Living the Story About Life in the Midst of the Coronavirus Pesach Guide

ב״ה

Wellspringswww.chabadlehighvalley.com Spring 2020/Pesach 5780

Devorah’s Recipe Corner HOW TO BE Passover CONTAGIOUS ALMOND COOKIES 10 Things I’m Learning Living the Story About Life in the Midst of the Coronavirus Pesach guide

A Little Nosh for the Soul Compliments of Chabad of the Lehigh Valley St. Luke’s has been named one of the IBM Watson Health™ 100 Top Hospitals in the Nation.

Shana Tova, To learn more visit: stlukes100top.org NOTE FROM THE RABBI Wellsprings Magazine Passover is here... the snow is gone, the weather is turning warmer and the birds are Dedicated to back from their trip to the south. Spring is the Love and in the air! Inspiration of the In Judaism, the proximity of Passover to Lubavitcher springtime is not coincidental. The Torah Rebbe calls Passover “chag ha’aviv” the Holiday of OB”M Spring. In fact, every few years, the Jewish calendar which is lunar-based, is recalibrated to match the solar calendar, for one purpose: to ensure that Passover is in spring. Wellsprings Why spring? The reason is simple, yet profound. While Rosh Ha- shanah marks the beginning of the world’s creation, Passover com- memorates the birth of the Jewish people. For 210 years, the Jewish people were in a womb-like state during the Egyptian servitude. Like a fetus that has all its limbs developed but is unable to control them, our ancestors were living in a suspended state, “a nation within a nation.”

And on the 15th of Nissan, they were “born” into freedom. As we celebrate Passover amidst the chirping of the birds and the Editorial flowering of our gardens, we not only remember the birth of the Jewish people 3,300 years ago, but actually re-experience our own Rabbi Yaacov Halperin rebirth. We not only recall our ancestors’ flight to freedom, but also follow in their footsteps, embarking on our own path towards re- Contributing Writers newal, leaving the limitations and challenges of the past behind. Bentzion Elisha, Devorah Halperin, Tzvi Freeman, Yanki Tauber, Dovie Schochet, Simon Jacobson, Chana Weisberg, Cha- Wishings you good health and a happy passover, na Sara Puza, Yaacov Halperin Rabbi Yaacov Halperin Design Chana Sara Puza P.S. Please be so kind as to help us bring the holiday of Passover and the meaning of freedom to all members of our community with your Advertising generous tax deductible donation in the enclosed envelope. [email protected] Distributed by Chabad Lubavitch of the Lehigh Valley Crackersport Rd Allentown PA 4457 א 18104

This Wellsprings Magazine is Published by ב Chabad of the Lehigh Valley. 4457 Crackersport Road- Allentown, PA 18104 and is sent free to our Members and Friends ג 610.351.6511Igniting a Spark of infrequently throughout the year. [email protected] Issue #61 Judaism in Every Child THE

FRIEND King’s By Bentzion Elisha nce there lived a gentile king who delighted in having an audience with a particular rabbi who Months passed, and the king’s injury slowly healed. His Olived in the kingdom’s capital. The two would hand was getting stronger, and his desire to go on one converse on various subjects, and the rabbi’s acuity and of his outings finally made him plan a most extravagant sharp intellect amazed the king again and again. No one trip to many far-off lands. could compare in counsel and wisdom to the charming rabbi. Throughout his trips, he missed the wisdom and com- panionship of the brilliant rabbi. The king had a fascination with outings to the country, and he would invite the rabbi so that they could discuss the kingdom’s happenings. The king was warned not to leave the camp grounds, because The rabbi had a way of always weaving into the conver- hostile natives lurked. sation the idea of hashgacha pratit, divine providence, constantly seeking to connect the unfolding events with In one particularly exotic location, the king was warned G‑d’s underlying presence and guiding hand. not to leave the camp grounds, because hostile natives lurked. But the king’s adventurous spirit was sparked by the idea of seeing the area as it was. The rabbi fumbled with the rifle, and a shot accidentally On one of his forays outside the camp, the king was escaped from the weapon. captured by cannibal tribesmen. As was their custom, they inspected their “merchandise” before cooking. They were alarmed to find that the enticing specimen before On one of these outings, the king decided to go hunting. them had a missing finger. Immediately they declared it Accompanied by the rabbi, his companion of choice, the a bad omen, and discarded the king close to his camp- king insisted that the rabbi also hunt together with him. grounds.

Unfamiliar with the sport, the rabbi fumbled with the The king was beside himself with joy. The rabbi’s “blun- rifle, and a shot accidentally escaped from the weapon. der” had saved his life. A bitter scream pierced the forest, a scream from none other than the king himself! The rabbi had mistakenly He immediately changed course and directed his en- shot the king, damaging his hand forever by shooting tourage to return home. He had to speak to the rabbi. off one of his fingers. When they arrived at the capital, the king immediately Enraged, the bleeding king had his guards imprison the set the rabbi free. rabbi immediately, with swift orders to put him into one of the dungeon’s prison chambers. He asked him:

“Dear rabbi, you have always spoken of divine providence, and how everything comes down from heaven for our good, and I see that here. But rabbi, I have one question: what was the divine providence as it relates to you? You were in the dungeon for months; where is the good in that?”

If I wasn’t in the dungeon, I would have been with you. The rabbi smiled as he answered, “Your majesty, if I wasn’t in the dungeon, I would have been with you, and the cannibals would have eaten me, G‑d forbid.”

“What lesson can we take from all this?” asked the king.

After some thought, the rabbi answered.

“Perhaps the lesson is that everyone is essentially a friend of the ultimate King, the Creator of heaven and earth. Since He is a true and good friend who wants the very best for us, we must have faith that all our experiences, even the seemingly negative ones, are really for the best.”

Rabbi Bentzion Elisha is the author of 18 Frames of Being. In addition to being a writer, he is an award-winning photographer. He resides with his family in NYC. hofreid_20_004_HAPPY PASSOVER_ad vFinal.pdf 1 2/27/20 4:09 PM VISIT DANIELS BMW, MENTION CHABAD OF THE LEHIGH VALLEY AND RECEIVE $ 1,000 OFF YOUR BEST DEAL!

