Volume 28, Issue 1

CONGREGATION LEVI YI TZCHOK OF HANCOCK PARK 5777/2017

Chabad Chodesh Nisan 5777

say Tachnun, " HaRachamim" or or HaRachamim" "Av Tachnun, "Tzidkascha" inNisan) say 429:9] Aruch, Shulchan we holiness, 's in [Alter Tov..." Yom a as by holy all it make went month the of most Erev is since Pesach; of days eight fourteenth by followed Pesach, The Tov. Yom own Nasi's the was day Each twelfth. the in through Nisan, sacrifices their bring to began Nesiim the The on based ]: [Maseches Chachamim custom the of words a community, the on to Nisan, of twelfth thededicate theMishkan. until first the from Nesiim sons and BCE) of consecration the completed (1312 2449 1, Mishkan the of dedication The 11a] HaShanah, [Rosh in redeemed. be and will redeemed we Nisan were fathers our Nisan In [Rosh 11a] HaShanah, died. and born were Avos the Nisan In Rosh ChodeshNisan Nisan 1/March28/Tuesday S separated all thosewhohadinter and investigation his finished Yeru Ezra reached Rosh they on and Rosh Chodeshshalayim on Av. many Nisan with Chodesh Bavel Left Ezra Vaera.Haftorah ofParshas the for it read We 29:17]. [Yecheskal Bavel of of fall king the Nebuchadnetzer, of time the the in Egypt on prophesied Hanavi Yecheskel Yam the into Suf. jump to first the also was who 1, was Nisan on sacrifices, bring to Nasi first The read "ZosChanukas ( Ratzon". Nasi the say we 12, Nisan until Nisan Chodesh Rosh From PECIAL "...We don't fast in Nisan, nor decree a fast a decree nor Nisan, in fast don't "...We

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"He blesses only the first time he thor of Toras Chesed, one of the Communal Bris of Bnei Yisrael, up- see them in the year". [Alter Rebbe, great Poskim in the time of the on entering Eretz Yisrael, for all Jews Seder Birchos HaNehenin 12:14] Tzemach Tzedek, 5662 (1902). The not circumcised in the desert, 2488 Tzemach Tzedek admired him great- (1273 BCE). [Yehoshua 5:7] Nisan 2/March 29/Wednesday ly. [Likutei Diburim, Vol. II; 17] Yartzeit of R. Mosheh b. Nachman, Moshe Rabeinu made the first Parah the Ramban, Talmudist, Kabbalist Adumah (Red Heifer), 2449 (1312 Nisan 7/April 3/Monday and commentator on Chumash, BCE). End of mourning period for Moshe 5030 (1270). "...There were nine red heifers Rabbeinu, 2488 (1273 BCE). from the time they were Yartzeit of R. Yeshayahu Hurwitz, commanded to observe this Yartzeit of R. Yitzchok of Dravitch, Kabbalist, author of Shnei Luchos until the Second Beis HaMikdash student of the , 5504 Habris, (“SheLaH”), 5390 (1630). was destroyed: Moshe Rabeinu did (1744). Before the Alter Rebbe traveled to the first, Ezra did the second; there the Mezeritcher Magid, he knew all were seven after Ezra and the tenth Nisan 8/April 4/Tuesday of the Shnei Luchos Habris by heart. will be done by M e l ec h Yartzeit of R. Eliyahu Hakadosh of He was a “SheLaH Yid”, he studied HaMashiach, may he quickly be York, Rabbeinu Yom Tov, and sever- the “SheLaH”, gave classes in it, revealed, Amen, may it be His al other English Tosafists, who per- Davened and practiced according to will." [Rambam, Hilchos Parah ished at Clifford’s Tower, during the the SheLaH. [Sefer Hamaamarim, Adumah 3:4] Crusades, 4906 (1146). 5708]. He organized a Minyan ac- Yartzeit of R. Yaakov Tzvi Yales of cording to the practices of the Yartzeit of our holy Master, Premezyl, Kabbalist and Talmudist, SheLaH. [Sefer Hasichos, 5705]. The Sholom Dov Ber, the Rebbe RaShaB, author of Melo Haroim and Kehilas Alter Rebbe said he had taken much of blessed memory, fifth Lubavitcher Yaakov, 5585 (1825). from him (in Chassidus). [Sefer Ha- Rebbe, 5680 (1920). He founded “The Tzemach Tzedek cites him 5710]. . many times as a basis for ideas in “...This day, the Yartzeit of the Chassidus ChaBaD...” [Sichah, She- Nisan 12/April 8/ Rebbe RaShaB, is the beginning of vat 10, 5722] Shabbos HaGodol the leadership of my saintly father- On the Shabbos before Pesach the in-law. This day is meritorious for Nisan 9/April 5/Wednesday Jews in Mitzrayim took lambs for everyone to accept upon them- Arrest of R. Levi Yitzchok Schneer- the Pesach. The Egyptians selves, with a firm commitment to son, father of the Lubavitcher Rebbe, gathered and asked the Jews what go in their way that they taught, for 5698 (1938). they were doing. They answered that the entire year, and they will be HaShem had commanded them to blessed, as they prophesied, ‘This is Nisan 10/April 6/Thursday use the lambs as a sacrifice, after the vessel to receive their blessing in Yartzeit of Miriam, 2487 (1274 which HaShem would kill the the material and the BCE). Miriam’s well dried up that Egyptians. The first born spiritual.’” [Letter of the Rebbe, day. Egyptians went to their parents and 25, 5710] Paroh to ask that the Jews be sent Bnei Yisrael crossed the Yarden and out. When they refused, it caused a Nisan 3/March 30/Thursday put up twelve monuments at Gilgal, war between the firstborn and the Yartzeit of R. Levi Yitzchok , 2488 (1273 BCE). [Yehoshua 4:20] other Egyptians, 2448 (1313 BCE). son of Rebbetzin Menuchah Rochel, [Alter Rebbe’s , daughter of the Mitteler Rebbe, Nisan 11/April 7/Friday I:430] 5655 (1895). He was one of the Birthday of the Rebbe, 5662 (1902). heads of Kolel Chabad in Chevron. Chasidim have a custom to say the After we read the Hagadah Rebbe’s chapter of Tehilim daily. We from Avadim Hayinu to l’chaper al Nisan 5/April 1/Shabbos begin saying Chapter 116. kol avonoseinu. Yehoshua sent scouts to Yericho, “The previous Rebbe said, ‘Every 2488 (1273 BCE). [Yehoshua 2:1] Chassid should say a chapter of Nisan 13/April 9/Sunday Tehillim every day, that the merit of Bedikas Chometz - the formal search Yartzeit of R. Avrohom Yehoshua the Rebbeim should be extended to for is tonight. Heschel of Apta, author of Oheiv him, and the revelation of light Yisrael, 5585 (1825). should be received in an inner way.’ Bris of Avraham Avinu, 2048 (1714 This is the chapter of Tehillim of the BCE). Yartzeit of R. Shneur Zalman of Lu- Rebbe.” [Sicha, Shabbos Mevarchim blin, Rav of Polotzk, , and of Av, 5710] sent scrolls announcing his the Chassidim of Eretz Yisrael, au- decree. ordered a three day

