Volume 26, Issue 1

CONGREGATION LEVI YI TZCHOK OF HANCOCK PARK 5772/2015

Chabad Chodesh Nisan 5775

to bring their sacrifices in Nisan, Nisan, in sacrifices their bring to began Nesiim The custom ]: [Maseches a Chachamim the community, of words the theon based on fast a to Nisan, of twelfth dedicate the Mishkan. the until first the from sacrifices brought tribes, the The sacrifices. first the sons his and Aharon Rabeinu and BCE) (1312 2449 1, Nisan The dedication of the Mishkan redeemed. be will we [, 11a] Nisan redeemed in were and fathers our Nisan In [Rosh HaShanah, 11a] died. and born were Avos the Nisan In Parshas HaChodesh Nisan Nisan 1/March 21/Shabbos S Chanukas till kein asah es es on sacrifices, bring was 1, Nisan to Nasi asah first The kein "Zos read till hamenorah” ( we thirteenth, Chanukas the On ( Ratzon". "Yehi by followed Nasi each of sacrifice the say we 12, Nisan until Nisan or Chodesh Rosh From HaRachamim" " "Tzidkascha" in Nisan) Tachnun, Shulchan Rebbe's 429:9] Aruch, [Alter Tov..." Yom a as holy all it make we holiness, in went by month the of most since Pesach; of days eight by followed Pesach, Erev is fourteenth The Tov. Yom own Nasi's the was day Each twelfth. the through PECIAL "...We don't fast in Nisan, nor decree nor Nisan, in fast don't "...We

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, Yeru on reached they many and Nisan Chodesh Rosh with Bavel Left Ezra of time the Haftorah of Parshas Vaera. Bavel the for in it read of We 29:17]. [Yecheskal king Egypt the Nebuchadnetzer, of the fall on prophesied Hanavi Yecheskel jump into the Yam Suf. Yehudah, of Calendar Acharon ShelPesach5666 Pesach with the Rebbe Laws &Customs of Pesach Days Special Inside this issue: Inside this - shalayim on Rosh Chodesh Av.

who was also the first to first the also was who

21 19 16 7 1

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Ezra finished his investigation and separated all Lubavitcher Rebbe, 5680 (1920). He founded those who had inter-married. [Ezrah 10:17] . “...This day, the Yartzeit of the Rebbe Chizkiyahu HaMelech began recon-struction RaShaB, is the beginning of the leadership of of the first Beis HaMikdash, 3199 (562 BCE). my saintly father-in-law. This day is [Divrei HaYamim II, 29-17] meritorious for everyone to accept upon them -selves, with a firm commitment to go in their During the dedication of the Second Beis way that they taught, for the entire year, and HaMikdash, [Ezra 6:15-18] "...They brought they will be blessed, as they prophesied, ‘This sacrifices just as they did in the days of Moshe is the vessel to receive their blessing in the Rabeinu" [Menachos 45a], 3413 (348 BCE). material and the spiritual.’” [Letter of the Rebbe, 25, 5710] On Rosh Chodesh Nisan the dedication of the third Beis HaMikdash will begin [Yechezkel Nisan 3/March 23/Monday 45:18] Yartzeit of R. Levi Yitzchok , son of Rebbetzin Menuchah Rochel, daughter of the Yartzeit of Nadav and Avihu, 2449 (1312 Mitteler Rebbe, 5655 (1895). He was one of BCE). the heads of Kolel Chabad in Chevron.

"...Whoever goes out in the days of Nisan and Nisan 5/March 25/Wednesday sees [fruit] trees blossoming must bless: Yehoshua sent scouts to Yericho, 2488 (1273 [BCE). [Yehoshua 2:1 ברוך אתה ה‘ אלוקינו מלך העולם שלא חיסר בעולמו כלום Yartzeit of R. Avrohom Yehoshua Heschel of וברא בו בריות טובות ואילנות טובות .(Apta, author of Oheiv Yisrael, 5585 (1825 ליהנות בהם בני אדם "Blessed are You, L-rd our G-d, King of the universe, who did not leave out anything from Yartzeit of R. Shneur Zalman of , Rav of his world, and created in it good creations and Polotzk, Lublin, and of the Chassidim of Eretz good trees to give enjoyment to people". Yisrael, author of Toras Chesed, one of the "He blesses only the first time he see them in great Poskim in the time of the Tzemach the year". [Alter Rebbe, Seder Birchos Tzedek, 5662 (1902). The Tzemach Tzedek HaNehenin 12:14] admired him greatly. [Likutei Diburim, Vol. II; 17] Nisan 2/March 22/Sunday Moshe Rabeinu made the first Parah Adumah Nisan 7/March 27/Friday (Red Heifer), 2449 (1312 BCE). End of mourning period for Moshe Rabbeinu, "...There were nine red heifers from the time 2488 (1273 BCE). they were commanded to observe this until the Second Beis HaMikdash was Yartzeit of R. Yitzchok of Dravitch, student of destroyed: Moshe Rabeinu did the first, Ezra the , 5504 (1744). did the second; there were seven after Ezra and the tenth will be done by Melech HaMashiach, Nisan 8/March 28 may he quickly be revealed, Amen, may it be Shabbos HaGadol His will." [Rambam, Hilchos Parah Adumah On the Shabbos before Pesach the Jews in 3:4] Mitzrayim took lambs for the Korban Pesach. The Egyptians gathered and asked the Jews Yartzeit of our holy Master, Sholom Dov what they were doing. They answered that Ber, the Rebbe RaShaB, of blessed memory, fifth HaShem had commanded them to use the lambs as a sacrifice, after which HaShem

VOLUME 26, ISSUE 1 Page 2 would kill the Egyptians. The first Yartzeit of R. Mosheh b. Nachman, the Ram- born Egyptians went to their parents and ban, Talmudist, Kabbalist and commentator on Paroh to ask that the Jews be sent out. When Chumash, 5030 (1270). they refused, it caused a war between the firstborn and the other Egyptians, 2448 (1313 Yartzeit of R. Yeshayahu Hurwitz, Kabbalist, BCE). [Alter Rebbe’s , I:430] author of Shnei Luchos Habris, (“SheLaH”), 5390 (1630). After Mincha we read the Hagadah from Before the Alter Rebbe traveled to the Me- Avadim Hayinu to l’chaper al kol avonoseinu. zeritcher Magid, he knew all of the Shnei Lu- chos Habris by heart. He was a “SheLaH Yid”, Yartzeit of R. Eliyahu Hakadosh of York, he studied the “SheLaH”, gave classes in it, Rabbeinu Yom Tov, and several other English Davened and practiced according to the Tosafists, who perished at Clifford’s Tower, SheLaH. [Sefer Hamaamarim, 5708]. He orga- during the Crusades, 4906 (1146). nized a Minyan according to the practices of the SheLaH. [Sefer Hasichos, 5705]. The Alter Yartzeit of R. Yaakov Tzvi Yales of Premezyl, Rebbe said he had taken much from him (in Kabbalist and Talmudist, author of Melo Chassidus). [Sefer Hamaamarim 5710]. Haroim and Kehilas Yaakov, 5585 (1825). “The Tzemach Tzedek cites him many times Nisan 13/April 2/Thursday as a basis for ideas in Chassidus ChaBaD...” Bedikas Chometz - the formal search for Cha- [Sichah, 10, 5722] metz is tonight. Nisan 9/March 29/Sunday Arrest of R. Levi Yitzchok Schneerson, father Bris of Avraham Avinu, 2048 (1714 BCE). of the Lubavitcher Rebbe, 5698 (1938). sent scrolls announcing his decree. Es- Nisan 10/March 30/Monday ther ordered a three day fast, [ 3:12, Yartzeit of Miriam, 2487 (1274 BCE). Miri- 4:16] 3404 (357 BCE) am’s well dried up that day. Yartzeit of R. Yosef Karo, author of the Beis Yosef on Tur, Shulchan Aruch, Kesef Mishneh Bnei Yisrael crossed the Yarden and put up on the Rambam, and Magid Meisharim, in twelve monuments at Gilgal, 2488 (1273 Tzfas, 5335 (1575). BCE). [Yehoshua 4:20] Yartzeit of R. Mosheh Alsheikh, Darshan of Nisan 11/March 31/Tuesday Tzfas, author of Toras Moshe, in Tzfas, 5358 Birthday of the Rebbe, 5662 (1902). Chasidim (1598) have a custom to say the Rebbe’s chapter of Tehilim daily. We begin saying Chapter 111. Yartzeit of our holy Master, Rabbi Menachem “The previous Rebbe said, ‘Every Chassid Mendel, the Tzemach Tzedek, third Lubavitch- should say a chapter of Tehillim every day, er Rebbe, author of Tzemach Tzedek, 5626 that the merit of the Rebbeim should be ex- (1866). tended to him, and the revelation of light should be received in an inner way.’ This is Nisan 14/April 3/Friday the chapter of Tehillim of the Rebbe.” [Sicha, Erev Pesach Shabbos Mevarchim Av, 5710] Taanis Bechorim When HaShem killed the Communal Bris of Bnei Yisrael, upon entering Egyptian firstborn, He spared the firstborn Eretz Yisrael, for all Jews not circumcised in Jews. Firstborn males (and fathers of firstborn the desert, 2488 (1273 BCE). [Yehoshua 5:7] sons under thirteen) fast unless they partici- pate in a Seudas Mitzvah: Bris,

