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The El Paso Issue 158 CHABAD TIMES A publication of Chabad Lubavitch of El Paso

February - March 2020 | Shevat - Adar 5780 6615 Westwind Dr. • El Paso, TX 79912 • 915.584.8218 Celebration Seventy

State Representative Cesar Blanco kindles the Shamash middle candle of the giant Menorah at the 20th annual Chanukah Playland as Rabbi Yisrael Greenberg looks on. Chanukah 2019 at Chabad was a whirlwind of quality programming and meaningful interactions. For the very first time the Jewish Women’s Circle hosted a Menorah and Martinis event where participants crafted their own menorahs out of scraps of granite and enjoyed the fun social atmosphere. The Day the Labels Died The annual Menorah Workshop at Home Depot By Rabbi Zalman Marcus was packed for the seventh year going strong At 10:40 pm on Wednesday, the tenth thing sensational - when you take a new and the Chanukah Playland was a delight of SHEVAT, January 17, 1951, labels for position,” the Rebbe said during that his- to young and old. The Chanukah message Jews died. toric Farbrengen. And then he declared was broadcast to the broader community At that moment, at 770 Eastern Park- his “official statement.” through local TV channels, radio stations and way in Brooklyn, NY, Rabbi Menachem “There are three loves that are joined newspapers in multiple languages. M. Schneerson consented to become the as one and cannot exist without each oth- er: Love for G-d, love for His Torah, and The final night of Chanukah was celebrated seventh Lubavitcher Rebbe. And at that moment, the brief but our love for each other.” with a grand dinner and a candle making destructive life of “labels” came to a As the Rebbe elaborated on this beau- workshop for the children. swift end. Labels like “Reform,” “Con- tiful vision, the theme of the evening Public Menorah lightings every evening, servative,” and “Orthodox” were ren- started coming into focus. The Rebbe Menorah displays throughout the city, and dered suddenly useless when the new was committing himself - along with special party for the senior citizens at Lubavitcher Rebbe quietly took his seat those who had insisted on his leadership The Monte Vista and The Legacy. at the head of table of Chabad. - to a whole new level of uncompromis- Thank you to all our partners, sponsors and “In America you’re expected to make ing love for his fellow Jews. Continued on page 5 volunteers for making it all happen! an official statement - preferably some-

Camp Gan Israel Le Café Chabad Hamentashen Bake Spring Camp Evening for Women for Seniors March 16 - 20 March 16 March 2 Page 8 Page 9 Page 8

Your Purim Guide March 9 - 10 Page 11 Page 2 The El Paso CHABAD TIMES Shevat - Adar 5780 | February - March 2020

barely survived the Holocaust by Lubavitch Yeshiva he was guided to through the trouble of picking up the the skin of their teeth, together with utilize every fundraising trip as an note from the floor, Rabbi Wineberg whole communities lacking proper opportunity to inspire the locals to asked the Rebbe for forgiveness for spiritual and religious guidance. greater Torah observance and many his brazenness. Hordes of Jewish children who were of these Jews were introduced to the The Rebbe replied, “I am all about denied a proper Jewish education and Rebbe through his efforts. “picking up” especially those that are millions of Jews trapped behind the Once a Jew from a remote forgotten by others.” iron curtain. A generation yearning community called Rabbi Wineberg Seventy years since the Rebbe for direction and encouragement late at night with an urgent inquiry assumed personal responsibility and the Rebbe rose to the occasion for the Rebbe. Rushing to Lubavitch for the Jewish nation it is clear that in ways no one could have ever Headquarters he realized that he the Rebbe focused on ensuring that This year on the 10th day of Shvat imagined. arrived minutes after the Rebbe’s no one is overlooked. Chabad’s the Chabad Lubavitch movement Emissaries were immediately secretary entered the Rebbe’s office permanent presence in every corner and world Jewry will celebrate dispatched to North African for the final time that day. of the globe is a testament to this, and the seventieth anniversary of the communities in need of leadership He wrote up the question and every one can partake in this mission. Lubavitcher Rebbe’s ascension to and the fledgling Chabad inserted the note between the door As we mark Yud Shevat on leadership in 1950. communities of Israel, Australia and and the doorpost, hoping that the February 5 seek ways to reach out We are told that when the Rebbe Europe were developed with the secretary would notice the note while to another Jew and inspire them to was nine years old he once jumped singular goal of becoming centers exiting, understand it is urgent and do a Mitzvah or just simply convey into a freezing river to save the of inspiration for every Jew on their give it to the Rebbe. the message that they are not alone. life of a drowning child. It seems respective continents. Early the next morning Rabbi Because the Rebbe inspires us all to to me that the idea of saving lives, Rabbi Yosef Wineberg was one Wineberg received the Rebbe’s look out for one another in the truest physically and spiritually, best of the Rebbe’s roaming emissaries reply, but the secretary had never sense of the word. defines the Rebbe’s soul mission. to communities far and wide. seen the note. Overcome with regret In 1950 there were millions of As a fundraiser for the Central at having caused the Rebbe to go “drowning” Jews. Those who had Rabbi Yisrael Greenberg

