Burning their chometz safely in Woodmere

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Several Woodmere Fire Department firefighters manned the trash cans and a 40-foot dumpster where Jewish people from the Five Towns dumped their bread and other items that are not kosher for Passover at the department’s 11th annual chometz burning on Monday.

Begun in response to a house fire in the Williamsburg section of Brooklyn more than a decade ago that was caused by its residents burning chometz— food not permitted to be eaten during Passover — ablaze which started a residential fire.

The firefighters tended to the fire throughout the four and half hour event to ensure everyone’s safety. Observant Jews also recited a prayer. Passover, the holiday that celebrates the liberation of the Hebrews from ancient Egypt, is being observed this year from March 25 to April 2.