Non-Profit Wishing you a Happy Lubavitch Organization 7 Camelot Place U.S. Postage and Kosher ! Manchester, NH 03104 PAID LUBAVITCH

B”H the

PUBLISHED BY CHABAD LUBAVITCH JewishOF NORTHERN NEW ENGLAND • REACHING OUTJournal TO THE NORTH, SOUTH, EAST AND WEST YEAR OF HAKHEL • YEAR OF ASSEMBLY Volume 18 Number 1 PESACH 5769 APRIL 2009 upcoming

birchat hachama APRIL 8TH, 8:30AM

We’re saving you a seat at the passover seder cally today to reserve

lag b’omer bbq save the date! may 12

camp gan israel june- july 2009 reGister today! passover APRIL 8 - APRIL 16

inside: THOUGHT PAGE 3

LOCAL NEWS PAGE 4-5

WHY? Page 6 The Radiance of Passover Art concept: menachemkrinsky.com 15 Step Seder GUIDE PAGES 8-10

THE REAL HAGADDAH PAGE 13

LUBAVITCH IN ACTION PAGE 15

JEWISH JOURNAL • PAGE 1 From the Rabbi’s Desk From our Mailbox On the morning before the first Passover w e w o u l d l o v e t o h e a r f r o m y o u ! Seder (Wednesday, April 8) millions of in com- Comments, Ideas, Suggestions. munities around the world will take to the streets to that because they are mathcing donations dollar participate in a very rare prayer service. Send to: The Jewish Journal for dollar, that I decided to increase my donation to 7 Camelot Place $100! I would also like to make this donation with the Every 28 years the returns to the same Manchester, NH 03104 position and at the same time of the week that it oc- memory of my beloved father and his sister. Aunt T. cupied at creation. A special blessing – called Birkat passed away last year during the holiday season. Hachamah, “the sun blessing” – is recited to mark Sincerely, this event. The entire service consists of selections Dear Rabbi Krinsky, C.R. Goffstown, NH of Psalms and biblical texts and centers around a Enclosed please find a gift from our family blessing thanking G-d for “renewing the works of foundation. This was originally intended to support Dear Rabbi, creation.” Although the service is relatively short, the Chanukah at the Palace but please now consider it Thanks for the good works that you contribute rarity and novelty of the event is expected to draw a Chanukah gift to your organization. My apologies in the community. I hope the small amount enclosed crowds of men, women, and children. for the lateness! will be helpful. All we ask in return is a receipt of gift letter to B. L. Maine I remember exactly where I was the last the address below. If you have any questions please time the blessing of the sun took place in 1981. I do not hesitate to contact me at the number below. Dear Rabbi & Mrs. Wilansky, was a young student in Brooklyn, NY and Best wishes and good luck, Thank you so much for having me as a guest was participating in a very special and moving Birkat E.P. Rye NH in your home for dinner. The evening spent Hachama ceremony that was being held with the par- with you and your wonderful beautiful children was ticipation of the Rebbe and thousands of Chasidim Hello Rabbi Krinsky, one of the most charming meaningful evenings I have just outside of Lubavitch World Headquarters. Three Thank you so much for your help when we got spent since coming to Maine. Of course the food was days later, the Rebbe elaborated on the significance stranded over Shabbos so far from home. It is lovely delicious. (The Matzah balls being the best I have of the solar cycle and the sun’s unending source of to know Chabad was and is there for us,whether in ever eaten) Thank you again for including me. May energy. The Rebbe encouraged the United States to Manchester, NH or Mumbai, India. you all be well and happy. develop solar technology so that it could eventually Be Well, All the best. be self-sufficient in its energy production. D.W.C. NY Z.G. Maine

This year the Birkat Hachama ceremony Dear Rabbi & Shternie, Dear Rabbi Moshe & Chana Wilansky, will be held on the same morning that we make I am having a very hard time trying to find the Thank you for your kind and sincere efforts to the final preparations for Passover and burn the right words to express my gratitude for all that you make our Shabbat most pleasurable. We are most chometz. Undoubtedly, it does not seem to be the have done for us and our families. Speaking with grateful to you both. It was a pleasure meeting your most opportune time for an additional responsibility. you and Shternie helped us focus on what was most “Family” congregation. But think of this Mitzvah as a guest that you had not important throughout the process. Our wedding itself Sincerely, seen in twenty-eight years; or better yet, think of it was more meaningful, spiritual and beautiful than S. & I. D Maine as an acquaintance that you meet often, but for the I could have dreamed, and it is all because of the longest of times you have neglected to share with time and effort you took to teach us and guide us. Rabbi, them how much you appreciate all that they do. Because of your kindness and generosity we have Thank you for maintaining this website. This started on the path of our marriage in happiness site and the Chabad newsletter have helped me be- No doubt that there will be many oppor- and joy. We are so happy and proud to be in your gin to reconnect with in a profound way. tunities to learn more about this rarest of Mitzvot. congregation and continually strive to keep growing G.W. Maine Chabad centers will be featuring in depth classes and doing mitzvot. We could not have hoped to have on this subject and there is a very educational and better role models than you. Dear Wilansky Family, informative section on our website, www.lubavitchnh. With much love, Thank you very much for hosting us so warmly com/sun or www.chabadmaine.com/sun , that deals JK in your house for Rosh Hashana. We had a wonder- with “the blessing of the sun.” ful Chag and hope that you had an enjoyable set Dear Mr. Stephen Singer, of chagim as well. Shana Tova ve metukah to your On this unique “Sun Day,” let us take pause to give My mom and 9 year old son, J. and I had a won- whole beautiful family! thanks with enthusiasm and joy. Let us use this mo- derful time at the Palace Theatre last night. Originally, Warm wishes, mentous occasion to publicly declare our unswerving I was going to submit a donation of either $25 or $35 I & D. S. appreciation for the A-lmighty’s constant renewal of and there was a good chance of me sending $50. the works of His creation. And may this lead us to a Please let the folks at Courville Communities know very meaningful and illuminated Passover.

In addition this year, 5769 is a year of Hakhel, a year of Assembly. In this spirit lets join together, men, women and children in an ever increasing manner as CHABAD LUBAVITCH {FAQ} we celebrate the Holiday of Pesach. May we merit to celebrate the festival of our Freedom in . What is the Mission of Chabad Lubavitch? vital work they offer to the strengthening and continuity To create an environment where every Jew feels of Judaism and its valued traditions. welcome and accepted for who they are, and encouraged Rabbi L. Krinsky Our affiliation with the Lubavitch movement is not to explore their Jewishness from a positive, exciting and Rabbi M. Wilansky financial. It is ideological. What unites all the organiza- spiritual perspective. The doors are open to everyone to Rabbi M.L. Gray tions is the leadership of the Rebbe’s guiding principle of explore and experience their heritage in a non-judgmental ahavas yisrael, unconditional acceptance and apprecia- and welcoming atmosphere. PUBLISHED BY: tion for every Jew. Lubavitch of Maine - Rabbi Moshe Wilansky What kind of synagogue is Lubavitch? How much money contributed and collected by 101 Craigie St. Portland, ME 04102 Lubavitch is not a synagogue per say, it is an educa- the Local Lubavitch Center goes back to the tion and Jewish outreach center dedicated to creating and 207•871•8947 fax 207•871-0347 Lubavitch Headquarters in NY? strenghtening Jewish experiences for all Jews in Northern [email protected] Zero. There are no affiliation dues or member- New England regardless if they consider themselves ship fees that are paid to Central Headquarters. Every Lubavitch of - Rabbi Levi Y. Krinsky reform, conservative, orthodox, reconstructionist or unaf- penny raised and contributed to the local chapter stays 7 Camelot Place Manchester, NH 03104 filiated. Lubavitch reaches to the soul of the Jew, a level right here in the community. Every penny YOU donate is 603•647•0204 fax 603•623-1961 where we are all one family and loved by G-d regardless 100% invested in the administration, programming and [email protected] of our philosophical and ideological differences. A Jew Is assistance offered by the local Lubavitch Center in their a Jew Is a Jew. Period. Chabad House - Dartmouth - Rabbi Moshe L. Gray Jewish Community. 22A School St. Hanover, NH 03755 How much money does the local Chabad Now that you understand a bit better “how it works”, 603•643•9821 [email protected] Lubavitch Center receive from the Lubavitch I would like you to think of one particular program you Editor: Mrs. Shternie Krinsky Headquarters in NY? enjoy as a result of the efforts of Chabad Lubavitch and realize that it is your generous support that will keep it None. Each Lubavitch Center is independently going. We cannot take responsibility for the of items financed through the generosity of the local community advertised in this publication. where they function, as well as friends who appreciate the

PAGE 2 • JEWISH JOURNAL A TORAH THOUGHT Adapted from the works of the Lubavitcher Rebbe Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson

The Lubavitcher Rebbe ager of his master’s affairs. Thrown into jail, he was Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson soon a high-ranking member of the prison admin- istration. He went on to become viceroy of Egypt, A Yeshivah in Egypt second only to Pharaoh in the most powerful nation on earth. The Torah tells us that when Jacob moved his family to Egypt, where the Jewish people were to Yet none of this touched him. Slave, prisoner, reside for more than two centuries, “he sent Judah ruler of millions, controller of an empire’s wealth-- ahead... to show the way.” The Hebrew word le- it made no difference: the same Joseph who had horot (“to show the way”) literally means “to teach” studied Torah at the feet of his father traversed the and “to instruct,” prompting the Midrash to say that palaces and government halls of Egypt. His spiritu- the purpose of Judah’s mission was “to establish al and moral self derived from within and was totally this foundation upon which the entire edifice of Jew- a house of learning from which would be dissemi- unaffected by his society, environment, or the oc- ish history was to be constructed. nated the teachings of Torah.” cupation that claimed his involvement twenty-four hours a day. But Joseph was already in Egypt, and Jacob The Jew lives in a material world, but his roots are planted in the soil of unadulterated spirituality. In had already received word that Joseph’s twenty- The conflict between Joseph and his brothers his daily life he must be a Joseph, but his education two years away from home had not diminished his was the conflict between a spiritual tradition and must be provided by a Judah. knowledge of and commitment to Torah. And Jo- a new worldliness, between a community of shep- seph certainly had the authority and the means to herds and an entrepreneur. The brothers could not establish the most magnificent yeshivah in the em- accept that a person can lead a worldly existence pire. Why did Jacob desire that Judah--a penniless without becoming worldly, that a person can remain immigrant who barely knows the language--be the one with G-d while immersed in the affairs of the- Handmade Shmurah Matzah one to establish the house of learning that was to most depraved society on earth. to grace your Seder Table serve the Jewish people in Egypt? In this conflict, Joseph was to emerge the vic- Available at your local Judah and Joseph tor. The spiritual seclusion that characterized the first three generations of Jewish history was des- Chabad Center The children of Jacob were divided into two tined to end; Jacob and his family moved to Egypt, • factions: on one side were ten of the twelve broth- where the “smelting pit” of exile was to forge their ers, led by Judah; on the other, Joseph, whose dif- descendants into the nation of Israel. As Joseph Call today to purchase your own ferences with his brothers were the cause of much had foreseen in his dreams, his brother and his set of three handmade Matzah, pain and strife in Jacob’s family. father bowed to him, prostrating their approach to like our ancestors made his. Jacob had understood the significance of these The conflict between Joseph and his broth- dreams all along, and had awaited their fulfillment; when they left Egypt ers ran deeper than a multicolored coat or a favor- Joseph’s brothers, who found it more difficult to ac- ite son’s share of his father’s affections. It was a cept that the era of the shepherd was drawing to a conflict between two world-views, between two ap- close, fought him for twenty-two bitter years, until 603.647-0204 proaches to life as a Jew in a pagan world. they, too, came to accept that the historical chal- 207.871.8947 lenge of Israel was to be the challenge of living a Abraham, Isaac and Jacob were shepherds, spiritual life in a material environment. as were Joseph’s brothers. They chose this voca- tion because they found the life of the shepherd--a Founding Fathers life of seclusion, communion with nature, and dis- tance from the tumult and vanities of society--most Nevertheless, it was Judah, not Joseph, who conducive to their spiritual pursuits. Tending their was chosen by Jacob to establish the house of sheep in the valleys and on the hills of Canaan, learning that was to serve as the source of Torah they could turn their backs on the mundane affairs knowledge for the Israelites in Egypt. of man, contemplate the majesty of the Creator, and serve Him with a clear mind and tranquil heart. The first three generations of Jewish life were not a “false start”: they were the foundation of all Joseph was the exception. He was a man of that was to follow. It was this foundation from which the world, a “fortuitous achiever” in business and Joseph drew the strength to persevere in his faith politics. Sold into slavery, he was soon chief man- and righteousness in an alien environment; it was

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JEWISH JOURNAL • PAGE 3 Oak-13896 Passover Ad.indd 1 3/31/08 11:05:25 AM event! Chana spoke to us regarding the special “Mazal” of Passover Schedule every Hebrew month. For the month of Adar, the Mazal is fish, hence….Sushi!! We all had a blast Tuesday, April 7- Arvit Minyan at 7:30 PM dipping our hands in the water, then spreading the maine sushi rice onto the maki (seaweed). There were many fillings for the rolls…carrots, cucumbers, Wednesday, April 8- salmon, peppers, avocado and wasabi! To add 7:00 AM- followed by a Siyum (comple- to the delight of our palates was edamame, or soy tion of a tractate) beans in the pod. It was delish!! We were all able 8:30 AM- Birchat Hachama at the Jewish Funeral to make our own sushi rolls to take home, if they Home Rosh Chodesh Women’s Group weren’t eaten at the Wilansky’s. 11:00 AM Burning the Chametz 7:00 PM- at 101 Craigie St, followed by a Tuesday, April 28, 2009 for the month of Iyar The evening was not only informative, it was fun Communal Seder Tuesday, May 26, for the month of Sivan and yummy. A great time was had by all who at- At 7:30 pm, 101 Craigie St. Portland, ME tended! Thursday, April 9- 10:00 AM Shacharit Ongoing @ Chabad of Maine From Shushan to Hawaii 7:00 PM- Mincha & Arvit followed by a Communal By Dr. Steven Steinbock Seder Shabbat Services- Saturday, 10:00 AM Followed by a Delicious & the Rabbi’s Despite the cold weather outside in southern Maine, . Chabad House celebrated a special Hawaiian Pu- Friday, April 10 rim this year. Guests were greeted with floral leis, 10:00 AM Shacharit Adult Education and were treated to drinks at a tropical smoothie bar 7:00 PM- Mincha & Arvit set up at Portland’s Deering High School. A read- Monday- 8:00 pm- Class for men ing of Megillas Esther was led by Mendel Wilansky, Saturday, April 11 Tuesday- 7:30 pm- Jewish Women’s Study Circle while a festive Luau was being set up. The menu 10:00 AM Shacharit included Hawaiian pulled chicken, tropical meat- 7:00 PM- Mincha & Arvit All events take place at 101 Craigie St. Portland, balls, turkey, rice, and a variety of salads. Kosher ME. For information call 207-871-8947 hotdogs were also available for the less adventur- Sunday, April 12 ous. For dessert participants enjoyed sweet potato 9:00 AM Shacharit Jewish Kids Club- Around the World pie, sweet banana bread, and of course, hamen- tashen. Entertainment was provided throughout by Paul Aronson and the Boston Boychiks, giving Tuesday, April 14 Upcoming dates: 7:00 PM- Mincha & Arvit April 27- Venice celebrants a chance to dance and sing along with May 18- Hawaii the many melodies. A medley of various versions June 8- Mexico of which even included a surf-rock ver- Wednesday, April 15 sion, were performed. In addition, Beryl the Bubble 10:00 AM Shacharit Wizard entertained the children with his skillful abil- 7:00 PM- Mincha & Arvit Rosh Chodesh Women’s Group ity to make soap bubbles, which he was able to By Lisa Arens bounce, catch, and sculpt. In all, this South Pacific Thursday, April 16 event was a Purim to remember. On Tuesday, February 24, Chana Wilansky hosted a 10:00 AM -Shacharit wonderful Rosh Chodesh program, featuring make Birchat Hachama 11:30 AM- Yizkor your own sushi rolls with the help of Phyl Rubinstein. 6:30 PM- Mincha There were about 8 women who attended this fun April 8, 2009 6:45 PM – Seudas Moshiach

Every 28 years the sun returns to the ex- act position, at the same time of the week Searching for a New Home or Condo? that it occupied at the time of its cre- ation—at the beginning of the fourth day We Can Help You Find the Perfect Solution. of creation. A special blessing – called Birkat Hachamah, “the sun blessing” – is recited to mark this event. Due to the rar- For Retirement … ity of this event, this blessing is custom-

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We offer several beautiful condos & single Get ready for another summer of fun family properties—such as Sunset Terrace at Camp Gan Israel for children ages 4 offering incredible ocean views and first through 9 years old. Camp will run Mon- class interior finishes throughout. day through Friday from 9:00am -3:30pm Hebrew and English and make many Kosher crafts. Camp Gan Israel offers a full day of fun with expe- Camp will run for four weeks, with lots From King Real Estate … rienced counselors and the fun spirit of Judaism. of fun activities and field trip adventures We Wish You A Happy & Healthy Holiday Camp Gan Israel helps ensure that each boy and planned. Some of the activities include girl spends a summer to remember enjoying a wide York’s Wild Kingdom, swimming, the range of activities in a Jewish atmosphere. KING REAL ESTATE T. 207.934.7622 trolley museum, horseback riding, Shab- 198 SACO AVENUE bos parties and baking, arts and For more information, call Rabbi Moshe or Chana OLD ORCHARD BEACH, ME 04064 crafts, beach visits, and much more. WWW.KINGREALESTATE.COM Wilansky at 871-8947 or e-mail at lchaim@maine. rr.com. For All Your Real Estate Needs Kids can expect to sing lots of songs in

