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A Traditional, Egalitarian, and Participatory Conservative

ADAR/NISAN/IYAR 5773 NEWSLETTER/VOLUME 25:4 MARCH/APRIL 2013 A for Those Who Grasp It: Study for Its Own Sake An adult education course between Pesah and by Marc Ashley

he study of Torah has been at the meritorious? Definitions of the ultimate Join our discussion of this pivotal heart of Jewish life for millennia, goals of have varied, from the concept in an adult education course, led embraced as the preeminent observance of commandments to love of by Congregant Marc Ashley, between activity and vehicle of religious God, from intellectual refinement to cultural Pesah and Shavuot. In “‘A Tree of Life for Tdedication. We study Torah in attachment. Those Who Grasp It:’ Torah Study for Its myriad settings, in schools and , Own Sake,” we will examine Jewish at meals and social events. Torah learning uch issues have been a peren- sources and perspectives on a pursuit is elevated above all else in Jewish thought nial source of Jewish debate, that is so central to Jewish life but the and practice, and scholarship in Jewish and were prominently featured goals and purpose of which are often left learning is deemed self-evidently worthwhile in clashing views of Hasidim unexamined. We will meet in the library on and admirable. But why is Torah study such Sand Mitnagdim in the early mod- four Sunday mornings at 10:00 a.m., on an important Jewish value? ern period. They have surfaced most recently April 7, 14, 21, and 28. No prior knowledge The primacy of Torah study is indis- in arguments surrounding the inaugural of any kind is required. Please participate putable. A well-known rabbinic maxim speech of a new Knesset member, a secu- in our ongoing give-and-take about the states that Torah study has value equal to lar scholar, about the importance study of Torah, for the sake of strengthen- all of God’s other commandments. We of Torah study in modern Israeli culture. ing the place of Torah in our community.

pledge in our to “meditate on JA [words of Torah] day and night.” The Talmud BERGMAN, COB describes brilliant scholars as mighty warriors engaged in battles of the Torah, and as pearl divers capable of reaching STUDENT GRADE FIFTH great depths in pursuit of divine treasure. Such a virtue is Torah study that even God is described by the as engaging in daily study of and . A student’s motivations behind Torah study are, however, considered relevant to its value. The traditional ideal is study of Torah lishmah , learning for its own sake, presumably free of ulterior motive or con- sideration of reward. Yet the concept of “Torah lishmah” is not transparent. Torah study may, in fact, be a means to a higher end. As a threshold matter, whether study or deeds should be accorded greater value is a vexing issue. Can studying about God’s commandments be valued more highly than their actual performance? Is Torah study disconnected Kindergarten and first grade students from Or Zarua’s Hebrew School interviewed from practice of Jewish law considered Bolton in his office (see page 7).

1 CONGREGATION OR ZARUA MARCH/APRIL 2013 President’s Message by Diane Okrent

n , there whom they are close or from whom they has always been a may be estranged, let them come and A CONSERVATIVE SYNAGOGUE tension between the feast at our table. Let them find the physi- FOUNDED 1989 use of Hebrew, (the cal and spiritual nurturing they crave. 127 East 82nd Street Iholy language) and I take this direction very personally New York, NY 10028 the vernacular—be it and very seriously. Often, I have had to phone: 212-452-2310 fax: 212-452-2103 , , Ladino add another chair (or two or three) to my www.orzarua.org or, in our case, English. already long collection of tables to accom- Which prayers should be said in Hebrew modate those who need a place. I can’t SCOTT N. BOLTON, Rabbi and which should be said in the local stand knowing that someone has no place DR. HARLAN J. WECHSLER, Rabbi Emeritus language? to go for seder. And, if asked, I can’t turn DIANE OKRENT, President In recent years, I have been inter- someone away. HENRY GLANTERNIK, Treasurer ested in those prayers and traditional And so it is with Congregation Or HARVEY M. BRENNER, FTA, Executive Director documents that have remained in Zarua. We, as a community are committed Aramaic, the day-to-day language of the to opening our communal home to all who ILANA BURGESS, Youth Education Director (539 BCE-70 CE) are hungry—for community, for connection, CHARLES SPIELHOLZ, Newsletter Editor and the main language of the Gemara for religious services, for education for and the . For example, the themselves and their children. We try to and are in Aramaic, presumably “be there” for members of the community OZ Committee Chairs so that everyone could understand them. at all times. Look through this newsletter The traditional is also written and read our weekly e-blasts to see the ADMINISTRATION Sara Stone in Aramaic. wide-ranging programs and services we As we approach , I think provide every week of the year. AESTHETICS Shelden about Ha Lachma Anya, with which we This commitment, however, takes ART GALLERY Bobbi Coller begin the Maggid at the seder, preserved resources—both personal and financial. BOOK DISCUSSION Reed Schneider in the original Aramaic. “This is the bread We are a volunteer organization. We need BUILDING Benjamin Marcus of affliction which our ancestors ate in volunteers to create a , lead the land of Egypt. All who are hungry, let services, read Torah and , plan CEMETERY Aliza Kaplan them come and eat. All who are in need, programs, and perform acts of hesed. Mort Schwartz let them come celebrate Pesah. Now we And we need your financial support. DEVELOPMENT Andrew Plevin are here. Next year in the land of . As I mentioned at Kol Nidre, membership HEBREW SCHOOL Betsy Dizengoff Now we are enslaved. Next year we will dues only provide 40 percent of our HESED Richard Stadin be free.” revenues. The rest comes from your We preserve this command in the ver- generous contributions at Kol Nidre and HEVRA KADISHA Vera Silver nacular so that everyone understands that throughout the year. As we approach Gerry Passover is inclusive—all who are hungry Pesah, count the Omer, remember the ISRAEL Aliza Kaplan are invited to come and eat. As I contem- Shoah, celebrate Israel’s 65th Independ- LIBRARY Barry Feldman plate the menu for my sedarim, I think ence Day, and celebrate Shavuot, I ask MEMBERSHIP Klagsbrun about the literal meaning of hunger and that you consider additional support for the material meaning of need. But I think the depth and breadth of the activities MINYAN Sheldon Adler about the spiritual meanings as well. All you will find at Or Zarua. PROGRAMMING Karen Kaplan who hunger for community, for connection I wish you and your family a happy, PUBLIC RELATIONS Aaron Shelden with their Jewish roots, and the family with healthy, joyous, and peaceful Pesah! SPIEL Arthur Rosenbloom Bonnie Maslin Barbara Sassoon KEVA AND KAVANNA: TORAH/HAFTARAH Marc Ashley Jay Palmer Our Fixed Prayers and Windows of Inspiration Thursdays at 8:35 a.m. in the OZ social hall WEBMASTER Jay Palmer This new class, taught by Rabbi Bolton, studies the history, laws, teachings, If you are interested in serving on a synagogue and approaches to Jewish . Prior knowledge is not required. committee, please contact the office for the committee chair’s email address. 2 WWW.ORZARUA.ORG MARCH/APRIL 2013 with Rabbi Eliezer Diamond The Siddur and the : Investigations of Text, Song, and Prayer Friday, March 15 and Saturday, March 16

