Passover We’Ve Got You Covered Dedicated to the Love and Inspiration of the Lubavitcher Rebbe

בס״ד

farbrengenVolume 12 | Issue 3 Spring 5770/2009 a little nosh for the soul

inside: 15 Words to Live By Life lessons in the seder Funny Rabbi Los Angeles’ new comedian Divine Meds How I got my vision back

feature: An Interview with the Rebbe passover we’ve got you covered Dedicated to the love and inspiration of the Lubavitcher Rebbe

בס״ד

from the editor:

inside: 15 words to Live By on theLife lessons cover: in the seder Funny rabbi Los Angeles’ thisnew comedian passover 2010. divine Meds How I got my Thevision back holidays mean different things to

feature: an Interview people as they grow with the rebbe older. passover we’ve got you The good news is we’ve got covered you covered. You’ll find stories that will inspire you and the Passover know-how you need to impress your guests with. Plus, we’ve searched the Jewish world to find some tidbits you can take home with you. This issue has gems from Los Ca- bos, Mexico, Ukraine, Brooklyn, New York, and some funny stuff from Los Angeles. So, enjoy responsibly. And that means sharing what you’ve learned with others. Let’s be moved in order to move others. That’s the only way to continue Passover throughout the year.

Happy reading, Rabbi Shmuel Marcus, Editor

>> About the designer Nechama Marcus: Art director, graphic, designer and photographer, Marcus grew up immersed in Jewish culture and faith. Her “crisp, modern and elegant” style has brought our vision of a classic, reader-friendly magazine to your kitchen table. Contact: [email protected].

EDITOR IN CHIEF: Rabbi Chaim N. Cunin EDITOR: Rabbi Shmuel Marcus Distribution: Rabbi Avraham Green MANAGING EDITOR: Rachel Moss COPY EDITORS: Rashi Jacobson CONTRIBUTING EDITORS: Rabbi Yosef Marcus, Rabbi Shmuel Marcus, Yehuda Krinsky, Rachel Moss, Lisa Perlman, Chaim Davidson EDITORIAL CONSULTANTS: Rabbi Levi Cunin (Jay Leno’s Rabbi), Jared Sundell, Yosef Marcus ART DIRECTOR & DESIGN: Nechama Marcus contact: [email protected] contributing ARTISTS: Stephen Bennet, Eugene Ivanov SPECIAL THANKS TO: Uri, Dina, Natan, Yitzchak, Moshe and Gilana Sara Pikover for continuing the Rebbe’s Farbrengen.

Website: www.farbrengen.com • 714.828.1851 ©2010 by Chabad of California All rights reserved, including the right to reproduce any portion of Farbrengen in any form, without prior written permission from the publisher, except by a reviewer who wishes to quote brief passages Printed in the USA review | products soul market what’s new in review Send us your comments to [email protected]

food

oice editor's ch the$18 matza The eight-day Passover holiday is famous for its three matzot and four cups of wine that are used at the seder. This year, Chabad is proud to announce that a limited supply of hand- made shmurah-matza will be available to the public at 4,200 Chabad centers across the world. Why not impress your host or guests with the beautiful giant-size round shmurah-matza? The $18 crispy brick oven baked matza are the perfect >>> center piece for your Passover meal. about jewish cabo $20 to Los Cabos!! Contact your local Chabad center to get a taste of history. Check www.Chabad.org Jewish Cabo was founded you, a golf club, scuba gear, for a center near you. in 2006 by Rabbi Benny and and rabbi hershcovich Sonia Hershcovich. Foreign How about a round of golf at the Palmilla Golf Club judaica businessmen, as well as in Los Cabos, Mexico? It’s the #1 golf course in Mex- The iJew App tourist, make up the Jew- ico according to Cigar Aficionado. Our buddies at When the Jews left Egypt, G-d ish community of Cabo. Jewish Cabo are giving one lucky winner a trip to commanded them to count Philanthropist Jose Galicot remember plus 2 free tickets for a 4 day/3 night soul each day, of the seven weeks, was instrumental in bring- vacation at the 5-Star Pueblo Bonito Sunset Hotel. leading up to the giving of ing Chabad to this resort The Re-Jew-vination includes kosher meals, ATV’ing the Torah on the festival of Shavout. If destination. The Cabo on the Pacific coast, scuba diving around El Arco, they only had this iPhone "app" they could Jewish Center is located a chance to pray mincha on a private sailboat sun- have avoided the golden calf. The Sefirat at Miguel Hidalgo Y Ninos set cruise, and some spa-rituality at Chabad of Cabo. HaOmer Application shows the correct day, Heroes, Cabos S. Lucas, Raffle tickets start at twenty-dollars with all proceeds including the blessings before and after. BCS, Mexico. Call them at going to support Jewish Cabo. Drawing to be held This application won't send you reminders, but if you keep it on the front page of your 52-624 143-1951 and by on May 3rd 2010. For tickets and information visit iPhone, it will remind you to say it every day. the way, ¡sí habla yiddish! www.JewishCabo.com The app is free and available for download at www.rustybrick.com/iphone.

>>> How do you think you will Born into a Chasidic family trailing genera- stand out on the Jewish tions of rabbis, Moshe Hecht grew up striv- music scene? ing to define himself while staying true to his Well, for starters all the faith. He turned to singing and song writing songs are my original to put the pieces together. compositions written Moshe’s music draws inspiration from folk, classic through various stages and travels in my life. Although rock,reggae and Chasidic melodies. His lyrics are poetic, I draw inspiration from honest, and confident, complimented by a voice that is Jewish artists like Shlomo aged with a depth, wisdom and passion beyond his 23 Carlebach and Isaac Biton, new voices years. Moshe considers his music a tool for communicat- the sound is completely ing elevating ideas and lessons. His barrier-breaking live different and new. Also my performances are a dynamic interplay of singing, story- music is not solely about en- Singer tertaining but about inspir- Songwriter telling, insight and humor that have already warmed audi- ing others to realize their ences of every calling. The dream, he says, is “to inspire spiritual potential. From my Moshe Hecht people to connect with their roots in a natural yet power- lyrics and melodies, I be- ful way.” Moshe is currently working on his debut album. lieve people will sense that.