PAGE 4 • JEWISH JOURNAL new hampshire and cultural opportunities through which one can en- Friday, March 6, 2009 rich one’s Jewish experience, and works to inspire Chabad Presents Documentary and motivate Jews to come closer to their Jewish heritage one mitzvah at a time. It teaches the rich tra- On Tuesday, March 3, Chabad hosted a screening ditions of Judaism and helps transform Jewish teach- of Refusenik, a new documentary by director Laura ings into Jewish living, Lubavitch welcomes Jews of Bialis. Told entirely through primary sources and the all backgrounds and levels of observance and en- testimonies of interview subjects, the film poignantly deavors to promote and enhance Jewish awareness documents the struggle, beginning in the 1960’s, of throughout the State of New Hampshire from North to the many Soviet Jews who were refused permission South, from East to West, wherever Jews are found. to emigrate. For asking to leave a country which sup- There will be a grand winner, of a trip for two to Austra- pressed their religion, their history, and their culture, lia or four to Paradise Island - winners choice. Draw- these “refuseniks” often lost their jobs. It became ing to be held on Sunday, June 14, 2009. A limited common for professors and scientists to be reduced amount of 300 raffles will be sold at $100 a raffle. You to working as elevator operators. Other, even less just might be the lucky winner this year. To purchase fortunate, refuseniks found themselves in prisons, a raffle or to contact one of the Committee members, labor camps, or mental institutions. please call us at 647-0204 Sunday through Friday, or purchase online at www.LubavitchNH.com/raffle. Fortunately, American citizens were not blind to their Mommy and Me with a Jewish Twist plight. In addition to holding protest rallies in America, Chabad announces the formation of a brand new supporters of the refuseniks would visit the USSR, Mommy & Me. Our six week session of Mommy and slip away from their official tours, and secretly meet Me will provide a weekly opportunity for toddlers with with Jewish families. One subject recalls writing the their mothers to learn and share new experiences to- names of such families in code in his checkbook-- gether. Jewish mothers in New Hampshire will have Soviet customs would not allow tourists to carry such the opportunity to come meet other parents and help information openly. The pressure mounted on the their children master new skills while they and their U.S. government, which in turn began to press the children have a great time. USSR on the issue. Eventually, Mikhail Gorbachev’s The Mommy and Me will include Jewish Themed Arts government eased the emigration policy, allowing ’n’ Crafts, songs, and playtime. Children and adults most refuseniks to leave. are sure to have a fantastic time. The Mommy and me will take place at Chabad 7 Director Laura Bialis was present at the screening. Camelot Place. For more information and registration She explained that she hopes that the film will re- please call Shternie Krinsky at 647-0204. kindle awareness of an almost forgotten part of history. She also noted that it might give post-Cold Unity Lecture War generations an idea of how frightening the So- The book of Deuteronomy describes an event that viet Union was. Finally, Bialis described her next took place every seven years when the entire Jewish project, a documentary on the music scene in the Project Friends nation convened in Jerusalem as one. Assembled at rocket-ravaged Israeli town of Sderot. the Holy Temple, they listened as the king read the Lubavitch of New Hampshire has launched its An- Torah and they felt the awe of G d. Those that gath- nual Raffle Drive. Proceeds from the raffle help pro- ered there were inspired to regenerate their sense of Pesach 2009 vide funding for the various educational programs purpose as a people with a task to transform them- Lubavitch conducts throughout the year. selves and the world. Chabad will be hosting warm interactive Seders This years theme is entitled PROJECT FRIENDS an In this year of Hakhel - gathering the people - we are BOTH nights of Passover at our home, 22A School acronym for Funding Religious Initiatives and Educa- reminded that although there is infinite value to each Street. tion Needs your Devoted Support. individual life, Judaism is not meant to be lived in iso- Join us Wednesday night , April 8th at 7:30pm and Lubavitch is committed to providing the educational lation. Adults and children alike thrive on the dynamic Thursday , April 9th and 8:30 pm. excitement of being part of something Ongoing @ Chabad greater than themselves. We all have a need to be a part of events that cre- Shabbat Services ate lasting memories. Saturday - 9:30 am The Unity Lecture Series will con- Followed by a Delicious Kiddush, nect hundreds of communities and , Salad, Cholent thousands of individuals on every continent who will participate in a si- Weekday Services multaneous web-cast of . Sunday - 9:00 am Produced by the Rohr Jewish Learn- ing Institute, the lectures will be pre- Followed by Bagels & Lox sented by leading Jewish scholars. Torah Class on the Weekly Portion The next Unity Lecture will be taking Adult Education place on Sunday, 8 Sivan 5769 May Tuesday - 7:30 pm Tanya - Chassidus 31, 2009. Stay tuned for further in- Wednesday - 7:30 pm - Torah Studies formation on location, speaker and topic.

JEWISH JOURNAL • PAGE 5 SUN DAY, IT’S TIME TO SAY THANKS

yes, even over the moon - once each month. culture (and holidays!) is based. The Talmud explains that the nations of the world base themselves upon Once every 28 years, on the Wednesday that fol- the solar calendar while the Jewish People base lows the Spring (), we make themselves upon the lunar calendar. a blessing over the Sun. The Sun has its own cycle, and returns to its place as it was at However, once in a while, we are to celebrate the so- the moment of its creation once every 28 lar calendar and pronounce a blessing as well. This years! This is a service that most people is because every now and then we are to reach out only experience three times in their lifetime, and to the world, and bring it blessing and make it holy. bears its own significance in so many ways, but let This year, on Erev Pesach, we will all pronounce the us focus on just one of them. ‘blessing of the sun’. Wherever you are, please join any one of the organized events for this rare and The Torah declares that the Jewish People are unique opportunity. At the same time, take the oppor- compared to the moon. Just as it waxes (gets tunity to promote any of the many regular activities in bigger) and then wanes (gets smaller) and then wax- your life, to become one bit holier. es again, so too, with us, we may have our ‘high’ mo- ments and then experience a ‘low moment’, but we know that we will have a ‘high moment’ once again. Our calendar, too, is set according to the pattern of the moon, which as far as our way of life is concerned, Blessed are You, L-rd our G‑d, King of the uni- Each morning, as we open our eyes, we thank is not firm and stable. This generates for us an under- verse, who re-enacts the work of Creation. Hashem for the life that He has given to us - fully 1. standing that allows us to sense the ‘holiness’ in time. recharged with strength and vigor. As the day pro- It lifts us from the plane of day-to-day grind. gresses, we thank Him again, for all the wonderful things that He has created and provided for our well Blessed are You, L-rd our G‑d, King of the There is another calendar; one that is much simpler, being. Of course, everything within Nature is included 2.universe, who has granted us life, sustained works with logic and according to the seasons, and us, and enabled us to reach this occasion. in those sentiments that we offer. From time to time, one that our bodies respond to as well. This is the however, we have the additional opportunity to offer solar calendar, and is the calendar up which our agri- extra praise; when we go to the sea, when we see great mountains, when we observe a rainbow; and

Question.