liezer Diamond, articles, including a chapter on the rabbinic Sea as Reenactment and Metaphor.” the Rabbi period in the Schocken Guide to Jewish At lunch, Rabbi Diamond will be Judah Nadich Books and articles in the Reader’s Guide to discussing “From Slavery to Freedom: Associate Judaism. His book, Holy Men and Hunger The Haggadah’s Twice-Told Tale.” The final EProfessor of Artists: Fasting and Asceticism in Rabbinic presentation will be during : Talmud and Rabbinics Culture (2003, by Oxford University Press), “Server and Served, and : at JTS, will be the OZ provides a thorough reassessment of Whose Story are We Telling at the Seder?” Scholar-in-Residence for the role that asceticism plays in rabbinic This Shabbaton, our first with Rabbi Shabbat on March 15 and 16. Many OZ Judaism. Rabbi Diamond is editing a com- Bolton, will be rewarding both intellectually Congregants already know Rabbi Diamond mentary on Yerushalmi Pesahim written by and musically. Please note that the lunch because he has taught the Rabbinical the late Professor Louis Ginzberg as well and dinner require reservations; RSVP as Judaism portion of the Context program as a volume on prayer. soon as possible. Details can be found and, most recently, presented a lecture, The main theme of Rabbi Diamond’s in the box below. There will be separate “From Sacrifice to Seder: Celebrating Shabbaton is “The Siddur and the Hagga- programming for young children. Passover in a Post-Temple World,” for last dah: Investigations of Text, Song, and year’s Pesah Context miniseries in honor Prayer.” He will be teaching four different of Rabbi Wechsler. sessions. At dinner on Friday night, the SHABBATON Rabbi Diamond was ordained at the Shabbaton will commence with a discussion Rabbi Elchanan Theological Seminary on “Worshiping and Wandering: A Study WITH RABBI of University and received his of , Lekhu Neranenah.” During ELIEZER DIAMOND doctorate in Talmud from JTS. He is the Shabbat morning services, the presentation author of many popular and scholarly will be “Shirat Ha-Yam: The Song at the Friday, March 15 Congregational Dinner immediately following services, SHABBAT HAYELED which begin at 6:44 p.m. Saturday, March 16, 9:00 a.m. “Worshiping and Wandering: A Study of Psalm 95, Lekhu Neranenah.” habbat Hayeled, a Shabbat dedicated to our children, will take place on Saturday, March 16, 9:00 a.m. In this ceremony our third graders and new students will Saturday, March 16 Sreceive their first siddurim. We also honor our teachers and volunteers for their Shaharit at 9:00 a.m. work in providing a and heritage to our community’s children. post-Bnei “Shirat Ha-Yam: The Song at the Sea kids will read from the Torah. All children will go up to the bimah for . as Reenactment and Metaphor” Congregational Lunch immediately following “From Slavery to Freedom: The Haggadah’s Twice-Told Tale” Bar/Bat Mitzvah Show Minhah at 6:25 p.m. Opening soon in the Or Zarua Gallery Seudah Shlishit “Server and Served, Gentile and Jew:

ZGLEYCOMMITTEE GALLERY OZ Whose Story are We Telling at the Seder?” an you guess “Today I Am…” will explore which Or Zarua the origins and changes in Please make Friday night dinner member is pic- cere- or Saturday lunch reservations by tured in this Bar monies and celebrations. It MONDAY, MARCH 11 CMitzvah photo- will be illustrated with photo- at 212-452-2310, extension 39 graph and when it was graphs (like this one) and or www.orzarua.org taken? You will be able to memorabilia from Or Zarua Lunch and dinner are $40 adults; $20 find the answer at the next Congregants. We are in the children aged 5-12; children under 5, exhibition, “Today I Am...,” process of organizing the no charge. Seudah Shlishit is free and to be held in the Or Zarua exhibition and look forward open to all. Gallery. to seeing you at the opening.

3 CONGREGATION OR ZARUA MARCH/APRIL 2013 Reclaiming “Imagine” as a Jewish Tune Seeing and attaining our Jewish future through the Seder

ach time I am purest and best forms, Jewish values have Israel, do we see ourselves being brought at prayer the potential to continue enhancing our out of whatever it is that enslaves us? services, the understandings of living freely, in a democ- Can we see ourselves being freed to music makes racy, allowed as we are individually and become more of the people we are sup- Eme imagine a collectively to become our most profound posed to be? different world, a devel- selves, and at the same time to serve God. The Seder and participation in the oping self, a new con- Through our rituals and our prayer Jewish community, especially in one’s syn- ception of an aspect of services, we are reminded to look at agogue, is a way to keep the fires of imag- our reality. Older, comforting tunes and ourselves anew and construct a world in ination alight. Finding the power to reflect newer, rhythmic ones inspire me to reflect which God’s holiness and determination on our history, where we came from, who and to ask: Am I doing my part in this for justice will prevail. Soon we will cele- we are, and where we are going, is a pro- unfolding story of creation? How much have brate Passover, count the Omer, remember found experience. I would argue that it is I developed the self I can be? How much the Holocaust, commemorate heroism, a profound need that many miss in our am I working with my community to fulfill recall fallen soldiers in Israel who gave busy, modern times. even more of my responsibility? their lives for our precious homeland, This is why the Haggadah uses the While some people attend services or show our pride on Yom Ha’atzmaut (Israeli strong word “chayyav”—obligated. It obli- programs often and regularly plug into the Independence Day) and arrive at Shavuot, gates us to imagine, see, and think of of synagogue life, others the holiday whereupon we celebrate ourselves as making meaning by being wait until a holiday like Pesah. The receiving our Torah. Each slice of time in students of history through poetry, , Passover Seder is a great “musical set” our calendar brings us to an incredible art, ritual, dance, texts, and polemics. which provides us with lyrics and choreog- time in history, and each is asking us to In modern times, the tendency has been raphy that lets us dance familiar steps. make our everyday experience more to lessen the branding of Judaism as a The song is for shaking us out of our nor- powerful and infused with Jewish vision. faith-base that demands or requires much. mal zone of living. Singing the order of the Yet, as we each prepare to make Seders Seder is the step-by-step climb away from ill we be Lifnim M’shurat in our homes or join Seders in the the toil of work, the pain and suffering haDin—a mensch about homes of loved ones, with the community that may ail us, the obfuscation in our the way we go about living (as with Or Zarua’s second Seder), or way, onto the truest plane of freedom to our lives and not taking elsewhere, we will require of ourselves be. By the end we are singing, “Next year Wtoo much credit for the the re-reading of the central narratives of in …” We read aloud, to para- “super-righteous” things we do? Or will we our people. phrase: “Imagine you are there right now. become Naval B’R’shut HaTorah—that Imagine all the people leaving behind You are going out of Egypt. Your life is even while we lay tefillin or light candles a system where slavery and servitude was entwined with the very experiences of the our hands and hearts would still deceive? a given. Imagine being part of the Jewish ancestors who came before you. What is Our tradition asks us to consider how we people who, for thousands of years, asked it that you really want to do with newly will engage in business and behave at if it was ethical and right to keep a work- attained freedom? What will you do with meals. At daily minyan, I like to stop and er’s garment as a pledge overnight or if the blessing and freedom you have, when appreciate the poetry of a hope expressed corporal punishment should give way to you up from the Seder table?” in the siddur by the following line: Mah monetary compensation. The Haggadah, near the end, boils it rabu ma’asekha Adonai! How greatly and We are a people who value legal down to this message: b’khol dor va’dor manifest are your works, Adonai. As God requirements, as much as we are a people chayav adam lirot et atzmo k’ilu hu yatza makes manifest all that unfolds in cre- who value a world wherein everyone lives in m’mitzrayim—in every generation a person ation, for good, so should we be inspired peace. A good debate? We enjoy that, too! must imagine him or herself as if he or to good each day. What is the essential meaning of “in every she went out of Egypt. John Lennon has The notion that we are to imagine, generation, a Jew must see him or herself nothing on us! I vote to reject a world of “to see” ourselves going out of Egypt, going out of Egypt.” I welcome your reflec- no religion. As time unfolds, Jewish whether we are reading the Haggadah or tions at [email protected]. I am look- understandings create more responsible passages about the Exodus in our daily ing to share them at the second Seder. approaches to consumerism, materialism, liturgy, is a call to us to figure out what we Be in touch so that we can get to know technological engagement, and developing will do as free people—free to serve God one another, especially if we have not had a one’s self as part of community. Torah is a and good causes through the application chance meet. Chag Kasher V’sameah—a source of ancient wisdom that can be of our minds, hands, and hearts. Even Sweet, Happy, Kosher Passover. applied to modern times. Applied in their if we are not on the physical journey to —RABBI SCOTT N. BOLTON