Send us your new albums, products or any other soul findings to [email protected] holiday | in-depth

15 words to live by Jews have been doing a Seder for about three thousand years now. And the matzah balls just keep getting better….

nd so does the commentary. About a switch”: turning from a consciousness of thousand years ago, various short enslavement to one of self-liberation and poems were composed to item- strength. A ize the fifteen steps of the Seder. Get back in the driver’s seat. Make use The one that “stuck” and became standard of that “get out jail free” card from G-d is attributed to the 11th century sage, Rabbi known as free choice. At any moment you Shlomo Yitzchaki of France. It is the famous can make the decision to sanctify (or sepa- fifteen-word poem “Kadesh-Urchatz….” (see rate)—kadesh—yourself from the behaviors Seder insert). and customs of your past, to spiritually and Starting in the 16th century, various rab- emotionally cleanse (u’rechatz) yourself and bis began decoding hidden spiritual mes- start again. sages within these fifteen words. These can It only takes a split second. It is not com- be found, amongst others, in the writings of plicated. And it’s not even that hard. It may the Sefardic scholars Rabbi Moshe Alshekh be radical, but it’s eminently sensible. Con- of Safed (b. in Turkey 1508), Rabbi Chaim sider what you have to gain: Spiritual and Yosef David Azulai, known as Chida (b. in physical health. You’ll be a better spouse and Jerusalem 1724), Rabbi Yosef Chaim, author a better parent. You’ll be happier, more pro- of Ben Ish Chai (b. in Baghdad 1832), as well ductive, and in tune with your Divine core. as in the writings of the Ashkenazic scholar, But you have to do it. You can read a thou- Rabbi Moshe Sofer (b. in Frankfurt 1766). sand about it from every century and conti- These writings, written by our ancestors, nent but it will mean nothing until you take are as fresh today as they were then. Here’s a deep breath…and do it. a loose adaptation of these writings from Done? Good. Now we move on to steps foreign lands, written circa 21st century, in 3-15 which will help keep us on the donkey. California, on a Toshiba laptop: HUMBLE GIVING RINSE AND REPEAT Karpas Yachatz: Karpas-Divide: The easi- Kadesh U’rchatz: Sanctify and Cleanse: For est way to help yourself is to help others. too long you’ve allowed yourself to become That’s the way G-d set it up. It’s a shortcut, a Yes-man to your instincts and environ- a moving walkway of sorts. To help oth- ment. Begin the Seder of life with the “big ers, start with humility. The humble veg- ice e or's cho Story from the Chasidic Masters dit Those who stopped to listen could not tear themselves away, and The deaf man and the musician soon a large crowd stood enthralled by the glorious music whose equal they had never heard. Before long they were moving to its Rabbi Israel Baal Shem Tov (1698-1760), the rhythm, and the entire street was transformed into a dancing founder of the Chasidic movement, was once mass of humanity. asked: “Why is it that Chasidim burst into song A deaf man walking by wondered: Has the world gone mad? Why and dance at the slightest provocation? Is this are the townspeople jumping up and down, waving their arms and the behavior of a healthy, sane individual?” turning in circles in middle of the street? The Baal Shem Tov responded with a story: “Chasidim,” concluded the Baal Shem Tov, “are moved by the Once, a musician came to town -- a musician melody that issues forth from every creature in G-d’s creation. If of great but unknown talent. He stood on a this makes them appear mad to those with less sensitive ears, street corner and began to play. should they therefore cease to dance?”

etable of Karpas teaches us to be modest Read it again a day later and remove all and yielding by remembering that we are the caustic barbs and biting language that not perfect—our character is divided (ya- would cause your message to backfire. All chatz) between good qualities and those rebuke—telling off—must stem from a place “You don’t need that can be improved. of love and delivered lovingly, cleansed of to be a rabbi to be Be satisfied with a simple vegetable anything else. an ambassador of dipped in salt water. But this austerity LET THE MATZAH OUT should only be applied to the self; for the goodness: Even if all other, for the poor, fill his palm with good- Motzei Matzah: Extract-Matzah: Matzah you know is an Alef, alludes to the good inclination, since it is ness, and encourage him with soothing you can teach Alef.” words. the opposite of Chametz, which alludes to Perhaps you will say, “Whence shall I the evil inclination. Motzi means to ex- have what to give to the poor?” The answer tract, as in Hamotzi Lechem min Haaretz is: Yachatz—Divide your bread, and give a (“Blessed in G-d…who extracts bread your life: those you can clearly see, and portion to the less fortunate. from the earth”). Through your spiritual those that you remain unaware of. Re- If you sanctify (kadesh) and purify work, charity, and reaching out to others, member to thank G-d not only for the (u’rchatz) your behavior, you will merit you will extract (motzi) your good incli- revealed blessings and miracles but also “Karpas-Yachatz”: The “harsh labor” (kar- nation (matzah) from its dormancy and for the “tzafun-berach,” the hidden bless- pas) of life, the yoke of financial worries give it dominion over your life. ings and miracles to which we are na- ively oblivious. and other anxieties, will be broken (yach- MITIGATING THE MAROR atz) and removed from you. They will most Maror Korech: Maror-Wrap: The bitter PRAISE AND PEACE likely disappear. And even if they don’t, maror alludes to the evil inclination. Now Hallel Nirtzah: Praise-Acceptance: Some you’ll stop experiencing them as a “yoke” that you have allowed your good incli- hidden blessings appear to us as troubles. and instead see them as opportunities—a nation to emerge, wrap the matzah and Hallel means to praise G-d for the good new pair of glasses, if you will. maror together, i.e., educate and elevate as well as what appears to us as negative. CLEAN PREACHING your animal consciousness so that you In the words of Rabbi Akiva (Berachot Magid Rachtzah: Tell-Cleanse: Don’t suf- may serve G-d with both of your incli- 60b): “All that G-d does is for the good.” fice with your own spiritual work—reach nations. Those who internalize the above, will al- out to others by telling (magid) them Additionally, in reaching out to others, ways be in a state of nirtzah, conditioned to about what is working for you. You don’t incline your shoulder to help carry their accept favorably whatever challenges they need to be a rabbi to be an ambassador of burdens—wrap together (korech) their bitter may face. Anger and disappointment, even goodness: Even if all you know is an Alef woes (maror) and carry it for them. momentary, should become foreign and unknown. (first letter of the Hebrew alphabet), you SET TABLE can teach Alef. *** Shulchan Orech: Table-Set: Rembember But preaching is dangerous business So there you have it. May the merit that G-d’s table is always set; and it is and extremely unpopular. It’s a hard sell of the authors of these teachings help us within His capacity to sustain those who to tell your child not to shout when things implement them in our lives, bringing our- trust in Him. don’t go his way if that’s what he sees you selves and the world to spiritual liberation By fulfilling all the above, you will doing. You gotta walk the walk—consis- and peace. merit a “set table” in this world and to the tently seek out and cleanse yourself (racht- hidden blessings (tzafun-berach) of the Rabbi Yossi Marcus is the co-director of the zah) of character flaws—if you wanna talk World to Come. Chabad center in S. Mateo, CA, where he the talk. lives with his wife and four daughters. He is Also: Cleanse your words of any nega- HIDDEN BLESSINGS the author most recently of the Kehot Pirkei tive feeling, animosity, or condescension. Tzafun Beirach: Hidden-Bless: Recognize Avot, available at Kehot.com. He can be Keep that email in the outbox for 24 hours. that there are two types of blessings in reached at [email protected]. 15 minutes | levenberg