Pillars 2019 Bar Mitzvah Sidney & Meralee Schlusselberg Meyer & Mindy Marcus Aztlan Llamas Yosef & Karina Abraham Yair & Shira Moskowitz Proud Parents Moshe Azoulay Rachelle Nedow Manuel llamas & Jennifer Barajas Llamas Adam & Dana Frank Jerry Rosenbaum Nat & Linda Holzer Miriam Rosenbaum Enoch & Yocheved Kimmelman Hank & Susy Rothschild Esther Kishk Nancy Rothschild Dr. Sam & Monica Kupetz Jerry & Stanlee Rubin Dr. Steve & Wendy Lanski Dr. David & Meirav Sidransky Eric & Sara Laytin Edward & Helene Solomon Shalom & Julie Laytin Amit & Pollie Toren Clement & Amy Marcus Thank you for your generous support!

In This Issue Chanukah 2019...... p 1 is published by The Day the Labels Died...... p 1 Shainy's Challah Rabbi’s Message...... p2 CHABAD LUBAVITCH Grace your Shabbat table with freshly Mazel Tov...... p 2 OF EL PASO Holiday Message from the Rebbe...... p 3 home baked Challah! 6615 Westwind Drive Chabad Tomorrow ...... p3 El Paso, Texas 79912 One for $6 | Two for $10 Responding to Anti Semitism ...... p4 (915) 584-8218 Ongoing Programs at Chabad...... p 4 Orders due every Wednesday at noon. [email protected] JText...... p 4 [email protected] | 915.204.6581 JAMS...... p 4 Director Special Announcement ...... p 5 RABBI YISRAEL GREENBERG Chabad in Photos ...... p 6-7 ADVERTISE IN THE EL PASO CHABAD TIMES Editor Hamentashen Bake for Seniors...... p 8 RABBI LEVI GREENBERG Spring Camp ...... p 8 Reach every Jewish household in El Paso My Proudest Chanukah Moment ...... p 9 The Chabad Times is published Le Cafe Chabad ...... p 9 ADVERTISING OPTIONS five times a year for the Jewish Holidays. Tu B’shvat...... p 10 Business Card $100 Half Page $500 Raffle Ticket...... p 10 Double Business Card $180 Full Page $700 Chabad of El Paso does not certify the kashrut of its advertisers. Purim Guide...... p 11 New Building Project ...... p 12 Call Chabad at 915-584-8218 to place your ad now! Shevat - Adar 5780 | February - March 2020 The El Paso CHABAD TIMES Page 3 A Message from the Lubavitcher Rebbe Esther and the Modern Jewish Woman: Shining Examples For All volunteer their summer vacation to Finally—the letter went on— travel to distant places in order to she decided to make the change. reach out to fellow Jews in need of She made her home kosher, and the encouragement to strengthen their family began to observe Shabbat identity with and commitment to and Yom Tov, and she is raising our people and the Torah way. In the children in the Torah way. the course of this program it so Since then, her home is filled with happened that one of the students such contentment and serenity visited a small, Jewishly-isolated that she decided to write to the town where he found only a few Merkos L’Inyonei Chinuch and The Rebbe enters the main synagogue at Lubavitch World Headquarters for Purim services hold- Jewish families, and, as he later express her profound gratitude. ing his Megillah. Accompanied by Israel’s President Zalman Shazar. Purim 1971. reported, he was disappointed to Now, if all that was the result Blessing and Greeting: as the megillah tells us—both have accomplished nothing there. of a brief encounter with that I received your letter; and may Mordechai and Esther were But several months later, our own young man, though unbeknownst G‑d grant the fulfillment of your instrumental in bringing about Merkos L’Inyonei Chinuch which to him of its lasting impact, how heart’s desires for good, that you the miracle of Purim and saving sponsors this program received a much more can be achieved by an may have good news to report in our people, the megillah is not letter from one of the families in American Jewish family, whose all the matters about which you named after both of them jointly, that town. The writer, a woman, influence is not limited to a few wrote. nor after Esther and Mordechai in related that one summer day she minutes’ conversation, but serves The zechut of your observance that order, but solely after Esther happened to stand by her front as a shining example of the kind of of our sacred traditions—which (“Megillat Esther”). window when she saw a bearded daily life and conduct that should I was gratified to note in your Here is a pointedly emphatic young man, wearing a dark hat, be the privilege and blessing of letter—will surely stand you and message for every Jewish woman his tzitzit showing, approaching every Jewish family? yours in good stead in all of the about her unique role in Jewish her door. She confessed that when Needless to say, if, in above, including your continued life. To be sure, no one can she admitted the young man and maintaining the proper Jewish advancement in all matters of compare to the stature of Queen learned of the purpose of his visit, standards, there may be some Torah and mitzvot. For although Esther, but it does emphasize the she was not responsive, for she and difficulties to overcome (many this is a “must” for its own sake, extraordinary potential of every her family were not prepared at that of which may even be more in compliance with G‑d’s will, loyal Jewish daughter to shape moment to change their lifestyle. imaginary than real), surely this is also the “channel and the future of her family, with far- Yet for a long time after that such difficulties should be of no vessel” through which to receive reaching consequences for the encounter, the appearance of significance in comparison to the additional divine blessings in all environment and even for the the young man haunted her. He infinite benefits. Moreover, the needs, materially and spiritually. entire Jewish people. reminded her of her grandfather effort required is a personal one, The above is a particularly If this seems farfetched and and had refreshed her memories while the benefit is also for the timely message now that we mystical, the following episode of the beautiful Jewish life she had many. are about to celebrate Purim, will illustrate what even a seen in her grandparents’ home, With prayerful wishes for a the highlight of which is the comparatively small effort can though the material circumstances joyous and inspiring Purim and reading of the megillah evening accomplish. were incomparably more modest and morning. It is noteworthy You may have heard that many than she had come to know in her With blessing, and significant that although— of our senior Lubavitch students married life. Page 4 The El Paso CHABAD TIMES Shevat - Adar 5780 | February - March 2020