4 WWW.ORZARUA.ORG MARCH/APRIL 2013 The Spirit of Communal Song at Or Zarua by Marc Ashley

ong permeates much of what we community of sacred song takes time and hold an in-house session on Thursday do at Or Zarua. We sing collec- effort. And, indeed, we are making strides evening, March 14, from 7:30 to 9:00 tively during prayer services to improve and inspire ourselves. p.m., so we can practice together what throughout the year, before and We have recently established a tradi- Rabbi Andelman has taught us about Safter meals, and at celebratory tion of assembling periodically for a zim- prayerful song and congregational ruah. events. Some melodies are festive and riyah, a singing session, to sing old and Toward the same end, our upcoming others contemplative, and the mood of our new tunes that may be used in our prayer Shabbaton with Rabbi Dr. Eliezer Diamond singing may vary, but surely the music we services and beyond. These sessions are will have a musical component in addition create together helps to enrich both our indi- intended to be informal and fun, to to text-based learning. vidual lives and our communal experience. encourage singing for the enjoyment of it. Finally, we are launching an a cappella Yet the spirit we generate through We have also scheduled a series of group at Or Zarua, which will complement singing together can always be enhanced; musicality workshops over the coming our already established klezmer band. We the liveliness that infuses our prayer serv- weeks at which we will learn accessible will soon have an organizational meeting ices can be made ever more robust. Our melodies to revitalize our and Musaf to inaugurate our project to bring greater challenge is to make our communal singing prayer services. Rabbi Julia Andelman, an singing harmony to our communal events. perpetually fresh, so that we fulfill the experienced musical mentor and service Please join this music-related pro- instruction of the to “sing a new leader, will guide us at workshops on two gramming, no matter your singing skill. We song to the Lord,” as if each melody, how- Sunday mornings, March 3 and 17, from need the participation of all Congregants ever familiar, were a new musical venture. 10:00 a.m. to 12 noon. In between those to strengthen our efforts to enhance our But we must recognize that creating a educational Sunday workshops, we will community of song.

OZ Series on Eldercare Three Mondays: March 4, April 8 and 29, 7:30 p.m. RABBI WECHSLER TEACHES ON

ongregation Or Zarua is pleased Health Care, Privacy, and Decisions for SIRIUS XM RADIO to sponsor a series of three Older Adults.” Sundays at 5:00 a.m, evening programs on eldercare, On Monday, April 29, Dr. Renee 7:00 a.m., and 12:00 p.m. inter-generational relationships, Solomon, a nationally-known gerontologist and conflicting responsibilities. with a private practice and retired professor SIRIU S

C XM On Monday, March 4, Rabbi Amy from the School of Social Work, Columbia Bolton will open the series with the topic University, will discuss “Challenges in Inter- “Giving Care and Caring for Ourselves: Generational Relationships: Staying Close, The Spiritual Odyssey of the Mitzvah of and Letting Go.” Respecting Your Parents.” These events, open to the public, The second presentation will be given will be held in the OZ library beginning at on Monday, April 8 by Robert M. Freedman, 7:30 p.m. An informal discussion with an attorney specializing in elder law. He refreshments will follow each speaker’s will speak on “Legal Aspects of Eldercare: presentation, ending by 9:00 p.m. abbi Wechsler can be heard on RSiriusXM Stars Channel three times each Sunday. From February to May, the program will be emanating from OR ZARUA ORAL HISTORY PROJECT Jerusalem. Subscribers to SiriusXM he Oral History committee, chaired by Mimi Alperin, continues to collect materials, Satellite Radio can access “Rabbi Tsuch as memories and artifacts, from the early days of Congregation Or Zarua. Wechsler Teaches” on Channel 107. If you have a submission for the Oral History Project, please contact Caroline Golden Nonsubscribers can obtain a free, at [email protected] or Gerry Solomon at [email protected]. Questions three-day trial at www.siriusxm.com. should be directed to Meredith Katz at [email protected].

5 CONGREGATION OR ZARUA MARCH/APRIL 2013 The Torah Learning Coalition Achdut (Unity) through Torah learning and the vibrancy of the East Side Jewish community

he Torah Learning Coalition (TLC) show the value of being part of a syna- Sayings) of the Fathers. Between Pesah is a consortium of several East gogue community while learning from and and Shavuot it is traditional to take a new Side synagogues which have with each other. chapter each week and study it for its joined together to invite each More information will be coming soon essential messages of how to live freely Tothers’ members across their about the schedule of learning opportuni- and ethically. thresholds to share in the vibrant Jewish ties that will be offered between Pesah Join this groundbreaking project and life and Torah learning opportunities in our and Shavuot. A weekly /class will be be part of the broader Jewish community, neighborhoods. The purpose of the TLC given at an area synagogue in the TLC, as we take pride in being members of is to promote community, Torah learning, and our rabbis’ hopes are that we will join our own synagogues. Watch for schedules and engagement of , regardless of together in achdut—unity—to study Pirke and locations. denominational background. We seek to Avot, our major treatise on Ethics (or —RABBI SCOTT N. BOLTON

OZ Crafts Club Chemo Caps TORAH STUDY Supporting children at Ronald McDonald House THIS SUMMER

IAGREENSTEIN MINA AT JTS Programs for adults and high school juniors and seniors ant to study at JTS this summer? WCredit and noncredit courses are being offered, including “Nishma: A Summer of Torah Study” in the JTS Beit (the only North American summer Talmud program that integrates university-level Hebrew study with intensive beit midrash-style learning); JustCity, a precollege program that provides rising high school juniors and seniors with the chance to integrate Jewish learning with community service, and Summer Sessions I, II, and III. For more information about any JTS spring and summer courses, programs, and events, please contact Bonnie G. Biondi at (212) 678-8056 or [email protected].

In conjunction with the Hesed Committee, Or Zarua’s Crafts Club knitted many chemo EDITOR’S NOTE caps and scarves for children residing at Ronald McDonald House while undergoing ave an idea or article that is suitable chemotherapy. These colorful caps were knitted in a range of sizes to fit children of all Hfor publication in the OZ Newsletter? ages, including babies and teenagers. Now that Ronald McDonald House is well stocked, If so, please contact Charlie Spielholz the Crafts Club will be moving on to other projects. If you are interested in joining the at [email protected]. All copy for Crafts Club, please leave a message with the synagogue office at 212-452-0809, the May/June 2013 issue should be extension 39. For additional information on OZ hesed activities, please see the Hesed received by Monday, April 1. Events and Programs column on page 12.

6 WWW.ORZARUA.ORG MARCH/APRIL 2013 A Thank You from S’derot, Israel Proceeds of the OZ Talent Show contributed to the Gil Rabin School

ach year, OZ’s Youth Education Department sponsors a talent show. Proceeds from the show benefit the Gil Rabin School’s indoor game facility in S’derot, Israel. This facility, built with JNF funds, provides a safe place for children Eto play during rocket attacks emanating from some of Israel’s neighbors. The principal of the school wrote a beautiful letter thanking our Youth Education Department for its support. Below is a of the letter (shown at right) by Ilana Burgess. —CHARLIE SPIELHOLZ Dear Ilana Burgess and Congregation Or Zarua: Let me thank you from the bottom of my heart for the gener- ous donation that the students of your religious school made to our school. Each time the students of your Congregation so generously support us, we are profoundly touched. A special thanks to the student who celebrated becoming Bat Mitzvah and decided to donate to our community. We were able to purchase board games and other equipment that our kids use during the long stretches that we must be in our indoor, protected playground. Knowing that you are thinking of us, and that you support us, warms our hearts. We look forward to continuing the connections that we have developed with your community, and we would be delighted if even more personal relationships are forged among the students and families in both of our communities. With great thanks and yishar koach! Etti Azran School Principal

Rabbi Bolton Interviewed By kindergarten and first grade students of the Or Zarua Hebrew School (see photo on page 1)

ach year, the kindergarten and school for four years and then I continued course, welcoming a new baby to the first grade students of Or Zarua’s for three more years. I studied a total of world; the saddest is when someone is Hebrew School interview the seven years to become a rabbi. leaving our world. rabbi. This was Rabbi Bolton’s Mayan: What did you do before you Hanna: Why did you become a rabbi? Efirst annual interview. After greet- became a rabbi? Rabbi Bolton: Because I am Jewish— ing each other and singing “Am Israel Rabbi Bolton: I was a painter, artist, as we all are—and it is important that Chai,” (We are alive, the Jewish faith is and photographer—just like , who is we practice Judaism, and I wanted to be alive, and this the reason that we are all taking the pictures. I also worked in an where I can do the most good. here), to a guitar accompaniment, the organization that supported the Fire Noah: What do you like the most students asked their questions. Here are Department, making sure they had all the about being a rabbi? selections from the interview. equipment they needed. Rabbi Bolton: The thing I like the Sam: Did you have to go to a special Harry: What is the happiest and the most is that I can read and learn. Isn’t school to become a rabbi? saddest thing you had to do as a rabbi? that great to be able to read and learn Rabbi Bolton: Yes, I went to one Rabbi Bolton: The happiest is, of all day?