“The thing about having a beard is that it automatically places you in the company of the spiritually elite. Abraham...Moses...Dumbledore...”

out with my wife. If she laughs and gives spectful of my path in life. Regardless of me permission to tell it again, I use it in the nature of a comic’s material on stage; front of an audience. If the new joke gets a in the green room most comedians are funny rabbi laugh, I will use it again. If the joke fails, warm, nurturing, and accepting of other 15 minutes with LA’s only I bury it in the failed joke burial grounds comedians. rabbinically ordained I keep in my backyard. Occasionally, I go stand-up comic out back and try to unearth old jokes, but Where do you perform? very rarely. I perform at Comedy Clubs, private What is people’s reaction when events, on college campuses, at Chabad you tell them that you are an ‘orthodox’ stand up comic? Houses, occasionally I open up for Matisyahu. Two years ago I performed People’s reactions vary. Some people tell at a Jewish event with a group of Jewish me it’s an oxymoron; I’m either lying comics; Gerry Katzman, Eric Passoja and about the orthodox part or the comedy Bruce Fine. It was a fabulous show and part. Most people are incredibly support- everyone had a great time. We started ive, sometimes too supportive. Everyone performing together on a regular basis. wants to tell me their favorite joke. I Our website is www.thejewishcomedians. think I’m the largest recipient of unsolic- com. Check it out. ited Jewish jokes in America today. It’s true. I looked it up on Wikipedia. What was the worst show that you ever had? How did you first get into stand-up comedy? I performed at an “Alcohol Awareness” event during Freshman Week at a col- I always had this problem that my lege on the East Coast. The speaker who mother called, running of the mouth. introduced me told graphic stories about Since I started talking I can’t stop myself undergraduates who died from alcohol from saying whatever I am thinking. This poisoning. She was very specific about condition never served me well, until my what those kids drank and how they family and I moved to Los Angeles in died. The room was silent. The freshmen 2007. I had plans to write a very impor- were scared. Then she introduced me. tant novel. Writing a novel is one of the most isolating experiences that a human Is Judaism ever the inspiration for Why are Jewish People so into can undertake. After a couple of weeks your comedy? comedy? I was filled with doubt, self-hatred, and Oh yes. Art imitates life. I love being Simcha Weinstien wrote a book about it. the beginnings of an ulcer from drinking Jewish, and living as a Jew. It also drives Interview him. Next question. too much coffee. We went on a weekend me completely insane. My adventures in Shabbaton with Matisyahu and during Judaism color and influence the way I Why is comedy important? the Friday night meal I had an epiphany. see the world and my material shows it. As human beings we often feel that I realized that I was the funniest person Whether I am performing for a Jewish our problems are singular and unique. in the room and that I could use my audience (private parties, Chabad Houses, We don’t recognize that other people “condition” for a positive purpose. funerals) or at a secular comedy club, may have the same foibles. Then some Judaism is always up front and present. random comedian gets on stage and talks Were you always funny? about his/her personal problems and Yes and No. I think so. Sometimes, I How is your comedy unique? experiences and the audience realizes don’t think I’m funny now. Sometimes Comedy is universal, so one’s material that we are all suffering from the same I talk and nobody laughs, but I don’t must be accessible to everyone. That disease - it’s called life! The audience perform that much in Emergency rooms having been said, all of my material is appreciates the vulnerability and open- anymore. based on my life. My perspective on life ness of the comedian. A bond is formed. Hilarity ensues. The sick are healed, and and the experiences I’ve had are unique everyone goes home feeling a little better How do you develop your material? and original; and my material reflects about themselves. Ideas, insights, or random thoughts invade that. On stage I talk about my life before my brain at random intervals. Sometimes I became religious, my experiences as a Simcha Levenberg is a stand-up comedian I am able to coax them onto paper and religious person, and my children. and improvisational actor searching for the breathe life into them. If an idea is insight- meaning of life in Los Angeles. He studied ful, true, and funny I write it down and What reactions have you gotten at the Groundlings Theater and performs tell it to another comedian. I have a close from other comedians? stand-up all over America. Simcha has friend and mentor Gerry Katzman who I Every single comedian I have met in my been featured in the New York Times and speak to about my material. When I think short time doing stand-up has been re- regularly opens for Chasidic reggae sensation I have a joke that’s almost ready, I talk it Matisyahu. holiday | 15 steps

THINGS TO DO BEFORE For this Passover, YOU PASSOVER

we’ve got you covered! Before Passover It is forbidden to eat Chametz—all leavened www.passover.net foods that contain wheat, barley, oats, rye or spelt—on Passover. So collect products conta- ing Chametz and isolate them in a designated “Chametz Closet.” Then clear the house of any possible remaining Chametz: empty clothes pockets, vacuum cleaner bags, even the pet food goes into the Closet. Since you’ll use a separate set of dishes for Passover, the Chametz dishes get locked up too. Now stock up on Kosher-for-Passover items; for good leads on Your comprehensive Passover foods check out www.ok.org. ChameTz for Sale Because it is even prohibited to “own” Chametz during Passover, Passover lock your “Chametz Closet” and sell its con- tents to a non-Jew by filling out a “Mechirat Chometz” form. Sound complicated? It is, so ask your Rabbi to make the arrangements. Or log on to www.chabad.org to sell your Chometz Guide online. 3/28 Search for The ChameTz your total seder know-how At nightfall begin the “formal search” of the house for Chametz. Traditionally, we use a candle to light the way, a spoon (as a shovel), feather (as a broom) and a paper bag to collect any Chametz found. After the search, place everything you found in a conspicuous place to be burned in the morning.