Was it a failing on the part of Moses that he protested why...? G-d’s way of doing things? A cursory reading of the Talmudic and Midrashic expositions on Moses’ dia- Adapted from a public talk by the Lubavitcher Rebbe logue with G-d would suggest that it was. Moses is criticized for not measuring up to the un- questioning faith of the Patriarchs; by some accounts, It’s probably the oldest question in the history of he is even punished for his outburst. human thought. It’s surely the most disturbing, the most frequently asked and the least satisfactorily an- But a fundamental rule of Torah scholarship is that swered: Why, oh why, do bad things happen to “the Torah does not speak negatively even of an im- good people? pure animal” unless there is a positive, constructive lesson to be derived. To what end does the Everyone asks the question: philosophers, theolo- Torah tell us about Moses’ “failing”? gians, butchers, bakers and candlestick-makers. No one really answers it. The Bible devotes the 41 chap- Some would say that this is to teach us that even ters of the Book of Job to the subject, offering great men such as Moses can experience doubt and several interesting explanations only to refute them despair. The Lubavitcher Rebbe, however, takes a all, the conclusion being that finite man cannot fath- different approach. Moses’ protest to G-d , says the om the ways of G-d. Rebbe, was not a breach of faith, but an act of faith of the highest order. For most, the protest against evil is something that rises out of one’s own encounters with the rough Indeed, the question/protest/outcry, “Why have You spots of life. To a true leader who feels the pain of his done evil to Your people?!” can issue only from the people as his own, it is a bottomless cry mouth of a true believer. The non-believer, too, may issuing from the seemingly bottomless well of human be outraged by the cruelty and suffering our world suffering. abounds with, but just who is he outraged at? The blind workings of fate? The oblivious and apersonal It didn’t take long for Moses to issue that cry. Shortly god of physical law and evolutionary process? The erything that happens happens after G-d appeared to him in a burning bush to ap- random arrangement of quarks that make up the uni- only because it is ordained from Above. He knows point him liberator of Israel, Moses was back. verse? that G-d is the essence of good and that only good flows from Him. And he also knows that man can talk And Moses returned to G-d and said: “My G-d, why Even people who believe in G-d are not necessarily to G-d and expect a response to his entreaties. So he have You done evil to this people?! Why have You driven to confront Him as Moses did. They may not cannot but cry out: “My G-d, why have You done evil sent me?! For since I came to Pharaoh to speak in believe that He is truly responsible for all that tran- to Your people?!” Your name, he has done worse to this nation; and spires in the world. They may not be convinced of His You have not saved Your people!’’ (Exodus 5:22-23). ultimate goodness. They may think that it’s pointless This is what we must learn from Moses. We must to protest to Him, since He doesn’t really care how speak to G-d, confront Him, ask Him: Why is there And what does G-d say? Hold on just a little longer they feel about it. Or maybe everything’s just fine in evil and suffering in Your world? We do not know and you’ll see that it all turns out right at the end. En- their lives, and what’s happening to the enough to comprehend the answer; we must, how- couraging words, especially when coming from G-d rest of the world just doesn’t concern them. ever, believe and care enough to ask the question. Himself; but still no answer for the ultimate PAGE 6 • JEWISH JOURNAL The true believer, on the other hand, knows that ev- H. Do your Passover shopping. Buy S. Thursday morning: Go to the synagogue for the seder ingredients, plus general food the Passover prayer services (which include a spe- for Passover. Store these in your newly cial prayer for dew) and . cleaned refrigerator and cabinets -- empty, of course, of any non-Passover food. You can now begin cooking for T. Thursday night: The Omer Count begins the holiday in your Kosher-for-Pass- tonight. Outside the Holy Land, tonight begins a over kitchen. second day of Yom Tov (hallowed festival day) which is basically a repeat of the first. Light the I. Make sure that your holiday festival candles from a pre-existing flame (as it is clothes and shoes are ready, ironed, forbidden to create a new flame on Yom Tov) after and polished. Treat yourself to nightfall. The entire Seder is repeated tonight. (This something new -- an outfit, shoes, time, however, there’s no midnight deadline; you Passover or even just a tie. can go on until morning.) The next day, Friday, is the second festival day; go to the synagogue for the J. Tuesday night (24 special Passover prayers and Torah reading. (For Z hours before Passover): details, see P through S above.) Do the ritual search for Chametz. A to Take a candle, a spoon, and a U. Friday night: We’ve now entered the four feather, and search the house “intermediate days” of Passover. Before sunset, light for any remaining or forgotten the , and enjoy a relaxing Shab- chametz. bat with Passover food (that means no Challah of course -- use two matzahs instead). A quick overview of the K. Wednesday morning: If you are a first-born son, or V. Shabbat evening: Perform the Passover process the father of a first-born son ritual marking the close of Shabbat. Celebrate the under the age of Bar Mitz- remainder of the intermediate days with matzah, vah, participate in a Siyyum or kosher-for-Passover cooking, family trips (in the other mitzvah feast, in order to be absolved newly cleaned car), and more retelling of the Exo- of the “fast of the firstborn.” dus story. It’s still Passover, so we don’t eat, own, or derive enjoyment from Chametz, but most activities L. This morning we do the Birkat Hachamah prohibited the first and last two days are permitted. A month before Passover: (“Blessing on the Sun”)--a once in 28 years We also add special passages to our prayers: Hal- mitzvah! lel, Yaaleh Veyavo, and Musaf. A. Begin learning about Passover and studying M. The deadline for eating chametz is approxi- W. Tuesday night: Tonight begin the final two its laws. mately two hours before midday. Past this point, no festival days of Passover. Light candles at the speci- chametz is eaten until after the festival. fied time, and enjoy festive meals Tuesday night, . Begin the house cleaning process. Methodi- B The deadline for getting rid of chametz is ap- Wednesday afternoon and night, and Thursday cally inspect and rid every part of your home of any proximately one hour before midday. (By this time, afternoon. traces of chametz. Be on the lookout for crumbs of all cabinets and areas containing chametz that There is a custom to stay awake Tuesday night all sorts, hidden stashes of crunchy chocolate, fer- will be sold should be sealed.) Burn any leftover (the night of the Splitting of the Sea) and study To- mented drinks (nearly all are made with grain), etc. Chametz that is not being sold, including anything rah through the night. Make a list of all the rooms in your house, and cross that was found Sunday night at the Search for the off each one as you complete it. Chametz. Recite the “nullification statement,” re- X. Thursday morning: Yizkor, the memorial Enforce the pre-Passover house rules: No food nouncing all ownership of any chametz that may still prayer for departed parents, is recited following may leave the kitchen. After eating, clothes must be remain in your possession. the reading of the Torah during the morning prayer brushed off and hands thoroughly washed. service. N. Wednesday afternoon: Prepare for the C. Set aside a special space or spaces to stash Seder. Ready the items for the Seder plate, set the Y.Thursday afternoon: As the day wanes, spend the chametz you will be selling for the duration of table, and do last minute things for the Seder meal. the final hours of Passover with “Moshiach’s Meal” Passover (see next item). This can be a closet, a Since Shabbat occurs immediately following the -- a special feast in honor of the Redemption. cabinet in the kitchen, or a room in the basement, festival, an “ tavshilin” is prepared prior to the as long as it can be locked and inaccessible to you festival, so that it should be permitted to prepare We’ve spent eight days celebrating the exodus from for all of Passover. food for Shabbat during the festival. Egypt. Now, as we leave Passover, we pray for the exodus from our present exile and a brighter tomor- D. Arrange for the selling of your chametz. Fill O. Recite the “Order of the Passover Offering,” row. out a form and bring it to your Rabbi, delegating to recalling and reliving the Pesach which was him the task of selling your chametz before Pass- offered in the Holy Temple at this time. Z. Thursday night: At nightfall, the Passover over. (You can also sell your chametz online.) holiday comes to an end. Make Havdalah over your P. Light the festival candles to usher in the last cup of kosher-for-Passover wine. Put away . Buy the Passover essentials: purchase your E holiday. (If lighting after sunset, do so from a pre- the Passover dishes, Haggadahs, and all other Matzah and wine in advance, and store it in a place existing flame.) Passover items, locking them away until next year. where it is absolutely safe from any contact with any Then, ... you can once again enjoy chametz food chametz. Q. Wednesday night: Go to the synagogue and drinks, and feast on pizza, bread, beer -- any- If you’re not making a Seder at home, your local for the evening holiday services, which include the thing kosher. (Just make sure it’s not chametz that Chabad-Lubavitch center has reserved a place for special addition of the prayer. was in the possession of a Jew during Passover.) you! But as you do, don’t forget the eight days of free- A few days before Passover: R. Hold the first Passover Seder. Follow the dom you’ve just experienced, and remember that 15 steps, recite the Haggadah, tell and relive the throughout the year, as you enjoy all your leavened . Begin work on making your kitchen “Kosher F story of the Exodus, and enjoy the matzah, wine, food, you still carry a bit of the Matzah spirit with for Passover.” Put away all utensils that have been and bitter herbs. Make sure to eat the Afikoman by you! used year-round, and lock or seal those cabinets. midnight. Put away all non-kosher-for-Passover food, and Blessing 1 seal those cabinets. Once your kitchen is complete- Blessing 3 Bo-ruch A-toh A-do-noi E-lo-hei-nu ly clean, do the special procedure to kosher your Bo-ruch A-toh A-do-noi E-lo-hei-nu Me-lech Ho- Me-lech Ho-o-lom A-sher Ki-di-sha-nu Be- kitchen and appliances for Passover. o-lom A-sher Ki-di-sha-nu Be-mitz-vo-sov Ve-tzi-va-nu mitz-vo-sov Ve-tzi-va-nu Le-had-lik Ner Shel (Now that your kitchen is clean and all your non- Le-had-lik Ner Shel Shabbos Kodesh. Yom Tov. kosher-for-Passover food put away, you will only be Blessed are You, L-rd our G-d, King of the Universe, Blessed are You, L-rd our G-d, King of able to prepare and eat kosher-for-Passover foods who has sanctified us with His commandments, and com- the Universe, who has sanctified us with His manded us to kindle the holy Shabbos light. there. If you’re not ready to start eating only kosher- commandments, and commanded us to kindle for-Passover food yet, you can buy ready-prepared the Yom Tov light. food and eat it outside of the house, or in a place Blessing 4 Blessing 2 Bo-ruch A-toh A-do-noi E-lo-hei-nu Me-lech Ho- that will be “sold” for the duration of Passover.) Bo-ruch A-toh A-do-noi E-lo-hei-nu Me- o-lom A-sher Ki-di-sha-nu Be-mitz-vo-sov Ve-tzi-va-nu lech Ho-o-lom She-he-chi-ya-nu Ve-ki-ye-ma- Le-had-lik Ner Shel Shabbos Ve-shel Yom Tov. G. Take stock of your Passover inventory. Take nu Ve-hi-gi-ya-nu Liz-man Ha-zeh. Blessed are You, L-rd our G-d, King of the Universe, out any special-for-Passover dishes or silver from Blessed are You, L-rd our G-d, King who has sanctified us with His commandments, and com- where they are stored. Polish the silver. Make sure of the Universe, who has granted us life, manded us to kindle the Shabbos and Yom Tov light. you have Haggadahs for the seder. sustained us and enabled us to reach this

blessings occasion. JEWISH JOURNAL • PAGE 7

the Soulfulof the Seder Partnership Seder The Hebrew word for Egypt, “Mitzrayim,” is rooted in the word “meitzar,”15 meaning boundaries,Steps limits, restrictions. Egypt represents constraints and confinements: psychological,Body emotional and spiritual. Anything, & fromSoul within or from without that inhibits our free expression is a form of mitzray- im. Exodus is the most important element in life: The ability to free ourselves from our confines and get out of the rut. What better time to reaffirm G-d’s promise to Abraham that we will be freed from Mitzrayim? This promise was true for the first Exodus from Egypt and is true today, for in “Each generation one must envi- sion himself as if he just left Mitzrayim.” The Seder provides us with the keys to open the doors of freedom. “Passover Seder” is an oxymoron: The word Pesach (Passover) means to leap, to bypass the normal order; whereas, Seder means order and organization! The Seder is an order that allows us to transcend order. Like music: By playing the defined musical scale, we can create infinite musical combinations and songs. The fifteen Seder steps represent fifteen keys to open doors freeing us from our confinements.

