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It's Chametz Burning Time!
By
Jen Chung
Published Mar 29, 2010
Modified Mar 29, 2010
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By
Jen Chung
Published Mar 29, 2010
Modified Mar 29, 2010
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The Fire Department is reportedly responding to numerous calls about rubbish fires in Williamsburg and Borough Park, because it's time for the pre-Passover tradition of burning all leavened bread products. A few years ago, the FDNY reminded those burning chametz to be careful, because "In 2004, five people were seriously burned when a man poured paint thinner on a ceremonial fire in Borough Park, Brooklyn."
The right way to burn chametz? According to the FDNY, it's "using a metal can, a screen to prevent stray embers and newspaper instead of dangerous accelerants like lighter fluid."
There are other dangers associated with ridding the home of chametz: A doctor told the Post a few years ago, "We see a little bit of everything. Dizziness from fumes, slips from highly buffed floors or wet bathroom tiles," (another said that Passover injuries include "knife wounds from cutting food, burns from stovetops, and even fingers chopped up in blenders"). One local cleaning service not only touts pre-Passover chametz-cleansing skills but also their convenience after Passover—"Once Pesach has drawn to a close, you may notice that the influx of extra traffic from family and friends has left an undesirable mark on your flooring."
Apparently Chabad.org has been offering a service to let people sell their chametz online, but it's unclear whether it's a Kosher arrangement.
Tagged
chametz
fire safety
passover
pesach
Jen Chung
Jen Chung is a former WNYC and Gothamist editor.
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Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
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