Daniels BMW 4600 Crackersport Rd Allentown, PA 18104-9553 (610) 820-2950 danielsbmw.com Pesach

Guide The Story After many decades of slavery to the Egyptian pharaohs, during which time the Israelites were subjected to back‑ breaking labor and unbearable horrors, G‑d saw the people’s distress and sent Moses to Pharaoh with a message: “Send forth My people, so that they may serve Me.” But despite numerous warnings, Pharaoh refused to heed G‑d’s command. G‑d then sent upon Egypt ten devastating plagues, afflicting them and destroying everything from their livestock to their crops.

At the stroke of midnight of 15 Nissan in the year 2448 from creation (1313 BCE), G‑d visited the last of the ten plagues on the Egyptians, killing all their firstborn. While doing so, G‑d spared the children of Israel, “pass‑ ing over” their homes hence the name of the holiday. Pharaoh’s resistance was broken, and he virtually chased his former slaves out of the land. The Israelites left in such a hurry, in fact, that the bread they baked as provisions for the way did not have time to rise. Six hundred thousand adult males, plus many more women and children, left Egypt on that day and began the trek to Mount Sinai and their birth as G‑d’s chosen people. The Seder The Seder is a feast that includes reading, drinking wine, telling stories, eating special foods, singing, and other Passover traditions.

As per Biblical command, it is held after nightfall on the first night of Passover (and the second night if you live outside of Israel), the an- niversary of our nation’s miraculous exodus from Egyptian slavery more than 3,000 years ago. This year’s Seder(s) will be on April 19 (and 20), 2019. Kitniyot The medieval Jewish sages placed a ban on eating legumes (kitniyot) on Passover, because they are similar in texture to chametz (even bread can be made out of their flour) so people might assume that if, for example, cornbread can be eaten on Passover, wheat or rye bread can be eaten too. This prohibition includes rice, beans and corn. This in- junction was unanimously accepted by Ashkenazic Jews; many Sephardic Jews, however, continue to eat kitniyot on Passover. If you are Sephardic, speak to your rabbi to determine your family and community tradition.

The prohibition is only with regards to consumption of kitniyot; there is no obligation, however, to get rid of or sell kitniyot products before Passover. Fast of the Firstborn In the tenth and final plague inflicted upon Egypt, G‑d killed the firstborn in all of Egypt. But, as in all the plagues brought upon Egypt, the Children of Israel were spared. In the Plague of the Firstborn, not one Jewish firstborn died. To express their gratitude, all firstborn males fast on the day before Passover (Erev Pesach). The fathers of firstborn boys under the age of 13 fast in their stead.

Pesach wine For each of the four cups at the Seder, it is preferable to use undiluted wine. However, if needed, the wine may be diluted with grape juice. (One who cannot drink wine may use grape juice alone.)

One drinks a cup of wine four times during the Seder:

At the conclusion of kiddush. After telling the story of the Exodus from Egypt, before eating the matzah of Motzi Matzah. At the conclusion of the Grace After Meals. After reciting the Hallel. It is preferable to drink the entire cup each time. However, it is sufficient to drink only the majority of each cup.

How large a cup should be used? One that contains at least 3½ fluid ounces. 4 Cups Why four cups? The Torah uses four expressions of freedom or deliverance in connection with our liberation from Egypt. Some link them to the four great merits the children of Israel had in exile: (1) They did not change their Hebrew names; (2) they continued to speak their own language, Hebrew; (3) They remained highly moral; (4) They remained loyal to one another.

Wine is used because it is a symbol of joy and happiness. Wheat Money n the opening paragraph of the Haggadah recited at the Seder, we declare: “All who are hungry, let them come and eat.” Our nation is a singular entity, and in order to experience freedom ourselves, we Imust also ensure that our brothers and sisters have the means to celebrate freedom too.

In reality, however, most of the people who are hungry will not be standing in our dining rooms as we begin our Seder, waiting for the invitation. As such, in prepa- ration for the Passover holiday, it is age-old Jewish tradition to con- tribute generously towards funds that ensure that indeed everyone who is in need has the necessary provisions for the holiday—food, matzah, wine, festive clothing, etc.

This special Passover fund, originally intended to provide the poor with matzah, is known as ma’ot chitim, “the wheat fund,” or kimcha d’pischa, “Passover flour.” For your convenience to fulfill this mitzvah you can take part in our Jay Card program. Chametz How

01. Gather the Chametz The process of creating a chametz-free environment comes to its climax the night before Passover. We conduct a veritable “search and destroy” mission to find any remaining chametz in our home and eradicate it. The search is traditionally conducted with a beeswax candle, using a feather, wooden spoon, and a paper bag for collecting any chametz found. It is customary to place ten pieces of bread throughout the house to be “found” during the search. These should be wrapped in paper or some other flammable wrapping.

02. Light the Candle On the evening before Passover, as soon as the sun is down, gather the house- hold together, light the candle, and recite the following blessing:

Bo-ruch A-toh Ado-noi E-lo-hei-nu Me-lech Ho-olom A-sher Ki-de-sha-nu Be-mitz-vo-sov Ve-tzi-vo-nu Al Bee-ur Cho-metz.

Blessed are You, L-rd our G‑d, King of the universe, who has sanctified us by His commandments, and has commanded us concerning the removal of chametz.

03. The Search Next, hold the lit candle and search for chametz in every room, as well as any other area of the home that may have chametz. Even once a house is thoroughly cleaned, there is often still a bagel crust or a Cheerio hiding in some overlooked cranny.

When you’re done, take all the chametz that was found in the search, wrap and seal it securely, and place it in a conspicuous spot. This chametz will be joined with all remaining chametz in your home, and burned the next morning.

When you’ve completed the search, and done your best to get rid of any possible chametz, gather the family back together and recite the “Kol Chamira” declaration, translated below, nullifying all unknown chametz.