From the Rabbis’ Blog www.chabadelpaso.com/blog Dedicated by Northeast Feed Responding to Anti Semitism

have received nothing but respect. they were in serious trouble. sence of Jewish pride: Judaism and But the heightened antisemitism Their situation became intoler- Jews will never be held captive to in various pockets of the world is ably dangerous when their youngest any outside force. deeply troubling and the question is brother Binyomin was framed with Jews are called Yehudim because how to handle it. stealing the viceroy’s goblet and his we each have a streak of Yehuda’s Today I choose not to wrangle becoming an Egyptian slave forever bravery embedded in our DNA. with the question of how to deal became inevitable. There was no When challenged we must remem- with antisemites, because I believe good way out of their predicament ber that hiding under our covers and it is more vital to first determine and all seemed lost. becoming invisible will never work. Rabbi Levi Greenberg how a Jew should absorb the situ- At this moment of complete de- There are haters out there and we Chanukah this year the world ation, creating a context with which spair Yehuda bravely approached must protect ourselves while helping was shocked to learn of a sadistic we can go forward in crafting a plan. the viceroy and delivered an ultima- society purge itself of this menace. antisemitic attack at a rabbi’s home In the Torah portion we read in tum: Either Binyomin is returned to But until our world is cleansed of in Monsey during a Chanukah during Shabbat services immedi- his family or there will be war. Al- all evil we must respond by bravely celebration. Coming on the heels ately following Chanukah we learn though it was later revealed that he increasing our own personal Torah of many more attacks throughout of the dramatic showdown between was speaking to his long lost brother learning and Mitzvah observance New York and New Jersey dubbed Yehuda and Yosef. Yosef was the who would never allow for such a and making ourselves more identifi- a “slow-rolling pogrom” many are viceroy of Egypt, credited with sav- thing to happen, for Yehuda at the able to the world. Instead of becom- asking Jews, especially those who ing all civilization from a raging moment the danger was palpable ing captive to outside pressures and are easily identifiable as Jews, how famine - the most powerful man and the risk of such a confrontation intimidation we have the ability to they feel about continuing to adver- alive. When Yehuda and his broth- was real. rise above the fray and take respon- tise their Jewishness. ers came to Egypt to purchase food Nevertheless, despite being sur- sibility for our Judaism and our fu- Here in El Paso the media asked they were unaware of the viceroy’s rounded by the mightiest warriors ture. me if I ever felt threatened due to true identity and when they were alive and in the presence of a man We must respond to the darkness my mode of dress, and I emphati- unjustifiably detained and falsely who had the legal authority to do of hatred by increasing in the light of cally responded that in El Paso I accused by the viceroy of spying, anything, Yehuda projected the es- Torah and Mitzvos.

