In Honor Of Pesach Sheni: Annual Chometz Giveaway Brings More Donations Than Ever (Biyur Chometz Photo Essay)

By BJL Staff
Posted on 05/10/17

Baltimore, MD - May 10, 2017 - 14 Iyar 5777/Pesach Sheni - Erev Pesach, Monday, April 10, about 5,000 people from the Baltimore Jewish community gathered at the Pimlico Race Course Club House parking lot for the annual pre-Pesach burning and donation of Chometz.

The Chometz Burning event is a community staple that has grown over the years and moved from the original 1982 Glen Street Fire Station location to its present location at Pimlico Race Course.  Just five years ago, a Chometz Giveaway was added in conjunction to counteract waste of unopened products and support the northwest Baltimore community’s residents in need. With great support from the community, Neighborhoods United will be distributing the donated food to a local food pantry.

The 2017 Chometz Giveaway garnered the most donations in the five-year history, totaling to about 500 pounds of food items. CHAI’s Director of Community Engagement, Sherrell Savage, will be on hand at the food pantry with Neighborhoods United to help with distribution.

This year’s Chometz Burning and Giveaway event was coordinated by City Councilman Issac “Yitzy” Schleifer, Baltimore City Council President, Bernard C. “Jack” Young’s office, The Chesed Fund/Project Ezra, CHAI: Comprehensive Housing Assistance Inc., an agency of The Associated, Park Heights Renaissance and Neighborhoods United, with loads of help from Dr. Bert Miller, many community volunteers and both the fire and police departments in the Glen neighborhood.

(Photo Credit: BJLife/Simcha Photography & Video - Baruch Bitman)