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VOLUME 26, ISSUE 1 Page 4 Assyrian army of Sancheirev destroyed, 3213 Tzedek praised his erudition [Piskei Dinim, (548 BCE). [Melachim II 19:35] Yoreh Deah, No. 116, Sefer Hatoldos MaHa- RaSh, p. 26]. Some of the Teshuvos ascribed Daniel saved from lion’s den, 3389 (372 BCE). to the Tzemach Tzedek are actually his. [Daniel 6:23] [Kuntres Hashulchan, p. 17]

We begin counting the Omer on the Second Nisan 18/April 7/Tueday Night of Pesach, Motzei Shabbos Birthday of R. Levi Yitzchok Schneerson, fa- ther of the Lubavitcher Rebbe, 5638 (1878). Second Seder Motzei Shabbos Day of the Bris of the Rebbe, 5622 (1902). Nisan 16/April 5/Sunday Second day of Pesach Nisan 19/April 8/Wednesday Yartzeit of R. Yehoshua Falk, author of Birth of Levi son of Yaakov Avinu, 2195 (1566 Meiras Einayim and Derishah and Perishah BCE) and his Yartzeit [Yalkut Shimoni, Shemos] on the Tur, 5374 (1614).

Supply of Mon exhausted after Jews crossed into Yartzeit of R. Aharon of Karlin, student of the Eretz Yisroel, 2488 (1273 BCE). [Kiddushin 38a] Mezeritcher Magid, colleague of the Alter Rebbe, 5532, (1772). Omer brought the first time, 2488 (1273 BCE). [Yehoshua 5:11, Rosh HaShanah 13a] Nisan 20/April 9/Thursday - Erev Yom Tov Erev Tavshilin Angel orders Gidon to attack Midian [Shoftim 6:19] Yartzeit of R. Hai Gaon, last and most influ- ental of the Geonim, 4798 (1038). Chizkiyahu Hamelech completed rededication of “...The Alter Rebbe (in his Siddur) followed Beis Hamikdash, 3199 (562 BCE). [Divrei Haya- the , the Ari ZaL...and R. Hai Gaon” mim II 29:17] [Shaar Hakolel]. “In anything that had to be decided (in his Siddur), the Alter Rebbe ruled Haman hanged, 3404 (357 BCE). [Esther 7:10] like the opinion of R. Hai Gaon” [Shaar Hakolel]. “It’s not possible that the Alter Reb- Yartzeit of R. Mordechai Dov Ber Twerski of To- be would amend a text not according to R. mashpol, son of R. Nochum, son of the Mitteler Hai Gaon.” [Shaar Hakolel, p. 239] Rebbe, 5680 (1920). [The name Twerski was from his maternal grandfather, R. Yaakov Yisroel Yartzeit of R. Yitzchok Dov Ber of , of Czerkass, who had no sons]. grandson of the Tzemach Tzedek, author of Siddur MaHaRiD, 5670 (1910). We start to say ‘Visein Brachah’, in Maariv, Mot- The Rebbe and the Rebbetzin, received Amer- zei Yom Tov, April 5 , Sunday Night. ican visas at Marseilles, enabling them to es- cape German occupied France, 5701 (1941). Nisan 17/April 6/Monday Yartzeit of R. Yisroel Noach of Niezhin, son of the Nisan 21/April 10/Friday Tzemach Tzedek, 5643 (1883). Shevii Shel Pesach He would review the Halachic questions the Tzemach Tzedek received [Sefer Hamaamarim Pharoh’s decree against Jewish boys can- Kuntreisim II, p. 405] and would prepare the celled, 2368 (1393 BCE). [Sotah 12b] Teshuvos [Beis Rebbe III, p. 28]. The Tzemach Seventh day of Moshe at the burning bush;

VOLUME 26, ISSUE 1 Page 5 he agreed to speak to Pharoh, 2447 (1314 Rebbe RaShaB’s brother-in-law. BCE). [Rabbeinu Bachya Al HaTorah] Nisan 25/April 14/Tuesday Kriyas Yam Suf: Splitting of the Sea, 2448 Yartzeit of R. Chaim Halberstam of Tzanz, au- (1313 BCE). Moshe and Bnei Yisrael sang the thor of Divrei Chayim, founder of Tzanz Chas- Shirah [Sotah 12b] sidic dynasty, 5636 (1876).

Yartzeit of R. Dovid Leikes, student of the Baal Nisan 26/April 15/Wednesday Shem Tov, 5559 (1799). Yartzeit of Yehoshua ben Nun, 2516 (1245 BCE). [Megilas Taanis] Nisan 22/April 11/Shabbos Acharon Shel Pesach Nisan 27/April 16/Thursday Yizkor Beginning of daily Rambam study, 5744 (1984). Bris of Yitzchok Avinu [Rosh Hashanah 10b] 2048 (1713 BCE). Nisan 28/April 17/Friday Yericho was circled seven times and the walls Yehoshua began march around Yericho, 2488 came down. Fall of Yericho, 2488 (1273 BCE). (1273 BCE). [Seder Olam] [Seder Olam]

Yartzeit of R. Yehudah Rosanes of Constantino- Nisan 29/April 18/Shabbos ple, author of Mishneh Limelech on the Ram- Shabbos Mevarchim bam, and Parshas Derachim, 5487 (1727). We start studying Pirkei Avos after Minchah. We say a Perek a week, between Pesach and Moshiach Seudah Shavuos (and throughout the Summer).

Nisan 23/April 12/Sunday Erev Rosh Chodesh Iyar Yartzeit of R. Chaim Vital, Kabbalist primary On Isru Chag, the day after Yom Tov, it's cus- student of the Ari ZaL, author of Eitz Chayim, tomary not to fast and to eat a better meal than 5380 (1620). usual. Nisan 30/April 19/Sunday Bris of Levi, son of Yaakov. Rosh Chodesh Iyar

Yartzeit of R. Yosef Ibn Megas, 5901 (1141). Nisan 24/April 13/Monday Jews stop at Marah, first Shabbos in the desert, Yartzeit of R. Yaakov Emden, 5536 (1776). 2448 (1313 BCE). [Shabbos 87b] They were taught the laws of Shabbos, the Parah Adumah, Iyar 1/April 20/Monday Seven laws of Noach, and honoring ones par- Rosh Chodesh Iyar Day 2 ents.

Yartzeit of R. Schneur Zalman Mordechai Schneerson, son of R. Yosef Yitzchok of Urvitch, son of the Tzemach Tzedek, 5626 (1866). He was a great Gaon. At seventeen he was appointed Rav of Zhitomir. He was the

VOLUME 26, ISSUE 1 Page 6 Pesach Laws and Customs

The times given here are for Los Angeles only, please check your local times.