3/29 Fast of The FirsTborn When G-d slew the firstborn of Egypt, he spared the firstborn sons of Israel. Out of grati- tude all firstborn sons fast on this day. // Prepare To Celebrate Stock up on Seder foods well before Passover begins. But wait. To build an appetite for the Seder abstain from eating any Seder plate foods today, especially Matza. So if you’re a lover of bitter herbs and raw onions, stay out of the kitchen. // Burning of The ChameTz In the morning burn all the Chametz found during the previous night’s formal search. // Making NoThing inTo a Big Deal After cleaning the house, and selling and burning the Chametz, the head of the household says the appropriate prayers, verbally disowning any Chametz that might have been overlooked.

continued at end of guide holiday |15steps s Pa The FootstepsThe of Faith: t coming of Moshiach, E a chasidiperspetiveontheseder he he good tidings of the lijah will herald the compassion, instructed the righteous to reach out and draw the wicked closer.” may it be soon, eder the great Jewish sage known for his matza refers to the righteous. Hillel, “Maror alludes to the wicked, while 15 15 ss st A men. e over ps o f

t he es. The larger piece, designated as the Afikoman, the as designated piece, larger The es. The middle matza (of the 3) is broken in two piec- STEP 4:Yachatz(Breaking ) lives often? so our dominate still status, for need the by driven careers or habits, and routines mindless do later, years //3,000 some or goal. Why, pose pur meaning, without drudgery endless Egypt, Our in tasks alludes senseless labor.” to perform forced were people “crushing Karpas or Perech, word word the to the rearranged, // When Egypt. in crushed were spirits their as shed ancestors our despair and anguish of taste tears can the we saltwater the In // it. eating be fore saltwater in vegetable Karpas the dip vegetables, then for blessing appropriate the Recite STEP 3:Karpas(Vegetables) of us. each within innocence the awakens of children, interest the pique to intended Seder the during many of one observance, The // freedom. into slavery personal and love, into hate be into nevolence, turn to restrictions enabling intellect, with attributes our refines Washing purity. and intellect epitomizes water while attributes, and expressions represent hands that teaches balah most Kab // water. The the with body, of our part active hands, our purifying by distractions spiritual sublimate we freedom, to journey on step the first the As // blessing). a reciting out with but manner ritual the (in hands the Wash STEP 2:Urchatz(Wash) that possibilities us. await divine the to ourselves open will we that hope the with placed call spiritual wake-up a is blessing The // times. ancient in did people free only as drinking, when left the of to we Season recline point, Freedom.” this ToOur “The stress is this that present are that all and ourselves to declare we it With mundane. is that all above night this elevate to desire our which Kadesh, // by the Seder affirming “set aside,” begins means wine. of cup first the Bless Step 1:Kadesh(Sanctify)

THE FOUR SONS A Personality Assessment - - - - - Despite his intelligence, the Wise Son insists on asking the same question year after year. He’s also obsessive about the discussion thing, making it rather difficult to get on with the Seder. // A fun guy to have around, the Wicked Son’s cynicism is driven by his need to fit things into his down-to-earth world. Sitting next to his wise brother, he injects spice into the evening with his snide and provocative comments. // Out there in a world of silent amazement, the Simple Son is a transparent chan- nel for the Infinite. If only he could tell us about it. // The Son Who Doesn’t Know How to Question probably thinks he is the wise son. When you know it all, there’s nothing left to ask. He’s not in the photo, because he doesn’t even know it’s Passover. // The Fifth Son is the most important one. He’s the son who has yet to experience the freedom of Passover.

is wrapped and hidden away for the chil- them up for what is to follow. ceivable haste, leaving no time for the dren to discover. // The smaller broken dough that would nourish them to rise. piece, the “bread of poverty,” takes cen- STEP 7: Motzi (Blessing over Bread) Once free, their first taste was the “bread ter stage while retelling the story of the Hold the broken half-matza and two of poverty,” matza. From a mystical Exodus. It personifies the spiritual and whole ones while reciting the appropri- viewpoint, matza exemplifies a selfless material destitution our people endured ate blessing for bread, hamotzie leh- ego. It was with this trait, rather than in Egypt once they no longer grasped the chem min ha-aretz. // The word lech- arrogance, that they accepted G-d-given meaning of true freedom. By relating to em (bread) contains the same letters as freedom. Humility allowed them to ap- their plight, we feel what is broken in our lochem (war). Food is raw energy that preciate the gifts of life. After the bless- own humanity. At the same time, when ing, recline to the left and eat at least one the children hide the Afikoman we sense ounce of matza. the larger dimension of our being, the part of our soul never touched by slavery STEP 9: Maror (Bitter Herbs) that waits to be discovered. Take at least 3/4 ounce of bitter herbs and dip it in the charoset, shake off STEP 5: Maggid (Telling) the excess, and recite the blessing ahl “Tell your children G-d took you out ah-chilat maror before eating. // Hav- of Egypt.” Fill the second cup of wine, ing meditated on the bitterness of exile then retell the story of our rise from during Maggid, we now physically ex- the depths of bondage to the heights of perience its force. The impact further redemption. // Maggid begins with the clarifies the significance of our exile. children asking, “Why is this night dif- // Before we can experience true free- ferent from all other nights?” The ques- dom we have to internalize the might of tion can put us in touch with the inno- our haardship—and accept that when we cence of children as we contemplate the make the right choices, hardship exists dynamics of liberation. // Are we eating only to make us stronger. the matzah out of habit, or because we are ready to embrace its significance? STEP 10: Korech (Sandwich) Are we observing these rituals to as- Break off two pieces of the bottom matza suage guilt, or to actualize the desire to (at least one ounce). Take 3/4 ounce of live a more meaningful life? // When we maror, dip it in charoset and shake off allow the events in the Maggid to touch the excess. Place the maror between the us to the core, we reveal the candor that two pieces of matza and say, “Thus did children hold dear. At the conclusion of holds the potential for either good or Hillel do in the time of the Holy Tem- Maggid, we savor the second glass. evil. Thus, a spiritual battle ensues ev- ple…” Recline while eating. // Maror al- ery time it is consumed. If the purpose in ludes to the wicked, while matza refers STEP 6: Rachtzah (Washing) eating is solely to gratify physical crav- to the righteous. Hillel, the great Jew- Wash the hands and recite the blessing, ings, evil prevails. However, when eat- ish sage known for his compassion, in- Ahl Netilat Yadayim (on the lifting of ing to gain energy with which to better structed the righteous to reach out and the hands). // We prepare to internalize serve G-d, good prevails. draw the wicked closer. // Likewise, now the humble nature of matza by uplifting that we have felt what it means to break our extremities and expressions. // In STEP 8: Matza (Blessing the matza) free of slavery on a personal level, it is its literal sense, the word netila means Return the bottom matza to the Seder our obligation to share the experience to move something from one place to plate. Holding the remaining one and with others. another. With this blessing we remove one-half matzot, recite the blessing for the physicality and vulgarity that may eating matza, ahl ah-chilat matza. // STEP 11: Shulchan Orech (Festive Meal) dwell in and around the hands, raising Our ancestors fled Egypt with incon- In many traditions the meal begins by holiday | 15 steps