JText - Mobile Judaism for Teens 1. Text your name and cell number to Rabbi Levi at 915-204-6580 jams 2. You will receive two Jewish trivia questions every Monday. Judaism through Art, Music and Science 3. For every correct answer you will receive one entry into a cash raffle. 4. On the first Monday of every month, After school program for children ages 3-7 someone will win $40. Fun and interactive learning experience, Ongoing Programs at Chabad bringing Judaism to life through activities, experim ents, crafts, songs, Sunday Monday Tuesday Tanya Class 8:00am Shacharit 7:00am Shacharit 8:30am drama and more! Shacharit 9:00am Maariv 7:00pm Talmud Class 12:00 - 1:00pm Bar Mitzvah Club 12:30pm JAMS For Kids 4:00 -5:15 pm Special focus on learning the Hebrew Alef Maariv 7:00pm Maariv 7:00pm Torah Studies 7:30pm Bet , the Jewish Holidays and Wednesday Thursday Friday Shacharit 8:30am Shacharit 7:00am Shacharit 8:30am introductory Jewish history. Maariv 7:00pm Maariv 7:00pm Kabbalat Shabbat Women’s Night Out as announced each week 7:00pm - 8:00pm Shabbat Tuesdays 4:00 - 5:15pm Shacharit 10:00 am • Followed by A Sit Down Kiddush • Mincha will follow the Kiddush Chabad Lubavitch - 6516 Escondido Drive #B4 Childrens Program 11:00am • Maariv, Havdalah, refreshments and film half hour after Shabbat Chabad is always hosting new classes and programs. To receive updates, e-mail [email protected] or visit us online at chabadelpaso.com For more information and to register contact Shainy Greenberg at 915-204-6581 Shevat - Adar 5780 | February - March 2020 The El Paso CHABAD TIMES Page 5 The Day the Labels Died Continued from Page 1 are not! tive,” as if that explains every- *** As Chassidim spent more They distract us from our thing, he or she should know And so as we find ourselves time with their new Rebbe, they genuine and authentic unity, that to a disciple of the Rebbe, in the seventieth year from the discovered a pattern: the Rebbe which is as true as G-d Himself, it explains nothing. The Jewish start of the Rebbe’s leadership, spoke about “the essence of the and as timeless as the Torah He soul knows of no such classifica- who removed all labels for Jews, soul,” the “untainted core of ev- gave us. tions and it doesn’t compute; the let’s recommit to their perma- ery Jew,” the “unchanged truth So while there may be differ- soul wants Mitzvahs. nent disappearance. They are out of the Jewish spirit,” and other ent degrees to which a person And finally, when a Jews calls of service. A Temple might be similar ideas. These ideas made knows or observes the Torah Chabad and says, “I’m visit- Reform. A summer camp might the labels sound silly and obso- and its Mitzvahs, these are not ing my parents for a few days be Conservative. A prayer book lete. Slowly the Rebbe taught the degrees that need to become and I wanted to spend Shabbat might be Orthodox. But a Jew world that there aren’t “kinds of careers. We shouldn’t identify at Chabad,” the rabbi is usu- is Jew is a Jew. No ifs, ands, or Jews” any more than there are by them. Some Jews are doing ally going to want to know why buts about it. “kinds of G-d.” G-d is One and more, some are doing less. They said Jew is not spending Shab- The Rebbe worked without so are His People. should all step it up a notch. But bat with his or her parents. And a day’s break for over 40 years “No two Jews are alike; each they ARE ALL JEWS. if the reply is, “Oh, I’m Ortho- to get this message going. It’s in of us is unique and brings an *** dox and my parents are not,” the our hands now. irreplaceable presence to the Seventy years later, and here answer will not process. Since *** world,” the Rebbe taught. “But we are. When a Chabad Yeshiva when can a person who is keep- Yud Shvat will be observed our incredible diversity is evi- student on Ventura Boulevard ing Shabbat not spend it with this year on the eve of February dence of one Divine, infinite asks a fellow Jew if he’d like to people who are not? Especially 9 through February 10. soul we all share.” use his Tefillin, and the man de- parents? Especially parents who Spend a few moments reflect- The Rebbe embraced those clines by explaining that, “I’m could use a respectful and lov- ing on how you can do more differences that bring out our sorry, I’m Reform,” the uncom- ing Shabbat experience? Why good every day. unity. When we disagree on how prehending look in the student’s does being “Orthodox” have to Give charity. Treat others with to best serve G-d, we are cel- eyes is bona fide. By now, he make you feel distant from your respect. Commit yourself to ob- ebrating our common goal of thinks exactly like the Rebbe own parents? If the love of G-d serving another mitzvah. Dedi- serving G-d. When communities thought. What’s “Reform” got to is burning in your heart, is the cate more time to Torah study. have different customs in how to do with it? Jews put on Tefillin. love for your parents burning Because each act of kindness best perform a particular Mitz- These are Tefillin. This is a Jew. any less brightly? Would their makes this world a better place vah, it highlights their common So what’s the holdup? Divine souls not appreciate a and hastens the beginning of an love for the Mitzvah. When a Jew meets a Chabad taste of the Shabbat you would era when good, peace and free- Titles that highlight our unity rabbi in Calabasas or anywhere spend with them, even if they dom will abound for all. are sacred. Labels that empha- else and starts the conversation only grab a tiny taste? To learn more about the Reb- size our disunity from each other by saying, “I grew up Conserva- be, visit TheRebbe.org Your old gold and silver can become cash for the new Chabad Lubavitch Center for Jewish Life For more information call 915-584-8218 SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT

This is an exciting time for Chabad Lubavitch of El Paso and the entire El Paso Jewish Community. Construction of the brand new Chabad Lubavitch Center for Jewish Life is more than half complete and we are preparing to move all of our operations - including the shul - into the new facility.

In the new facility there will be a brand new memorial wall where the names of your loved ones can be inscribed to be remembered with a memorial light on their Yartzeits and during Yizkor at various times throughout the year.

The two memorials currently installed at the shul on Westwind will not be transferred to the new shul on Escondido. The names currently inscribed on those memorials will be inscribed on the new memorial for the discounted price of $100 per name. The cost for a new inscription on the new memorial will be $600.

Please notify us if you would like to have the names of your loved ones currently inscribed on the memorials at the shul on Westwind to be inscribed on the new memorial at the shul on Escondido.

May the memories of your loved ones be for a blessing and may we continue to make them proud by ensuring a strong Jewish legacy for our community. Page 6 The El Paso CHABAD TIMES Shevat - Adar 5780 | February - March 2020 Chanukah Playland

Home Depot Menorah Workshop Shevat - Adar 5780 | February - March 2020 The El Paso CHABAD TIMES Page 7 Kids Mega Challah Bake

Menorahs and Martinis Page 8 The El Paso CHABAD TIMES Shevat - Adar 5780 | February - March 2020

CHABAD LUBAVITCH INVITES Y OU TO A

Please contact Shainy if you would like to arrange transportation.

Give your child a camp experience to remember! Camp Gan Israel SPRING Camp! Children Ages 2 - 12 Chabad Education Center - 6516 Escondido Drive

March 16 - 20 | 9:00am - 3:00pm

All The Fun Packed Into5 DAYS! For more info and to register, contact Shainy: 915-204-6581 | [email protected]