The Seder begins by welcoming the festival with and towel to the table. (What? We just sat down and now Soul “a toast” to the Al-mighty. we have to get up and leave already? Well, that’s a fairly In order to liberate ourselves from Egypt, we need to standard Jewish migration pattern.) taste its harshness again, because this harshness pre- 2. Pour the water over your right hand three times, pares us for freedom. This labor gives us the humble then over your left hand three times. Tonight we do spirit to accept wisdom. Separate/Sanctify; Make this night different like the Kohanim (Temple staff/priests) who washed Personal Application: Body before eating the trumah tithing especially designated Bondage Mentality It’s1. beenKadesh a busy week, or a busy year. The first step to- for them. I owe, I owe, so off to work I go. night is to forget the noise and leave it behind. Tonight 3. Dry your hands. Freedom Mentality we enter a timeless space, where we experience the The rest of the year we say a blessing after washing Through my work I appreciate the higher things of Seder together with our great-grandparents, and Mo- our hands, but not now. When we wash the second time life. ses. We begin by welcoming the festival with a “toast” before eating the , we’ll say it then. On the night that we left Egypt, we were to the Al-mighty with a full cup of red wine. A cup filled Soul like a newly hatched chick, breaking out of our shell with generations of rejoicing and tears and celebration Hands are instruments that allow the mind to interact with to discover life and the light of day. It is with those and wisdom. their environment. Our hands reflect our mental state and fresh eyes that we were able to experience wonder, We affirm our desire to elevate this night above act according to our emotions: love, fear, compassion, to travel forth with faith and innocence and trust. all that is mundane. With it we declare to ourselves the urge to win, to be appreciated, to express ourselves, So tonight, again, we enter the mind and heart of a and all that are present that this is “the season of our to dominate. But too often the aspects of our psyche sit child. freedom”. compartmentalized, detached from one another. The The child is the most important participant 1. Fill a cup with wine (or grape juice). That’s cup mind sees one way, the heart feels another, and our at the Seder. In fact, the entire Seder with all its #1. You can have someone else fill your cup. Then return interface with the world is disoriented. Water symbolizes customs revolves around the child. The mitzvah of the favor. This way, we are all like nobility, whose cups wisdom. Flowing downward from on-high, everything in the Haggadah, V’higaddeta, is “tell the story to your are filled by someone else. Make sure your cup holds at its stream is affected by its pure and simple essence. We child.” The child asks, we respond. But more than least 86 mil. (a little more than three ounces). pour water over our hands so that our heart and emotions the child learns from us, we learn from the child. We 2. Everyone stands and says Kiddush or listens to may be touched by wisdom, and from there shape our awaken the mystical child within us, the the seder leader. The rest of the year, one person says interaction with the world. place that is still innocent and fresh and able to Kiddush and everyone takes a sip. Tonight, each man, A wise rabbi asked, “Wouldn’t it make more sense grow, to be amazed, to sense awe. woman and child drinks their own full cup. Please note: to wash first and then say Kiddush? To first purify, so when a Festival occurs on a Saturday night the “Vatodi- you can then sanctify yourself?” Then he answered,”You anu” – Havdalah blessing is added to the Kiddush. You need first to get out of the pit, and then clean up your act. will find it in the Haggadah. That’s why G-d first took us out of Egypt and only then 3. Get ready for some serious relaxing. had us purify ourselves for 49 days in the wilderness to Recline on a cushion to your left side, and drink. prepare us for the revelations at Mount Sinai.” Remember the ancient times, when we used to recline Personal Application: Break the Matzo; The poor man’s bread on our couches while sampling grapes? That’s what we Bondage Mentality 4.Body Yachatz are dramatizing by reclining now. We are not just free; Just react. Let your instinct be your guide. 1. Remove the middle matzo. We need the top we are our own masters. Freedom Mentality matzo to remain whole because we’ll make a blessing Soul Count to ten. Let your mind and heart on it later on. (Blessings are said on whole things.) Every journey begins with a separation. You’ve got to talk things over with one another. 2. Break it in two different sized pieces. Put the leave somewhere to get somewhere else. In this way, smaller piece back between the two complete . separation is the first step towards freedom. By ignoring The piece you put back is the “poor man’s bread” over the negative voice of Pharaoh’s mockery that says, “Who which the tale of our slavery is recounted. Poor people’s are you to begin such a journey?” we’re ready to leave Eat the vegetable; A taste bread is, intrinsically, never whole. Egypt behind. Separation is the first meaning of the word 3.of humility Karpas 3. Break the remaining (larger) piece into five “kadesh”—to transcend the mundane world. Once you’ve Body pieces and wrap them in a cloth. Hide the package set yourself free from those things that hold you down, 1. Take a small piece of until the end of the Seder when it will be eaten as the you can achieve the second meaning of “kadesh”—to some vegetable (potato, onion, pars- Afikoman, or dessert. return and sanctify it. Spiritual freedom is achieved ley). The rest of the year, we would be getting to In many houses, the children hide the Afikoman through sanctifying the material world, using its elements the meal now. But we’re doing things differently tonight, and the adults have to find it at the end of the meal. In as physical expressions of a higher purpose. principally to spark questions from the small children. If others, the adults hide it and the children find it. Either The first two steps of the Seder, Kadesh (separate/ they ask, “Hey mom and dad! Aren’t we supposed to eat way, it keeps the kids awake and in suspense until the sanctify) and Urchatz (purify), describe what we set out to real food now? Why the funny green stuff?”—you know end of the Seder. accomplish through this night: to rise above the restraints you’re doing things right. Many Sephardic Jews follow the tradition of tying of our world in order to elevate it. How do you answer them? “We are doing this so the Afikoman under the arms of the children, who carry Personal Application: that you will ask questions.” And if they say, “Well, so it like that all night, just like when we left Egypt. Bondage Mentality what’s the answer?” “You can’t learn if you don’t ask. Soul Look, I’m a down-to-earth kind of person. I’m trying to And the first thing to learn is that not all questions have Why is so much broken in this world? Why did the Cre- manage real life. I can’t get into this spirituality stuff. Let’s immediate answers.” This is one of the most distinctive ator make a world where hearts break, lives shatter, just get to the matzo. elements of Jewish education: more than teaching our beauty crumbles? Freedom Mentality children how to answer, we teach them how to ask—and Because a whole vessel can only contain its mea- I can master my world by staying above it. I come to the how to be patient in their search for answers. sure, while a broken one can hold the Infinite. Matzo Seder to get that strength. 2. Dip it into saltwater. These are our tears, and is called the poor man’s bread. He is low and broken. the tears of all our people beginning with the tears of our And it is this brokenness that allows him to open his labor in Egypt. If you know some Hebrew, look at the soul and escape his Egypt. As long as we feel whole, word Karpas and read it backwards. Samach PeReKh. there is no room left for us to grow. When we realize Wash your hands; Purify That refers to the backbreaking labor (PeReKh) of the that we are just a fragment —that we need the others Body 600,000 Jewish slaves (Samach=60 x 10,000). around us, that so much of ourselves is missing —then 2. Urchatz miracles can begin. 1. Fill a cup with water. Many Jewish homes have a spe- 3. Say the blessing that is said over the vegetable, cial twohandled cup designed for this. You could leave and munch it down. Munch good. You’re not going to get Personal Application: the table to go to the kitchen or you could bring a basin much more for a while. Bondage Mentality I know who I am. Look what I have achieved. Freedom Mentality the ground. And then, a miracle sive. While moving forward, we are free. Stop, and we occurs: as it decom- There is much that I am lacking. I have only started are bound and fettered again. That is why freedom is to grow. poses and loses something that you cannot buy o r steal. Never can its original form, it you put freedom in your purse and say, “Freedom comes alive, be- is mine forever!” Spiritual freedom is like a marriage gins to sprout and between our finite selves and the Infinite, providing the grow. As Spring Tell the Story; Experience Exodus power to transcend the material world while working 5.This Maggidis it, folks. This is why it’s called a Haggadah. Now arrives, it pushes inside of it. It is a marriage of heaven and earth, spirit we get to the meat and potatoes your soul is longing for. its way above the earth t o and matter, soul and body. And like any marriage, it is find the sun, and then bears its fruit (As for the other meat and potatoes, you can probably kept alive through constant renewal. Our release from smell them simmering in the kitchen. Hold on, we‘ll get for the world. slavery was only the first step of our Exodus. We were We, too, begin buried in Egypt, our identity all but there soon.) granted eternal freedom—the power to perpetually Body lost. But that furnace of oppression becomes for us a transcend Egypt. firing kiln, a baker’s oven, and the womb from whence 1. Fill your cup with wine (or grape juice). That’s cup That’s the order of the Seder tonight: Kadesh, #2. There are “four sons” at the Seder table, as described we are born as a nation in the Spring. In our liberation, Urchatz, Transcend and Purify. Over and over. Rise we bring our fruits of freedom to the world. in the Haggadah. The second cup corresponds to the higher, then draw that into deeds. Rise higher again, second child—the “wicked” child. This is the cup the story Personal Application: draw even more. Never stop rising. Never stop apply- Bondage Mentality is told over. The “wicked” child is one who needs this ing. story the most, and one who can really appreciate it. I’m stuck here under ground. Life is rotten. Personal Application: Freedom Mentality 2. Children ask the Four Questions. Of course, Bondage Mentality they can always ask more. No children at your Seder? My challenges in life help me discover the strength of Passover? Been there, done that. my soul. Let an adult ask. There’s just you? You be the child, and Freedom Mentality G-d will be the Father. While you’re at it,ask Him a few Each year at the Seder, I discover new things that I just other difficult questions for us all. never saw before. 3. Continue recounting the Passover story, as written in your Haggadah. Hey, you’re not limited to the Say a blessing for the matzah; Eat to your soul’s Haggadah! That was written so that everybody would content8. Matzah (Hold it! Didn’t we just say a blessing on the matzah have something to say. But now is the chance to get Thank G-d for bread; Remember your roots creative. Tell every story you know about the Exodus. bread? That was a blessing for giving us what to eat. 7. Motzi Now we go on to bless and praise Him for connecting us Examine every word of the Haggadah and get into its deeper meaning. Keep it real —make it profound. to Him through the mitzvah of eating matzah.) Basic rules of telling the story: Body • Get the children involved. 1. Techie instructions continued: carefully release the • Start with Abraham and Sara and work your way Mah“Why Nishtanah is this night Halailahdifferent from Hazeh...all other bottom matzah. (Continue orbiting while it makes its de- through the Egyptian scene until we receive the Torah nights?” our children ask us at the Passover scent to the table.) at Mount Sinai. Seder. Because, we answer, we were slaves to 2. Recite the blessing on the top whole matzah and the • Tell it in the first person, in the now. Instead of, Pharaoh in Egypt and G-d set us free. Free? Are broken middle matzah: “Blessed…and commanded us “Long ago, the ancient Hebrews…” say, “When we were you free? concerning eating matzah.” slaves in Egypt, the perverse system crushed our sense Can a person with a mortgage be free? 3. Break off a piece from each of these two matzahs for of self.” Can a person with a job be free? Can a person yourself and for each of those sitting at your table.Pass them around. Everything that happened in Egypt parallels without a job be free? 4. Everybody eats at least two thirds of a matzah. (To something in each of our lives. We are truly living it now. Freedom! Is there anything more desired do this, they will need to help themselves to an auxiliary We are simply examining our own lives in the dress of yet more elusive? Is there a need more basic to ancient Egypt. reserve of matzah.) Hey, it’s a mitzvah after all! Don’t our souls, yet so beyond our reach? How, indeed, forget to lean to the left while you munch—just like with • It’s all about miracles. Moses and his signs and do we achieve freedom from the demands, cares wonders. The Ten Plagues. The Splitting of the Sea. the wine. and burdens of daily living? Soul These miracles happened so that we would look at the But look at your child. Observe her at play, events of our lives and recognize that they, too, are Since the destruction of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem, immersed in a book, asleep and smiling at her miracles. matzah is the only opportunity we have to actually eat a dreams. Assured that father and mother will feed • Tell it like it is. We are a people born of miracles, mitzvah. That’s right, the matzah you are eating is pure who endured this long by abrogating natural law. The him, protect him and worry about all that needs G‑dliness. veryfact that we are here now telling this same story worrying about, the child is free. Free to revel in The Zohar calls matzah Bread of Faith and Bread of to our children in an unbroken chain of 3,314 years is her inner self, free to grow and develop, open to Healing. “Faith?” Well, actually, that’s a rather feeble beyond human comprehension. the joys and possibilities of life. translation. “Emunah” is the word in Hebrew, and it • Offer a few words of praise to G-d. After telling This is why Passover, the festival of free- means a lot more than “I believe.” Faith can often be the story of the Exodus say the formal blessings (see dom, is so much the festival of the child. For it is something people claim when they don’t care to think Haggadah) before drinking the second cup. the child who evokes in us the realization that we, too much. Emunah is when you go beyond thinking to a We drink the second cup of wine at the end of too, are children of G-d, and are thus inherently place your mind could have never brought you. Emunah this step. and eternally free. It is the child who opens our means touching the place where your soul and the es- Soul eyes to the ultimate significance of Passover: that sence of the Infinite Light are One. It’s a place that noth- ing can describe. Where there are no words. No doubts, The Exodus is not simply an event that happened to us. in taking us out of Egypt to make us His chosen no uncertainty, no confusion, nothing but a magnificent It is an event that we became. It is who we are. It is the people, G-d has liberated us of all enslavement Oneness before which nothing else exists, and the chal- life of each one of us, occurring again and again, in our and subjugation for all time. The child is the most wrestling match with the world, in our struggle with our lenges important participant at the Passover Seder. The of life withdraw. own selves. entire Seder is constructed around the goal to We embody freedom in a constant mode of escape. Eating matzah is a way of tapping into that reservoir. mystify the child, to stimulate his curiosity, to com- Your physical body digests the Emunah of your soul, Perhaps that is why Jews have always been the rebels pel him to ask: Why is this night different from of society. The experience of leaving Egypt left such an everything is integrated back into One, and your body all other nights? indelible mark on our souls that we never stop doing it. and spirit are whole and harmonious. The child asks, and we answer. But there A Jew who stops leaving How on earth can a mixture of water and wheat baked Egypt ceases to allow his soul to breathe. To tell is another dialogue taking place – a dialogue in in an oven contain such a spiritual cure? Welcome to the story is to bring our essential self into the open, and which we ask, and the child explains. Judaism, where there is no dichotomy of spirit and mat- to come face to face with who we really are. Take a good look at your child this Pass- ter, soul and body. Where the spiritual transforms into Personal Application: over. Pay her close attention – enter her mind, the physical, and material objects become spiritual in a Bondage Mentality view reality from her perspective. For how else perpetual chemistry of I’m free already. I live in a land of freedom. Who needs might we taste freedom? exchange. Where the body is healed through empower- more freedom than that? ing the soul, and the soul is nourished with the rituals of Freedom Mentality the body. Body (After all, we live in the world of One G-d.) My body is free because my soul is free. Get ready Seder Leader, techie matzah instructions to Personal Application: follow: Bondage Mentality 1. Grab all three matzahs—the top one, the broken Sure, I’ ll eat a little matzo because that’s the tradition. middle one and the bottom one—and pick them up. Wash your hands; Purify again Freedom Mentality 2. Say the blessing: “Blessed…Who brings bread I can’t get enough of this stuff! Feed me matzo! Feed 6.Body Rochtzo out of the earth.” my soul! 1. Fill a cup with water. Again? Yes, again. It’s been This blessing, “He makes bread come out of the a long time since the last washing. (Who knows what earth,” may seem ordinary, even odd. But think about those hands may have touched? Anyway, it’s good to it: the earth upon which we tread germinates all the get up and stretch a little.) nutrients a human being needs to survive—it is the Eat a bitter herb; It’s okay to experience bitterness 2. Pour the water over your right hand three times, substance that powers our thoughts, creativity, music, then over your left hand three times. Say the blessing: 9.Body Maror art, philosophy, meditation, prayer. 1. Grab some of that bitter herb (such as horseradish.) “Blessed…concerning the washing of the hands.” Soul 3. Dry your hands. Take enough to make the size of an olive if you were to We feel an affinity with the food we eat: we, too, are a crunch it into a ball. Soul miracle out of the earth. We share a common journey As long as we live in this world, freedom remains elu- 2. Dip the bitter herb in the Charoset. Shake off any with bread. The bread begins as a seed buried beneath excess. It’s a careful balance: you want bitter herbs, but you want to sweeten the bitterness. Yet it still has to be This step, along with Korech before it, marks the re-en- Personal Application: bitter herbs—not a sumptuous Charoset hors d’oeuvre. try we mentioned at the beginning (in Kadesh). We’ve Bondage Mentality 3. Say the blessing: “Blessed…and commanded us escaped Egypt and reached a higher vision. I thank G-d for giving me what I need. concerning eating bitter herbs.” But freedom consists of more than escape. Complete Freedom Mentality 4. Eat the bitter herb. (Don’t worry if it doesn’t taste that freedom is when you can turn around and liberate all the I thank G-d for letting me know what He needs. great—it’s not supposed to.) elements of your world from their pure material state, Soul and make them transcendent as well. We can never get used to Egypt. We never belonged That’s what we do when we eat every day—we take there. We can never say, “They are the masters and we foods grown from the earth, say a blessing over them, Praise the L-ord; Sing along are the slaves, and that’s the way it is.” It must remain and bring them into our journey as human beings. And Body something we feel bitter about, something that is unjust when it’s a Jewish holiday or Shabbos, we elevate them 14.1. Pour Hallel a special cup of wine and set it in the middle of and needs to change. further, into the realm of pure spirituality. As for tonight, the table. You won’t drink this one—it’s for Elijah the If we get used to Egypt, it’s very hard to leave. In fact, this meal is going to be truly Divine. Prophet. Elijah comes to announce the imminent and many Jews said, “Egypt is our land. How can we leave So don’t imagine we’re just feasting. We’re reaching a final Redemption, with the arrival it?” And they stayed and died there. higher state. And it’s a great way to do it. of Moshiach. As for the rest of us, when Moses came and told us we Personal Application: 2. Now fill your cup with wine or grape were going to leave, we believed him. It was our bitter- Bondage Mentality I am a slave to food. I live to eat. juice. That’s cup #4. Yes, you can handle it. ness that had preserved our faith. Freedom Mentality I am a food liberator. I eat to live. 3. The kids open the front door to welcome This is the sweetness we apply to the bitter herb: bit- Elijah the Prophet. Recite the prayer, “Pour out Your terness alone, without any direction, is self-destructive. wrath…” from the Haggadah. Watch Elijah enter. (Can’t Add some life and optimism to it, and it becomes the see him? Maybe you’ve had too much wine.) springboard to freedom. Tonight is a called “Leil Shimurim”—a night of protec- Personal Application: Eat the Hidden Matzah; Lost and found tion —when we are secured by G-d’s Gentle Hand. We Bondage Mentality 12.Body Tzofun open our front door in the middle of the night with confi- Look, this is what I’m used to. I can’t change. 1. Grab that last bite. Be sure you’ve eaten enough, be- dence and trust that no harm will befall us. On that very Freedom Mentality cause the only thing to pass our lips after this step of the first Passover in Egypt, we were redeemed on the merit I don’t belong to my habits. Seder tonight is another two cups of wine.(Oy.) of our trust that He would redeem us. Tonight we are 2. Retrieve that hidden matzah. If you can’t find it, you liberated again, and again we demonstrate our trust. may have to enter into negotiations with your kids to get 4. It’s all there in your Haggadah. Sing whatever Psalms it back. (Well, if they fell asleep, you will be “forced” to you know a song for. just eat some other matzah). 5. At the end, say a blessing and drink the fourth and Have the Hillel sand- 3. Eat another two-thirds of a matzah. Lean to final cup of wine. 10.wich; Korech Bring it all to- your left. With the first matzah, we fulfilled the Mitzvah Soul gether to eat matzah. This one is also in place of the Pesach The ancient rabbis clued us in on a key principle in Body offering, which is meant to be eaten on a full stomach. cosmic functions: whatever G-d tells us to do, He does 1. Break the bottom mat- Soul Himself. Of course, there’s a difference. We do it in our zah into two pieces. If There is the body, there is the soul, and then there is little human world, while He does it on a grand cosmic you’ve followed the instruc- the essence. If the soul is light, then that essence is its plain. He told us to open our door on the night of Pass- tions until now, the bottom source of light. If the soul is energy, then the essence is over. So, tonight, He opens every door and every gate- matzah should still be whole. its generator. way of the spiritual cosmos to all of the Jewish People. 2. Take an olive-sized amount The Kabbalah teaches that this essence remains elu- To each one of us, regardless of what we have been of the bitter herb, put it in some sive. It is called “tzofun,” meaning hidden, concealed, doing the rest of the year, tonight is our chance to reach romaine lettuce and dip it into the locked away and out of reach. It is unlikely to experience the highest of spiritual levels. Charoset. Shake off any excess. Now you know what it. We dance around that essence-core, like a space- Personal Application: the romaine lettuce on the Seder plate is for. craft in orbit, unable to land. We can be inspired, we can Bondage Mentality 3. Place the bitter herb and lettuce in-between your two meditate, we can pray, but to touch this inner core—the Since it’s Passover, I’ll make a little change. pieces of matzah. essence of our soul—takes a power from beyond. Freedom Mentality 4. Say the words: “This is what Hillel did, at the time On Passover night, we have that power. But only after Since Passover, I totally changed. that the Holy Temple stood. He wrapped up some we have taken all the proper steps: destroying our in- Pesach lamb, some matzah and some bitter herb and ternal Chometz, preparing our homes for liberation - the ate them together.” (And you thought it was because previous eleven steps of the Seder. Then, when we they packed fast-food sandwiches to leave Egypt in a are satiated with all we can handle, connecting every The acceptance; Next year in Jerusalem! hurry.) Hillel understood the words of the Torah about facet of ourselves to the Divine, that’s when that power Body the Pesach lamb, “On matzah and bitter herbs you shall comes to us. Whether we sense it or not, tasteless as 15.This last Nirtzo step of the Seder is easy: expect a miracle. eat it,” in its literal sense. And so, he invented the sand- it may seem, the matzah we eat now—the matzah of This is His job now. Look up from your wine. The table’s wich. (Or should we call it a Hillel?) Tzofun—reaches deep into our essence and transforms a delicious mess. Uncle Irving is snoring in his Hag- 5. Lean to the left while you eat. our very being. gadah, serenaded by the first chirping of dawn. As you Soul Those things you find inspiring and nice may take you carry the little ones to their beds to the sound of The world, when viewed from within Egypt, looks to be a step forward. But to effect a real change, you need to matzah crunching beneath your feet, you wonder, “Who a mess of fragments. It’s a “Passoverly- Challenged” do something totally beyond your personal bounds. will carry me to bed?” Was it the best Seder that could perspective. Plain materialism. Mitzvahs appear to be Personal Application: have been? Look, it had its highlights. A few times, the a mishmash of do’s and don’ts; the Jewish people are a Bondage Mentality Seeing is believing. kids got a little over-excited. And the horseradish and collection of irreconcilable Freedom Mentality Believing is seeing. chicken soup didn’t mix too well. Grandpa told some individuals; daily life is a cacophony of hassles and just, great stories, but we heard them last year. We all had well, stuff. Once we escape materialism’s gravitational fun with the songs. We told the tale again with new em- pull, we can look back and see a whole new perspec- bellishments, just like we have for 3,300-plus years. We tive. Grace after the Meal; Thanks for having us did what we are supposed to, in our own human way. Mitzvahs are multiple expressions of a single spiritual Body And now, let the Creator do what He has promised to path; Jews are multiple faces to a single soul; the ele- 13.If you’re Berach still awake now, y o u do: a re-run. Starring us, in the Ultimate Redemption. ments of today’s journey harmonize together as a sym- know it’s getting late. With lots of miracles. But this time, forever. phony playing a delicate melody. Adults are falling Soul After we make ourselves into a temple for the Divine, asleep. Kids are hav- If G-d wanted us to be perfect, why did He create such then the bitter, the sweet, and the tasteless responsibili- ing a great time taking imperfect beings? Because what He wants of us is our ties of life wrap together in a single package. advantage of that. But very humanness. Sometimes we do good. Sometimes Personal Application: it’s not over. There are we fall. But we keep on struggling, and eventually make Bondage Mentality songs and wine, and some real change in order to create a perfect I have to take care of career, family, health, hobbies, Elijah the Prophet is on world. And then, once we have done all we can, like a handball, friendships, parents, taxes, studies, the house, his way…. kind parent helping with the homework, He makes sure the car, the cat. 1. Fill your cup with wine o r to touch up our work and make it shine. Freedom Mentality grape juice. That’s cup #3. For 3,300 years we have been leaving Egypt. For 3,300 I am a conductor and the world is my orchestra to play 2. Say the Grace After Meals as printed in years we have been doing our human job of transform- a symphony for its Creator. your ing the darkness of His world into light. And now it is Haggadah. Say a blessing on the wine and drink it all His turn to banish darkness forever, to make our work down. shine 3. Lean to your left. Personal Application: Let’s Feast! Soul Bondage Mentality Body The theme of the Grace After Meals is confidence. Yaaaaawwwwwwn! Well, there goes another Passover 11.Time Shulchanto really eat. You know how Orech to do this, Confidence in a Higher Force that is with us in our daily night under the belt. right? Oh, don’t forget the tradition of eating the lives. Why did miracles happen in Egypt? Because we Freedom Mentality hard-boiled egg on your Seder plate, dipped in some believed they would. I’m done with Pharaoh; I’m through with Egypt. Take me salt water. Most do this at the very beginning of the Those who didn’t believe in miracles saw only plagues. to Jerusalem! meal. A hard-boiled egg is a sign of mourning. However, To see a miracle, you need an open heart and mind, on every festive occasion, we remember to mourn for open enough to receive the Infinite. That is the open- the destruction of the Temple and Jerusalem. ing we make when we thank G-d for the miracle of our Soul food. ERUV SHMURAH MATZAH TAVSHILIN