VOLUME 28, ISSUE 1 Page 2 fast, [Esther 3:12, 4:16] 3404 (357 HaShanah 13a] BCE) We pray for dew and begin to say “Morid Hatal” at Musaf. Angel orders Gidon to attack Midian Yartzeit of R. Yosef Karo, author of [Shoftim 6:19] the Beis Yosef on Tur, Shulchan Sarah brought to house of Pharoh, Aruch, Kesef Mishneh on the Ram- 2023 (1738 BCE), [Yalkut Shimoni] Chizkiyahu Hamelech completed bam, and Magid Meisharim, in (and to the house of Avimelech) rededication of Beis Hamikdash, Tzfas, 5335 (1575). [Targum to Esther 5:1] 3199 (562 BCE). [Divrei Hayamim II 29:17] Yartzeit of R. Mosheh Alsheikh, Dar- Avraham fought the four kings to shan of Tzfas, author of Toras save Lot. [Rashi, Bereishis 14:15] Haman hanged, 3404 (357 BCE). Moshe, in Tzfas, 5358 (1598) [Esther 7:10] Bris Bein Habesarim with Avraham, Yartzeit of our holy Master, Rabbi 2018 (1743 BCE). [Seder Olam] Yartzeit of R. Mordechai Dov Ber Menachem Mendel, the Tzemach Twerski of Tomashpol, son of R. No- Tzedek, third Lubavitcher Rebbe, chum, son of the Mitteler Rebbe, author of Tzemach Tzedek, 5626 The angels informed Sarah that she 5680 (1920). [The name Twerski (1866). would have a son, 2047 (1714 was from his maternal grandfather, BCE). R. Yaakov Yisroel of Czerkass, who Nisan 14/April 10/Monday had no sons]. Erev Pesach Birth of Yitzchok, 2048 (1713 BCE).

