Spring 2012 Aviv 5772 www.ezrasisrael.org ’s Message site for G-dly freedom . The first stage repre- sents liberation from the burdens of slavery . An integral part of the Seder is the .V’Hitzalte -I will deliver you from slavery וְהִצַלְתִּי .four cups of wine that we drink They correspond to the four stages The second stage represents deliverance from servitude of redemption from our enslave- V‖Goalti - I will redeem you with an יוְגַָאלְתִּ ment in Egypt. outstretched arm and with great judgments. Rabbi Shamshom Raphael Hirsh explains the four Once you are free, you may think that the ultimate free- stages as follows. These four stages were essential to the dom is to do whatever you please, owing no allegiance Jewish nation attaining the freedom for which it was to anyone. But that is not true freedom. I will free you destined, G-dly freedom . Pesach is known as the festi- in that you will be aware that the freedom that you have val of freedom. Freedom means deliverance from bur- gained is from G-d, enabling you to get to the next step, dens and the breaking of chains is merely a state of be- which is- ing for which room has been made for the Divine like- V’Lockachti - I will take you to myself to be וְלָקַחְתִּי ness to shine forth. The four stages of redemption are hinted to in the four expressions of Redemption that are My people and I will be your G-d. You will realize that mentioned in the beginning of Parashas Vaeira: you are chosen to be the ―am hanivchar‖, ―the nation of G-d‖. This is what true freedom is. V‖Hotzeise‖ - I will lead you out from .והוֹצֵאתִי “ under the burdens of Egypt Pesach is a Festival in which we celebrate freedom – a freedom that is a true freedom- that of being the nation Liberation from burdens is only the beginning of free- of G-d and doing His will. dom . It is only one of the stages which pave the way for freedom. It is not the fruit of freedom rather a prerequi- Chag Kasher Vesameach.

sick, contributing to a cause, becoming a dues paying President’s Message On a recent shabbos, (March 17) member of an institution whose mission is to support we had a two part parasaha which those in the community that need their services, or talked about building the mishkan even to be a working member of a synagogue board. and the effort put into that by ordi- nary Jews. These were people We all have plenty to do and taking on more can seem fresh from slavery who never had an daunting and unreasonable. But I have learned from opportunity to develop, or even dis- personal experience that we all have a much greater cover, any kind of creative skills such as sewing, paint- capacity to contribute, both time wise and finan- ing or anything else for that matter. But these were the cially, that we think we do. And what a great skills in demand to build the mishkan.. feeling it is to take that plunge and perform past what Just the same, when Hashem asked those we thought was possible. We will find that with a little whose heart moved them to join in and contribute their energy and positive thinking that Hashem moves obsta- efforts toward building the mishkan, They did not hesi- cles out of our way. Indeed, no one had to appoint the tate to volunteer. builders of the mishkan. They saw the need and stepped Consider that they were taking a risk that per- forward and virtual miracles were performed so that haps they would not be up to the task and might disap- they could complete their mission.. point themselves or the leaders. We don’t have mishkan to build as in ancient But they knew there was a job to be done and times. But worthy projects are always presenting them- that Hashem through Moshe was asking for volunteers selves. Let’s take a lesson from our heroic ancestors so they went ahead and took a chance. and step forward to help complete the job. Nowhere does it mention that anyone's efforts came up short. Truly, Hashem dwells in the house of those In life, we are constantly being asked to who serve him by serving his children. "volunteer" and take responsibility for "work" that needs to be done It may have to do with visiting the Chag Kosher v sameach Pesach to everyone.

The Ballad of the Four Sons The Seder Rap Pharoah couldn't comprehend, he just ... (to the tune of "Clementine") by Randi and Murray Spiegel, Passover 1994 stopped and stared.