Preparing for Pesach peanuts etc, or any oil made out of Kitniyos While cleaning and preparing for Pesach we (ie Peanut Oil). should try to help others: in selling their Chametz, providing them with Shemurah Therefore make sure when you purchase Matzah, and making sure they have a Seder. items for Pesach they do not contain Kit- niyos. DON’T wait until the last minute to sell your Chametz. Make sure to sell your Chametz If you have a child that is dependant on by Friday Morning, April 3. There is no rea- drinking formula and the formula contains son to wait until the last minute to sell Kitniyos you must make sure that there is no your Chametz, please do it before Fri- chametz mixed into the ingredients, and you day, Erev Pesach, April 3, especially if need to use separate utensils and wash it you are going out of town! away from the kitchen sink (i.e. the bath- room sink). Buy hand-baked Shemurah Matzah early (in case the stores run out). Make sure the milk and eggs you buy were produced BEFORE Pesach. Products change every year. Something which was Kosher last year is not necessarily Sidurim and Bentchers used on the table Kosher this year. Consult a Rav when in throughout the year should be put away with doubt. the Chametz. It’s advisable to have Pe- sachdik Sidurim and Bentchers Food bought for Pesach must have reliable, current Hashgachah. Cosmetics, perfumes, If you leave home before Pesach you must medicines, etc. may contain Chametz. Before do the night before you buying them for Pesach, consult a Rav, if leave. Consult a Rav about details of Bedikas possible, calling earlier is always better. Chametz and selling Chametz.

Obviously, all products used on Pesach must Make sure to purchase the special foods for be from packages not opened or used the Seder in great enough amounts. throughout the year, even if they’re Kosher L’Pesach. It’s a good idea to review the be- fore Pesach to acquaint yourself with the Ha- When purchasing items, check each box or lachos and Minhagim of the Seder. If you container as non Pesachdik items sometimes have any questions about conducting the Se- gets mixed up on the shelf with Kosher for der, etc.. you’ll have time to get answers be- Pesach ones. fore Pesach.

There are different customs between the Vacuum cleaners, mops and brooms must be Ashkenazic Community and the Sefardic cleaned before Pesach. Remember to change Community during Pesach. We, the Ashke- your vacuum cleaner bag and discard the old nazic Community (and some of the Sefardic one. community as well), do not eat Kitniyos on Women living on their own must do Bedikas Pesach - rice, beans, peas, corn, legumes, Chametz and Bitul Chametz, and sell their

VOLUME 26, ISSUE 1 Page 7 chametz.

Preparing The Kitchen Frank Revere Lawyer It’s preferable to have dishes, pots, pans and utensils, etc., put Revere & Wallace aside and used only for Pesach.

355 S Grand Ave #2450 If you need to Kasher dishes, or sinks, stoves, ovens, etc., Los Angeles, CA 90071 make a list of everything and consult a Rav to find out if they [email protected] can be Kashered, and how to do it. Phone: 213-943-1333 Fax: 213-403-4847 Generally, there are two ways of Kashering: “Libun” (fire) and Cell: 213-422-5408 “Hagalah” (purging in boiling water). *** Things to be Kashered by Hagalah must be spotlessly clean and without any rust. They may not be used for twenty-four hours prior to Kashering.

It’s advisable to complete all Kashering before Erev Pesach. Melinda Dauer Many Shuls have a place to Kasher things before Pesach. It’s Psy. D., A.T.R.- B.C. - often more practical to go to the public Kasherings than to do M.S.T. it yourself. Art Therapy & Coaching

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[email protected] Sink faucets must be Kashered and covered or changed.

*** Stainless steel sinks may be Kashered (consult a Rav for direc- Do you want to order Tefillin tions); porcelain or enamel sinks must be cleaned very well for your son’s Bar Mitzvah? and lined. There are those who are Machmir leave the sink un- used for 24 hours, then pour boiling water over every part of Rabbi Braude the porcelain or enamel sink three times, and then line it. Sofer Stam Garbage disposals can be cleaned by putting ice cubes and 323 938-1006 Ajax cleanser and running the unit. They cannot be kashered. *** Tables must be cleaned: Table leaves should be opened, and

the supports and the leaves carefully cleaned. Then, cover the Law Office of table. Michael E. Rubinstein Highchairs must be cleaned completely and the tray completely Personal Injury Attorney covered. Some people have a separate tray. Auto Accidents, Bicycle Accidents, Slip & Refrigerators must be completely cleaned and the shelves Falls lined.

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We Come To You The kitchen telephone should be cleaned very well. *** Wedding rings which are worn when preparing chametzdik food

VOLUME 26, ISSUE 1 Page 8 have to be kashered for Pesach or not worn Chametz. when preparing Pesach foods. Before the search say the Brachah (see Sid- Bedikas Chametz dur). Don’t speak between the Brachah and Search For Chametz the search. It’s preferable not to speak Thursday Night/Nisan 13/April 2 throughout the entire search, unless it’s From half an hour before nightfall until after about Bedikas Chametz. the search, it’s forbidden to eat a meal or do any work. This check list, by no means comprehensive. It is only an aid to recall places where Cha- If you Daven Maariv with a Minyan, Daven metz may be: first, then go home and immediately begin the search. Behind and Under furniture Briefcases Every room and place where Chametz may Bookcases have been brought must be thoroughly Purses cleaned and checked. Children’s backpacks Closets It’s nearly impossible to check every neces- Toys sary place the night of Bedikas Chametz, es- Pockets and cuffs of clothes pecially in the kitchen, which is usually al- Highchair ready Pesachdik. So, after cleaning the Car: Glove compartment, trunk, under seats, kitchen, it’s advisable to check with a candle car seat or flashlight before lining shelves and cabi- nets. This is true of closets, cabinets, under Office or workplace: Desk, filing cabinet heavy furniture, etc. Do a Bedikas Chametz after you clean these areas, before you re- Where it’s difficult or hazardous to use a can- turn things to their usual places. dle (in a car, under beds, next to carpet or drapes etc.) use a flashlight. Places sold to a non-Jew don’t need to be checked for Chametz. After the search, put out the candle. Put the spoon, candle and feather into the bag Set aside any Chametz you still need before with the Chametz (the handle of the spoon Pesach in a safe place before Bedikas Cha- should stick out of the bag). Tie the bag metz. tightly with string.

Before the search, put ten pieces of hard Then, annul all Chametz you didn’t find. Chametz, wrapped in paper, in different ‘Kol Chamira’ [Annulling the Chametz] places in the house. Don’t use aluminum was written in Aramaic, the spoken language, foil: it doesn’t burn. so everyone would understand it. You must say ‘Kol Chamira’ in a language you un- Remember where you put them! If you don’t derstand. If you understand its intent find all ten pieces you’ll have to search until you may say it in the original. you do. It’s advisable for someone to write down the hiding places, so you will have a After the search, check to be sure you found back-up. all ten pieces of Chametz.

It’s customary to use a beeswax candle, a Put the closed bag away in a safe place feather (to sweep small crumbs into the (away from the children) until the morning, bag), a spoon and a paper bag for Bedikas when you burn it.

VOLUME 26, ISSUE 1 Page 9 Since this year the seder is starting very Erev Pesach late (Daylight Savings Time) it would be a Friday Morning/Nisan 14/April 3 very good idea for all children to take a Don’t say Mizmor L’Sodah in Davening on Erev nap during the day, so they will be up for Pesach. (The Korban Todah was Chametz.) the seder.