All leaven or anything leavened which is in my possession, which I have neither seen nor removed, and about which I am unaware, shall be considered nullified and ownerless as the dust of the earth. Wine

For each of the four cups at the Seder, it is preferable to use undiluted wine. However, if needed, the wine may be diluted with grape juice. (One who cannot drink wine may use grape juice alone.)

One drinks a cup of wine four times during the Seder:

How large a cup should be used? One that contains at least 3½ fluid ounces.

Why four cups? The Torah uses four expressions of freedom or deliverance in connection with our liberation from Egypt.1 Some link them to the four great merits the children of Israel had in exile: (1) They did not change their Hebrew names; (2) they continued to speak their own language, Hebrew; (3) They remained highly moral; (4) They remained loyal to one another.

Wine is used because it is a symbol of joy and happiness.

G A N Y E L A D I M

Mondays-Fridays 8:00 am - 3:00 pm Interactive Learning - Key Social Skill Development

Now Enrolling!

Call Today to find out more! 610.351.6511 Happy Passover. For Family For Freedom For Never Forgetting

9 OFFICES VALLEYWIDE: Allentown • Bethlehem • Easton • Macungie • Nazareth (610) 882-8800 • embassybank.com Passover Blessing Guide Blessing #1 ּבָרּוְך הַאּתָ ה', אֱ-ֹלקֵינּו מֶלְֶך הָעֹולָם, אֲׁשֶר קִּדְ ׁשָנּו ּבְמִצְֹותָ יו, וְצִּוָנּולְהַדְ לִיקנֵר ׁשֶליֹום טֹוב. Tuesday April 7, 2020 Saturday April 11, 2020 Formal search for chametz after nightfall Morning Services:10:00 am Baruch Atah Ado-noi, Elo-hay-nu Melech Ha- 8:17 pm Shabbat Ends 8:20 pm olam, Asher Ki-de-sha-nu Be-mitz-vo-tav, Tuesday April 14, 2020 Ve-tzi-vanu Le-had-lik Ner Shel Yom Tov. Wednesday, April 8, 2020 Light Candles at 7:23 pm Fast of the First Born Blessing #2 Say Blessing 1 ּבָרּוְך ַאּתָ ה ה', אֱ-ֹלקֵינּו מֶלְֶך הָעֹולָם, Finish Eating Chametz before 10:52 am ׁשֶהֶחֱיָנּֽו וְקִ יְ֬מָֽנּו וְהִ גִיעָֽנּו לִזְ֬מַן הַּזֶה. Sell and Burn Chametz before 11:58pm Wednesday, April 14, 2020 Light Candles at 7:17 pm Baruch Atah Ado-noi, Elo-hay-nu Light Candles after 8:24 pm Say Blessings 1&2 Melech Ha-olam, She-heh-chi-yah-nu Say Blessing 1 Ve-ki-ye-mahnu Ve-hi-gi-ahnu Liz-man Community Seder 7:00 pm Ha-zeh. Thursday, April. 15, 2020 Thursday, April. 9, 2020 Morning Services:10:00 am Blessing #3 ּבָרּוְך הַאּתָ ה', אֱ-ֹלקֵינּו מֶלְֶך הָעֹולָם, אֲׁשֶר קִּדְ ׁשָנּו Morning Services:10:00 am Yizkor Memorial Service 11:30 am Light Candles after 8:18 pm ּבְמִצְֹותָ יו, וְצִּוָנּו לְהַדְ לִיק נֵר ׁשֶל ׁשַּבָת קֹדֶ ׁש. Holiday Ends 8:24 pm Shofar Sounding: 11:00 am Baruch Atah Ado-noi, Elo-hay-nu Melech Ha- Say Blessings 1&2 olam, Asher Ki-de-sha-nu Be-mitz-vo-tav, Ve-tzi-vanu Le-had-lik Ner Shel Shabbat Kodesh. Friday, April. 10, 2020 Morning Services:10:00 am Light Candles at 7:17 pm Say Blessing 3

Devorah’s Recipe Corner Passover ALMOND COOKIES

INGREDIENTS • 1 cup natural almond butter • ½ cup sugar • 1 egg • ¼ tsp. kosher salt (if your almond butter is not salted, you may want to add more)

Pour the almond butter and sugar into a bowl and mix. Add the egg and the salt, and mix. Use a 1 tablespoon measuring spoon to scoop out even-sized balls of dough. Roll them gently and place on inch apart on a parchment paper lined baking sheet. Gently press down with a fork to flatten the dough. Bake at 350° F (180° C) for 10-12 minutes. The Lehigh Valley’s Leading Provider of Subacute Rehabilitation

Located in the heart We are proud to offer progressive, specialized programming led by area leading specialists of Northampton County, in a beautiful, state-of-the-art setting.

New Eastwood is a • Physical, Occupational & • VitalStim Program Speech Therapies: • Bedside Hemodialysis top-rated facility noted 7 days a week • Wound Care • Orthopedic Transition for its clinical excellence. • Bariatric Care • Cardiopulmonary Care • Respite Care • Tracheostomy Care • Urgent SNF™ • Piped In O2 • Neuro Recovery