Taanis Bechorim When HaShem Yitzchok summoned Eisav and We start to say ‘Visein Brachah’, in killed the Egyptian firstborn, He blessed Yaakov, and blessed him , Motzei Yom Tov, Nisan 17, spared the firstborn Jews. Firstborn with Tal, the dew of the heavens, April 12, Wednesday Night. males (and fathers of firstborn sons 2171 (1590 BCE). under thirteen) fast unless they par- Nisan 17/April 13/Thursday ticipate in a Seudas Mitzvah: Bris, HaShem appeared to Moshe in the Yartzeit of R. Yisroel Noach of or . burning bush, 2447 (1314 BCE). Niezhin, son of the Tzemach Tzedek, [Rabbeinu Bachya Al HaTorah] 5643 (1883). Burning Chametz in the morning. He would review the Halachic Yartzeit of R. Menachem Mendel of Fall of Sisera. [Shoftim 4:1] questions the Tzemach Tzedek re- Bar, student of the Ba’al Shem Tov, ceived [Sefer Hamaamarim Kuntrei- 5525 (1765). Assyrian army of Sancheirev de- sim II, p. 405] and would prepare stroyed, 3213 (548 BCE). [Melachim the Teshuvos [Beis Rebbe III, p. 28]. Day of Korban Pesach II 19:35] The Tzemach Tzedek praised his er- udition [Piskei Dinim, Yoreh Deah, Naomi and Rus returned from the Daniel saved from lion’s den, 3389 No. 116, Sefer Hatoldos MaHaRaSh, fields of Moav to Beis Lechem. (372 BCE). [Daniel 6:23] p. 26]. Some of the Teshuvos as- We begin counting the Omer on the cribed to the Tzemach Tzedek are Birthday of R. Mosheh b. Maimon, Second Night of Pesach, Tuesday actually his. [Kuntres Hashulchan, p. the Rambam, in Cordova, Spain Night. 17] 4895 (1135). Second Seder Tuesday Night Nisan 18/April 14/Friday Hevel and Kayin brought their sacri- Birthday of R. Levi Yitzchok fices. (Targum Yonason b. Uziel). Nisan 16/April 12/Wednesday Schneerson, father of the Lubavitch- Second day of Pesach er Rebbe, 5638 (1878). After Mincha we say the Seder Kor- Day of the Bris of the Rebbe, 5622 bon Pesach — the order of the Pe- Birth of Levi son of Yaakov Avinu, (1902). sach offering. 2195 (1566 BCE) and his Yartzeit [Yalkut Shimoni, Shemos] Nisan 19/April 15/Shabbos Chol First Seder, Monday Night HaMoed Supply of Mon exhausted after Jews Yartzeit of R. Yehoshua Falk, author Nisan 15/April 11/Tuesday crossed into Eretz Yisroel, 2488 of Meiras Einayim and Derishah and First Day of Pesach (1273 BCE). [Kiddushin 38a] Perishah on the Tur, 5374 (1614).

Yetzias Mitzrayim, 2448 (1313 Omer brought the first time, 2488 Yartzeit of R. Aharon of Karlin, stu- BCE). (1273 BCE). [Yehoshua 5:11, Rosh

VOLUME 28, ISSUE 1 Page 3 dent of the Mezeritcher Magid, colleague of the Alter On , the day after Yom Tov, it's customary Rebbe, 5532, (1772). not to fast and to eat a better meal than usual.

Nisan 20/April 16/Sunday Bris of Levi, son of Yaakov. Erev Yom Tov Nisan 24/April 20/Thursday Yartzeit of R. Hai Gaon, last and most influental of the Jews stop at Marah, first Shabbos in the desert, 2448 Geonim, 4798 (1038). (1313 BCE). [Shabbos 87b] They were taught the “...The Alter Rebbe (in his Siddur) followed the , laws of Shabbos, the Parah Adumah, Seven laws of the Ari ZaL...and R. Hai Gaon” [Shaar Hakolel]. “In an- Noach, and honoring ones parents. ything that had to be decided (in his Siddur), the Alter Rebbe ruled like the opinion of R. Hai Gaon” [Shaar Yartzeit of R. Schneur Zalman Mordechai Schneer- Hakolel]. “It’s not possible that the Alter Rebbe would son, son of R. Yosef Yitzchok of Urvitch, son of the amend a text not according to R. Hai Gaon.” [Shaar Tzemach Tzedek, 5626 (1866). He was a great Gaon. Hakolel, p. 239] At seventeen he was appointed Rav of Zhitomir. He was the Rebbe RaShaB’s brother-in-law. Yartzeit of R. Yitzchok Dov Ber of , grandson of the Tzemach Tzedek, author of Siddur MaHaRiD, 5670 Nisan 25/April 21/Friday (1910). Yartzeit of R. Chaim Halberstam of Tzanz, author of Divrei Chayim, founder of Tzanz Chassidic dynasty, The Rebbe and the Rebbetzin, received American visas 5636 (1876). at Marseilles, enabling them to escape German occu- pied France, 5701 (1941). Nisan 26/April 22/Shabbos Shabbos Mevarchim Nisan 21/April 17/Monday Shevii Shel Pesach We start studying Pirkei Avos after Minchah. We say a Perek a week, between Pesach and Shavuos (and Pharoh’s decree against Jewish boys cancelled, 2368 throughout the Summer). (1393 BCE). [Sotah 12b] Yartzeit of Yehoshua ben Nun, 2516 (1245 BCE). Seventh day of Moshe at the burning bush; he agreed to [Megilas Taanis] speak to Pharoh, 2447 (1314 BCE). [Rabbeinu Bachya Al HaTorah] Nisan 27/April 23/Sunday Beginning of , 5744 (1984). Kriyas Yam Suf: Splitting of the Sea, 2448 (1313 BCE). Moshe and Bnei Yisrael sang the Shirah [Sotah 12b] Nisan 28/April 24/Monday Yericho was circled seven times and the walls came Yartzeit of R. Dovid Leikes, student of the Baal Shem down. Fall of Yericho, 2488 (1273 BCE). [Seder Tov, 5559 (1799). Olam]