After Shacharis it’s customary to make a Si- If you have an Chatzeiros you yum for the Bechorim (firstborns), so that they should remake it for the year, on Friday, may eat. All first-born males (of either or both April 3rd, see Siddur. Say it in English, if parents) fast, to commemorate HaShem’s mir- you don’t understand Aramaic. acle of saving the first-born Jews. But partici- pating in a Seudas Mitzvah exempts one from Preparing For The Seder the fast. A father fasts (or participates in a Si- Roasting the Zeroah, making the salt wa- yum) for his first-born who is too young. ter, and Charoses must all be pre- pared before Yom Tov, since this year the On Erev Pesach it’s forbidden to eat Matzah. first Seder is on Shabbos. You can eat Chametz until 10:50 am. Be careful to confine it to one location so it will be If salt water was not made before Shab- easy to clean up. bos, one is only allowed to make a small amount, only what is needed for the Seder, Brush your teeth (and put your toothbrush right before the Seder, and it cannot be away with the Chametz) and floss before 2/3 salt and 1/3 water. 10:50 am. If wine was not mixed into the Charoses Chametz must be burnt and annulled before then you have to do it differently than nor- 11:53 am. After that time you must burn mal i.e. put the charoses into the wine, the Chametz but the annulment doesn’t mix it in a x pattern or with your finger. work. The mixture has to be very thin, it cannot be a thick mixture. While the Chametz burns, nullify all remaining Chametz and say ‘Yehi Ratzon.’ (see Siddur, or The Chabad is to use a roasted the beginning of the Hagadah.) piece of chicken neck for the (shankbone). It must be roasted before While you say ‘Kol Chamira,’ you must have Yom Tov. The Friediker Rebbe used to re- full intention that all ownership of Chametz be move almost all the meat from the neck. annulled entirely. If you say it and don’t mean Some meat must be left, because a bone it, it has no effect. without meat isn’t considered a cooked food. Shake out your pockets, and your children’s pockets after ‘Yehi Ratzon’ to be sure they’re For Moror (bitter herbs) and Koreich we free of crumbs. use both Romaine lettuce and horseradish.

Those away from home must also do Bitul Every leaf of Romaine must be carefully Chametz, the morning of Erev Pesach. checked individually, to remove any tiny worms or insects. Lettuce shouldn’t remain Before Midday (12:56 pm) on Erev Pesach, in salt water over eighteen minutes. To take a haircut and trim your nails in honor of clean it well, discard outer leaves, wash Yom Tov. If you don’t get a haircut before each leaf under running water, soak it midday, a non-Jew may give you one. briefly in salted water, rinse well and check under good light. Dry very thoroughly.

VOLUME 26, ISSUE 1 Page 10 fore Pesach. We make Charoses from apple, pears and nuts, and moisten it with red wine. Look in the Haggadah before each part of the Seder. (Don’t rely on your memory). The Chabad Minhag is to use raw onion or Even though we learned the entire Hagga- cooked potato for . dah before Pesach it’s important to use it for the Seder to avoid errors. The Beitzah, is a hardboiled egg. It commem- orates the Korban Chagigah, the Yom Tov Sac- “Everyone must bestir himself with rifice everyone ate, besides the Korban Pe- awe to follow the instructions of the Sages sach. who arranged the precept of the Seder and the Haggadah. This should not be trivial in It’s customary not to eat the ingredients of the one’s eyes. There are some things at the Charoses (nuts, apples and pears) and Moror Seder which may seem insignificant to a (Romaine lettuce and horseradish) from Erev man, but let him act prudently to observe Pesach through Koreich of the Second Seder. them, for there is nothing vain among them!” [Sefer MaHaRiL, quoted in Haggadah for Pe- First Night of Pesach sach, p. 6, note a] Friday/Nisan 15/April 3 Candle-lighting for the first night of Pesach is We return home from Shul promptly to at 6:57 p.m. We say “. . Lehadlik Ner Shel begin the Seder as early as possible, so Shabbos V’Shel Yom Tov” and the children won’t fall asleep during the “Shehechiyanu”. Seder.

After Mincha we say the Seder Korbon Pesach We prepare the Seder Plate after we return — the order of the Pesach offering. from Shul, before Kiddush.

Kabolas Shabbos starts with “Mizmor L’Dovid.” We use three Shemurah Matzahs for the In the last stanza of Lecha Dodi say Seder Plate. The bottom one is the Yisroel, “B’Simchah.” Say the Amidah of Sholosh Re- the middle is the Levi and the top is the galim with Shabbos inserts. After the Amidah . Separate each with a cloth and on we say Vayochulu (but not Magen Avos) the top place a cloth. (Most Matzah covers are complete Hallel, followed by Kaddish, Mizmor made with pockets for this.) L’Dovid, Kaddish, Borchu and Aleinu. The Chabad Minhag is to place the symbol- Say Shalom Aleichem, Eishes Chayil, etc. qui- ic foods of the Seder on the Matzah cover. etly before Kiddush. Place a tray under the Matzahs. [see Hag- gadah] The Seder This merely highlights a few laws and customs The minimum size wine cup for the Se- of the Seder. For full details use the Hagga- darim is a “Reviis” —about 3.5 fluid ounc- dah For Pesach With English Translation es. It’s preferable to drink the entire cup, Of Text, Customs And Practices (Kehot), preferably without a pause. This applies to translated by R. Jacob Immanuel Schochet. all four cups.

It’s recommended that you review the Hagga- If this isn’t possible, drink more than half. dah before Pesach to acquaint yourself with (This is true for the first three cups. For the Halachos and Minhagim of the Seder. If the fourth, drink an entire Reviis, to say you have any questions about conducting the the Brachah ‘Al Hagefen’). Seder, etc. you’ll have time to get answers be-

VOLUME 26, ISSUE 1 Page 11 It’s better to use smaller cups of minimum Women are obligated to say (at least) the size, so it will be easier to drink the entire basic parts of the Haggadah, especially cup. from “Raban Gamliel” until after the sec- ond cup of wine. Use wine for all four cups; [if it’s difficult to drink, you may dilute the wine with grape It’s a Mitzvah to explain the Haggadah to juice. If that’s difficult, use grape juice]. our children. The one conducting the Se- der must try to explain to them as much The Shiur of Matzah is a Kizayis [one as possible of the Yom Tov of Pesach and ounce], approximately half a hand-made Mat- the Geulah of Mitzraim on their level. zah and three quarters of a machine-made Matzah. We eat Matzah three times during the Throughout Pesach (except the last day) Seder: each time, each Kizayis should be eat- we don’t wet the Matzahs. Matzahs on the en within four minutes. (If this is not possible table are kept covered. Before pouring liq- within seven minutes.) uids at the table, make sure no Matzah crumbs are in the cup. For Mayim The Matzah on the Seder plate won’t be Acharonim, we don’t pass our wet fingers enough for everybody; take more from over our lips, as we usually do. the box. We try to eat the Afikomen by Chatzos The Shiur of Moror is three quarters of an (12:56 a.m.), especially on the First ounce of Romaine and horseradish. It should Night. [The Korban Pesach had to be eaten be eaten within four minutes, (if that isn’t by midnight]. It can be eaten after Chat- possible, within seven minutes.) zos.

All minimum Shiurim of the Seder apply Since it’s Shabbos when we go and open equally to men and women. the door for Eliyahu, we do not carry can- dlesticks. Minhag Chabad is not to stand Children should be taught to do all the Mitzvos for ‘Shefoch’, (except for those at the of the Seder. door).

It isn’t the Chabad Minhag to wear a Kittel for On the first night of Pesach we say only the Seder, nor to be particular about the di- the first paragraph of Kriyas Shema and rection of one’s seat. ‘HaMapil’, since it’s Leil Shemurim, the night of HaShem’s protection. Since it’s Shabbos we say Shalom Aleichem, Eishes Chayil etc. quietly, before Kiddush. We First Day of Pesach do the Shalosh Regalim Kiddush with Shabbos Shabbos/Nisan 15/April 4 inserts, follow the Haggadah. We say Shemoneh Esrei for Shalosh Re- galim with Shabbos inserts (see Siddur), We announce and explain the Simanei Full Hallel and take out two Sifrei . Haseder (Order of the Seder), as we come to Kriyas HaTorah for each day of Pesach is them. This is a good opportunity to get the in the back of Siddur. children involved in the seder. Before Musaf on the first day of Pesach, Men and boys recline on their left side for all the Shamash announces that we’ll begin the four cups, the Matzah, Koreich and Afi- saying ‘Morid Hatal’ (instead of ‘Mashiv komen. Reclining on your right side, face or Haruach Umorid Hageshem’). back isn't reclining. Women don't recline. We begin to say it at Musaf.