2125 Fairview Avenue P. 610-258-2801 neweastwoodrehab.com A New & Proud Member of the Easton, PA 18042 F. 610-258-2167 MARQUIS HEALTH SERVICES FAMILY By Tzvi Freeman

where we were coming from and where we were returning to, s other peoples define their nations by boundaries and so, in a certain way, we were always already there. For we of space, we Jews define ourselves by a story with- always had the story. in time. Every nuance of Jewish wisdom comes in the form of that story, everything we do is tied to that But there is more to the story than survival. The story is what narrative.A Nothing—not our mitzvahs, not our customs, not makes life real. our outrage nor our passion—can be understood outside of the context of that story. Nothing is more real than the story. Before the world was created, G‑d had the story in mind. He cherished the story And what is that story? It is the one we tell our children on so much, He built a world in which it would unfold. That is the night of Passover, “Once we were slaves, then G‑d gave why, as long as you hold on to the story, you have truth, but us freedom.” “Now we are slaves, next year we will be free.” when you abandon the It is the tale of re- story for the mere facts, demption. A tale yet you grasp an empty to come complete. A shell, a world that nev- tale in which at every er was. For the world moment we totter on and all its facts, it is all nothingness—countless worlds could the brink of fulfillment. have told the same story. The story is everything. The story is the meaning behind all things. What happens when the Jew loses his story? He is still a Jew. But he is homeless. And if the Jewish People as a whole Think of the stories we create every day: Just as countries are would, G‑d forbid, lose their story—even if we would be formed by borders invisible to the eye, so our reality is sitting in our own land with our own government— formed not by the events we see, but by we would be a homeless nation. That is why we have the stories we tell about them. They survived the exile, because we never truly are our favorite pastime, entered into it. We always knew the obsession of every human being. We stand about the water cooler creating stories for one another out of the scattered fragments of our Or you can choose to live the story and take your bite out day. Whatever we see, whatever we hear, our mind imme- of the monster, as David took on Goliath, as Moses took diately sets itself to the task, conforming all phenomena to on Pharaoh, as Abraham took on the entire world. And the the story we have already thus far created. Without the sto- monster will come crashing to the ground and you will be ry, there is only one meaningless event followed by another. the hero, as the story tells. That is the point to the stories we tell: They provide meaning. Without meaning, we are hardly human. Without meaning, Now you understand why, in our time, we must begin to cel- there is nothing. ebrate the fulfillment of the story, even before it has fully come. Now, as we turn the final pages of the book. The only That is how it is with our human fabrications. How much thing that could stop us now is if we forget there is a story. more so with the story of the Creator of all things. There is really nothing else but His story. The Baal Shem Tov used to eat three festival meals on the last day of Passover. He called the third meal of this day There is yet more: The story is power. “Moshiach’s Feast.” The last day of Passover is the day for Moshiach’s Feast because on this day the radiance of the The story tells us that the iron walls are made to be shat- light of Moshiach shines openly. tered, the chains to be broken, the darkness to dissipate and the oppressor to be deposed. If we seem smaller than the In 5666 (1906) a new procedure was adopted for Passover big monster of a world that crushes us beneath its feet, it is in the yeshiva in Lubavitch: The students ate the Passover only to make the story that much more exciting and novel. meals all together, in the study hall. There were 310 students If we seem to be the victim, it is only so that the tables will present seated at eighteen tables. The Rebbe ate the festive be turned. If we are slaves, it is so that we may become the meal with the yeshiva students. He ordered that four cups masters. of wine be given each student, and then declared, “this is Moshiach’s Feast.” —Hayom Yom In the story, evil is an illness for us to heal, oppression is a temporary disorder for us to rectify, every mitzvah we do is Tzvi Freeman is the author of Bringing Heaven Down to another transformation, another step from darkness towards Earth and, more recently, Wisdom to Heal the Earth. the light.

Without the story we are small, we are victims, we are slaves. Evil is evil, oppression is the status quo, mitzvahs are quaint rituals, darkness will always return. “We were slaves in Egypt…” and that is where it ends. We look back and see they killed us, we look at the present and see they hate us, we look to the future and we do not see ourselves at all. If there is no story, we may all be very good and nice—but we are impotent, for we cannot heal a thing. The world is big and we are small. Even if we have our own land, we must bow to them. Without the story, we are still slaves to Pharaoh in Egypt.

Can a sabertooth tiger be a sabertooth without a tooth? Of course it can. What would it do with its life? It could live as Often, it takes just minutes to change a person’s someone’s pet in their backyard. They would tell everyone, entire week. “This is a sabertooth tiger. Just that it’s lost its teeth.” They would throw it scraps of pre-chewed meat every day. And it would do its job of continuing to live, so that people can say, “See. The sabertooth tiger really once existed.”

So too, you can be a good Jew and preserve our heritage and customs. You can be that relic of the past, continuing to ex- ist today because you existed yesterday. A benign, harmless, Get Started Today! tamed and victimized, impotent old tiger. 610.351.6511 www.soslv.org A World of Difference 4

Allentown & Lebanon Allentown & Wilkes-Barre yg1) Because it’s a good way to get things done. To quote the chassidic classic Tanya, by Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi (1745–1812): “Just like in the case of two people wrestling, each trying to throw down the other, if one of them moves with sloth and lethargy, he will be easily defeated and felled, even if he is stronger than his fellow. So, too, in battling one’s evil inclination, one can prevail over it . . . only with alacrity By Yanki Tauber Yanki By that comes from joy, and from a heart that is free and cleansed from every trace of worry and sadness.” Applies to wrestling, moral battles and everything in between. 2) Because it’s a good thing to do. Why should joy be just a tool, a means to an end? It’s a good thing in its own right, a better way to be. And it’s not that difficult to achieve. Just focus on all the good things you have and are a part of, and on how much more real and enduring they are than the not-such-good things. So, even if the latter are taking center stage in your life, they don’t belong there. Push A World of Difference them off, and bring on the real players. 3) Because it’s a happy time. Being happy sometimes takes an effort to achieve, as in reason #2 above. But there are times when happiness is in the air, and all you need to do is open yourself to it and allow it to enter your soul. We’re now in such a time. Our sages tell us that “when the month of Adar enters, joy increases.” As Haman unhappily (for him) discovered, it’s a time when good things happen to the Jewish people. You don’t have to do anything to experience it—just don’t shut it out. 4) Because it’s what you are. This one is not really a “reason,” so I guess that means there are really three reasons, not four. The chassidic masters tell us that our soul is “literally a part of G‑d.” So joy, ultimately, is not a technique to master, nor a goal to achieve, nor even a state to surrender to. It’s what we are, by virtue of our bond with the One who “strength and joy are in His place” (I Chronicles 16:27). Why hide from what we are? Reasons to Be Happy Reasons to A WEEKLY JOURNEY INTO Wednesdays at 7:00pm *$36/12 week series