When Shabbat occurs immediate- Shmurah means protected. Shmurah matzah is ly following a festival -- as it does protected from water. What’s so terrible about water? this year -- an “eruv tavshilin” (i.e., Plenty, if you’re a kernel of wheat or a bag of flour and food for at least one “meal” that is set want to be a matzah for Passover. One drop of water aside in advance for Shabbat) must could start the fermentation process and—zap!— be prepared prior to the festival, so you’re chometz before you’ve even started! that it should be permitted to prepare When we left Egypt, we kneaded unleavened food for Shabbat during the festival. dough into round matzah by hand. Today Shmurah The eruv tavshilin serves as a re- matzahs are made just the same way. They are baked minder that the cooking done on the under fine-tooth supervision to avoid the slightest Festival is for Shabbat only. This eruv possibility of leavening during the baking process. consists of a matzah and something That’s why Shmurah matzah should be used on each cooked, for example, a boiled egg or a of the two Seder nights for the three matzahs of the piece of fish, and is prepared before the Seder plate. onset of the Festival. It symbolically serves as the beginning of Matzah, The “Food Of Faith” the preparation of food for Shabbat. Thus, any We left Egypt in such haste that there was no subsequent cooking done on the Festival is consid- time to wait for the dough to rise. So we ate matzah, Shell ered to be a continuation of the preparation begun unleavened bread. With only this unleavened food our w a l n u t s a n d p e e l before the Festival. ancestors departed into the barren desert, relying on In the Diaspora, if the first two days of Passover apples and chop finely. Mix together and add a small the Almighty to provide sustenance for our entire na- fall on a Thursday and Friday, one must prepare an tion of men, women and children. Each year to relive amount of wine. eruv tavshilin on the afternoon before Passover so this event, we eat matzah on Passover and fulfill the that one can cook on the Festival for Shabbat the commandment of “Matzahs shall you eat...” Karpas, non bitter root vegetable first of the intermediate days. Why: The Karpas i.e. onion or potato, alludes to the Eruv Tavshilin Instructions back-breaking work of the Jews as slaves. Take a plate with one whole matzah and either a THE SEDER PLATE How: piece of cooked fish, cooked meat or a hard-boiled Cook potatoes and cut into small pieces. egg on it, (it is a good idea to wrap the matzah and Zeroah, Shankbone fish, meat or egg in aluminum foil to easily keep Why: Chazeres, more Bitter Herbs them apart from the rest of the foods in your home). A roasted chicken bone represents the lamb (Usually romaine lettuce) Recite the following blessing: that was the official sacrifice on the eve of the exodus Why: BA-RUCH A-TAH ADO-NAI E-LO-HE-NU ME-LECH from Egypt. The leaves of romaine lettuce are not bitter, HA-OLAM ASHER KID-E-SHA-NU BE-MITZ-VO- How: but the stem, when left to grow in the ground, turns TAV VETZI-VA-NU AL MITZVAT ERUV. Roast a chicken neck on all sides over an open hard and bitter. So it was with our enslavement in fire on the stove. This must be done before Yom Tov. Egypt. First, the deceitful approach of Pharaoh was Then recite: “By virtue of this Eruv, we (the mem- Roasted foods may not be eaten at the seder due to soft and sensible and the work done voluntarily and bers of this household), shall be permitted to cook, bake, keep food warm, carry, light candles and do their similarity to the Pesach Sacrifice. The Zeroah is even for pay. Gradually, it evolved into forced and all preparations on Yom Tov for Shabbat.” not eaten. After the meal it is refrigerated and used cruel labour. on the Seder plate the following night. How: Put the foods you used for the Eruv away, and eat Romaine lettuce is often sandy. Wash each them on Shabbat. NOTE: The Eruv Tavshilin allows Betza, Egg leaf separately, checking carefully for insects. (Pat you to cook on Friday only for Shabbat, it does not Why: gently with a towel and let sit until completely dry, so allow you to cook from one day of the holiday to the next (ie: Thursday for Friday). It is permissible to A hard-boiled egg represents the Holiday Offer- that there will be no moisture to come in contact with cook only from a pre-existent flame, one that was ing in the days of the Holy Temple. the Matzoh.) Prepare enough leaves for both nights, lit before the onset of the Holiday on Wednesday How: and store in the refrigerator. Soaking of the romaine before sunset. Boil one egg per Seder plate. Place one egg on lettuce may not be done on Yom Tov. each plate.

