave that decision to each individual.

8. MECHIRAT CHAMETZ: This year, I am working with Rabbi Steinberg at Congregation Zera Abraham to sell Chametz. You can assign him as your agent by either filling out the form online (https://form.jotform.com/200835094620147) or filling out the form available here (https://files.constantcontact.com/0cccf70f701/671f91ec-ec86-483d-89d8-42f1b43c990c.pdf) and emailing it to Rabbi Steinberg at RabbiSteinberg@zeraabraham.com or mailing it to him at 1560 Winona Court, Denver, CO 80204.

9. BIUR CHAMETZ: As with all things this year, everyone is encouraged to conduct their own Burning of the Chometz. If that is not possible, I will have a fire going in my backyard beginning at 11:15 am. Anyone wanting to avail themselves of it must follow the following guidelines:
   1. One person at a time – you will pull into my driveway (527 S. Pontiac Way); if there is a car there already, that means someone is back there, so wait in your car on the street (don’t block the driveway).
   2. You can only bring one small bag (lunchbag-size) of Chametz. All the rest of your Chametz should be thrown away in a dumpster, or flushed down a toilet.
   3. Please bring your own Hagada/Machzor from which to recite the Kol Chamirah.
   4. The last time to burn Chametz is 11:56 am.

9. ​​​DAILY VIRTUAL (NON)MINYAN: Our daily attendance is growing! What a great way for both men and women in our community to start the day with positivity and unity! join us at our regularly scheduled times for Shacharit and Mincha/Maariv by logging in at: https://sundaysky.zoom.us/j/6373445618 or calling in at either 253-215-8782 or 301 -715-8592, using Meeting ID: 637 344 5618.

Have an awesome day!

Rabbi Joseph Friedman