4 THE SOUL OF TORAH

Allentown & Lebanon Allentown & Wilkes-Barre Contact our office: Call: 610-351-6511 Email: [email protected] MIDWIVES Shifra and Puah, the ‘Hebrew Midwives’ By Dovie Schochet

This story takes place in ancient Egypt. The Jewish people It’s All in the Name were flourishing under Egyptian rule, until one day, a new So who were these heroines who were willing to risk their Pharaoh came into power, and he didn’t take too kindly to lives only to never be mentioned in the Torah again? the them. He began to enslave them, and even felt threat- ened by the possibility that, one day, a Jewish boy would The Talmud lets us in on the secret and reveals the real dethrone him. As a countermeasure, Pharaoh sent for the characters behind the code names Shifra and Puah. The midwives named Shifra and Puah, and commanded them Talmudic sage Rav held that Shifra referred to Yocheved to kill every baby boy that was born. (Moses’ mother) and Puah to Miriam (Moses’ sister). The sage Shmuel argued that Puah was actually Elisheva (Mo- The midwives feared G‑d and did not obey. When chal- ses’ sister-in-law, Aaron’s wife). lenged by Pharaoh, they told him that the Jewish women were skilled in the art of giving birth, and would give birth The commentator Rashi takes the view of Rav, and ex- before the midwives had a chance to get to them. As a plains the mystery behind the names themselves. The reward for their actions, G‑d granted them the dynasties name “Shifra,” he says, translates as “improvement,” a of the priesthood, the Levites and royalty. reference to the way that Yocheved would “improve” the newborns by cleaning them and straightening their limbs. Shifra and Puah’s bravery was what made the birth of “Puah” means “cooing,” a reference to how Miriam would Moses possible, and the rest, as they say, is history. “coo” to the babies and sooth them. A Numbers Game So who were these heroines who So just how many midwives were there? Let’s take a step were willing to risk their lives only back. Sixty-six Jewish males descended to Egypt, along to never be mentioned in the Torah with many women. The commentaries tell us that at that point in history all Jewish mothers were having sextuplets. again? So that would mean that there was a population boom among the Jewish nation at that time. Their numbers were increasing so dramatically that Pharaoh feared they’d soon be strong enough to wage war against his country!

So how did they do it? How did two midwives single-handedly deliver every baby from every mother?

Most commentaries offer a simple answer: There were in fact many midwives, up to 500 of them. Shifra and Puah were merely the ones in charge of all other midwives, hence they were the ones Pharaoh addressed.

Yet Rashi neglects to mention this position, and speaks about Shifra and Puah as if they were the only midwives in Egypt— which would be impossible! What is even more mind-boggling is the possibility that the midwives weren’t necessary at all. As the midwives tell Pharaoh: “The Hebrew women are not like the Egyptians, they know how to deliver. They can give birth before a midwife even gets to them.” We know that this wasn’t merely an excuse the midwives gave to throw Pharaoh off, because Pharaoh could have easily verified their assertion.

The Lubavitcher Rebbe explains that Yocheved and Miriam still had roles as midwives, as they were available in case of any com- plications during a birth. Even though they were only two peo-

Our expertise and creativity are ready to assist you when the time comes to commemorate the life of someone very special. MONUMENTS AND MEMORIALS A Life Well Lived Deserves Quality Craftsmanship a Memorial Well-Crafted Custom Designs ADDITIONAL SERVICES Lettering and Inscriptions Repairs and Cleaning

LANDSCAPE ITEMS & SIGNS Granite and Bronze Plaques Pet Memorials

SERVING FAMILIES FOR GENERATIONS Family Owned Since 1980 Personalized Service

301 Fullerton Avenue - Whitehall, PA 18052 Call Us Today! 610-433-7012 WWW.ERICHSCHLOSSERMEMORIALS.COM ple, their reputation as wellborn and righteous individuals (who would be granted Divine assistance if necessary) was enough to reassure the entire population of birthing women. Jewess or Gentile What may not be known is whether Shifra and Puah were in fact Israel- ites. The verse says, “The king of Egypt spoke to the miyaldot ha-ivriyot, one of whom was named Shifra and the other Puah.” The debate here is whether miyaldot ha-ivriyot is translated as “the Hebrew midwives” or “the midwives of Hebrews.”