dipping the hard-boiled egg from the Seder plate in saltwater to continued from beginning of section symbolize our constant mourning for the destruction of the Holy Temple, and to allude to G-d’s desire to redeem His people. “Ess, mein khind!” // Across the community and throughout the world, 3/29 Time To Seder At sundown we are together at the Seder table. The wise, the wicked, the simple candles are lit. At nightfall the Seder begins. and the innocent, all equal in the eyes of each other and the eyes of G-d. And we remember the fifth son—he who has not yet experi- 3/30 Brighten Up Before the second enced the freedom of Passover. We are united as one in the common Seder begins candles are lit after nightfall goal of redemption. from a pre-existing flame. Tonight we begin to count the Omer, which lasts for 49 days. STEP 12: Tzafun (Hidden) At the conclusion of the Passover meal, children return the Afiko- What’s the Omer? In the Holy Temple the man. Eat at least one ounce of this matzah. Nothing else except the Omer was an offering of barley taken from the remaining two cups of wine is consumed thereafter. // It was nec- first grain of the new crop. We count seven essary to partake in every step, every ritual, every taste and every weeks, from the bringing of the first Omer thought before the Afikoman is revealed; then, we can become one offering (Passover) until the day we received with its Divine potential. We eat it only when completely satiated the Torah (the Festival of Shavuot). The 49 because it fulfills a need higher than the hunger for freedom, and days between Passover and Shavuot represent we eat nothing afterward so that its taste remains with us. // In the the 49 steps of mystical self-purification and Seder, as with everyday life, there are no shortcuts to the greater preparation our people went through between dimension. Yet we are always aware that it is present and yearns to leaving Egypt (Passover) and receiving the reveal itself when we seek with a pure heart. Torah (Shavuot).

Four InTermediaTes Only In between the first two and last two days of Passover, go ahead and function relatively normally. The only exception is, like your mother keeps telling you, you shouldn’t work too hard. But keep the wine flowing; it’s a custom to drink a glass of wine every day of Passover.

4/4 And On The SevenTh Day At STEP 13: Beirach (Grace after Meal) sundown light candles. This day marks the Recite the blessing over the third cup of wine, then drink while Miracle of the Splitting of the Sea and our to- reclining. In anticipation of our Ultimate Redemption, we now fill a tal liberation from Egypt. In commemoration, special goblet, the Cup of Elijah. We then open the door to the house we stay up all night studying Torah. and, holding a lit candle, recite the passage inviting the Prophet Elijah to appear. // Imagine all of creation in a state of spiritual and 4/5 The Finals After nightfall light material freedom. Think about a world free of pain and suffering, candles from a pre-existing flame. This day, war and struggles. Imagine all of existence at this level. Imagine the final day of Passover, emphasizes an even yourself, the light of a single candle, ushering in the era of our higher level of freedom. It is dedicated to our redemption. imminent and Final Redemption. STEP 14: Hallel (Songs of Praise) We offer praise to G-d for his mercy and compassion in redeeming 4/6 LasT BuT NoT LeasT Yizkor our people from Egypt, and in anticipation of our own ultimate memorial prayers are recited during ser- redemption. // Why does G-d need us to praise Him? He doesn’t, vices. Following the custom of the Ba’al we do. As the Kabbalah explains, when we praise His kindness we Shem Tov, Passover concludes with a “Feast of reveal His compassion. When praying for our needs, we evoke His Moshiach”—a festive meal complete with Matza desire to give. and, yes, four cups of wine. It begins before sunset and is designed to greet Moshiach, STEP 15: Nirtzah (Accepted) offering us “a glimpse of the Messianic age.” The Seder concludes with the wish, L’shana Ha-ba-ah Bi-Yerush- Nightfall marks the official conclusion of alayim. We hope for each other that which our forefathers prayed Passover. Wait an hour to give the Rabbi for while enslaved in Egypt, “Next Year in Jerusalem!” // Rabbi enough time to buy back your Chametz and Schneur Zalman of Liadi omitted the passage, “The order of Pass- over is concluded,” from his Haggadah because the Seder’s message then, eat Chametz to your heart’s content. remains timeless. Every day, one leaves Egypt by transcending his limitations, to reach higher levels of holiness. New children's book coming soon! Pre-order at www.yarmulkekid.com

in stores summer 2010

The Ballad of the Yarmulke Kid takes young readers on a fun-filled joyride from a tall roof top to a sunny beach front, from a quite porch to a singing circus. The award- winning artwork explores the world through the eyes of a young and proud Yarmulke kid. The highly imaginative rhythmic lyrics make it the perfect book to read again and again.

Rabbi Shmuel Marcus is a singer songwriter for the Jewish rock group 8th Day and continues to perform the “Yarmulke Blues” on stages worldwide. Marcus lives with his wife Bluma and their children in Cypress, California where they run Chabad of Cypress.

Marc Lumer early works have appeared on the Warner Bros’. hit shows Batman and Superman. While Lumer was at DreamWorks his paintings helped cre- ate the animated films Prince ofE gypt and The Road to El Dorado. Lumer now owns and operates a boutique advertis- ing agency in Los Angeles.

For more information and to pre-order, visit www.yarmulkekid.com. story | dear rebbe