VOLUME 26, ISSUE 1 Page 12 During the Musaf repetition the Chazan in- cludes a special Tefillah about Tal. If you forgot entirely during the night and next day, until the next night, count If you say ‘Morid Hageshem’, but realize your Sefirah without a Brachah until Shavuos. mistake before HaShem’s name at the end of ‘Mechayeh Hameisim’, start again from ‘Atah If you’re uncertain whether or not you Gibor.’ counted the night before, count with a Bra- chah. If you recall saying ‘Morid Hageshem’ after fin- ishing ‘Mechayeh Hameisim’, start the She- If someone asks you after sunset, what the moneh Esrei over. Sefirah count is, tell him what YESTER- DAY’S count was. If you tell him how much If you didn’t Daven Shacharis yet (and aren’t tonight is, you may not count with a Bra- Davening with another Minyan), but heard the chah that night. Shamash announce ‘Morid Hatal’, say ‘Morid Hatal’ in Shacharis. We count Sefirah when it's fully night, not during twilight. Say all the Shabbos parts of Kiddush quietly until “Eile Moadei Hashem.” Second Seder Motzei Shabbos/Nisan 16/April 4 We’re obligated to rejoice on Yom Tov: we eat meat; men drink an extra cup of wine. No preparations for the Seder or the sec- ond day of Yom Tov may be done before Second Night Pesach 8:00 pm. Motzei Shabbos/Nisan 16/April 4 We say Shemoneh Esrei for Shalosh Regalim, A women who does not daven Ma’ariv (see Siddur) with V’Todiyeinu, as the Havdalah. must say, “Baruch HaMavdil Bein Kodesh (If you forget it, don’t repeat Shemoneh Esrei; L’Kodesh,” before lighting candles, or doing just don’t do any work permitted on Yom Tov, any work permitted on Yom Tov, or before until you say: “Baruch HaMavdil Bein Kodesh preparing for the Seder. L’Kodesh.”)

Candle-lighting for the second night of Pe- After Shemoneh Esrei we say the whole Hallel. sach is after 8:00 p.m., from a pre- existing flame. We say “. . Lehadlik Ner Sefiras HaOmer Shel Yom Tov” and “Shehechiyanu”. We begin to count the Omer at the end of Maariv, after Hallel on the second night of Pe- Since the second Seder is Motzei Shabbos sach and continue until Shavuos. (See Siddur). we have to make Havdalah in Kiddush.

We stand while saying the Brachah and count- “YaKNeHaZ” is an easy way to remember ing Sefirah. the order:

If you forgot to count at the end of Maariv but Yayen (wine) 'Borei Pri Hagofen' remember during the night, count with a Bra- Kiddush - 'Mekadesh Yisrael V'Hazmanim’ chah. Ner - 'Borei Meorei Ha'eish' (Look at the If you remember during the following day, candles when you say this one but not at count without a Brachah. Continue that night your fingers) to count with a Brachah. Havdalah - 'Hamavdil Bein Kodesh

VOLUME 26, ISSUE 1 Page 13 L'kodesh' If you finish Shemoneh Esrei and didn’t say Z’man - ‘Shehechiyanu’ “Yaaleh Veyavo”, (and you already said the second ‘Yiheyu Liratzon’), repeat She- Follow the instructions in the Haggadah. moneh Esrei.

The Second Seder is the same as the first. Kri- If you forgot “Yaaleh Veyavo” at Shacharis as Shemah al Hamitah is the same as for every and already said Musaf, don’t repeat She- Yom Tov. moneh Esrei for Shacharis.

Second Day Pesach These laws apply to Shacharis, Minchah Sunday/Nisan 16/April 5 and Maariv of Chol Hamoed. At the meal of the Second day we eat some- thing special to commemorate Esther’s meal on Ya’aleh V’Yavo In Bentching this day, the same day Haman was hanged. If you forget “Yaaleh Veyavo” in Bentching on Pesach and remember after “Bonei Bira- V’Sein Brachah chamav Yerushalayim, Amein,” say the We start at Maariv, Sunday Night, Motzei Brachah in the Siddur for this situation. Yom Tov, April 5. Throughout the summer months (from Pesach If you remember after the word ‘Baruch’ of to Sukos) we don’t ask for rain (‘Visein Tal the fourth Brachah, on Yom Tov start Bir- Umatar’) in the weekday Shemoneh Esrei. In- kas HaMazon over; on Chol Hamoed, stead, we say ‘Visein Brachah’. Don't, repeat the Bentching.

If you say “Visein Tal Umatar” and realize your Chol Hamoed error before or after finishing the Brachah , We don’t wear Tefillin on Chol Hamoed. begin again from “Bareich Aleinu”, [if you’re still saying Shemoneh Esrei]. In Shacharis, don’t say Mizmor Lesodah. (The Korban Todah was Chametz!) We Da- If you realize you said “Visein Tal Umatar” after ven the weekday Shemoneh Esrei with finishing Shemoneh Esrei, (and you already Yaaleh V’yavo. said the second ‘Yiheyu Liratzon’) repeat the Shemoneh Esrei. We say half Hallel, read the Torah (see Siddur), followed by Musaf. Ya’aleh V’Yavo in Shemoneh Esrei We say “Yaaleh Veyavo” in Shemoneh Esrei We’re obligated to rejoice on Chol Hamo- throughout Chol Hamoed. ed: we eat meat; men drink an extra cup of wine. If you forget “Yaaleh Veyavo” in Shemoneh Es- rei on Chol Hamoed (or aren’t sure you said it) Sewing, laundering (except baby clothes), and haven’t said HaShem’s name at the end of haircuts and nail cutting are forbidden. the Brachah, say “Yaaleh Veyavo” and continue “Visechezenah”. Erev Shevii Shel Pesach If you remember after HaShem’s name, but be- Thursday/Nisan 20/April 9 fore “Modim”, say “Yaaleh Veyavo” and contin- Eruv Tavshilin ue with “Modim”. Since Yom Tov is Friday and Shabbos, we

make an Eruv Tavshilin on Erev Yom Tov If you said “Modim”, go back to “Retzei” and to enable us to prepare food on Friday for continue through the rest of Shemoneh Esrei. Shabbos:

VOLUME 26, ISSUE 1 Page 14 Take Matzah [at least a “Kibeya” (2 oz.)], and a Kabolas Shabbos starts with “Mizmor food [at least a “Kizayis” (1 oz.)] fish or meat; L’Dovid.” In the last stanza of Lecha Dodi say the Brachah, “Al Mitzvas Eruv”, and the say “B’Simchah.” Say the Amidah of Sho- statement, “BiDein”, (see Siddur) in a language losh Regalim with Shabbos inserts. you understand. Say Shalom Aleichem, Eishes Chayil, etc. The Matzah and food must remain until Shab- quietly before Kiddush. We make Kiddush bos. The custom is to use the Matzah for for Yom Tov with Shabbos inserts. Lechem Mishneh of the first two Shabbos meals and we eat the Matzah and food during Shab- On Acharon Shel Pesach (the final day of bos. Food prepared on Friday for Shabbos Pesach), we no longer keep Matzah cov- must be cooked before candle lighting. ered, and we make a point of eating Ge- broks [wet Matzah].

Shevii Shel Pesach Acharon Shel Pesach Thursday Night/Nisan 21/April 9 Shabbos/Nisan 22/April 11 Candle-lighting, Thursday, April 9 is 7:01 p.m. We say the Brachah “. . . Lehadlik Ner Shel We say Shemoneh Esrei for Shalosh Regal- Yom Tov.” im with Shabbos inserts (see Siddur), Half Hallel and take out two Sifrei Torah. Kri- We DON’T say “Shehechiyanu” at candle- yas HaTorah is in the back of Siddur, the lighting or at Kiddush. Haftorah talks about Moshiach.