As mentioned before, we typical- Helping another Jew ly think of them as Jewish women, because Rashi says they are Yocheved and Miriam. In addition, both Targum The following story illustrates the importance of helping Onkules (the Aramaic translation of the Torah) and Tar- Jewish mothers, as it was revealed to the Baal Shem Tov. gum Yerushalmi (another Aramaic rendition of the To- rah) translate the verse at its straightforward meaning: As a young man, the Baal Shem Tov would travel from “Hebrew midwives.” city to city with a group of righteous and holy men who, disguised as paupers, would secretly help those in need. However, some commentaries question this stance and On one of these journeys, the group was in a city named feel it doesn’t fit with the context of the story. Rabbi Ye- Brody. While there, the Baal Shem Tov saw a poor man hudah Hachassid ( Judah ben Samuel of Regensburg 1150 bent under his load, but with a bright, holy light radiating – 1217) believed that Shifra and Puah were actually righ- from his face. teous converts, as it wouldn’t make As a young man, the Baal Shem This simple man was the laugh- sense that Pharaoh would ask two Tov would travel from city to Jewish women to kill members of ing stock of the city because of his their own faith and family. The me- city with a group of righteous love for goat milk, and when people dieval Midrashic anthology Yalkut and holy men who, disguised as would catch sight of him, they would Shimoni names Shifra and Puah paupers, would secretly help call out in laughter, “Herschel Tzig, in a list of righteous converts, fur- those in need. trog gezund,” “Herschel goatman, ther supporting the notion that they carry your load in health.” were indeed Egyptians at first. The Baal Shem Tov inquired in the town as to who this The Malbim “Herschel goatman” was. He was told that Herschel was Meir Leibush ben Yehiel Michel Wisser, better known a simple man, a widower for 10 years, with two sons cur- as Malbim, was a rabbi, master of Hebrew grammar and rently learning in yeshivah. He earned his keep as a porter, a biblical commentator. He had a novel approach to this using all profits to provide for his four goats. whole story. The Malbim believed that Shifra and Puah are not names of people, but rather job titles. One job en- The Baal Shem Tov requested from on high that he learn tailed helping a mother through the labor process, and the the secret of the shining of Herschel goatman, who shone other cutting the umbilical cord and tending to the new as bright as the day Moses descended with the Torah for baby’s needs. He further states that Pharaoh addressed the Jewish people. But Heaven was not forthcoming with many midwives, not only two, and not two who were in the answer. So the Baal Shem Tov fasted and wept for charge of many. Further, he says that these were righteous three whole days, until Heaven finally revealed the mys- Egyptian women who feared G‑d and defied Pharaoh’s tery behind “Herschel goatman.” commands, and makes no mention of them converting. On the third day of his fast, after the Mincha services, the have lovingly cared for them in order to produce milk Baal Shem Tov met Herschel and asked for an invitation which I give to sickly and new mothers, all of whom have to his house. Herschel was more than excited to accept, healed from it. and led him back to his home, offering a glass of milk free of charge. “My wife came to me in a dream last light and said that if I meet a poor man after Mincha who asks something from Then Herschel began telling his story: me, I should invite him in and offer him a glass of milk, because through him I will merit eternal salvation.” “Ten years ago I lost my wife. She was always very generous to people, constantly visiting the sick and tending to After learning the secret of the simple yet great man, the needs of new mothers. During the mourning period, the Baal Shem Tov took Herschel under his wing, and my wife appeared to me in a dream and told me of the he learned and grew into a hidden tzaddik, helping thou- great reward that awaited her for her charitable acts. sands throughout his travels.

“She said, ‘Herschel, I had heard a lot from the maggidim Rabbi Dovie Schochet is a teacher at Hasmonean High (preachers) about all the trials and tribulations that await School and freelance author. He currently resides in Lon- us in the next world. But when the heavenly courts asked don with his wife and child. me my name, and I responded, the souls of all the sick and new mothers that I had helped appeared. They pleaded on my behalf before the heavenly throne, and I was granted Gan Eden (paradise). Now Herschel, heed my advice and do as I did and you will be greatly rewarded.’

“Since then,” said Herschel, “I purchased four goats and From NOTHING To EVERYTHING

"We've spoken to our son numerous times about his be- they were yesterday. Today is a brand new day with new havior at school," a pair of parents said to me recently. opportunities. "But nothing changes. He's just the type of kid that never gets along with his teachers..." If, in fact, we enter into the communication out of "nothing," then everything becomes possible. You can only fill "I'm not going to ask my father for help," a young woman up your cup with fresh water if you have emptied out the told me. "I have asked him a couple of times in the past old, stale water that's there from yesterday. and he said he could not help me. I'm sure he'll say the same thing again, so why should I bother?" The concept of "coming from nothing" should continue even after the communication has begun. We should re- Our mind is the hardest working organ in our body. It frain from making a judgment about what we are hear- works overtime, even when we are asleep, and a lot of the ing. Rather, we should simply listen and try to understand time it is busy acting as a judge of the Supreme Court. Even before we speak to someone, our mind begins to guess what the results are going to be. It says things like, "He will say no," "She is too busy," "They have no money to spare," and so on. Many of life's opportunities are missed because people are guessing what the other person's response will be.

Walt Disney asked 3,241 people if they would like to in- vest in building an amusement park. They all said no; some of them even made fun of him saying, "You are dreaming — it will never work. Go and get a job." However, when he approached prospect number 3,242, he started with a clean slate. He did not bring the previous 3,241 failures into the conversation, and he got a positive response. where the other person is coming from. A good and just In order to have a meaningful conversation we need to judge will save his judgment until all the evidence is pre- give up trying to predict what the other person is going sented. It is very hard to effectively listen and judge at the to say. We should approach the conversation out of noth- same time. ing. Because people and situations change all the time, the fact that your child (or parent or spouse or friend) did not A colleague of mine put it like this: We sometimes listen respond positively yesterday — that only indicates where to good music and get swept away by it; we then start dancing with a natural flow. Even though we don't know the steps, we just dance to the music. The same applies to communication: dance with the conversation; just let it flow without pushing for a desired outcome; just let it happen.

This is especially true in relationships that are not fully expressed or are not as good as they used to be. A good way of From NOTHING To bringing about change is by re-engaging in communication from a point of forgiveness and "nothingness." To let go of the past and open up new opportunities for a positive flow of communication.

Take action that makes a difference:

Make a list of relationships that are important to you, but are not as deep, as meaningful or as effective as you would like EVERYTHING them to be. Write next to each one what you may have been bringing in to the conversation that is preventing you from improving the relationship. Give it up! Give up the old attitudes. Come from nothing and you can bring everything in to the conversation. Watch a new phase of love and understandings enter your relationships.

Try it — it works!

Rabbi Yaakov Lieder has served as a teacher and principal, and in a variety of other educational positions, for more than 30 years in Israel, the U.S., and Sydney, Australia. He is the founder and director of the Support Centre to aid families struggling with relationship and child-rearing issues. Click here for more articles by Rabbi Lieder. couple who was having communication problems came to see the Rebbe. The woman said that her husband was consumed with his work, and that whenA he finally found time to speak with her, he criticized her and ordered her around. The husband said that his wife had no respect for him and didn’t listen to any of his sug- Women gestions. “Why do you think your wife should listen to you?” the & Rebbe asked. By Simon JacobsonMEN “Because a woman must listen to her husband,” he replied.