Maror, Bitter Herbs Why: CERTIFICATE AUTHORIZING THE SALE OF CHOMETZ FOR 5769 Bitter herbs remind us of the bitterness of the Please complete, sign and return by April 5th. We are not responsible for forms ar- slavery of our forefathers in Egypt. riving after April 5th. Forms can be filled online at www.lubavitchnh.com or How: www.chabadofmaine.com Fresh horseradish, romaine lettuce and endive are the most common choices. The greens must be Please print neatly, as illegible forms cannot be processed washed extremely well before Yom Tov begins and I (we) ______hereby authorize Rabbi care must be taken to check for insects. Afterwards, ______to deal with all chometz that may be in my (our) possession, wherever they are dried very well. Peel the raw horseradish it may be - at home, at my (our) place of business, or elsewhere by selling, renting, or leasing for roots and rinse them off well. (Dry them very carefully, such time as he deems necessary. Also to delegate another to perform these transactions with since they will be eaten with the Matzoh later on for same said powers, in accordance with the requirements of Jewish Law and National Law as incor- the “matzo and maror sandwich” and no water should porated in the special contract for the sale of chometz. be left on the horseradish.) Next, grate the horserad- Residence Address______ish. The maror is placed on the Seder plate on top of a few clean, dried leaves of romaine lettuce (which is City______State ______Zip______also maror). Businesss Address ______Charoses Why: City______State______Zip______A mixture of apples, nuts and wine resembles Signature(s) ______the mortar made by the Jews when they toiled for Husband and wife specify names: Pharaoh. How: Wishing you & your family a joyous Passover Enjoy a favorite recipe from Hannaford, and find everything you need for your special Seder.