Sponsored in part by a generous grant by the Shevat - Adar 5780 | February - March 2020 The El Paso CHABAD TIMES Page 9 My Proudest Chanukah Moment By Rabbi Levi Greenberg On one of the days of Chanukah I asked him how he’s doing. had the opportunity to join Dee Woo “Glad to be in the final week of a on KTEP/NPR live radio for the third really bad year, rabbi.” year in a row for a discussion about “Jack, you had a tough year. Let’s Chanukah. During those 55 minutes make the final week a brighter one by we spoke about various Chanukah doing a special mitzvah.” themes and ideas and touched “I’m listening.” upon the beautiful ARK project Turns out he has several menorahs encouraging charitable giving among at home but hasn’t lit them in many El Paso school children. years. He immediately made a detour After playing a short Chanukah to a local store to buy candles and song performed by the Tzlil V’zemer called me back when he had five children’s choir, Dee asked me a candles set up in one of his menorahs. question I never expected. I recited the blessings together with “What about Jews living in remote him and after lighting his five candles areas who do not have the opportunity he sent me a photo of perhaps the only to participate in synagogue services brilliant menorah in his small town regularly and feel isolated from the in Pennsylvania. It was my proudest broader Jewish community? How do Chanukah moment of 2019. you reach out to them and bring them pride and observance, there are so offer to a Jew in a remote town without You can have such a moment as into the festivities of Chanukah?” many Jews who are unfortunately a Chanukah celebration to participate well. Think of a Jewish friend or I was struck by the poignancy of completely tuned out. in? I decided to do something about it. acquaintance who can use some the question since, although millions “That’s why I’m having this During the spring I had met Jack friendly encouragement to do a of Jews are celebrating Chanukah discussion on live radio,” I answered. (a pseudonym) from a small town in MItzvah or join a Torah class. Invite throughout the world in one way Mainstream media seems to be the Pennsylvania. An unfortunate family your friends and family to join you or another, there are millions more best way to broadcast the Chanukah tragedy brought him to El Paso for for services and ensure they feel who are completely uninvolved with message in a way that is accessible several days and we connected during welcomed and embraced by their the holiday and may not even know even to those unable to participate his stay. He wrapped Tefillin for the community. what Chanukah is all about. Not in communal celebrations thereby first time at Chabad and over the last You can be the Rebbe’s emissary in only in remote areas, but in the heart including them in the Chanukah eight months we’ve been in touch reaching out to every Jew so that we of communities such as Brooklyn festivities. sporadically. can collectively prepare the world for and Los Angeles, surrounded by the Leaving the studio I was dissatisfied I called him on Thursday afternoon, an era of peace and tranquility for all most impressive displays of Jewish with my answer. Is that all I have to wished him a happy Chanukah and with the coming of Moshiach.

Spa for the Soul

Admission: $15 | Patron: $250 | Sponsor: $180 | RSVP to Chana 241.5711 [email protected] Page 10 The El Paso CHABAD TIMES Shevat - Adar 5780 | February - March 2020 What is Tu B’Shvat Really About? By Rabbi Naftali Silverberg

According to Biblical law, there the new year started for produce. of the rains of the previous year, tasting any of these fruit for the is a seven year agricultural cycle, Our Rabbis established that a and are tithed together with the first time this season, remember to concluding with the Sabbatical fruit which blossomed before the crops of the previous year. recite the Shehecheyanu blessing. year. When the Holy Temple 15th of Shevat is produce of the Although this day is Rosh (A blessing recited on joyous stood in Jerusalem, on years one, previous year. If it blossomed Hashanah for trees, we attach occasions, thanking G‑d for two, four and five of this cycle, afterwards, it is produce of the “new special significance to this holiday “sustaining us and enabling us to farmers were required to separate year.” [By comparison, grains, because “Man is [compared to] the reach this occasion.” This blessing a tenth of their produce and eat it vegetables, and legumes have the tree of the field” (Deuteronomy is recited before the standard in Jerusalem. This tithe is called same New Year as humans, the 1st 20:19). Through cultivating strong “Ha’etz” blessing recited on fruit.) Maaser Sheni, the Second Tithe, of Tishrei.] Why is this so? In the roots – faith and commitment to Due to the festive nature of because it is in addition to the Mediterranean region, the rainy G‑d – we produce many fruits— the day, we omit the Tachanun (two percent which must be given season begins with the festival of Torah and Mitzvot. sections (petitions for forgiveness to the Kohain, and the) ten percent Sukkot. It takes approximately and confession) from the prayers. which is given to the Levite. On four months (from Sukkot, the Observances and Customs cond tithe to the poor, who were the third and sixth years of the 15th of Tishrei, until the 15th of On this day it is customary permitted to consume it wherever cycle, instead of the owners eating Shevat) for the rains of the new to partake of the fruit with they wished. the Maaser Sheni in Jerusalem, year to saturate the soil and trees, which the Holy Land is praised Tu B’Shvat this year is they gave this seIt was therefore of and produce fruit. All fruit which (Deuteronomy 8:8): olives, dates, observed on the eve of February vital importance to ascertain when blossom beforehand are a product grapes, figs and pomegranates. If 9 through February 10.