“But why should a woman listen to her husband?” the Reb- be asked. "After thousands of years of male dominance, we now stand at the beginning of “Because the man is the master of the house.” the feminine era, when women will rise to “No,” said the Rebbe. “The first thing that you as a man their appropriate prominence, and the entire must follow is the edict that ‘a man should honor his wife world will recognize the harmony between more than he does himself.’ And then the righteous woman man and woman" — The Rebbe will have a husband she can respect and love. If the man does not fulfill his role, then it is the woman who must re- spectfully bring it to his attention.” The answer is not for men and women to try to be alike. All WOMEN AND MEN: DIFFERENT BUT EQUAL? men and women must be themselves, realizing that G‑d has Contemporary society is just beginning to delve into the true given each of us unique abilities with which to pursue our distinctions between men and women. Besides the obvious goals, and that our primary responsibility is to take full ad- physiological differences, there are also differences in the way vantage of those abilities. men and women think, speak, and behave. WHAT IS TRUE LIBERATION FOR BOTH GEN- In order to understand the essential nature of man and DERS? woman, we must do away with human subjectivity and look Though feminism rightfully calls for the stop of male dom- through G‑d’s eyes. Every human being, man and woman, ination and abuse, and for equal rights for women, it is vital was created for the same purpose — to fuse body and soul in to get to the root of the distortion — that our focus in life, order to make themselves and their world a better and holier as man or woman, must not be simply to satisfy our own ego place. In their service of G‑d, there is absolutely no differ- or needs, but to serve G‑d. True women’s liberation does not ence between a man and a woman; the only difference is in mean merely seeking equality within a masculine world, but the way that service manifests itself. liberating the divine feminine aspects of a woman’s personal- ity and using them for the benefit of humankind. WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN MEN AND WOMEN? After so many years of male dominance, we are standing Man and woman represent two forms of divine energy; they at the threshold of a true feminine era. It is time now for are the male and female elements of a single soul. the woman to rise to her true prominence, when the subtle power of the feminine energy is truly allowed to nourish the G‑d is neither masculine nor feminine, but has two forms overt power of the masculine energy. We have already proven of emanation: the masculine form, which is more aggressive, that we can use our strength to slay the demons around us; and the feminine form, which is more subtle. For a human let us now learn to nurture the G‑dliness within. being to lead a total life, he or she must have both forms of energy: the power of strength and the power of subtlety; the Men and women must realize their respective equal roles power of giving and the power of receiving. Ideally, these and strive to complement each other in their shared struggle energies are merged seamlessly. to improve life. In order to correct the abuse of male dominance, men must concentrate on using their dominant qual- Men are physically stronger. By nature, he is usually more ities for the good. They must use their strength to protect aggressive and externally oriented. In contrast, a woman and preserve the feminine character, helping women realize usually embodies the ideal of inner dignity. Some people their true potential in exposing G‑dliness, which the world confuse such subtlety with weakness; in truth, it is stronger so desperately needs today. than the most aggressive physical force imaginable. True human dignity does not shout; it is a strong, steady voice that Learn about what it means to be a man or a woman, about speaks from within. The nature of a woman, while subtle, is masculine and feminine energy. Learn to live up to your po- not weak. And the nature of a man, while aggressive, is not tential, to balance these energies to lead a productive and brutish. For man and woman to be complete, they must each meaningful life — a G‑dly life. And finally, learn to appreci- possess both energies. ate and respect your male or female counterpart. Selected readings from Toward a Meaningful Life: The Wisdom of the Rebbe (William Morrow, 1995), authored by Simon Jacobson based on the teachings of the Lubavitcher Rebbe, of righteous memory. Reprinted with permission from the Meaningful life Learning Center

4220 CRACKERSPORT RD ALLENTOWN, PA 18104 Family is important to you. And us.

Country Meadows is family-owned and managed. We understand the value of taking care of families and have been serving seniors for over 30 years. We offer a full range of lifestyle options and fellowship on a vibrant campus. Our residents enjoy chef-prepared meals, social hours and fitness classes all week, Jewish study sessions on Fridays, Shabbat services each month and life every day.

Call today to learn more, or to schedule a visit and a complimentary lunch in our gourmet Bistro café.

CountryMeadows.com

410 N. Krocks Road, Allentown (minutes from Route 22 & I-78) • 610-395-7160 Independent Living | Personal Care | Memory Care | Restorative Care

5_Allentown Wellsprings Pesach 2017 Ad.indd 1 3/13/17 4:16 PM

Your Lehigh Valley

It was a dapper event at Chabad of the Lehigh Valley as we celebrated Purim 1920’s style! Following the megillah reading, partygoers watched an amazing illusionist show.

We welcomed the joyous month of Adar with a special event just for women, the Joy Factory! Using the tools of positive psychology, Torah, and chassidus, our insightful guest speaker Raizel Schusterman gave us tools to empower us.

610.351.6511 Your Lehigh ValleyOur weekly music together class at Gan Yeladim is the best way to kick off our week. We’ve had lots of fun painting and craft time as we work on our fine motor skills. The best way to end a week of learning? Shabbat Party!

“For man is like the tree of the field.” The Bat Mitzvah club delved deeper into the meaning of Tu B’Shevat and created beautiful canvas art. We are always blown away by the artistic tal- ent we have in the BMC!

Want to know more about our kids and teen programs? Visit us online @ chabadlehighvalley.com or drop us a call 610.351.6511 Your Lehigh Valley

We are thrilled to be taking the first steps in making our dream of expansion a reality! With much gratitude to our supporters, we will soon be able to better meet the needs of our growing community.

Cteen kids had an epic time at our smoothie smack down!! Divided into two teams , the kids had to use all the ingredients in their basket, including some surprise ingredients to create a most delicious and unique smoothie! Fun and messy time was had by all! To learn more about CTeen, call us at 610-351-6511 Your LehighOn Campus Valley Students pose for a picture after Sunday Tefillin and Bagel lunch

Set up of the Comfort Suites University just hours before the Chabad at Lehigh record breaking crowd of 650 students that participated in Shabbat 360 - Lehigh University’s largest Shabbat in history

New initiative of Chabad at Muhlen- berg-weekly Monday and Thursday Min- yan & Breakfast, in addition to weekly Shabbat minyanim.