7 CONGREGATION OR ZARUA MARCH/APRIL 2013 Ahavat Zion: Programs for All to Enjoy! from the Or Zarua Israel Committee

Israeli Youth Emissary Program, their experiences. We ask that you submit key political leaders, and leading military Monday, March 18 questions one week prior to the event to analysts. This UJA mission is designed to G Growing up in Israel on the cusp of the Ilana Burgess at [email protected]. excite your curiosity and deepen your 21st century is a unique experience. How Or Zarua’s Youth will be having dinner with connection to Judaism, our people, and is life different for teenagers and young the speakers prior to the event from 5:00 your Ahavat Israel, love of Israel. For more adults in Israel from that of those in New p.m. to 6:00 p.m. For more information, information, contact Aliza Kaplan at 212- York? You can find out by meeting with contact Ilana Burgess at 212-452-2310, 779-3300, extension 105. To register, young who will be visiting OZ on extension 15 or Aliza Kaplan at aka- please contact Susan Flanders at flanderss March 18. This Israeli Youth Emissary [email protected]. @ujafedny.org or 212-836-1813. Program features young men and women Independence Day Mission to Israel Erev Yom Ha’atzmaut, from Friends of the IDF and Mechinat Ein with UJA Monday, April 15, 7:30 p.m. Prat. (Mechinat Ein Prat is a joint religious G From Saturday, April 13 to Friday, April G Or Zarua will celebrate Israel’s Independ- and secular preparatory program in Israel 19, in celebration of Israel’s 65th ence Day with delicious food, drink and song! that works to bridge gaps in Israeli society Anniversary, an Or Zarua group will take Celebrate Israel Parade, through education focusing on , part in the UJA-William Rosenwald Mission Sunday, June 2 leadership, Judaism, political science, to Israel. Be in Israel for Independence G Congregation Or Zarua will march as a and philosophy, and intensive volunteering Day! Discover unique Israeli attractions— group up Fifth Avenue in the Celebrate community service). The entire Congre- archaeological digs, ancient cities, ports, Israel Parade. There will be preparation gation is invited to meet young Israeli rare treasures, exclusive museum exhibits, activities prior to the parade. Please men and women in the social hall from biblical artifacts, landmarks, and much watch for our step-off time, which will be 6:15 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. to learn about more. Meet with top government officials, announced closer to the date.

Family and Youth Activities Congregational programs for all ages

March 2013 “The Siddur and the Haggadah: Saturday, April 20 • 10:30 a.m. Investigations of Text, Song and Prayer” JUNIOR CONGREGATION Sunday, March 3 • 10:00 a.m. Reservations required. Details on page 3. For second grade and older. Services led MUSICALITY WORKSHOP with “Song and by students, teachers, and parents. Instrument” program for children. Sunday, March 17 • 10:00 a.m. Details on page 5. MUSICALITY WORKSHOP with “Cook, Saturday, April 20 • 9:00 p.m. Create, and Paint” program for children. SPRING SLEEPOVER for second grade and Sunday, March 3 • 1:00 p.m. Details on page 5. older, starting with movies at 9:30 p.m. USY SUNDAY All USYers and Jewish teens are invited! Monday, March 18 • 5:00 p.m. Sunday, April 21 • 4:00 p.m. ISRAELI YOUTH EMISSARY PROGRAM PJ LIBRARY: “Go Israel” Saturday, March 9 • 10:00 a.m. Details on page 8. TEEN-LED MINYAN in the library. Saturday, April 27 • 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, March 26 • 8:00 p.m. TEEN-LED MINYAN in the library. Saturday, March 16 • 9:00 a.m. OZ CONGREGATIONAL SECOND SEDER SHABBAT HAYELED Reservations required. Details on page 15. May 2013 Celebrating our children. Details on page 3. Monday, May 6 • TBD Saturday, March 16 • 10:00 a.m. April 2013 OZ YOUTH EDUCATION DEPARTMENT JUNIOR CONGREGATION Sunday, April 7 • 7:00 p.m. OPEN HOUSE For second grade and older. Services led YOM HASHOAH PROGRAM. For more information about these events, by students, teachers, and parents. HOLOCAUST MEMORIAL EVENT please contact Ilana Burgess, OZ’s Youth Friday–Saturday, March 15–16 Monday, April 15 • 7:30 p.m. Education Director, at 212-452-2310, SHABBATON WITH ELIEZER DIAMOND, YOM HAZIKARON AND extension 15, or [email protected]. Rabbi Judah Nadich Professor YOM HA’ATZMAUT PROGRAM of Talmud and Rabbinics at JTS.

8 WWW.ORZARUA.ORG MARCH/APRIL 2013 Tu B’Shevat Activities at the Or Zarua Hebrew School RZRAYUHEUAINDEP EDUCATION YOUTH ZARUA OR ARTMENT

The Or Zarua Hebrew School students studied the history and customs of Tu B’Shevat, the New Year of the Trees. In these photographs, the students are shown preparing decorations inspired by the holiday for the children at Ronald McDonald House. The decorations were used on Tu B’Shevat Night at Ronald McDonald House, a buffet dinner with singing and dancing, that is hosted annually by Congregation Or Zarua. The festive dinner is designed for all the young patients and their families who are residing at Ronald McDonald House.

WELCOMING GUESTS AT OZ It is important for us as a community to make guests and new members at our services and kiddushim feel comfortable and welcome. If you are seated next to someone whom you do not know or see a new face at kiddush, please reach out and introduce yourself. Making this effort is consistent with our culture and will repay dividends.

9 127 East 82nd Street G New York, NY 10028 G 212-452-2310 March 2013 Adar/Nisan 5773

SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY

1 G 19 Adar 2 G 20 7:15 am Minyan Shabbat Parah 5:28 pm Candlelighting, 9:00 am Shaharit Minhah/Kabbalat Shabbat Zimriyah, after services 6:33 pm Shabbat ends

3 G 21 4 G 22 5 G 23 6 G 24 7 G 25 8 G 26 9 G 27 8:45 am Minyan 7:15 am Minyan 7:15 am Minyan 7:15 am Minyan 7:15 am Minyan 7:15 am Minyan Shabbat Hahodesh 10:00 am Or Zarua 7:30 pm Series on 7:00 pm Context 8:00 pm Talmud Class 8:35 am Keva and 5:36 pm Candlelighting, 9:00 am Shaharit Musicality Workshop with Eldercare with Rabbi Kavanna: Siddur Class Minhah/Kabbalat Shabbat -Pekude "Song and Instrument" Amy Bolton 10:00 am Teen-Led program for children 8:00 pm Mark Somerstein Minyan 1:00 pm USY Tikkun Olam Class 6:41 pm Shabbat ends Sunday