Nisan 22/April 18/Tuesday Nisan 29/April 25/Tuesday Acharon Shel Pesach Erev Iyar Yizkor/Moshiach Seudah Yartzeit of R. Chaim Vital, Kabbalist primary student Bris of Yitzchok Avinu [ 10b] 2048 of the Ari ZaL, author of Eitz Chayim, 5380 (1620). (1713 BCE). Nisan 30/April 26/Wednesday Yehoshua began march around Yericho, 2488 (1273 Rosh Chodesh Iyar BCE). [Seder Olam] Yartzeit of R. Yosef Ibn Megas, 5901 (1141). Yartzeit of R. Yehudah Rosanes of Constantinople, au- thor of Mishneh Limelech on the Rambam, and Parshas Yartzeit of R. Yaakov Emden, 5536 (1776). Derachim, 5487 (1727). Iyar 1/April 27/Thursday Nisan 23/April 19/Wednesday Rosh Chodesh Iyar Day 2 Isru Chag

VOLUME 28, ISSUE 1 Page 4 Pesach Laws and Customs Monday Night ~ Tuesday / April 10-April 18

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

Preparing for Pesach for Sefardim” -those products can contain Kit- While cleaning and preparing for Pesach we niyos. One needs to pay special attention. should try to help others: in selling their Chametz, providing them with Shemurah Matzah, and mak- If you have a child that is dependant on drinking ing sure they have a Seder. formula and the formula contains Kitniyos you must make sure that there is no chometz mixed DON’T wait until the last minute to sell your into the ingredients, and you need to use separate Chametz. Make sure to sell your Chametz by utensils and wash it away from the kitchen sink Monday Morning, April 10th. There is no reason (ie the bathroom sink). to wait until the last minute to sell your Cha- metz, please do it before Monday Erev Pesach, Make sure the milk and eggs you buy were pro- April 10th. duced BEFORE Pesach.

Buy hand-baked Shemurah Matzah early (in case Sidurim and Bentchers used on the table through- the stores run out). out the year should be put away with the Cha- metz. It’s advisable to have Pesachdik Sidurim Products change every year. Something which and Bentchers was Kosher last year is not necessarily Kosher this year. Consult a Rav when in doubt. If you leave home before Pesach you must do the night before you leave. Con- Food bought for Pesach must have reliable, cur- sult a Rav about details of Bedikas Chametz and rent Hashgachah. Cosmetics, perfumes, medi- where to sell the chometz. cines, etc. may contain Chametz. Before buying them for Pesach, consult a Rav, if possible, calling Make sure to purchase the special foods for the earlier is always better. Seder in great enough amounts.

Obviously, all products used on Pesach must be It’s a good idea to review the before from packages not opened or used throughout the Pesach to acquaint yourself with the Halachos and year, even if they’re Kosher L’Pesach. Minhagim of the Seder. If you have any ques- tions about conducting the Seder, etc.. you’ll have When purchasing items, check each box or con- time to get answers before Pesach. tainer as non Pesachdik items sometimes gets mixed up on the shelf with Kosher for Pesach Vacuum cleaners, mops and brooms must be ones. cleaned before Pesach. Remember to change your vacuum cleaner bag and discard the old one. There are different customs between the Ashkena- zic Community and the Sefardic Community dur- Women living on their own must do Bedikas Cha- ing Pesach. We, the Ashkenazic Community (and metz and Bitul Chametz, and sell their chometz. some of the Sefardic community as well), do not eat Kitniyos on Pesach - rice, beans, peas, corn, Preparing The Kitchen legumes, peanuts etc, or any oil made out of Kit- It’s preferable to have dishes, pots, pans and uten- niyos (ie Peanut Oil). Therefore make sure when sils, etc., put aside and used only for Pesach. you purchase items for Pesach they do not contain Kitniyos. Certain items can say “Kosher L’Pesach If you need to Kasher dishes, or sinks, stoves, ov- ens, etc., make a list of everything and consult a

VOLUME 28, ISSUE 1 Page 5 Kesherim & Ben David Rav to find out if they can be Kashered, and how to do it. Inc. Generally, there are two ways of Kashering: “Libun” (fire) and Established 1947 “Hagalah” (purging in boiling water). Diamonds, Rubies Things to be Kashered by Hagalah must be spotlessly clean and with- & Sapphires out any rust. They may not be used for twenty-four hours prior to Ka- shering.