Said the father to his children, Gonna tell you all a story, 'bout the Jews in Chorus: Tell the story, find the Matzoh, "At the seder you will dine, Egypt, drink the cups of wine. It's all in celebra- You will eat your fill of matzoh, They had a good thing goin', there was no tion, so let's sing and dine. You will drink four cups of wine." complaint. Now this father had no daughters, But then there came this Pharoah, who was The Jews ran out of Egypt with their herds But his sons they numbered four. mean and nasty, of cattle, One was wise and one was wicked, He worked them night and day, from the Pharoah followed with his armies, they One was simple and a bore. heat they did faint. were very near, And the fourth was sweet and winsome, he But then Moses stretched his hand, and was young and he was small. They pleaded unto G-d, "Save us all, your The Sea was parted, While his brothers asked the questions he children" Our people walked on through, they could scarcely speak at all. And G-d looked down to them, he was were ... free and clear. quite distressed. So here we are tonight, sitting 'round this Said the wise one to his father So G-d appeared to Moses through a bush table, "Would you please explain the laws? on fire, We tell this tale again, never with a gap. Of the customs of the seder He said "Go back to Egypt, go clear up this When our ancestors were slaves, G-d Will you please explain the cause?" mess." reached out to help them, The Jews are now a people, 'cause we And the father proudly answered, Chorus: Tell the story, find the Matzoh, HUHp beat the rap! "As our fathers ate in speed, drink the cups of wine. It's all in celebra- Words copyright © 1994 by Ate the paschal lamb 'ere midnight tion, so let's sing and dine. Randi and Murray Spiegel. Permission is And from slavery were freed." hereby granted to reproduce this material So we follow their example So Moses went to Pharoah, saying "G-d's in any non-profit medium provided that its And 'ere midnight must complete real angry, content is not altered and this notice is All the seder and we should not They've suffered many years, Le-let my appended. After 12 remain to eat. people go." Membership Renewal But Pharoah didn't listen, he had no inten- Pesach, the original Jewish national inde- Then did sneer the son so wicked tions pendence holiday, is a time of renewal both "What does all this mean to you?" Of giving up his servants, and HUHp said in our bonds to each other as Jews and in "No." our commitment to a Jewish future through ְוהגָדתּ And the father's voice was bitter So G-d sent down 10 plagues, which were the fulfillment of the commandment lit. ―tell it to your son‖ in retelling theלבנך ,As his grief and anger grew. quite horrendous "If you yourself don't consider They started out with water being changed story of the Exodus. Just our parents and As son of , to blood. grandparents, through the experience of Then for you this has no meaning And then there came the frogs; Third, the family seders, left indelible marks on our You could be a slave as well." lice persisted, consciousness as Jews, we too do so for Then wild beasts everywhere left a ... trail our children and in the process establish Then the simple son said simply of crud. cross-generational links to our posterity. "What is this," and quietly By renewing or starting your own The good father told his offspring Chorus: Tell the story, find the Matzoh, membership in Ezras Israel at this season "We were freed from slavery." drink the cups of wine. It's all in celebra- of renewal you make a commitment, along tion, so let's sing and dine. with your other Pesach celebrations, to But the youngest son was silent strengthen your bonds to our fellow Jews For he could not ask at all. The cattle were all killed, and the boils both from around here and those from His bright eyes were bright with wonder were torture, around the world who come through our The hail came down in torrents, heads doors. Be a part of an institution, which through the labors of dedicated volunteers As his father told him all. were really woozie. and inspirational rabbinic leadership has My dear children, heed the lesson and From the sky there came the locusts, num- worked to maintain a commitment to a remember evermore ber 9 was darkness, Jewish future for over a century. We are What the father told his children But G-d was not yet done, number 10 was very diverse in level of personal obser- Told his sons that numbered four. a doozie. All the first-born dropped like flies in their vance and in age - among us we have tents and temples, members in their nineties and who are in Please be a wise son and join us for Every bird and beast in Egypt, only their twenties, but we are all united in our Kabbalas Shabbos services on Friday Pharoah was spared. commitment to our fellow Jews as a peo- evening and help ensure that the shul Such a wailin' in Mitsrayim, there was ple, and a Jewish future for ourselves and can guarantee a minyan. such commotion, our children.

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Learning Schedule  mornings, Rabbi’s on the weekly Parsha, 8:15am at the shul. Open to all.  Sunday mornings following Shacharis, Rabbi’s Class at the Ring House (men only) Wednesday Learning Nights on Wednesdays at 7:30 pm at the shul (men only) (contact Rabbi Kreiser to confirm dates) Baruchim Habaim Are you receiving the weekly Ezras Israel e-mail update? New Members: Golan & Inbar Ben-Nun Family, Davening times, upcoming events, and more! To subscribe, visit Jonathan & Meredith Schlaifer, http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ezrasisrael

Mazel Tov ! Manny & Nancy Zymelman on celebrating their Golden (50th) Wedding Anniversary!

Meredith Jessica Kroehl & Jonathan Daniel Schlaifer, on their wedding Robert Gamzeh on his marriage Leah Rosen and the entire Rosen Family on Tzachi’s engagement Manny & Nancy Zymelman, on the Bat- of their granddaughter Talia Zymelman

Yasher Koach! For sponsoring a Louis Gilden Graff, in memory of his fa- ther Avraham Elya To Mark & Charlene Disler for Jerry Roschwalb, in memory of his wife publicizing and providing refreshments for Mark Lautman, to celebrate the arrival and Susanne / Chana Liebe z‖l our standing room-only lecture by Rabbi Brit Mila of his first grandson YY Rubinstein.. Meredith Kroehl & Jonathan Schlaifer & The Shul, in honor of Nate Druckman’s their families in honor of Jonathan’s aufruf Sheldon & Roz Needle for organizing our graduation from the CES Jewish Day Spring Shabbat dinner in shul. School The Shul, in commemoration of the Rabbi’s father’s Harav Aharon Gedalya’s Judy Lowitz for deliciously provisioning Emil & Dr. Greta Hirsch, to celebrate the yahrzeit ( ז״צל) ben Yisroel Yaakov Shabbat kiddushshim. visit of their children from NY & Israel