of a carpet sweeper, which struck the bottom of his right eye with great intensity. Sarah, immediately called their friend, Dr. Jack Gold- divine stein, an ophthalmologist, who advised them to meet him at his office as soon as possible. medication After his examination, the couple was referred to the office of Dr. Stephen Feldon, at the Doheny Eye Institute in Los Angeles at the how i got my vision back USC Medical Center. To get in to the doctor you normally have to A True Story wait several months. Their friend, the eye doctor, was able to arrange an appointment with the distinguished expert for that very day. he face of the The examination showed that the inferior rectus muscle, was injured, thus causing the eyeball to rotate upward not allowing for vi- ophthalmologist sion from both eyes. He would have to wear a patch over the injured revealed grave eye for an indefinite period of time. T On that afternoon, Rabbi Yitzchok Newman had called the Reb- news. He said, “Your be’s office. A month passed and no sign of any positive development ap- eye injury looks serious. peared. As per the doctor’s orders Dr. Lovitch underwent further I recommend you be testing. Dr. Feldon then suggested to Dr. Lovitch that he undergo surgical exploration on the eye and he would attempt to reattach the examined urgently by muscle to the eyeball. a renowned expert, At the time of his eye injury Dr. Lovitch was in the early stage of his professional career as a General Surgeon. To do surgery two Dr. Stephen Feldon. eyes are required for binocular vision, which results in stereoscopic vision and adequate depth of field. Subsequent to the injury, all his In the early morning Dr. Lovitch, a general surgeon, got work had to be curtailed. He was extremely apprehensive: Will my up from his bed, and went quietly into the closet to get vision ever return to normal, or will all the years of schooling and dressed. He did not light up the room, so as not to wake his hard work go for naught? wife. Then a startled sharp cry of pain filled the room. Dr. After further consultation, Dr. Lovitch decided to proceed with Lovitch’s startled wife Sarah found him writhing in pain. It the operation. Since he had a relationship with Chabad, he realized turned out that he had encountered a long wooden handle that he should seek the blessing of the Lubavitcher Rebbe, and he did. The Rebbe gave his blessing to Dr. Lovitch for the surgery. After the surgery Dr. Feldon reported to Dr Lovitch and his wife, Sarah, that he had two reports, one good and one not so good. First the good news: the surgical procedure revealed that the eye muscles of the eyeball itself were completely intact and healthy. The bad news was that the damage could not be cor- rected, and that he could not return the eye to its proper place. Dr. Feldon offered a partial solution: obtain prism glasses which alter the angle of light entering the pupil of the eye. These glasses were obtained and Dr. Lovitch found them dis- turbing. They were not comfortable, and certainly did not pro- jewish reverb vide a permanent solution to enable the surgeon to return to by Chaim Davidson his work. grabbed a cab tonight at 12:40am Dr Lovitch was depressed and quite despondent. He felt a need to turn back to the Rebbe. He called the Rebbe’s office on 68th and Broadway in NYC. saying that it appeared as if he was going to lose his entire I I checked his number and knew professional career. He asked for the Rebbe’s advice and guid- he was driving for at least 30 years. ance. The secretary noted the seriousness of the situation and "Nice to meet you Harry, I'm Chaim." promised to deliver the request to the Rebbe. "My Hebrew name is Chaim too. I don't think I've During the next day there were no family members at the thought about that since my Bar Mitzveh. Where Lovitch home as they were all attending a wedding. Upon their we going?" return, the phone rang. “I have been trying to reach you all day,” said the Rebbe’s secretary. “The Rebbe wants to know if I say: "Crown Heights, Crown between Kingston you are careful to make kiddush and havdalah on red wine.” and Albany. " Dr Lovitch replied “No.” An old school driver, he knew exactly where to go. Actually he took the 59th Street Bridge to the BQE. “You,” the secretary said, “should always sanctify over I've never gone that way. red wine.” "You see the trick is to take the upper level of the That Shabbat Dr. Lovitch publicly made kiddush on red bridge. It's the best view in town. This is the stuff wine and performed havdalah on red wine, he did the same that great paperweights are made of." the next week. During one story about a girl he almost married, Mystical blessings and improvements began. The next day he says to me. "I chose discretion the better part he suddenly felt a change. New hopes were aroused and he of valor." I said, I like that. He says, "Yeah, I like to found himself waiting expectantly for further signs of im- think I can turn a phrase. I shoulda been a writer provement. instead I became a procrastinator." His vision was improving. Certain times during the day "I used to stutter but I figured out if you scream or he could see without those awkward prism glasses. The eye sing you can get rid of it. Here in the cab I'm always condition improved day by day, and by the fourth Saturday he screaming, so that works. When I was a salesman reported complete recovery. people mistook it for enthusiasm." Dr Lovitch was ecstatic. A few days later he returned to "I still have a rotary phone at home. These kids work in his office and hospital as before. today...the cell phones...I can't get over the folly Dr Feldon was completely shocked when he examined the of it." damaged eye of Dr. Lovitch. It had indeed, become completely I ask him for a cab story. "This guy gets in followed healed and was functioning normally. He repeatedly referred by another guy who promptly pulls a knife on him... to the earlier data and photos, and there was a puzzled expres- like in a sitcom the first guy gets out the other door. sion on his face. He asked, “Whom do you know?” The guy with the knife says: 'Jersey please.' I can't Dr. Lovitch answered Dr. Feldon that he had sought the argue with a guy with a knife. I take him to the blessings and advice of the Lubavitcher Rebbe in Brooklyn, Tunnel and say that's as far as I can go. He says New York. thanks, pays me and gives me a tip."

Dr. Lovitch is a practicing doctor living in Long Beach, California, he I invited him for shabbos but he says he can't. "Its refers to this story as “My Eye Story.” one of my busiest nights." He might just come one of these weeks. shorts | inspiration soul shorts some food for thought

oice editor's ch An Oldie but Goodie “The Rebbe sensed my hey mister anxiety and said, ‘Start In 1978 "Megama" brought from the beginning and you the hit song "My take it word by word, line Zaide." Their other songs by line and in the end are not as well know. Here it will all work out.’” are the lyrics to a personal favorite of mine. of words; there was writing between the lines, arrows here and arrows there, all Hey Mister can you help me leading to even more edits. Hey Mister do you know the way line by line The Rebbe sensed my anxiety and I've only got my sleeping bag said, “Start from the beginning and take This old bible someone threw away by Rabbi Yehuda Krinsky it word by word, line by line and in the I feel like I'm lost and all alone t was my first week working as an end it will all work out.” And that’s exactly what happened. Looking for a place to call my own aide for the Rebbe, Rabbi Menach- The Rebbe taught me a lesson for Happy people loving faces em Mendel Schneerson. I was alone life. That sometimes when things seem Sittin' 'round their fire places I in the secretariat office when the intercom buzzed. I lifted the phone, and confusing, disconnected and puzzling, Wish I was there too the Rebbe, on the other end, requested just start from the beginning and take Wish I was there too that I enter his office. it word by word, line by line and in the end it will all work out. Hey mister can you help me When I walked in, the Rebbe was sitting at his desk, editing the first draft Hey mister do you know the way Rabbi Krinsky was recruited by the Rebbe in of a letter that had been typed; it was I come from a troubled home 1957 to serve as a member of his secretariat nearly a full page. The Rebbe asked that Got so bad I had to run away and later as corporate secretary of his three I wait until he finishes, I stood there for central organizations. These positions gave I'm cold out here standing about ten minutes until the Rebbe hand- him unique access to the Rebbe over the four in the snow ed me the edited draft and asked me to decades of his leadership. Rabbi Krinsky Watching all the lucky retype it. Though I was accustomed to lives and works in Brooklyn, New York with ones who know the Rebbe’s handwriting, this particular his family. Happy people loving faces letter was now like a maze, a labyrinth Sittin' 'round their fire places Wish I was there too Wish I was there too Lisa Perlman is a fashion critic bent on Hey mister can you help me learning how to cook like her mother. She Hey mister do you know the way lives with her son Michael in Park Slope, New York. I'm looking for a synagogue Someone who can show me I realized there is no way I could check how to pray into a yeshiva for six months. Luckily, I I feel like I'm going discovered Rochel from JNet. The Jewish round and round 911 for Learning Network is easy to use and I Looking for a thing was soon asking Rebbetzin Rochel Fried- I've never found your soul man all my questions. Jnet.org provides Happy people loving faces just call www.jnet.org people like me with the opportunity to take some time out of their busy work Sittin' 'round their fire place By Lisa Perlman week - whether at the office at home or Wish I was there too was one of those who didn’t appre- sometimes in the car (with hands free of Wish I was there too ciate my Jewish heritage until my course) - to study Torah and meaning of divorce. I was forty-seven and I had life and the Kabbalah. Lyrics by Megama I no meaningful base to fall back on. I call it my spiritual 911 for my soul. Moshe Yess & Sholom Levine I had more questions than my kids. So, You can log onto www.Jnet.org to start I after looking at my new work schedule learning now! journal