It’s advisable to complete all Kashering before Erev Pesach. Many Shuls have a place to Kasher things before Pesach. It’s often more practical to go to the public Kasherings than to do it yourself.

Clean cupboards, counters, cabinets, etc. thoroughly and cover with 706 S. Hill Street # 320 cardboard, metal or hard plastic. Sink faucets must be Kashered and Los Angeles, CA 90014 covered or changed. Stainless steel sinks may be Kashered (consult a Rav for directions); porcelain or enamel sinks must be cleaned very Tel: 213 910-1700 well and lined with durable lining. Garbage disposals can be cleaned [email protected] by putting ice cubes and Ajax cleanser and running the unit. They cannot be kashered. *** Tables must be cleaned: Table leaves should be opened, and the sup- ports and the leaves carefully cleaned. Then, cover the table.

Highchairs must be cleaned completely and the tray completely cov- Shomer ered. Some people have a separate tray. Insurance Agency Refrigerators must be completely cleaned and the shelves lined. Insurance Specialists Joseph Schneerson Cookbooks and telephone books etc. should be put away with the Chametz. Principal & Broker The kitchen telephone should be cleaned very well.

4221 Wilshire Blvd. #222 Wedding rings which are worn when preparing chametzdik food have 323 934-8160 to be kashered for Pesach or not worn when preparing Pesach foods.

License #0717982 Bedikas Chametz *** Search For Chametz Sunday Night/Nisan 13/April 9 From half an hour before nightfall until after the search, it’s forbidden to eat a meal or do any work.

Martin Fishman If you Daven Maariv with a Minyan, Daven first, then go home and & Assoc. Inc. immediately begin the search. INSURANCE Every room and place where Chametz may have been brought must be 6300 Wilshire Blvd. thoroughly cleaned and checked. Los Angeles, CA 90048 It’s nearly impossible to check every necessary place the night of Bed- Tel: 323 866-0830 ikas Chametz, especially in the kitchen, which is usually already Pe- License # 04188981 sachdik. So, after cleaning the kitchen, it’s advisable to check with a candle or flashlight before lining shelves and cabinets. This is true of *** closets, cabinets, under heavy furniture, etc. Do a Bedikas Chametz after you clean these areas, before you return things to their usual

VOLUME 28, ISSUE 1 Page 6 places. of the bag). Tie the bag tightly with string. Places sold to a non-Jew don’t need to be checked for Chametz. Then, annul all Chametz you didn’t find. ‘Kol Chamira’ [Annulling the Chametz] was written in Set aside any Chametz you still need before Pe- Aramaic, the spoken language, so everyone would sach in a safe place before Bedikas Chametz. understand it. You must say ‘Kol Chamira’ in a language you understand. If you understand its Before the search, put ten pieces of hard Cha- intent you may say it in the original. metz, wrapped in paper, in different places in the house. Don’t use aluminum foil: it doesn’t burn. After the search, check to be sure you found all ten pieces of Chametz. Remember where you put them! If you don’t find all ten pieces you’ll have to search until you do. Put the closed bag away in a safe place (away from It’s advisable for someone to write down the hid- the children) until the morning, when you burn it. ing places, so you will have a back-up. Erev Pesach It’s customary to use a beeswax candle, a feather Monday Morning/Nisan 14/April 10 (to sweep small crumbs into the bag), a spoon and Don’t say Mizmor L’Sodah in Davening on Erev a paper bag for Bedikas Chametz. Pesach. (The Korban Todah was Chametz.)

Before the search say the Brachah (see Siddur). After Shacharis it’s customary to make a Siyum Don’t speak between the Brachah and the search. for the Bechorim (firstborns), so that they may eat. It’s preferable not to speak throughout the entire All first-born males (of either or both parents) fast, search, unless it’s about Bedikas Chametz. to commemorate HaShem’s miracle of saving the first-born Jews. But participating in a Seudas Mitz- This check list, by no means comprehensive. It is vah exempts one from the fast. A father fasts (or only an aid to recall places where Chametz may participates in a Siyum) for his first-born who is be: too young.