10 G 28 11 G 29 12 G 1 Nisan 13 G 2 14 G 3 15 G 4 16 G 5 8:45 am Minyan 7:15 am Minyan Rosh Hodesh Nisan 7:15 am Minyan 7:15 am Minyan 7:15 am Minyan 9:00 am Shaharit: Daylight Savings begins 8:00 pm Mark Somerstein 7:00 am Minyan 8:00 pm Talmud Class 8:35 am Keva and 6:00 pm Minhah/Kabbalat Shabbaton with Rabbi Torah Reading Class (final) 7:00 pm Context with guest teacher Kavanna: Siddur Class Shabbat Dr. Eliezer Diamond 9:00 am Shabbat Hayeled Rabbi Nevins (JTS) 7:30 pm OZ Musicality 6:44 pm Candlelighting 10:00 am Jr. Congregation Workshop: Come Sing! Shabbaton with Rabbi 6:25 pm Minhah Dr. Eliezer Diamond 7:49 pm Shabbat ends

17 G 6 18 G 7 19 G 8 20 G 9 21 G 10 22 G 11 23 G 12 8:45 am Minyan 7:15 am Minyan 7:15 am Minyan 7:15 am Minyan 7:15 am Minyan 7:15 am Minyan Shabbat Hagadol 10:00 am Or Zarua Israeli Youth Emissary 7:00 pm Context 8:00 pm Talmud Class 8:35 am Keva and 6:00 pm Minhah/Kabbalat 9:00 am Shaharit Musicality Workshop with Program Kavanna: Siddur Class Shabbat "Cook, Create and Paint” 5:00 pm Youth 6:51 pm Candlelighting 7:56 pm Shabbat ends Pesah program for children 6:00 pm all OZ members 7:30 pm Book Discussion

24 G 13 25 G 14 26 G 15 27 G 16 28 G 17 29 G 18 30 G 19 8:45 am Minyan / 1st Day of Pesah 2nd Day of Pesah Hol Hamoed Hol Hamoed Shabbat Hol Hamoed 9:00 am Shaharit 9:00 am Shaharit 3rd Day of Pesah 4th Day of Pesah 5th Day of Pesah 7:00 am Minyan 7:15 pm Minhah/Ma’ariv 7:56 pm Festival Ends 7:00 am Minyan 7:00 am Minyan 8:45 am Shaharit Erev Pesah 8:00 pm Or Zarua 6:40 pm Minhah/Seudah 6:55 pm Candlelighting Congregational Seder Office closed 8:35 am Keva and 6:00 pm Minhah/Kabbalat Shlishit Lecture with First Seder Light candles after 7:54 pm Hebrew School closed Kavanna: Siddur Class Shabbat Rabbi Bolton/Ma’ariv 1:00 pm Office closes Second Seder No Talmud Class 6:59 pm Candlelighting Hebrew School closed Office closed/No Context 8:04 pm Shabbat ends 127 East 82nd Street G New York, NY 10028 G 212-452-2310 April 2013 Nisan/Iyar 5773

SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY

31 G 20 Nisan 1 G 21 2 G 22 3 G 23 4 G 24 5 G 25 6 G 26 Hol Hamoed 7th Day of Pesah Last Day of Pesah 7:15 am Minyan 7:15 am Minyan 7:15 am Minyan 9:00 am Shaharit 6th Day of Pesah 9:00 Shaharit 9:00 am Shaharit Hebrew School resumes 8:35 am Keva and 6:15 pm Minhah/Kabbalat Shemini 8:45 am Minyan Last Day of Pesah Yizkor 8:00 pm Talmud Class Kavanna: Siddur Class Shabbat B’nai Mitzvah of 6:15 pm Minhah/Ma’ariv Erev 7th Day of Pesah 8:02 pm Festival ends 7:06 pm Candlelighting and Benjamin Plevin Light candles after 8:01 pm 6:00 pm Minhah/Ma’ariv Office closed 8:11 pm Shabbat ends Office closed No Context class 7:01 pm Candlelighting Hebrew School closed

7 G 27 8 G 28 9 G 29 10 G 30 11 G 1 Iyar 12 G 2 13 G 3 Yom HaShoah 7:15 am Minyan 7:15 am Minyan Rosh Hodesh Iyar Rosh Hodesh Iyar 7:15 am Minyan 9:00 am Shaharit 8:45 am Minyan 7:30 pm “Series on 7:00 pm Context 7:00 am Minyan 7:00 am Minyan 6:15 pm Minhah/Kabbalat - 10:00 am Ashley Adult Eldercare with Robert M. 8:00 pm Talmud Class 8:35 am Keva and Shabbat 8:19 pm Shabbat ends Education Course Freedman Kavanna: Siddur Class 7:13 pm Candlelighting 7:00 pm Holocaust Memorial Event

14 G 4 15 G 5 16 G 6 17 G 7 18 G 8 19 G 9 20 G 10 8:45 am Minyan Yom HaZikaron Yom Ha’atzmaut 7:15 am Minyan 7:15 am Minyan 7:15 am Minyan 9:00 am Shaharit Aharei Mot/ 10:00 am Ashley Adult 7:15 am Minyan 7:00 am Minyan 8:00 pm Talmud Class 8:35 am Keva and 6:15 pm Minhah/Kabbalat Bar Mitzvah of Erev Yom Ha’atzmaut Education Course 7:00 pm Context Kavanna: Siddur Class Shabbat Hart Rapaport 7:30 pm Yom HaZikaron/ 7:21 pm Candlelighting 10:30 am Jr. Congregation Yom Ha’atzmaut program 8:26 pm Shabbat ends 9:00 pm Spring Sleepover and Movies

21 G 11 22 G 12 23 G 13 24 G 14 25 G 15 26 G 16 27 G 17 8:45 am Minyan 7:15 am Minyan 7:15 am Minyan 7:15 am Minyan 7:15 am Minyan 7:15 am Minyan 9:00 am Shaharit 10:00 am Ashley Adult 7:00 pm Context 8:00 pm Talmud Class 8:35 am Keva and 6:15 pm Minhah/Kabbalat Education Course Kavanna: Siddur Class Shabbat 10:00 am Teen-Led 4:00 pm PJ Library 7:28 pm Candlelighting Minyan 8:33 pm Shabbat ends

28 G 18 29 G 19 30 G 20 Lag B’Omer 7:15 am Minyan 7:15 am Minyan 8:45 am Shaharit 7:30 pm Series on 7:00 pm Context 10:00 am Ashley Adult Eldercare with Renee Education Course Solomon CONGREGATION OR ZARUA MARCH/APRIL 2013 Program Sponsorships For the year 5773 (2012–2013) CONGREGATION OR ZARUA

Please consider full or partial sponsorship April 15 OFFICE HOURS of our programs. For additional information, YOM HA’ATZMAUT, $1,800 Monday through Thursday please contact the synagogue office at May 14 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. 212-452-2310, extension 14. TIKKUN LEYL SHAVUOT PANEL WITH March 15-16 CHEESECAKE AND ICE CREAM, $1,500 Friday SHABBATON May 9:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. ANNUAL MEETING DINNER, $2,500 with Rabbi Eliezer Diamond T he Or Zarua office is closed Saturday Sponsored in full June and Sunday, as well as on Jewish and March 26 END-OF-YEAR KIDDUSH LUNCH, $3,000 federal holidays. SECOND NIGHT SEDER, $5,000

Hesed Events and Programs OZ Cemetery “The world exists for the sake of kindness.”— Gravesites for members