It’s customary to remain awake throughout the Yizkor is before Musaf. night of Shevii Shel Pesach (the seventh night) to learn Torah. Say all the Shabbos parts of Kiddush quiet- ly until “Eile Moadei Hashem.” Shevii Shel Pesach Day Friday/Nisan 21/April 10 Remember to use the food of the Eruv We say Shemoneh Esrei for Shalosh Regalim, Tavshilin. half Hallel, and take out two Sifrei Torah, and say Musaf of Shalosh Regalim. It’s customary to have a third meal, after We read the Parshah of Kriyas Yam Suf, and Minchah called “Moshiach’s Seudah”. stand for the Shirah. “The Baal Shem Tov would eat three festi- At Mincha we say Posech Eliyahu and Yedid val meals on Acharon Shel Pesach. He Nefesh but not Hodu, because it’s Erev Shabbos called the third meal "Moshiach's Seudah". Acharon Shel Pesach is the day for Acharon Shel Pesach Night Moshiach's Seudah because on this day the Friday Night/Nisan 22/April 10 radiance of Moshiach's light shines openly. Candle-Lighting, Friday, April 10 is at 7:02 pm. We say the Brachah “. . . Lehadlik Ner Shel In 5666 (1906) the Rebbe RaShaB ate the Shabbos V’Shel Yom Tov,” from a pre-existing meal of Acharon Shel Pesach with the stu- flame. dents of Yeshiva Tomchei Tmimim. He or- dered that four cups of wine be given each We DON’T say “Shehechiyanu” at candle- student, and then declared, "this is lighting or at Kiddush. Moshiach's Seuda." (Hayom Yom, p. 47)

The Rebbe stated that it's obvious that this

VOLUME 26, ISSUE 1 Page 15 practice wasn't to be limited to that particu- After Pesach, give the Rav about an hour to lar year, but is for all years." (Foot note in repurchase the Chametz before using it. the English Hayom Yom, p. 47) Isru Chag We should drink the four cups of wine with Sunday/Nisan 23/April 12 the thought that this is connected to and On Isru Chag, the day after Yom Tov, it's hastens the Geula. (Maamar Acharon Shel customary not to fast and to eat a better Pesach, 5749, 1989) than usual meal.

Pesach ends April 14th at 8:05 p.m. We say Pirkei Avos, a Perek a week, after Minchah, between Pesach and Shavuos (and We say regular Havdallah using candles and throughout the summer), from the Shabbos spices. after Pesach.

A KosherAnd Freilichen Pesach! The times given here are for Los Angeles only, please check your local times. This is only a brief overview. For any specific questions please contact your Rav.

PESACH WITH THE REBBE

Many of the following descriptions of the Rebbe’s The night of Bedikas Chametz the Rebbe would sell his hanhaga during the Seder were taken from Hamelech chometz with an Orev Kablan (a guarantor) to one of the B’misibo, Otzer Minhagei Chabad, and Haggadah shel Rabbonim, in the early years to Rabbi Shmuel Levitan, Pesach, printed by Heichel Menachem, or were told to then later to Rabbi and in later me by people who were present at the Rebbe’s Seder, years to Rabbi Yisroel Piekarsky. The Rebbe would sell including my brother Avrohom Aba Raichik who was a the Yeshivah in Melbourne, Australia, as well as other waiter/guest at the Rebbe’s Seder many times. The places, to the Rav. In 5749 (1989) a home was bought purpose of this article is to describe the Rebbe’s Seder, for the Rebbe in Lubavitch, . The Rebbe asked for not to give people new customs. The complete descrip- the address in order to be able to sell the house with the tion of Chabad minhagim are in the Haggadah and rest of his Chometz to the Rav. therefore we did not repeat these customs. Those who were invited to the Rebbe’s Seder or who Matzos were baked twice for the Rebbe, once on Beis worked as waiters at the Seder would go into the Rebbe’s Nisan and again on Erev Pesach. If Beis Nisan fell on a room before the Seder. The matzos were on a chair be- Sunday the matzos would be baked on Monday, Gim- hind which the Rebbe stood and the Rebbe told each per- mel Nisan to ensure that the mayin shelanu (the water son to take a matzah. Reb Hendel Lieberman would not for the matzah baking) would be drawn the day before take his Matzah by himself; he would ask the Rebbe to the baking, before sunset. The Beis Nisan matzos were give him a matzah. Once when a person took a matzah generally sent to Eretz Yisroel. In later years these mat- which was a little broken, the Rebbe told him to take a zos were also sent to Shluchim in other cities. From the whole one. The Rebbe’s guests and the waiters would Beis Nissan baking, matzah was also taken upstairs to take their other two matzos from the Beis Nisan matzos be used by the Rebbetzin Nechama Dina A’H, and by all upstairs. those who ate in the Friediker Rebbe’s home which was on the second floor of 770. The Erev Pesach matzos More than a Minyan of men would participate at the were given out by the Rebbe. The Rebbe himself ate Rebbe’s Seder. only from the first batch of the first baking of the Erev Pesach Matzos. When everything was ready upstairs, someone would knock on the Rebbe’s door to let him know that all was

VOLUME 26, ISSUE 1 Page 16 ready. This was done for each meal. The Rebbe would others did not recline because they were at the Reb- have this person take the special wine, matzoh and becher be’s Seder. upstairs for him. The Rebbe would bring up the to the Se- der his Haggadah and the Siddur HaArizal. During the After making the Kaira, the Rebbe would quietly say Seder the Rebbe would consult the Siddur HaArizal. Meals all the Simanei Haseder beginning with the words, would start approximately an hour to an hour and a half “Simanei Seder Shel Pesach.” In addition it was ob- after davening. served that when the Rebbe would come to each Siman he would say it quietly with it’s explanation. The Rashag, Rabbi Shmaryahu Gurary, A”H, the Rebbe’s For Kiddush, red wine was used for Pesach, as well as brother-in-law, used to ask many questions of the Rebbe for the entire year. The becher was always a silver during the meal. After the meal someone would come cup without a stem and it was always placed on the down and repeat chidushim that were said at the meal. right side of the Kairah. The Rebbe would always Many times the Rebbe, in his Sichos, would discuss at stand for Kiddush both at night and day. The Rebbe length questions that had been brought up at the meal. would fill up the becher so that it would pour over onto the plate underneath. (See Sicha Shabbos Acha- The first night of Pesach the Seder would start after 9:00. rei 5746 (1986), pg. 181) He would pick it up with The Rebbe would first go to the Yeshivah dining hall to see the right hand, put it in the left hand, and then place each bochur and inspect his Seder plate. He would give it in the palm of his hand with his fingers touching them a brochah. In later years he would also go to Hadar the becher. At any time during the Seder that the HaTorah, Machon Chana, and to several other Sedorim Rebbe would pick up and hold the becher, he would before he began his own Seder. do so in this fashion.

The Rebbe used cloth napkins for the Matzos. On top of Urchatz; the Rebbe would say it and read the expla- the cloth napkins (not on a plate) the symbolic foods were nation, and at the same time say karpas and its expla- placed. Under the Matzoh, the Rebbe would use a silver nation without pausing (making a hefsek) between plate (but only the Rebbe had one. See the Haggadah) the two. Before Rachtzah the Rebbe would quietly Everyone else would follow suit. For maror the Rebbe recite all the Simanei Seder with all the halachas till would squeeze the liquid out of it and then put it together after Korech in order not to make a hefsek before Ko- with the romaine lettuce. He would also use the kepel (the rech. For washing his hands the Rebbe would go to a top) of the horseradish, which was not grated. For karpas small sink in the hallway off the kitchen, no water the Rebbe would use a small onion. The charoses was not was brought to the table. For the karpas the Rebbe mixed with wine until later in the evening. Before eating would cut part of the onion and eat the piece but the maror, the Rebbe would take some of the charoses and would not put the rest back on the Kairah (as the put it on the plate from under his becher and mix it with Rebbe has written in the Haggadah.) The Rebbe the wine that was on the plate. The rest of the Charoses he would add some salt to the salt water before dipping would leave dry for Korech. the karpas and then dip three times.