Behind and Under furniture On Erev Pesach it’s forbidden to eat Matzah. You Briefcases can eat Chametz until 10:45 am. Be careful to Bookcases confine it to one location so it will be easy to clean Purses up. Children’s backpacks Closets Brush your teeth (and put your toothbrush away Toys with the Chametz) and floss before 10:45 am. Pockets and cuffs of clothes Highchair Chametz must be burnt and annulled before 11:49 am. After that time you must burn the Cha- Car: Glove compartment, trunk, under seats, car metz but the annulment doesn’t work. seat While the Chametz burns, nullify all remaining Office or workplace: Desk, filing cabinet Chametz and say ‘Yehi Ratzon.’ (see Siddur, or the beginning of the Hagadah.) Where it’s difficult or hazardous to use a candle (in a car, under beds, etc.) use a flashlight. While you say ‘Kol Chamira,’ you must have full intention that all ownership of Chametz be an- After the search, put out the candle. Put the nulled entirely. If you say it and don’t mean it, it spoon, candle and feather into the bag with the has no effect. Chametz (the handle of the spoon should stick out

VOLUME 28, ISSUE 1 Page 7

Frank Revere Shake out your pockets, and your children’s pockets after ‘Yehi Lawyer Ratzon’ to be sure they’re free of crumbs. Revere & Wallace 355 S Grand Ave #2450 Those away from home must also do Bitul Chametz, the morning of Los Angeles, CA 90071 Erev Pesach. Before Midday (12:54 pm) on Erev Pesach, take a haircut and trim [email protected] your nails in honor of Yom Tov. If you don’t get a haircut before Phone: 213-943-1333 midday, a non-Jew may give you one. Fax: 213-403-4847 Cell: 213-422-5408 Since this year the seder is starting very late (Daylight Savings Time) *** it would be a very good idea for all children to take a nap during the Melinda Dauer day, so they will be up for the seder. Psy. D., A.T.R.- B.C. - M.S.T. Preparing For The Seder Art Therapy & Coach- Roasting the Zeroah, making the salt water, and Charoses ing should all be prepared before Yom Tov. Children & Adults The Chabad is to use a roasted piece of chicken neck for the 310 892-6988 (shankbone). It must be roasted before Yom Tov. The [email protected] Friediker Rebbe used to remove almost all the meat from the neck. Some meat must be left, because a bone without meat isn’t consid- Law Office of Michael E. Rubinstein ered a cooked food.

Personal Injury Attorney For Moror (bitter herbs) and Koreich we use both Romaine lettuce Auto Accidents, and horseradish. Bicycle Accidents, Slip & Falls Every leaf of Romaine must be carefully checked individually, to re- move any tiny worms or insects. Lettuce shouldn’t remain in salt wa- 213-293-6075 ter over eighteen minutes. To clean it well, discard outer leaves, www.rabbilawyer.com wash each leaf under running water, soak it briefly in salted water, rinse well and check under good light. Dry very thoroughly. We Come To You *** We make Charoses from apple, pears and nuts, and moisten it with red wine. YOSEF Y. SHAGALOV Traveling Notary The Chabad Minhag is to use raw onion or cooked potato for . Public & Home Signing Agent The Beitzah, is a hardboiled egg. It commemorates the Korban Cha- gigah, the Yom Tov Sacrifice everyone ate, besides the Korban Pe- Member: sach. National Notary Associa- tion It’s customary not to eat the ingredients of the Charoses (nuts, apples Cell: (323) 934-7095 and pears) and Moror (Romaine lettuce and horseradish) from Erev Fax: (323) 934-7092 Pesach through Koreich of the Second Seder. E-mail: [email protected] “For All Your Notary The Seder Needs - At Your Location” This merely highlights a few laws and customs of the Seder. For full details use the Haggadah For Pesach With English Translation

VOLUME 28, ISSUE 1 Page 8 Of Text, Customs And Practices (Kehot), trans- will be easier to drink the entire cup. lated by R. Jacob Immanuel Schochet. Use wine for all four cups; If it’s difficult to It’s recommended that you review the Haggadah drink, you may dilute the wine with grape juice. before Pesach to acquaint yourself with the Hala- If that’s difficult, use grape juice. chos and Minhagim of the Seder. If you have any questions about conducting the Seder, etc. you’ll The Shiur of Matzah is a Kizayis [one ounce], have time to get answers before Pesach. approximately half a hand-made Matzah and three quarters of a machine-made Matzah. We Look in the Haggadah before each part of the Seder. eat Matzah three times during the Seder: each (Don’t rely on your memory). Even though we time, each Kizayis should be eaten within four learned the entire Haggadah before Pesach it’s im- minutes. (If this is not possible within seven portant to use it for the Seder to avoid errors. minutes.)