Homestyle Potato

5-6 large potatoes 1 large onion 1/2 cup vegetable oil + 1 Tbsp. 2 eggs 1 tsp. salt Dash of pepper

Grate potatoes and onions in a bowl. Add 1/2 cup of oil, 2 eggs, 1 teaspoon salt and dash of pepper. Mix together. Coat a square casserole pan with 1 Tbsp. oil, add mixture and spread evenly. Bake at 500 degrees for 1 hour, until golden brown and crisp.

PAGE 12 • JEWISH JOURNAL How do we free ourselves? By eating Matza. After The Real Haggadah eating Matza, the Israelites were able to run out of Egypt and follow G-d into the desert. Because Mat- Mazel Tov’s By Aron Moss za represents the suspension of ego. Unlike bread, which has body and taste, Matza is flat and tasteless Jon & Jodi Freedman upon the Bar Mitzvah of Question: - the bread of surrender. their son Sam. Maine

So it’s Pesach again. Another Seder night where we Usually, we are scared to suspend our egos, because Richard and Shana Senzel of Pittsfield MA meet up with distant relatives we almost forgot about, we think that we will lose ourselves. On Pesach we upon the birth of their son Eitan Shmaryahu. A to tell a story that we aren’t allowed to forget about. Is eat the Matza, we suspend our egos special Mazel Tov to grandparents, Mark and it really necessary more than 3000 and find ourselves - our true selves. Lynda Levine of Nashua NH. years on to still commemorate our ancestors’ free- dom from slavery in Egypt? Can’t we move on to This night is different from all other nights, because Paula Silver and Paul Noyovitz of Merrimack, more pressing and contemporary issues? on this night we let ourselves go, we liberate our souls NH upon the Bar Mitzvah of their son Jacob. to follow G-d unashamed. We say, “I may not under- Answer: stand what this means, but I have a Jewish soul, and Jason Bedrick of Windham NH and Chaya Wil- somehow that is the deepest layer of my identity.” ner of Scottsdale, AZ upon their marriage. My friend, you are reading the wrong Haggada. The Seder is not just a memorial to events of the distant That soul is the innocent child within us is waiting to Rabbi and Mrs. Levi Krinsky, Directors of Cha- past - it is a dynamic process of freedom from the be free. This Pesach, let’s allow that child to sing: bad Lubavitch of New Hampshire upon the challenges of the present. Bas Mitzvah of their daughter Etti. Ma Nishtana Halayla Hazeh... We are slaves. Slaves to our own inhibitions, fears, Mazal Tov to Rabbi Moshe and Mrs. habits, cynicism and prejudices. These self-appoint- Chana Wilansky and family, Direc- Join us this summer at the Fourth Annual ed pharaohs are layers of ego tors of Chabad of Maine upon the that prevent us from express- ing our true inner self, from engagement of their daughter and reaching our sister, Chaya Mushka to Yossi Freed- spiritual potential. Our souls are incarcerated in selfish- man of Bahia Blanca, Argentina. ness, laziness and indiffer- ence. A DIVISION OF THE ROHR JEWISH LEARNING INSTITUTE at the luxurious Hyatt Regency in Old Greenwich, CT Condolences Pesach means “Passover.” August 11–16, 2009 It is the season of liberation, Milstein Family upon the passing of Mr. Max when we pass over all these Milstein. obstacles to inner freedom. Prepare to be inspired. On Pesach, we give our souls Enjoy five days packed with the The Goodman family upon the passing of Mrs. a chance to be expressed. best in Jewish learning and living Shirley Goodman surrounded by deluxe amenities and Reread the Haggada. Every exciting activities. Relax with family, Mr. Steven Gladstone, Hannah and Pauline time it says “Egypt” read “limi- meet new friends, and encounter Gladstone of Port. St Lucie Florida and Mrs. teachers of international renown at tations.” Replace the word Janice Silver of Nashua NH upon the loss of this unforgettable event. “Pharaoh” with “Ego.” And their wife, mother and sister, Marilyn Glad- read it in the present tense: stone. For more information or to register, please call “We were slaves to Pharaoh in Egypt” = “We are slaves to our 1-877-JRetreat (573-8732) or visit www.JRetreat.com egos, stuck in our limitations.”

“The retreat was “It was an extraordinary intellectual, emotional, “This was a wonderful, phenomenal . . . .” and spiritual experience for me. All three!” eye-opening experience.” —Andrew Levy, Sacramento, CA —Rhona Bezonsky, Montreal, Québec —Lenny Shapiro, Calgary, Alberta

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JEWISH JOURNAL • PAGE 13 PAGE 14 • JEWISH JOURNAL Phyl Rubinstein demonstrating how to make Sushi rolls. Joe Blatt making a gragger at Jewish Kids Portland, ME Rosh Chodesh Adar, Sushi making at the Cha - Club, Portland, ME bad House, Portland, ME lubavitch in action

Models depicting Jewish Women Through the Ages, Manchester NH

Children are mesmerized by the story of Purim by Puppeteer Peter, Manchester NH

Ethan Nemeroff encircled in a bubble at the Hawaiian Purim Party, Portland, ME

Dancing at Hawaiian Purim, Portland, ME

Crowd at the Megillah reading on Purim at Deering High School, Portland ME

- Women take part in a Challah Baking Work Climbing Mount Massada with Rabbi Gray shop, Manchester NH

Dartmouth students at the Kotel with the M a y o r. Sinai Scholars group photo, Dartmouth NH

Etti Krinsky delivering a Dvar Torah at her Bat Mitzvah, Manchester NH JEWISH JOURNAL • PAGE 15 *

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