Mark Lautman & Michael Richman & Estee Portnoy, in memory of her father Rabbi Kreiser for their hard work and ex- Martin Mermelstein / Mordechai ben tensive preparations to read the Torah Boruch z‖l on his shloshim, and in appre- beautifully on Shabbat. ciation of the congregation's caring for him while he lived in the neighborhood Joanathan Abècassis for hours of work refurbishing the children’s room carpeting. Selma Slater, in memory of her mother Refuah Sheleima z‖l To Perel Kreiser and her family for the amazing Norman Pollack, Dr. Jack Trombka, Purim seudah. Shari Weiss (Greta Hirsch’s mother)

Cemetery Spaces Available Sponsor a New Sefer to our growing Torah Gan Zikaron (Garden of Remembrance) is a Library Condolences Jewish community owned and operated ceme- There are opportunities to sponsor new sforim tery. Spaces are available in the section previ- for the shul - from a $50 donation to sponsor a Family of Martin Mermelstein / Mor- ously purchased by Ezras Israel Congregation regular Stone Edition Chumash, and $36 for a dechai ben Boruch z‖l of Rockville for $1,900 each. You will have new Art Scroll to a set of Mishnayot or Mordechai Yahoudain on the passing of his the benefit of a tax deduction. Please contact a full , for a small premium above costs. mother in Israel Morris Altschuler at (301) 770-5591 for fur- Interested in other sforim sponsorship? Ask ther information and a tour of the site. Rabbi Kreiser or contact Rachmil.301-461-4984

Memorialize a loved one with a Memorial Plaque or by Donate to the Donating a Machzor, Siddur or Chumash Ezras Israel Hachnosat Orchim Fund to support the Call Rachmil at 301-770-4342 or 301-461-4984 or hospitality the Rabbi extends to the community. e-mail [email protected]

For the holidays and all your Celebrate a special occasion! special occasions, send Sponsor a Kiddush personalized Call Judith Lowitz- 240-328-7648 or by Chesed Cards and e-mail [email protected] or reserve online at Help Ezras Israel at the same time Call June Graff 301.770.7129 www.ezrasisrael.org

3 Minyan Times

readings) Torah with weekdays other & Chodes Rosh on time the (Also a.m. 8:05 Thursday Monday,

only) (men shiur Rabbi’s by Followed a.m. 8:30 Sunday

4:00 p.m. Sunday through Thursday Thursday through Sunday p.m. 4:00 — location same — minyan Mincha 3: Room Activity House, Ring at Shacharit Friday – Sunday

Maariv and Shlishit Seudah by Followed above. See Mincha/Maariv a.m. 9:00 Shacharit

status. Eruv for 1661 - 627 - 240 Call Israel: Ezras at Shabbat

* summer the in 7:20PM approx. Shabbos Accepts Community Israel Ezras the that time the at preferable is lighting Candle

9:27 8:10 7:00 8:19* Chukat Sat - Fri Jun - 29

9:27 8:10 7:00 8:19* Korach Sat - Fri Jun -

22

9:26 8:10 7:00 8:18* Thu) & Wed Chodesh (Rosh Tammuz) (Mevorchim Shelach Sat - Fri Jun - 15

9:22 8:05 7:00 8:15* Bahalotcho Sat - Fri Jun - 8

9:18 8:00 7:00 8:10* Naso Sat - Fri Jun - 1

9:14 8:10 8:00 Shavouth of Day Second Mon May - 28 xxxx

9:14 8:10 7:50 9:12 Shavouth of Day First Sun May - 27 After

9:12 7:50 7:00 8:05* Bamidbar Sat - Fri May 26 - 25 25 Luach HaZmanim

9:05 7:45 7:00 7:59* Tue) - Chodesh (Rosh Sivan) (Mevorchim Bechukosai Behar Sat - Fri May - 18

8:58 7:40 7:00 7:53* Emor Sat - Fri May - 11

xxxx xxxx xxxx xxxx B’Omer Lag Thu May - 10

8:50 7:35 7:00 7:46* Kedoshim / Mot Achrei Sat - Fri May - 4

8:42 7:30 7:00 7:39* Metzora Tazria Sat - Fri April - 27

8:35 7:20 7:00 7:33* Mon) & Sun - Chodesh (Rosh Iyar) (Mevorchim Shmini Sat - Fri April - 20

8:28 7:35 7:20 8:27 Pesach of Day Eight Sat - Fri April 14 - 13 After

8:27 7:20 7:25 7:26 Pesach of day Seventh April 13 - 12 Fri - Thu

8:20 7:30 7:15 8:20 Pesach of Day Second Sun - Sat April 8 - 7 After

8:20 7:15 7:20 7:19 Pesach of day First Sat - Fri April 7 - 6

xxxx xxxx xxxx xxxx 10:38/11:54 Than Later No Chametz Burn / Eat Pesach: Erev Fri April - 6

Mincha

Ends

Mincha

lighting Yom Tov Tov Yom

Event - Chag - Parsha Day Date Yom Tov Tov Yom Tov Yom

Erev Erev Candle

Shabbat / / Shabbat / Shabbat Friday / / Friday

Congregation Ezras Israel P.O. Box 2281 Rockville, MD 20847

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