“Everyone must bestir himself with awe to follow The Matzah on the Seder plate won’t be enough the instructions of the Sages who arranged the pre- for everybody; take more from the box. cept of the Seder and the Haggadah. This should not be trivial in one’s eyes. There are some things The Shiur of Moror is three quarters of an at the Seder which may seem insignificant to a man, ounce of Romaine and horseradish. It should be but let him act prudently to observe them, for there eaten within four minutes, (if that isn’t possible, is nothing vain among them!” [Sefer MaHaRiL, within seven minutes.) quoted in Haggadah for Pesach, p. 6, note a] All minimum Shiurim of the Seder apply equal- We return home from Shul promptly to begin the ly to men and women. ( If one has difficulty Seder as early as possible, so the children won’t fall with eating the or drinking the minimum asleep during the Seder. of wine or grape juice a Rov needs to be con- sulted before Pesach to clarify what can be We prepare the Seder Plate after we return from done.) Children should be taught to do all the Shul, before Kiddush. Mitzvos of the Seder.

We use three Shemurah Matzahs for the Seder It isn’t the Chabad Minhag to wear a Kittel for Plate. The bottom one is the Yisroel, the middle is the Seder, nor to be particular about the direc- the Levi and the top is the . Separate each tion of one’s seat. with a cloth and on top place a cloth. (Most Matzah covers are made with pockets for this.) We announce and explain the Simanei Haseder (Order of the Seder), as we come to them. This The Chabad Minhag is to place the symbolic foods is a good opportunity to get the children in- of the Seder on the Matzah cover. Place a tray un- volved in the seder. der the Matzahs. [see Haggadah] Men and boys recline on their left side for all The minimum size wine cup for the Sedarim is a the four cups, the Matzah, Koreich and Afi- “Reviis” —about 3.5 fluid ounces. It’s preferable to komen. Reclining on your right side, face or drink the entire cup, preferably without a pause. back isn't reclining. Women don't recline. This applies to all four cups. Women are obligated to say (at least) the basic If this isn’t possible, drink more than half. (This is parts of the Haggadah, especially from “Raban true for the first three cups. For the fourth, drink an Gamliel” until after the second cup of wine. entire Reviis, to say the Brachah ‘Al Hagefen’). It’s a Mitzvah to explain the Haggadah to our It’s better to use smaller cups of minimum size, so it children. The one conducting the Seder must try to explain to them as much as possible of the

VOLUME 28, ISSUE 1 Page 9 Yom Tov of Pesach and the Geulah of Mitzraim on mash announce ‘Morid Hatal’, say ‘Morid their level. Hatal’ in Shacharis.

Throughout Pesach (except the last day) we don’t We’re obligated to rejoice on Yom Tov: we eat wet the Matzahs. Matzahs on the table are kept cov- meat; men drink an extra cup of wine. ered. Before pouring liquids at the table, make sure no Matzah crumbs are in the cup. For Mayim Second Night Pesach Acharonim, we don’t pass our wet fingers over our Tuesday Night/Nisan 16/April 11 lips, as we usually do. Maariv begins with Shir Hamaalos and is fol- lowed by . We try to eat the Afikomen by Chatzos (12:54 a.m.), especially on the First Night. [The Korban Sefiras HaOmer Pesach had to be eaten by midnight]. It can be eat- We begin to count the Omer at the end of en after Chatzos. Maariv, after Hallel on the second night of Pe- sach and continue until Shavuos. (See Siddur). We carry candlesticks to the door, and open it for Eliyahu. Minhag Chabad is not to stand for We stand while saying the Brachah and count- ing Sefirah. ‘Shefoch’, (except for those at the door). If you forgot to count at the end of Maariv but On the first night of Pesach we say only the first remember during the night, count with a Bra- paragraph of Kriyas Shema and ‘HaMapil’, since chah. it’s Leil Shemurim, the night of HaShem’s protec- tion. If you remember during the following day, count without a Brachah. Continue that night to First Day of Pesach count with a Brachah. Tuesday/Nisan 15/April 11 We say Shemoneh Esrei for Shalosh Regalim (see If you forgot entirely during the night and next Siddur), Hallel and take out two Sifrei . Kri- day, until the next night, count Sefirah without yas HaTorah for each day of Pesach is in the back a Brachah until Shavuos. of Siddur. If you’re uncertain whether or not you counted Before Musaf on the first day of Pesach, the Sha- the night before, count with a Brachah. mash announces that we’ll begin saying ‘Morid If someone asks you after sunset, what the Hatal’ (instead of ‘Mashiv Haruach Umorid Sefirah count is, tell him what YESTERDAY’S Hageshem’). count was. If you tell him how much tonight is, you may not count with a Brachah that night. We begin to say it at Musaf. We count Sefirah when it's fully night, not dur- During the Musaf repetition the Chazan includes a ing twilight. special Tefillah about Tal.

If you say ‘Morid Hageshem’, but realize your mis- Second Seder take before HaShem’s name at the end of Tuesday Night/Nisan 16/April 11 ‘Mechayeh Hameisim’, start again from ‘Atah Gi- No preparations for the Seder or the second day bor.’ of Yom Tov may be done before 8:02 pm.