Salvation Deliverance Church Shelter’s East 81st Street Residence on he Or Zarua section of Beth El G “Pre-owned” adult and children’s clothing, the last two Mondays of each month from Cemetery is located in Washington toys, dolls, games, and related items can 6:00 to 6:45 p.m., when the residents’ TTownship (Bergen County), New Jersey, just 10 miles away from the George be put to good use by the many transitional government checks are depleted. Washington Bridge. Beth El Cemetery is homeless residents in the South Bronx, Ronald McDonald House well maintained and landscaped with including single, jobless mothers and their G Children come from across the U.S. and trees and shrubs. The cemetery’s design children, as well as unemployed men. OZ around the world to undergo serious med- provides a serene and beautiful final partners with Salvation Deliverance Church, ical treatment at New York City hospitals. resting place that reflects the values and whose members are housekeepers caring Many reside with their families at Ronald aesthetics of Congregation Or Zarua. for their own local needy. McDonald House and have no local support Gravesites within the Or Zarua section are Butterfly and Hummingbird Garden system of friends or relatives. The chaplain available for sale solely to members of G “Green thumbs” are needed from spring at Ronald McDonald House alerts us when our Congregation. Burial is limited to per- through fall to help care for Ronald OZ may be of service to Jewish families sons of the Jewish faith. For information McDonald House’s 7th Floor Terrace who may require kosher meals, synagogue concerning gravesite purchases, please Butterfly and Hummingbird Garden. services, and other assistance. contact the synagogue office at 212-452- 2310, extension 14. Home Visit Volunteers Chemotherapy Caps G BRENNER HARVEY G Volunteer to visit and cheer ill or home- Attractive knitted caps in all sizes for children from babies to teenagers residing bound Or Zarua Congregants. at Ronald McDonald House while undergo- Monday Night Pasta and Salad at NCS ing chemotherapy are welcome donations. G Or Zarua Congregants serve hot food To participate in any of these Hesed and good cheer to men and women with programs, please contact Richard Stadin a range of mental health and addiction at [email protected] or 212-879-0448. issues at the Neighborhood Coalition

TORAH READERS NEEDED If you are able to read Torah or haftarah and would like to do so on a Shabbat, please contact Marc Ashley ([email protected]) or Jay Palmer ([email protected]). You may also sign up online at www.orzarua.org by choosing “Read Torah” under the “Prayer” drop-down menu. A view of the Or Zarua cemetery section.

12 WWW.ORZARUA.ORG MARCH/APRIL 2013

Or Zarua Book Discussions TALMUD CLASS Unorthodox: The Scandalous Rejection of My Hasidic Roots Wednesdays at 8:00 p.m. by Deborah Feldman, Sunday, March 17, 7:30 p.m. in the OZ Library This year we are continuing our study lease join us for our next into an of Tractate , which deals with Or Zarua book discussion on arranged the laws of capital punishment, the Sunday, March 17, at 7:30 p.m. marriage with composition of the courts, and judicial in Or Zarua’s library. We will a man she procedures. discuss Unorthodox: The Scan- meets once P Anyone may join the class at any time; dalous Rejection of My Hasidic Roots, a before the it is not necessary to have participated memoir by Deborah Feldman wedding. in Talmud class previously to join the Deborah Feldman was born into the This class now. Talmud class will be taught Satmar Hasidim community in Brooklyn to memoir, by Rabbi Wechsler. When he is out of a mentally disabled father and a mother Unorthodox, town, Rabbi Bolton will teach. who fled the sect. Raised by devout grand- unrolls the parents, who forbade her to read in story of her No prior knowledge of Talmud, Hebrew, English, Feldman rebelled as a youngster marital crisis, or Aramaic is required. against the strict standards of the com- her break- munity, smuggling into her room books by down, and her escape from the world she Jane Austen and Louisa May Alcott bor- had known all her life. rowed from the public library. Her boldest Jeannette Walls calls the book “a OR ZARUA MINYAN childhood revolt: she buys an English brave, riveting account of her journey. translation of the Talmud, which would Unorthodox is harrowing, yet triumphant.” ontact Sheldon Adler at sadler@ otherwise be kept from her, so that she If you would like more information Cskadden.com or choose “Daily might understand the prayers and stories on Or Zarua book discussions or have a Minyan” under the “Prayer” menu on that are central to her Satmar life. book suggestion, please contact Deborah www.orzarua.org to sign up for a day Tensions escalated when at 17, hoping to Wenger in the synagogue office at or two each month. escape scrutiny and gossip, she enters [email protected].

HEBREW SCHOOL CALENDAR

LIFE EVENTS March 2013 Mon 15 Classes in session at Congregation Or Zarua Mon 4 Classes in session Wed 17 Classes in session community such as ours shares Wed 6 Classes in session Sat 20 Junior Congregation, 10:30 a.m. good times and bad with its Mon 11 Classes in session Mon 22 Classes in session Amembers. When something good Wed 24 Classes in session Wed 13 Classes in session happens in your family—birth, gradua- Mon 29 Classes in session tion, engagement, or marriage—let us Sat 16 Shabbat Hayeled, 9:00 a.m. share your joy. When something bad Junior Congregation, 10:00 a.m. May 2013 happens—illness, hospitalization, or a Mon 18 Model Seder Wed 1 Classes in session death in your family—let us share your Wed 20 Classes in session burden. Mon 6 B’nei Jeshurun Mon 25 Pesah (no classes) Sometimes people are reluctant Wed 8 Classes in session to communicate these issues on their Wed 27 Pesah (no classes) Mon 13 Classes in session own. If you know of a member who is coping with illness or loss, please April 2013 Wed 15 Shavuot (no classes) contact the OZ office at 212-452-2310, Mon 1 Pesah (no classes) Sat 18 Junior Congregation, extension 12 or 14, so that Rabbi Wed 3 School resumes 10:30 a.m. Bolton can be informed. Mon 8 Classes in session Mon 20 Classes in session Wed 10 Classes in session Wed 22 Last day of school

13 CONGREGATION OR ZARUA MARCH/APRIL 2013 Guidelines for Passover

The guidelines below were prepared for Following are some general guide- broth and/ or hydrolyzed protein, even the Committee on lines. Consult Rabbi Bolton when there is when packed in water), wine, vinegar, Jewish Law and Standards by Rabbi Mayer any doubt about the status of a product. liquor, oil, dried fruit, ice cream, yogurt, Rabinowitz. They were accepted by the Examine the Kosher le-Pesah label: If it and soda. Committee on December 12, 1984 and does not bear the name of a rabbi, does The following processed foods are updated annually by Rabbi Bolton. not contain one of the recognized symbols (canned, bottled, or frozen) DO require a Remember that the kosher for Passover of rabbinic supervision, or is not integral Kosher le-Pesah label if purchased during home is a unique and transcendent experi- to the package, check with the rabbi. Pesah: milk and milk products, butter, ence for adults as well as children. Pesah juice, vegetables, fruit, spices, coffee, tea, feels different to the extent that it is differ- Foods fish, and meat. ent, and special foods and practices are G Prohibited foods: leavened bread, the source of the special experience. cake, biscuits, crackers, cereal, coffee Non-Food Items G Detergent. If permitted during the he Torah prohibits the ownership containing cereal derivatives, wheat, year, powdered and liquid detergents DO of hametz (leaven) during Pesah. barley, oats, spelt, rye, and all liquids con- NOT require a Kosher le-Pesah label. Therefore, we arrange for the taining ingredients or flavors made from G Medicine. Because many pills are sale of the hametz to a non-Jew. grain alcohol. made with hametz binders, follow this The sale—mekhirat hametz—is According to Ashkenazic custom, the T following foods—kitniyot—are added to guideline: If the medicine is required for accomplished by appointing an agent, usu- life-sustaining therapy, it may be used on ally the rabbi, to handle the transfer. The the prohibited list: rice, corn, millet, and Pesah; if it is not for life-sustaining thera- transaction is a valid and legal transfer of legumes (beans and peas; but string py, some authorities permit, while others ownership. At the end of the holiday, the beans are permitted). The Committee on prohibit the use of the medicine. Consult agent arranges for the reversion of owner- Jewish Law and Standards has ruled unan- Rabbi Bolton. ship of the now-permitted hametz. If own- imously that peanuts and peanut oil are ership of the hametz was not transferred permissible. In contrast, Sephardic author- before the holiday, the use of this hametz ities permit the use of all kitniyot on Kashering G is prohibited even after the holiday Pesah. Utensils. The process of kashering (hametz she-aver alav ha-Pesah). G Permitted foods that DO NOT utensils depends on how the utensils are The Torah also prohibits the eating of require a Kosher le-Pesah label: used. According to halakhah, leaven can hametz during Pesah. We often need guid- fresh fruit, fresh vegetables (for legumes, be purged from a utensil by the same ance when shopping and preparing for the see above), and eggs. process through which it was absorbed holiday because many common foods con- G Permitted foods that DO require a into the utensil (ke-voleo kakh poleto). tain some admixture of hametz. Kosher le-Pesah label: all baked products Therefore, utensils used in cooking are During the eight days of Pesah, (matzah, cake, matzah flour, matzah farfel, kashered by boiling, those used in broiling hametz does not lose its identity, even in matzah meal, and any other products con- are kashered by fire and heat, and those an admixture. Therefore, the minutest taining matzah), canned or bottled fruit used only for cold food are kashered by amount of hametz renders the whole juice (often clarified with kitniyot, which rinsing. G admixture hametz, and its use on Pesah is are not listed among the ingredients), Earthenware. China, pottery, etc. prohibited. canned tuna (often processed in vegetable may not be kashered. However, fine