1 feature | The Rebbe

a n i n t e r v i e w with the Rebbe Fifty years ago, on March 7th 1960, a group of university students met with the Rebbe. The following is an excerpt from the transcripts of that candid conversation. The Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson, acrylic on canvas, 24 x 30 inches, by Stephen Bennett 2006 New York, from the collection of Dr. Raphael Kellman.

The Rebbe began with introductory remarks: has perished under Hitler and has been cut off from us. How great, then, is the obligation that lies upon each and every one of us to do as his year has special significance, being the 200th much as is within his power to spread the light of Torah and Mitzvos anniversary of the histalkus of the Baal Shem Tov, in his own surroundings and throughout the world in general. T the founder of general Chasidism. The Rebbe said that one should spread Torah. How and in what The word histalkus does not mean death in the sense manner is this to be done? of coming to an end but rather an elevation from one level Rebbe: Everyone must do as much as possible in his immediate to another on a higher plane. When one has accomplished surroundings by speaking with other people in a way that shows his his mission in life, he is elevated to a higher plane. The certainty and confidence in the matter. For confidence is a charac- significance of this for us is that everyone can now lift teristic of the youth specifically. An older person is often beset with himself easier to a higher level by studying the teachings doubts and hesitancies, while the young are sure of themselves. It is of the Baal Shem Tov and taking an example from his life. this characteristic that we must utilize in spreading Torah and Mitz- From the very beginning, one of the first things the vos, and everyone must work at 100% capacity. Baal Shem Tov did, was to teach small children simple Every means must be employed: the newspaper, the radio. But, things, like blessings, and to explain to them how they above all, the most vital is the personal example we set in our every- could be near to G-d Almighty -- that G-d was very real day living. for them and close to them and not far-removed in some What was the role that the Baal Shem Tov played in the Cha- “seventh heaven.” He worked not only with teenagers but sidic movement? even with six- and seven-year-old children, making them Rebbe: We can understand what the Baal Shem Tov did by the understand how G-d Almighty watches over them all the simile of the relationship of an electric powerhouse with a lamp that time -- not only Sunday, Monday or Tuesday, but all the is connected to it by a wire. In order to light his lamp, one must find days of their life, and that by obeying G-d’s will they the right switch, or push the correct button. The soul of every Jew is a would be assured of a happy and harmonious life, materi- part of and is connected with G-d Almighty, but in order that one can ally and spiritually. enjoy the great benefits of it, the correct switch must be found or the The epoch of the Baal Shem Tov came after the proper button pushed. It was the Baal Shem Tov’s mission to explain Chmielnitzky pogroms, which left the Jews in a state of and proclaim that every Jew without exception is connected with “the dejection and despair. It was the aim of the Baal Shem Tov powerhouse,” and every one of them has a switch in his innermost, to encourage the Jews and to show them how they could that will be found if searched for. meet the problems of their day while living a life of Torah So also every one of us in our own work in strengthening Judaism, and Mitzvos. must try to find the switch in the soul of every Jew. One can never Our present age is similar in many ways to the times know what will make the connection, perhaps one word. But by this, of the Baal Shem Tov. One-third of the Jewish population you open up the well or inner fountain of his soul. read more online www.therebbe.org

What is the difference between in life is to transform the physicality of the you could not have calculated. When a Jew Chabad Lubavitch and other Chasidic world into spiritual, divine. The non-Jew connects himself through his Divine spark groups? has a different purpose and therefore the with G-d through fervent prayer, Torah, Rebbe: Lubavitcher Chasidim are often two do not have the same Divine spark. and Mitzvos, he can affect things in this called Chabad Chasidim, an abbreviation physical world “from above” -- that means of the Hebrew words Chochmah, Binah, The Lubavitcher Reb- by a way which is beyond calculation. This and Daas, which indicate different aspects power is not the prerogative of one Jew but be, Rabbi Menachem of understanding. of every Jew. To serve G-d with the emotions alone M. Schneerson, the Rabbi Gurewitz, of the Brooklyn Hillel or with faith alone or even with intellect seventh leader in Foundation, thanked the Rebbe for the alone is not enough, for it would be an in- interview and started to leave, but then the Chabad-Lubavitch complete service. Rather, there must be a the Rebbe said: fusion of all of these elements, the service dynasty, is considered Now I want to ask you a question, and must permeate the entire being of a Jew to be one of the most at the same time try to perform a miracle. Everything has a purpose. What was and every single day. However, the intellect phenomenal Jewish is the “Ruler” of these elements, and it is the purpose of our coming together here this that the Alter Rebbe stressed when he personalities of mod- tonight? Certainly it was not merely to ask said that a Chasid must use his intellect and ern times. To hundreds questions and receive answers, good or not be content with a service of G-d cen- of thousands of fol- bad. Rather it was to achieve something. tered only in the emotions or in faith alone. All of us here are young, myself included, lowers and millions Can Chasidism bring non-religious and have tens of years yet before us. Since Jews back to their Judaism? of sympathizers and six million of our people in Russia, Poland Rebbe: Certainly! Today it is expect- admirers around the and Hungary have been lost to us through Hitler, we have a special task to accomplish ed that one understands his doing and world, he is known therefore many Jews can be reached only -- the work that they could have done, at through their intellect. But in order to reach simply as “the Rebbe.” least a major part of it. the intellect of someone else you must use Everyone counts. No Jew is expendable. We all must work to the fullest capacity, your own intellect, for only through your Can a Jew be a Chasid even though it every one of us. In our day-to-day life we mind can you reach the mind of another. is necessary for him to work on Shabbos, must use our full strength to add to the Why is Chabad so successful in its especially in the case of a physician? side of good, and by this we will gain a life activities? Rebbe: You mean he thinks it is neces- of happiness and harmony -- and all this Rebbe: Today everyone tries to un- sary for him to work on Shabbos. Really, can be done only through a life of Torah derstand before he does something. I am it cannot be that it is impossible for a Jew and Mitzvos tested by our 3,500 year his- not discussing whether this is good or bad, to keep Shabbos. For G-d would not have tory. This obligation lies upon every Jew but only stating a fact. Everyone requires commanded us to do something and then and G-d has given him the power to carry proofs and understanding. Chabad Cha- have put us in a position where it would be this through successfully. And if each of sidus provides it. It explains aspects of Ju- impossible to perform. us, beginning tomorrow, should add in his daism so that they can be understood by The questioner continued and asked own personal life more Torah and Mitzvos the intellect. As a Chabad Chasid I have a what a physician should do if a life is in and influence the environment in the same more categorical answer: I have no doubt danger? direction, if we all will do this, myself in- that Chabad Chasidus is the Truth and Rebbe: Under ordinary conditions, a cluded, this indeed will be our miracle. Truth must be successful. physician must not desecrate Shabbos, and What is the function of a Rebbe? his entire life must be as holy and Jewish as Rebbe: As was said earlier, to find the of every Jew. However, when an emergency switch in every Jew and help him become arises and a life is at stake, it is not only not connected with the power house. a desecration but it is a Mitzvah. One is com- This afternoon we heard a lecture by manded to save the person. And it states (in Read more about the Rebbe Dr. Block in which he explained that a the Jewish code) if one is a (gadol) -- very online at www.TheRebbe.org. Jew has a Divine spark. He didn’t say ex- pious, and a talmid chocham, the Mitzvah plicitly, but he intimated that only a Jew should not be given to another but he himself The mega site is both a has this Divine spark but a non-Jew does must save the person. testament to the Rebbe’s impact on people’s lives and not. Is this so? Does the Rebbe have the power to a glimpse into the scope of Rebbe: A non-Jew and every created perform miracles? his teachings and advice. thing does have a Divine spark, but it is not Rebbe: This world is not separate from the same kind of the Divine spark that a the higher worlds but is another step, the See Toward a Meaningful Life by Simon Jacobson and Heaven on Jew has. To illustrate from the body again, last one, in a long chain of worlds. Earth by Faitel Levin. Books are each part has its own function: the brain Everything in this world comes from, sold online at www.kehot.com. to think, the heart to feel, and the legs to and is influenced by, the higher ones. A carry one about. So the mission of a Jew miracle is something that happens which book excerpt | chicken kiev

