The "Siyyum" Service for the first-born is held in gratitude to God for sparing the first-born sons among the children of Israel when the Egyptian first born were smitten. It is conducted at the Synagogue early on the morning of the eve of Pesach; when Passover begins Saturday evening, the Siyyum is conducted the previous Thursday morning.

It is the practice, according to ancient tradition, after the house has been thoroughly cleaned, to make a final ceremonial search for whatever "chametz" may remain. This search, called Bedikat Chametz", is conducted on the eve of the day preceding Passover and the "chametz" is burned on the following morning. (See the Haggadah for the traditional recitations at these ceremonies). One may eat a chametz meal until 10:00 AM on the eve of Pesach. No matzah is to be eaten until the Seder that night. The term "Chametz" or "Leaven" is applied not only to food, the use of which is to be avoided the eight days of Pesach but also to the dishes and utensils in which foods are prepared or served during the year.

Observing the laws of Kashrut on Passover is somewhat different from observing Kashrut throughout the year. The joy of keeping the Passover will be realized when you are seated at your Seder table knowing that you have prepared your foods in the traditional manner. This spirit of rejoicing will erase from your minds any memories of labors you undertook to observe the Passover rules. The rules and procedures for preparing the house are according to the Committee on Jewish Law and Standards of the Rabbinical Assembly.

This is a more complicated procedure and it is one in which you should consult with your own Rabbi and congregation for a final opinion. For many, the house is prepared for Passover and all leavened products are removed. Since Passover hasn’t begun and one customarily doesn’t eat matzah until the Seder, it has been one accepted pattern to accompany the Shabbat meal with "egg matzah" that is "kosher for Passover" in terms of being in your possession but isn’t "kosher" as matzah for the Seder and Festival unless there are extenuating medical circumstances.

Because there are technical issues involved, please speak with your Rabbi for specific guidance in your preparations for Passover when the First Seder occurs on Saturday evening.