WHAT IS THE FAST OF THE FIRSTBORN? WHY ONLY THE MALE FIRSTBORN? Ta’anit bekhorim, the Fast of the Firstborn, is a custom In the ancient world, male firstborns were subject to Temple observed on the day before Pesah to commemorate our grati- service. It was this hierarchy that was the target of the tenth tude for surviving the pre-Exodus tenth plague, which smote all plague. firstborn Egyptians but spared all firstborn . It is a dawn-to-dusk fast, which this year falls on Monday, March 25. HOW CAN A FIRSTBORN AVOID FASTING? The mitzvah of attending a siyum—a completion of the reading WHO IS CONSIDERED A FIRSTBORN? of a tractate of Talmud—overrides the mitzvah of observing this A firstborn is a male child who is the first child born either to fast. Firstborns can opt to attend a siyum, which is followed by his mother or to his father. Even if he is the first male born a festive meal. The meal is part of the deal, so the fast is legiti- to either parent, having an older sister precludes his firstborn mately broken. Synagogues facilitate this choice for firstborns status—he is not the first child. by scheduling a siyum for the morning before Pesah.

14 WWW.ORZARUA.ORG MARCH/APRIL 2013 translucent chinaware that has not been then the appliance cannot be kashered. used for over a year may be used for However, all exposed parts should be thor- CONGREGATIONAL Pesah if scoured and cleaned in hot water. oughly cleaned in either case. SECOND SEDER G Metal. Utensils made entirely of G Tables, closets, and countertops. metal and used in fire (such as a spit or If they have come into contact with Tuesday, March 26, 8 p.m. broiler) must first be thoroughly scrubbed, hametz, surfaces should be thoroughly immediately following services, cleaned, and then heated to the highest cleaned and covered before use. which begin at 7:15 p.m. possible temperature. Utensils used for G Kitchen sinks. Metal sinks must be cooking or eating (such as silverware or thoroughly cleaned and then doused with We invite you, your family, and your pots) must be thoroughly scrubbed, boiling water. Porcelain sinks must be thor- friends to share the second Seder with cleaned, and then completely immersed in oughly cleaned and outfitted with a sink us on Tuesday, March 26. Services will boiling water. These metal objects should rack. Items may be soaked in a basin start at 7:15 p.m. Our Congregational not be used for a period of at least 24 placed inside a porcelain sink. Seder, led by Rabbi Bolton, begins hours between the cleaning and the G Hametz and non-Passover items. at 8:00 p.m., immediately following immersion in boiling water. Metal baking In order to prevent accidental use, all non- services. utensils cannot be kashered for Pesah. Passover kitchen items and hametz whose Please make Seder reservations by G Ovens and ranges. Every part that ownership has been transferred should be FRIDAY, MARCH 15 comes into contact with food must be separated from Passover items, marked, at 212-452-2310, extension 39 thoroughly scrubbed, cleaned, and then covered, and placed in a locked area. or www.orzarua.org. heated to the highest possible tempera- An ever-increasing variety of Kosher OZ Members and Guests: $75 adults; ture for a half hour. For ovens with no self- le-Pesah products is available in local $50 children aged 8 and under. cleaning feature, use the broil setting; for markets as well as in the specially dedicated Non-members: $125 adults; $55 self-cleaning ovens, use the self-cleaning Pesah stores that appear each year. children aged 8 and under. feature to achieve the highest tempera- Patronize these special Pesah stores, for ture. Continuous-cleaning ovens must be they provide an important service to the Watch your mail for an invitation. kashered in the same manner as regular Jewish community. ovens. G Microwave ovens. These do not cook food by means of heat. After the interior is cleaned, place a cup of water OMER BASICS inside. Keep the oven on until the water disappears. A microwave oven that has a What’s an omer? An omer is a unit of measure for cut sheaves of a grain crop. browning element cannot be kashered for The 49-day period between the second day of Pesah and the day before Shavuot is Pesah. referred to as the period of sefirat ha’omer—the . G Glassware. Drinking glasses and stemware require only a thorough clean- Why do we count it? The Torah tells us in Parashat Emor (Leviticus 23:15-16) that an ing, by hand or in a dishwasher, before omer of barley was brought to the Temple on the second day of Pesah as a “wave Pesah. offering.” This omer of barley consisted of newly harvested grain, and new barley G Glass cookware. There is a differ- could not be eaten until the omer offering was brought. Starting on the second day of ence of opinion as to whether glass cook- Pesah, 49 days were counted, at the end of which Shavuot was celebrated and an ware should be kashered. One opinion is offering was brought to the Temple from the early summer’s wheat harvest. The that it must be kashered—after a thor- counting, sefirat ha’omer, is done at nightfall each day during the seven weeks. The ough cleaning, boil water in the cookware counting of the omer connects the Exodus from Egypt with the giving of the Torah at so that it overflows the rim. The other Mt. Sinai. In eagerness, we count the days of waiting for the revelation. opinion is that only a thorough cleaning is How do we observe it? For a period of time during the counting of the omer it is required. traditional to observe certain semi-mourning customs, such as postponing weddings G Glass bakeware. Like metal bake- and foregoing haircuts. This tradition may have an agricultural origin in that the period ware, glass bakeware may not be kash- leading up to the summer harvest is a time of concern for the continuing safety of ered for Pesah. the crop. But also during this time of year in the second century CE, some 24,000 of G Dishwashers. Clean any food trap Rabbi Akiva’s students perished—they were most likely killed by the Romans. or filter and leave the dishwasher unused for 24 hours. Then, complete a full wash What is Lag B’Omer? Lag B’Omer is the 33rd day of the counting—“lag” is an cycle with detergent. acronym made up of lamed (30) and gimel (3). The massive fatalities of Rabbi Akiva’s G Electrical appliances. If parts that students halted on that day, and the customs of semi-mourning are suspended. come into contact with hametz are remov- Lag B’Omer is observed as the yahrzeit of Rabbi Shimon bar Yohai, the person said able, they can be kashered in the appropri- to have authored the mystical book, The Zohar. This year Lag B’Omer begins on the ate way (if metal, follow the rule for metal night of Sunday, April 28. utensils). If the parts are not removable, 15 CONGREGATION OR ZARUA MARCH/APRIL 2013