At the Friediker Rebbe’s place there was a silver tray (from For Yachatz, the Rebbe writes in the Rishimos #5, the Rebbe Rashab) with Matzoh. pgs. 19-21, that the Friediker Rebbe would take the Afikomen from his sons-in-law and put it together The Rebbetzin Chaya Mushka would be in a room off of with his own. This has been the custom of the Reb- the dining room with her mother, Rebbetzin Nechama Di- beim since the Maggid’s time. na, and the Rebbe’s mother, Rebbetzin Chana, and other women. After the Seder the Rebbe would walk his mother The Rebbe would uncover some of all of the three home. matzos at the beginning of Maggid. When they came to the , the Rebbe would move the Kair- Reb Yaakov Katz would say the Haggadah out loud and ah a little to the side and cover the matzos. After the the Rebbe would say the Haggadah to himself. At times Ma Nishtana was said, it was the custom of the those sitting near him were able to hear some of what he Friediker Rebbe to say the Ma Nishtana over to him- was saying. Sometimes the Rebbe would correct some- self quietly with the introduction to the four ques- thing that had been said. Reb Yaakov Katz’s son would say tions and the explanation just as the children say it the Mah Nishtanah. Though questions were not asked (the Rebbe’s Haggadah). This was surely the during the reciting of the Haggadah, discussions about the hanhaga of all the previous Rebbeim. This was told Haggadah and the Seder often took place during the meal. to us to be used as guidelines by everyone. (Sichos The Rebbe was the only one who ate while reclining. The Yud-Alef Nisan, 5743 (1983) p. 126). The custom

VOLUME 26, ISSUE 1 Page 17 by Yidden is that the youngest child asks first. (Hisvaadus downstairs; only then would they continue with the 5740 (1980) p. 698). Haggadah. After the passing of Rebbetzin Chaya Mushka, for the first time, the Rebbe himself, would For the Makos the Rebbe would pour from the becher into come down with a candle for the opening of the door an old, cracked dish which was on the floor. After finish- for Eliyahu and saying Sh’foch Chamaschah. The ing, the Rebbe would add wine to the becher which would Rebbe had a special way of pouring back the wine again overflow onto the becher’s plate. from Kos Eliyahu into the wine bottle, by first pour- ing the wine into his becher. When they poured At the part of Rabban Gamliel when he would say Pesach, back the wine from Eliyahu Hanavi’s Kos, Keli Ata Matzoh and Maror, the Rebbe would look at the matzoh was sung, except for one year when the Rebbe started and the maror on the Kairah (some remember that he singing Prozos Teshev Yerushalayim before singing would touch the matzoh and the maror). Keli Ata.

The custom in the Rebbe’s house was to hold the second From after opening the door for Eliyahu until the end and third matzos with the cloth while saying Matzoh Zu. of the Haggadah the Rebbe would say the Haggadah During Maror Ze, the Rebbe would put his right hand on louder (but not out loud). At times one could see the maror and his left hand on the chazeres. tears coming from the Rebbe’s eyes.

During the meal, the Rebbe would put some salt on the In 5729 (1969) the Rebbe said the pasuk “V’ose ni- napkin with the matzoh, then take some and dip it flaos g’dolos levado ki le-olam chasdo,” three times into the salt three times. just loud enough so that the people near him were able to hear. Between eating the fish and the meat, the Rebbe would wash his hands with water (some recall that he would do The second night of Pesach the Rebbe would come this at all the other Yom Tov meals besides the Seder) and down to the Shul after the Seder with a Haggadah drink a little wine. With the meal the Rebbe would drink and explain the Haggadah for a few hours. wine but not say L’chaim so as not to give importance to any wine other than the four cups. People were allowed to go up to the second floor un- til 5729 (1969) when it became so crowded that the The Rebbe would not eat until all the waiters were sitting Rebbe said that the bochurim should not come up. at their places at the table. After the soup was served, eve- ryone took three spoonfuls of soup from the silver soup That year, the first group of bochurim/Shluchim terrine of the Alter Rebbe. The terrine would then be set came back from Australia, after two years. They had in front of the Rebbe and the Rashag would get up and the special privilege of going to participate in the end take the hot lid off. When the Rebbe would finish, the of the Rebbe’s Seder. At the first night’s Seder, they Rashag would again rise to take the terrine from him. came having already eaten the afikomen. The Rebbe asked them if they had eaten the afikomen. The bo- The napkins that the Rebbe used for the wine he would churim answered yes. They realized that they should leave on the table. The napkins he used to wipe his mouth have waited for the afikomen until after they went from the Matzos he would put on the small serving table into the Rebbe’s Seder. On the second night they near him. made sure not to eat the afikomen before coming. When asked by the Rebbe, they said they had not eat- In the Haggadah it is noted that the Rebbeim would pour en it yet. The Rebbe said that chairs, cups, and Hag- Eliyahu’s cup themselves. The Rebbe would pour the cup gadah’s should be brought for them. The Rebbe gave for Eliyahu before benching. The Rebbe would have some- the shluchim from his own afikomen with some oth- one rinse out his becher and then he would wipe the er matzo, covered with a napkin. The next day, the becher with a napkin before pouring the wine. Rashag asked the Rebbe why he had given the afi- komen to the Shluchim, since it says that afikomen The benching for the Seder was always led by Reb Yaakov should be given only to one’s family. The Rebbe an- Katz. The Rebbe and everyone else held their cup of wine swered, “These are the children of my household, during the benching. When the doors were opened for and therefore I gave them from my afikomen.” Eliyahu Hanavi, the street doors downstairs at 770 would be opened. A candlestick was used when it wasn’t Shab- bos. The Rebbe would wait until everyone returned from

VOLUME 26, ISSUE 1 Page 18 ACHARON SHEL PESACH IN 5666 (1906)

Following is an excerpt from a Farbrengen the The Tzemach Tzedek called all three of us close Friediker Rebbe gave on Acharon Shel Pesach, and said, "The last day of Pesach is called 5700, 1940. Acharon Shel Pesach. This means it's the com- pletion of what began the first night of Pesach. On Acharon Shel Pesach in 5666 (1906), the Rebbe Rashab was eating the meal of Acharon The first night of Pesach is the holiday on Shel Pesach with the Bochurim of the Yeshiva. which HaShem redeemed us from Mitzrayim, the first redemption through Moshe Rabbeinu During the farbrengen he asked his brother, R. - the first redeemer. Acharon Shel Pesach is Zalman Aharon (the Raza), "Do you remember our Yom Tov for the last redemption, when what our grandfather, the Rebbe, the Tzemach HaShem will redeem us from the final exile Tzedek, said to us, on his last Acharon Shel Pe- through Moshiach Tzidkeinu, he Moshiach is sach? [in 5625/ 1865]" the final redeemer.”

R. Zalman Aharon said that at that moment he The first day of Pesach is Moshe Rabbeinu’s day didn't remember, were he to envision what oc- of rejoicing, and the last day of Pesach is curred at that time, he might be able to remem- Moshich’s day of rejoicing. ber. The Rebbe RaShaB told over, "We - the fami- ly - were sitting at the Yom Tov table of our fa- Today [Acharon Shel Pesach, 5666]", the Rebbe ther [the Rebbe Maharash]. He said, 'Today is RaShaB said to his son [the Rebbe Rayatz], "I Acharon Shel Pesach, the final day of Pesach.' I went into the study (the room for Yechidus) asked my father, 'Why is the last day of Pesach a and heard in the next room a heated debate Yom Tov?' Our father said, 'Zalman Aharon, between your daughters, Chana and [Chaya] maybe you can answer this question?' You said Mushka (then about six or seven years old). I you couldn’t." was very interested to hear what the issue was.