Rabbi Boruch Greenberg of Chabad at Muhlenberg and Rabbi Ari Perten, of Muhlenberg College Hillel distribute 200 Purim packages to the Jewish students at Muhlenberg in the heart of campus.

Make A Friend Today!

FriendshipCirclelv.com - 610.351.6511 10THINGS I’M LEARNING ABOUT LIFE

IN THE MIDST OF THE CORONAVIRUS 1.No matter how powerful or advanced we think we are, ultimately, we’re not in control. G‑d runs the world and will run it exactly according to His own plan and His own timetable. 2.G‑d will take care of us! We need to believe this. The man who delivered my friend’s groceries admonished, “You people believe in G‑d, so why such anxiety? G‑d created His kids; don’t you think He can take care of us?” 3.Some of the greatest solutions are the simplest. Wash your hands, keep yourself clean, and don’t spread negative infection. Shouldn’t we follow this prescription in all areas of life? 4.How we react to others in times of distress says so much about who we are. I’m seeing such generous offers of practical help for those in difficult situations. 5.One virus has spread like wildfire, utterly changing our world. If this is true for in the negative sense, imagine the power of something positive, how infectious and powerful one good deed can be. 6.Too often, we’re busy rushing through the mad dash of life. As we hunker down with our loved ones, we can re-evaluate our priorities and what’s really important. 7.Our children and the people around us are looking to us for direction. If we demonstrate terrible frenzy, it snowballs into mass hysteria. If we remain calm and cautious, others take note and behave likewise. 8.“There is no person that doesn’t have his time and no thing that doesn’t have its place” (Avot 4:3). Who would have thought the humble toilet-paper roll would become such a precious commodity? Don’t ever think of yourself as useless; everyone has their time to shine. 9.Humor goes a long way. “The language of the wise is healing” (Proverbs 12:18). Happiness, positivity and wit can only help the situation. 10.Worry is often worse than the disease itself. I’ll be honest, this is my personal take-home message. How often do I hear myself telling my children, “Of course, I’m worried! That’s my job as a Jewish mother!” Truthfully, our greatest enemy—perhaps more debilitating than any sickness or challenge—is feeling overwrought and stressed. It doesn’t help, but just feeds into the frenzy, creating even more widespread problems. We need to take preventive steps, but with a positive “can-do” and “it will be good” attitude.

Wishing us all health and blessings!

Chana Weisberg is the editor of TheJewishWoman.org. She lectures internationally on issues relating to women, relationships, meaning, self-esteem and the Jewish soul. She is the author of six books. Her latest book, Shabbat Delights, is a two-volume series on the weekly Torah portion. HOW TO BE

By Chana Sara Puza in collaboration with Yaacov Halperin

hus far in my lifetime I’ve witnessed Y2K panic, the twin towers fall, war in the middle east, SARS, Texas there is a tornado born from a million little insignificant Swine Flu, Bird Flu, etc. Now we are watching a happenings that occurred as a consequence to that one but- realT life pandemic, schools are closed, restaurants are closed, terfly’s motion. It’s the perfect example that we are capable of we are isolated, and admittedly, I am scared. I’m scared of spreading more than viruses, all of our actions be them good those I love getting ill, of having no milk for my baby with or bad are contagious. As we are social distancing to avoid the all of this panic buying going on, I’m scared of the eco- spread of COVID-19, we are being mindful of the dangers nomic repercussions and the general feeling of vulnerability we pose to one another. Let us also be mindful of the great that’s rampant in the air we are cautious to breathe. benefits we have to offer, and when G-d willing the normalcy returns, we can appreciate it to a far greater extent than we I have never been much of a social butterfly, I really don’t have before. Let your kindness be your contagion. Send a text think that expression has ever been used to describe me, or give a call to someone you haven’t spoken to for a while, and yet I already miss the normalcy. I miss already bringing reminisce about a fun memory you both shared. In doing that my boy to preschool and seeing him waddle one minuscule action you will in excitedly, I miss answering the phone at Little beings, little bring someone a small respite work to telemarketers trying to sell bogus deeds, little acts, can from the worry we all feel, and computer security packages. Normalcy. Rou- they may be inspired to do tine. make an enormous the same for another. Give to someone who may not be able It’s humbling to know something micro- impact. to afford any kind of stockpile scopic can effect us on such a grand scale. in their pantry and is worrying Sure we’ve read about this before, this is not our species first about what the future may hold, and you may inspire others to pandemic. But for those born after 1918, it most certainly give. Take some of your quiet time with your children to study is a new experience. Torah with them, send something interesting you learned to a friend and inspire them to study. Light shabbat candles with What can we take from a microscopic organism reeking your daughters. Say shema. Be completely contagious in your havoc on a grand scale? A lesson in Judaism that is prev- good deeds, as we can see that everything microscopic can alent time and time again. Little beings, little deeds, little make such a large difference. Let the time apart only bring us acts, can make an enormous impact. Moses himself was just closer together. a tiny baby set upon the river, who not only made a huge difference to the Jews at the time, but for every generation Wishing us all a safe and healthy return to telemarketing calls to follow. The existence of this one baby has made an ev- in the near future. erlasting impact on the world for people of various reli- gions that place him as a figurehead. Millions upon millions -Chana Sara Puza in collaboration with Rabbi Yaacov Halperin of people. Spreading light on Shabbat- each tiny candle sounds insignificant, but combining all of the light emitted from each one lit across the world adds up to something awe-inspiring.

Have you ever heard of the butterfly effect? It goes something like a butterfly flaps it’s wings in say Russia, and in Guideline Services NON PROFIT.ORG Chabad of the Lehigh Valley U.S. POSTAGE 4457 Crackersport Road PAID Allentown, PA 18104 Lehigh Valley, PA www.chabadlehighvalley.com Permit No. 294

Gan Israel is just around the corner! Look inside for more!