Pesah Meal Match SCHEDULE OF First Seder, Monday, March 25 PASSOVER SERVICES 5773/2013

e value being a community interact—as we know there will be interest Sunday, March 24 and want all our members from our members. Congregants wishing Bedikat Hametz at night to have the opportunity to to be guests, please let us know what Monday, March 25 participate in the first Seder atmosphere is most attractive to you. Fast of the Firstborn/Siyum Seder. Would you like to Please note: This matching is available Shaharit 7:00 a.m. W E rev Pesah join an OZ family for the first Seder? Would only for members of Congregation Or Zarua. you be able to host OZ Congregants around If you would like to be a host or a Candlelighting 6:55 p.m. your Seder table? Please let us know and guest, please complete the form on page First Seder we will organize a first Seder match. 17 by 10:00 a.m., Friday, March 22, and Tuesday, March 26 We welcome hosts who celebrate in send it to the synagogue office or register First Day of Pesah many different ways—making their own online at www.orzarua.org by clicking Shaharit 9:00 a.m. Haggadah, following the traditional one, “Events & News” (in blue on the right of Erev Second Day of Pesah or offering children lots of opportunity to the page). Minhah/Ma’ariv 7:15 p.m. Candlelighting after 7:54 p.m. Second Seder 8:00 p.m. (Congregational) Ma’ot Hittim Fund Wednesday, March 27 Assist needy Jews to prepare for Passover Second Day of Pesah Shaharit 9:00 a.m. Yom Tov ends 7:56 p.m. he Haggadah tells us that every Jew ma’ot hittim (wheat money), to two com- Thursday, March 28 must experience the Exodus from munal organizations—the Joint Passover Hol Hamoed TEgypt, and the Mishnah tells us that Appeal in New York and the New York Minyan 7:00 a.m. a Jew should drink four cups of wine at Board of Rabbis—for distribution to Friday, March 29 needy Jews. the Seder, even if they come from the Hol Hamoed public dole. We hope that you will give generously Minyan 7:00 a.m. We therefore raise special funds to the fund as many will benefit from Shabbat each year to assist less fortunate Jews your kindness. Please make your check Minhah/Kabbalat Shabbat 6:00 p.m. who cannot afford to prepare for payable to Congregation Or Zarua and Candlelighting 6:59 p.m. Passover. We forward the funds, called write Ma’ot Hittim Fund on the memo line. Saturday, March 30 Shabbat Shaharit 8:45 a.m. Minhah/Seudah Shlishit 6:40 p.m. Sell Your Hametz Lecture with Rabbi Bolton/Ma’ariv Rabbi Bolton will arrange the transaction Shabbat ends 8:04 p.m. Sunday, March 31 Hol Hamoed efore Passover, we are required to Send the completed form on page 17 Minyan 8:45 a.m. “sell” any hametz in the household to the synagogue office no later than noon Erev Seventh Day of Pesah Bto a non-Jew. The transaction is on Thursday, March 21 or email it to Minhah/Ma’ariv 6:00 p.m. normally arranged by the rabbi to ensure [email protected]. It is customary to Candlelighting 7:01 p.m. compliance with the requirements of enclose a contribution to Or Zarua’s Ma’ot Monday, April 1 halakhah. Hittim Fund with your authorization. Seventh Day of Pesah Shaharit 9:00 a.m. Erev Last Day of Pesah LECTURE WITH RABBI BOLTON Minhah/Ma’ariv 6:15 p.m. Packaging Engineering in Talmudic Times: A Memorial Lecture Candlelighting after 8:01 p.m. Saturday, March 30, during Seudah Shlishit Tuesday, April 2 Last Day of Pesah/Yizkor Rabbi Bolton will present a Seudah Shlishit lecture on “Packaging Engineering in Shaharit 9:00 a.m. Talmudic Times: A Memorial Lecture” on Saturday, March 30. Festival ends 8:02 p.m.

16 WWW.ORZARUA.ORG MARCH/APRIL 2013 Pesah Meal Match

We value being a community and want all our members to have the opportunity to participate in the first Seder. Would you like to join an OZ family for the first Seder? Would you be able to host OZ Congregants around your Seder table? Please let us know and we will organize a first Seder match.

I would like to participate in a first-night Seder on Monday, March 25 as a: (check one)

GUEST I prefer a Traditional Seder Innovative Seder Interactive Seder Are you planning to bring children? ______If yes, how many and what ages? ______Are there any food restrictions? ______

HOST I offer a Traditional Seder Innovative Seder Interactive Seder How many people will you host? ______How many children will be attending? ______What are their ages? ______Do you welcome children as guests? ______

Name ______Address ______City ______State _____Zip______Telephone ______Best time to call______

This meal match is available only for members of Congregation Or Zarua. Register at www.orzarua.org by clicking “Events & News” (in blue on the right of the page) or mail or fax this completed form by 10:00 a.m., Friday, March 22 to: CONGREGATION OR ZARUA, 127 EAST 82ND STREET, NEW YORK, NY 10028, FAX: 212-452-2103

Authorization for the Sale of Hametz

Dear Rabbi Bolton: In accordance with Jewish law, please sell all hametz in my possession at the locations listed below. Enclosed is my contribution to Or Zarua’s Ma’ot Hittim Fund.

Name ______Apt. No. ______Address ______City______State_____ Zip______

Other Locations (vacation home, office, etc): Address ______City______State_____ Zip______Address ______City______State_____ Zip______

Signature ______Date______

Send this completed form no later than noon on Thursday, March 21 to [email protected] or to: SCOTT N. BOLTON, RABBI CONGREGATION OR ZARUA, 127 EAST 82ND STREET, NEW YORK, NY 10028, FAX: 212-452-2103

17 CONGREGATION OR ZARUA 127 East 82nd Street New York, NY 10028-0807

CONGREGATION OR ZARUA MARCH/APRIL 2013 March/April Checklist

G OZ’s Eldercare Series begins on Monday night, March 4, with “Packaging Engineering in Talmudic Times: A Memorial Lecture,” Rabbi Amy Bolton and continues on Monday, April 8 with Attorney Saturday, March 30 (see page 16). Robert M. Freedman and Monday, April 29 with Professor of G Marc Ashley’s annual class between Pesah and Shavuot, Social Work Renee Solomon (see page 5). “‘A Tree of Life for Those Who Grasp It:’ Torah Study for Its Own G OZ’s Musicality Workshop meets at 10:00 a.m. on Sundays, Sake,” will meet on four Sundays, April 7, 14, 21, and 28, at March 3 and 17, and 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 14. 10:00 a.m. (see page 1). On Sundays, there will be concurrent programming for children G The Torah Learning Coalition will be meeting between Pesah (see page 5). and Shavuot (see page 6). G RSVP by Monday, Monday, March 11, for Rabbi Eliezer Diamond G The Holocaust Memorial Service will be Sunday, April 7 at Shabbaton dinner and lunch on March 15 and 16 (see page 3). 7:00 p.m. Contact Ilana Burgess, OZ’s Youth Education Director, G Shabbat Hayeled is Saturday, March 16, 9:00 a.m. (see page 3). at 212-452-2310, extension 15, or [email protected]. G OZ Book Discussion on Sunday, March 17, 7:30 p.m., features G Yom Hazikaron and Yom Ha’atzmaut program on Monday, Deborah Feldman’s Unorthodox: The Scandalous Rejection of My April 15, 7:30 p.m. (see page 8). Hasidic Roots (see page 13). G OZ’s Youth Education Department activities for March and April G Israeli Youth Emissary Program, Monday, March 18, 5:00–7:30 include a spring sleepover, movies, PJ Library, teen , and p.m. (see page 8). other events. See page 8 for a complete listing. G RSVP by Friday, March 15 for Or Zarua’s Second Seder on G The next exhibit in the Or Zarua Gallery is titled “Today I Am...” Tuesday, March 26 (see page 15). and will be opening soon (see page 4). G Contract to sell your hametz by noon Thursday, March 21 (see G Sign up for one of the Hesed activities listed on page 12. page 16 and form on page 17). G Talmud class meets on Wednesdays at 8:00 p.m. (see page 15). G Make a donation to the Ma’ot Hittim Fund (see pages 16 and 17). G Rabbi Bolton’s Siddur Class meets Thursdays at 8:35 a.m. in G Sign up for OZ’s Pesah Meal Match for the first Seder by 10:00 the OZ social hall (see page 2). a.m., Friday, March 22 (see page 16 and form on page 17). G “Rabbi Wechsler Teaches” is now broadcasting from Jerusalem G Attend the Seudah Shlishit lecture with Rabbi Bolton, (see page 5).

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