Our sister, Devorah Leah, sitting next to our I went closer and heard Chana say that mother, got up and said she knew. Our father Acharon Shel Pesach is a Yom Tov like any oth- said, "If you know why - say.” Devorah Leah er, and Mushka said Acharon Shel Pesach isn't said, “When Jews keep seven days of Pesach as like any other. Her proof was that when we the law requires, and are careful not to eat any light candles we don't say the Brachah of Chametz, we make the last day of Pesach a Yom Shehechiyanu. At that moment I remembered Tov. AII Jews are happy that they could go the things which happened on Acharon Shel through Pesach without violating the prohibition Pesach 5625 (1865.) of Chametz.” My uncle, the Raza (R. Zalman Aaron) then re- R. Zalman Aharon now recalled the event. called other details from that Acharon Shel Pe- "When our sister said this, our father was very sach 5625; happy and said, 'Devorah Leah, you have a good head.' " 1. The Zeyde (the Tzemach Tzedek) had his glasses on his forehead and he bentched in a "When we went to our grandfather, the Tzemach siddur which you (the Rebbe RaShaB) brought Tzedek, to serve him his meal, our father told him. him the whole story. Our grandfather said that Devorah Leah’s answer was a very good, logical 2. That Pesach we both Davened entirely in the answer. Zeyde's room.

VOLUME 26, ISSUE 1 Page 19 3: Zeyde was wrapped in a tallis and laying in In the afternoon our father came into our bed. room, and I asked “What is Yizkor?" The Ma- harash explained that the neshomas of our 4. After Shemoneh Esrei two people picked up great grandparents are millitz yoshor (pleading the Tzemach Tzedek, put him on a chair and the case) for their descendants and therefore brought him to the table with our father (the we mention their neshomas and [pledge to] Maharash) and our Uncle - Rabash (R. Boruch give Tzedakah. Sholom - the oldest son .) Two sifrei Torah were taken out to layn from, and they were brought to Great Tzaddikim like Zeyde (the Tzemach the Tzemach Tzedek for him to kiss (before Tzedek) see the neshomos of their parents, and layning). our father said that today Zeyde saw the neshoma of his mother (Rebbetzin Devorah 5. Our Uncle R. Boruch Sholom and our father, Leah) and the neshoma of his father-in-law, the Maharash had Shlishi and Chamishi, the the Mittler Rebbe, and of his Zeyde , the Alter Tzemach Tzedek had Maftir which he said seat- Rebbe. ed. R. Zalman Aharon began to sing what his un- When Uncle R. Zalman Aaron told this to my fa- cle, Reb Boruch Sholom, the son of the ther - it brought tears to his eyes, and two tears Tzemach Tzedek, sang on that Acharon Shel ran from his cheeks when he heard the end of Pesach while the Tzemach Tzedek ate Seudas this recollection. Moshiach.

A few minutes later my father turned to his My father said he had heard from the Rebbe brother, the Raza, and asked him do you remem- Maharash that the Baal Shem Tov gave the ber the Birchas Kohanim of that year, and kissing name Moshiach Seudah to the meal of Acharon the Zeyde’s Tzitzis? Shel Pesach.

The Raza said he remembers how R. Yosef Mor- Then R. Zalman Aharon mentioned how the dechai took both of us to a side room during Yiz- Zeyde, the Tzemach Tzedek said to his son, R. kor and also remembers how his father, the Ma- Boruch Sholom, when you will sing the songs harash explained to them the meaning of Yizkor. of Moshiach's Seudah as the Alter Rebbe sang them you should awaken your memory and "Right after grandfather finished Maftir, our fa- remember the holy vision of the Zeyde (the Al- ther gave a wink to Yosef Mordechai to take us ter Rebbe) and my father-in- law (the Mittler into a side room, and later we were brought back Rebbe.) in. We were standing next to our father for Birchas Kohanim. Our grandfather made a sign When R. Boruch Sholom began to sing, our fa- with his hand that we should approach him. ther, the Rebbe Maharash, began to sing along Our father noticed and brought us to where our with him, and our Zeyde, the Tzemach Tzedek Zeyde was sitting. And you (the RaShaB) stood sang very quietly. With his left hand he held next to our Zeyde's right hand and put me (R. his head and covered his eyes, and with his Zalman Aharon) on the left and covered us both right hand he kept time on the table and great with the Zeyde's tallis. The Tzemach T z e d e k tears ran over his cheeks. pointed to each word in the siddur as it was re- cited and answered all three omains loudly. Now my father (the RaShaB) said, "I don't ask why today, in particular, have I reminisced After davening he called me over to kiss the about that Acharon shel Pesach, for everything tzitzis of his tallis and then he called you over for happens by Hashgacho Protis (Divine Provi- the same thing. dence). But for what purpose and reason did I remember? This I do ask.

VOLUME 26, ISSUE 1 Page 20 CONGREGATION LEVI YI TZCHOK CHABAD OF HANCOCK PA RK

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Koshering Keilim - Hag’alas Keilim will be done next door to the shul In the Parking lot of Beis Yehudah, during Mechiras Chametz - Selling the Chometz the week before Pesach. Rabbi Shimon Raichik will be available for selling Chometz daily in the Morning from 9:00 - 10:00 am in the There will be Biyur Chametz Shul and a half hour after Ma’ariv in the at Yeshiva Ohr Elchonon Chabad, Shul beginning on Thursday, Nisan 6-March Erev Pesach - Friday, Nisan 14, April 3. 26, or by appointment.

For those who are leaving town (, MATZAH Israel etc) there will be a special Mechiras As every year the Shul will help people buy Chometz made for them. You must give your Matzah, for themselves or for Mivtzoim. paper to Rabbi Raichik no later than Please call and order, let us know what you Thursday morning - 11 a.m. , April 2 need and when you will be picking it up. (We will provide envelopes and brochures)

CALENDAR TIMES ARE FOR LOS ANGELES Yud AlefYud 31/Tuesday Nisan/March Light Shabbos & YomShabbosLight & Candles: Tov StartSaying Chapter114 in Tehillim Try To Finish EatingTry By: Afikomen To Nisan 14/AprilNisan 2/Thursday Night Start CountingStart Haomer Sefiras Light Candles FridayLight 20: March Light Candles FridayLight 27: March Last Last Time ReadShema: To Last Time ReadShema: To Nisan 15/AprilNisan 4/Shabbos Last to Read Shema: Last Time to ReadShema: Last Time Burn & & ChametzAnnul Burn By: Finish Eating Chametz Eating Finish By: (From pre (From Nisan 16/AprilNisan 5/Sunday Nisan 14/AprilNisan 3/Friday Parshas HaChodesh Parshas Fast ofFirstborn the Fast Start Bedikah After: Start Light Candles After Candles After Light Shabbos Hagodol Shabbos Bedikas Chametz Bedikas Nisan 1/March Nisan 21 Nisan 8/March Nisan 28 Pesach DayPesach Two Pesach DayPesach One Rosh Chodesh Rosh Chodesh - Yom TovYom Ends: Shabbos Shabbos Ends: Shabbos Ends: existing flame): Shachris: Shachris: Chatzos: Vayikra Tzav

9:52 7:54 6:51 9:57 7:49 6:46 8:02 10:00 9:46 8:00 10:00 9:47 12:55 12:56 11:53 10:50 7:53 6:57

(Followed Seudah) by Moshiach Light Candles Light Thursday 9: April Don’t Eiruv forgettoan make Rosh Chodesh IyarRosh Chodesh Day Two Rosh Chodesh IyarRosh Chodesh Day One Light Candles FridayLight 17: April Light Candles FridayLight 10 April From a a Pre From Shabbos YomShabbos & Tov Ends: Nisan 30/AprilNisan 19/Sunday Last to ReadShema: Last Time Last to ReadShema: Last Time Shabbos MevarchimShabbos Iyar Thursday Night Friday Night 1:27 (and 4Chalakim) AM Iyar 1/April 20/Monday Acharon Pesach Shel Nisan 22/AprilNisan 10 Nisan 21/AprilNisan 9 Shevii Pesach Shel Nisan 29/AprilNisan 18 Avos PerekOne Avos - Existing Flame: Shabbos Shabbos Ends: Sunday/April 19 Molad ofIyarMolad -

Tavshilin Shabbos Shachris: Shachris: Shachris: Minchah: Shemini - Tehilim:

Yizkor: Friday - - 11 10

9:35 8:10 10:00 8:15 7:07 8:05 5:30 12:00 10:00 7:02 10:00 9:41 7:01