16th Annual Raffle Dear Friend, Celebrating 33 years of community and friendship, we are filled with a sense of pride and gratitude. Pride in the beautiful community we have become and gratitude to you for partnering with us in this revolutionary endeavor. Your commitment and support is what enables us to reach out to every Jew in the region regardless of social status, background or affiliation. At Chabad we aim to facilitate the spiritual growth of every Jew. To provide opportunities to discover our glorious heritage, the beauty of Torah and mitzvoth, at a comfortable pace and in a non-judgmental environment. Ongoing synagogue services, adult education classes, youth activities and outreach programs are but a sampling of what goes on at Chabad. There is some- thing here for everyone. Chabad is hosting its annual fundraising raffle to help support the many ongoing activities. Please participate in the raffle by purchasing one or more tickets and be a partner in ensuring a vibrant Jewish future in El Paso. The grand prize is two round trip tickets to Israel ($3,000.00).

One (1) ticket - $100.00 | Three (3) Tickets - $250.00 The raffle drawing will be held on February 10, 2020.

Chabad remains dedicated to strengthening Jewish identity, unity and education in El Paso. With each raffle ticket that you purchase you become a partner in our vital work. With much appreciation for your support,

Rabbi Yisrael and Chana Greenberg Rabbi Levi and Shaina Greenberg

YES! I want to partner with Chabad by purchasing: 1 ticket ($100) 2 tickets ($200) 3 tickets ($250) 4 tickets ($350) 5 tickets ($450) 6 tickets ($500) Other____

Please make checks payable to: Name: Chabad Lubavich of El Paso 6615 Westwind Dr., El Paso, Texas 79912 Address: Card#:

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Tel: Signature: Shevat - Adar 5780 | February - March 2020 The El Paso CHABAD TIMES Page 11 Purim – The Story, Celebration and Customs Danger In Exile modern-day heirs. Now, as then, there are evil 4) Eat, Drink and Be Merry Jewish morale was at an all-time low. The schemers who seek to scapegoat the Jewish people Purim should be celebrated with a special Temple in Jerusalem had been destroyed, the and - Heaven forfend - to erase us from the face festive meal on Purim Day, at which family and nation conquered, and for almost 70 years, had of the earth. Each time they rise up to destroy us, friends gather together to rejoice in the Purim been dispersed in foreign lands. The prophesied their schemes are foiled by the miraculous Hand spirit. It is a mitzvah to drink wine or other end of Exile had not materialized, and the blight of of G-d. The most striking example in recent times inebriating drinks at this meal. assimilation had set in. Just then, the enemy arose was the Persian Gulf War that ended victoriously 5) Special Prayers (Al Hanissim, Torah to carry out his evil plans. This time it was Haman. on Purim, 5751 (1991). reading) Descended from the Jew-hating tribe of Amalek, From Redemption to Redemption On Purim we include the Al HaNissim prayer, Haman devised his scheme to solve ‘the Jewish Throughout our history, we have seen miracles. which describes the Purim miracle, in the evening, problem’ once and for all, by annihilating every Jew, Despite centuries upon centuries of persecution, morning and afternoon prayers, as well as in the men, women and children, throughout the world, in we have survived and flourished, by the Grace Grace After Meals. In the morning service there a single day. of G-d. Yet we have remained in exile for nearly is a special reading from the Torah Scroll in the Rallying The Jews 2,000 years, hoping and praying for the final and synagogue (Exodus 17:8-16). And it almost worked. Were it not for Mordechai. complete Redemption - the Redemption that Purim Customs: A descendent of King Saul, and advisor to King will end suffering and exile forever. May the Masquerades and Hamantashen Achashverosh, Mordechai sensed the danger. observance of Purim be a precursor to the coming A time-honored Purim custom is for children Donning sackcloth and ashes, he went to the gate of of Moshiach, our Righteous Redeemer, whose to dress up and disguise themselves - an allusion the palace, crying aloud, rallying the Jews to return imminent arrival will bring about a better life for to the fact that the miracle of Purim was disguised to Torah. His niece, Queen Esther, called for him. all the nations of the world. in natural garments. This is also the significance He told her that she must go to the King and plead Purim Mitzvot behind a traditional Purim food, the hamantash for her people. Officially in disfavor, she feared to Here are the details about the Mitzvot of Purim, - a pastry whose filling is hidden within a three- go, but saw that she had no choice. She undertook how to do them and their significance. cornered crust. a three-day fast of penitence, and called upon the 1) Listen to the Megillah Pre/Post Purim Observances: whole Jewish people to do likewise. Then she went Listen to the reading of the Megillah (the Scroll Torah Reading of “Zachor” to the King. of Esther) twice: once on Purim eve, Monday On the Shabbat before Purim a special reading Victory night, March 9, and again on Purim day, Tuesday is held in the synagogue of the Torah section It is a story of great courage and self-sacrifice-- March 10. called Zachor (“Remember”), in which we are first and foremost by Queen Esther and Mordechai, To properly fulfill the mitzvah, it is crucial to enjoined to remember the deeds of (the nation and ultimately by the whole Jewish nation. For hear every single word of the Megillah. of) Amalek (Haman’s ancestor) who sought to throughout the duration of the whole year, not At certain points in the reading where Haman’s destroy the Jewish people. one single Jew chose to convert, even to save his name is mentioned, it is customary to twirl The Fast of Esther life. The nation was awakened to a whole-hearted graggers (Purim noisemakers) and stamp one’s To commemorate the prayer and fasting that return to Torah and mitzvot, and throughout the year feet to “eradicate” his evil name. Tell the children the Jewish people held during the Purim story, we strengthened their faith and observance. And in the that Purim is the only time when it’s a mitzvah to fast on the day before Purim. This year the fast is merit of this, they were able to rise up against their make noise! observed on Monday, March 9. The fast begins at enemies and destroy them, on the 13th of Adar, 2) Give to the Needy 6:07 am and ends at 7:35 pm. the very day destined for the “final solution.” The Matanot La’evyonim The “Half Coins” Jewish people had shown their true character. They Concern for the needy is a year-round (Machatzit Hashekel) had earned the right to leave Exile, to return to the responsibility; but on Purim it is a special mitzvah It is a tradition to give three coins in “half” Holy Land, and rebuild the Temple. As it was in to remember the poor. denominations - e.g., three half-dollar coins - to those days, so may it be with us today. Each year in Give charity to at least two, (but preferably charity, to commemorate the half-shekel that each fulfilling the special mitzvot of the Purim festival, more) needy individuals on Purim day, March 10. Jew contributed as his share in the communal we reaffirm our commitment to the eternal values The mitzvah is best fulfilled by giving directly offerings in the time of the Holy Temple. This of the Torah... and we share in the very same merit to the needy. If, however, you cannot find poor custom, usually performed in the synagogue, is that redeemed the Jewish people in the days of people, place at least two coins into a charity box. done on the afternoon of the “Fast of Esther,” or Mordechai and Esther. As with the other mitzvahs of Purim, even small before the reading of the Megillah. Purim - Then and Now children should fulfill this mitzvah. Shushan Purim One of the Purim mitzvot is the reading of 3) Send Food Portions to Friends In certain ancient walled cities - Jerusalem the Megillah - the Scroll of Esther, in which the Mishloach Manot is the primary example - Purim is observed not miracle of Purim is recounted. The Talmud tells us On Purim we emphasize the importance of on the 14th of Adar (the date of its observance that “whoever reads the Megillah backwards does Jewish unity and friendship by sending gifts of everywhere else) but on the 15th of Adar. This not fulfill his obligation.” Our Sages explain that food to friends. is to commemorate that fact that in the ancient “backwards” does not only mean in reverse order; On Purim day, March 10, send a gift of at least walled city of Shushan, where the battles it also means that whoever reads the Megillah two kinds of ready-to-eat foods (e.g., pastry, fruit, between the Jews and their enemies extended for merely as ancient history has missed the point. The beverage), to at least one friend on Purim day. an additional day, the original Purim celebration Purim story is directly relevant to our contemporary Men should send to men and women to women. It was held not on the 14th but on the 15th of Adar. world. As the Megillah itself tells us, that when we is preferable that the gifts are delivered via a third The 15th of Adar is thus called “Shushan celebrate Purim each year, the miraculous events of party. Children, in addition to sending their own Purim” and is a day of joy and celebration also in Purim are “remembered and reenacted” in our lives. gifts of food to their friends, make enthusiastic those places where it is not observed as the actual Haman, Then and Now messengers. Purim. One does not have to look far to find Haman’s

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