About the artist: Eugene Ivanov was born in 1966 in Tyumen (Siberia, Russia). His works are held in many private collections in the Czech Republic, Germany, Israel, Poland, Russia, UK and USA.

smile was enough. It is getting late, and they invite me back to see the big room. I say I will come back, and I do. Recently, the city managers of Khar- kov have come up with a great way to conserve money and energy: simply shut off the city's power for an hour when it is used and needed the most. Incredible. Dis- trict by district, the electricity goes dead. But they don't leave us exactly like the olden days; the phones still work. Our apartment building is spared, thanks to an important factory nearby. But lights out is common and people have Original watercolor illustration by Eugene Ivanov candles and patience. This time Yossi comes along, and by candlelight, plays chess with Mr. lights out in kharkov Vodofsky. The man of the house is a mus- by Rabbi Shmuel Marcus from his book "Chicken Kiev" cular guy who loads and unloads trucks for a living. He is either built for the job or from the job. He shows me trophies from think of my mother at the weirdest can hear the snoring. times. Once I was in the back seat of Mrs. Vodofsky is the secretary at a “Have you ever held a taxi. My thirteen-year-old student nearby metal factory. She has red hair hands with someone on I was crying in the front seat. Anes- that lights up her face. She tells us to sit. the operating table? Or thesia does wear off. His parents don't Would you like something to eat? Igor is keep kosher and he goes to shul alone. too embarrassed to eat his non-kosher stood close enough to And today when he faced the mohel, he dinner in front of me, so he lies and says look him in the eyes? was alone. he isn't hungry. I ask for coffee. She gets I've become a mother.” Have you ever held hands with some- up and leaves the apartment. The kitchen one on the operating table? Or stood close cannot be that far because soon she is lightweight boxing. Igor is so proud. Only enough to look him in the eyes? I've be- back with a kettle. We sit around the small ten more minutes, and the lights will go come a mother. table sipping and whispering jokes about back on and allow us to see the big room, My visit is unplanned and unusual. I men who snore. the home, the Vodofsky residence. wanted to make sure Igor, now Moshe, got The local bakery in Kharkov doesn't The time comes, and the lights go on. home safely, and I went without my con- sneak any extra ingredients into the The room is big enough for the couch bed stant partner Yossi. bread, and I tell Igor that the mini-rolls and a reclining chair that becomes my The apartment building looks like any on the table are kosher. He was later an- student's bed at night. Things are neat other, and without lighting, the staircase gry with me for saying that, claiming his enough not to make me feel as if I'm in feels like any other. Are the light bulbs mother buys those exact rolls ever since. a bedroom. Igor shows us his computer stolen? Or simply never put in? We climb Mrs. Vodofsky asks about what one game that is hooked up to the black and three floors in utter darkness. can do about working on Shabbat. We white television, and we play a shoot- The first door on the third floor speak, and after a while I ask to use the ing game. I'll never forget their smiles. In leads to a hallway with about six doors, restroom. It is small, but not too small. Kharkov, you can fit a lot of people into a three on each side. Igor's mother comes Above the toilet are hand-built shelves small room, providing they all smile. out from the last door on the left with filled with pots and pans. I wonder how Shmuel Marcus is the Director of Chabad a big smile. Zachadeet! she said. Zach- many people live like this; then I flush. of Cypress. He is the editor of Farbrengen adeet means "come in please." Come into We speak some more, but this time Magazine and author of Chicken Kiev and The what? I thought. The front entrance to the I ask the questions. Each floor has one Ballad of the Yarmulke Kid. Marcus is also one-room home is, at best, the size of a communal kitchen and one communal a singer songwriter who performs under the refrigerator. Three small stools, the table, shower. I ask the obvious and practi- name 8th Day. He and his wife Bluma are the and anything else that has no place to go cal question: What happens if you and founders of the Hebrew High of Los Alamitos are crammed into this all-purpose room. your neighbor both want to shower at the and JewishCypress.com. He lives with his wife and four children in Cypress. Immediately above us hangs clothing to same time? She actually answered and dry for the next day. In the bigger room, said something in Russian. Words that I hard working Mr. Vodofsky is sleeping; I cannot translate but understand. Her sad Buy this book at www.kehot.com