If you recall saying ‘Morid Hageshem’ after finish- Candle-lighting for the second night of Pesach ing ‘Mechayeh Hameisim’, start the Shemoneh Es- is after 8:02 p.m., from a pre-existing flame. rei over. We say “. . Lehadlik Ner Shel Yom Tov” and “Shehechiyanu”. If you didn’t Daven Shacharis yet (and aren’t Davening with another Minyan), but heard the Sha- The Second Seder is the same as the first. Kri- as Shemah al Hamitah is the same as for every

VOLUME 28, ISSUE 1 Page 10 Yom Tov. These laws apply to Shacharis, Minchah and Maariv of Chol Hamoed. Second Day Pesach Wednesday/Nisan 16/April 12 Ya’aleh V’Yavo In Bentching At the meal of the Second day we eat something If you forget “Yaaleh Veyavo” in Bentching on special to commemorate Esther’s meal on this Pesach and remember after “Bonei Birachamav day, the same day Haman was hanged. Yerushalayim, Amein,” say the Brachah in the

Siddur for this situation. V’Sein Brachah We start at Maariv, Wednesday Night, Motzei If you remember after the word ‘Baruch’ of the Yom Tov, Nisan 17, April 12. fourth Brachah, on Yom Tov start Birkas HaM- azon over; on Chol Hamoed, Don't, repeat the Throughout the summer months (from Pesach to Bentching. Sukos) we don’t ask for rain (‘Visein Tal Uma- tar’) in the weekday Shemoneh Esrei. Instead, we Chol Hamoed say ‘Visein Brachah’. We don’t wear on Chol Hamoed.

If you say “Visein Tal Umatar” and realize your In Shacharis, don’t say Mizmor Lesodah. (The error before or after finishing the Brachah , begin Korban Todah was Chametz!) We Daven the again from “Bareich ”, [if you’re still say- weekday Shemoneh Esrei with Yaaleh V’yavo. ing Shemoneh Esrei]. If you realize you said “Visein Tal Umatar” after We say half Hallel, read the Torah (see Siddur), finishing Shemoneh Esrei, (and you already said followed by Musaf. the second ‘Yiheyu Liratzon’) repeat the She- moneh Esrei. We’re obligated to rejoice on Chol Hamoed: we eat meat; men drink an extra cup of wine.

Ya’aleh V’Yavo in Shemoneh Esrei Sewing, laundering (except baby clothes), hair- We say “Yaaleh Veyavo” in Shemoneh Esrei cuts and nail cutting are forbidden. throughout Chol Hamoed. Shabbos Chol HaMoed If you forget “Yaaleh Veyavo” in Shemoneh Esrei Nisan 19/April 15 on Chol Hamoed (or aren’t sure you said it) and If you have an Chatzeiros you should re- haven’t said HaShem’s name at the end of the make it for the year, on Friday, April 14, see Brachah, say “Yaaleh Veyavo” and continue Siddur. Say it in English, if you don’t under- “Visechezenah”. stand Aramaic.

If you remember after HaShem’s name, but before Candle-lighting, Friday, April 14, is at 7:05 We “Modim”, say “Yaaleh Veyavo” and continue say the Brachah “...Lehadlik Ner Shel Shabbos with “Modim”. Kodesh.”

If you said “Modim”, go back to “Retzei” and Before Minchah we say Posach Eliyahu and Ye- continue through the rest of Shemoneh Esrei. did Nefesh. If you finish Shemoneh Esrei and didn’t say “Yaaleh Veyavo”, (and you already said the sec- Kabolas Shabbos starts with “Mizmor ond ‘Yiheyu Liratzon’), repeat Shemoneh Esrei. L’Dovid.” In the last stanza of Lecha Dodi say “B’Simchah.” Say the regular Shabbos If you forgot “Yaaleh Veyavo” at Shacharis and with Ya’aleh V’yavo. If you forget it repeat the already said Musaf, don’t repeat Shemoneh Esrei Amidah. (See Siddur). for Shacharis. Say Shalom Aleichem, Eishes Chayil, etc. qui- etly before Kiddush.

VOLUME 28, ISSUE 1 Page 11 At Shachris on Shabbos we say Amidas Shabbos we no longer keep Matzah covered, and we with Ya’aleh V’yavo, and we say half Hallel, and make a point of eating Gebroks [wet Matzah]. take out two Sifrei Torah. We say the Haftorah of Yechezkel (see Siddur). Acharon Shel Pesach Tuesday/Nisan 22/April 18 Musaf is that of Shalosh Regalim with Shabbos in- Yizkor is before Musaf. serts.

Shabbos day Kiddush is said quietly until “Borei P’ri It’s customary to have a third meal, after Min- chah called “Moshiach’s Seudah”. Hagofen.”

At Maariv, Motzei Shabbos, don’t forget to say, “The Baal Shem Tov would eat three festival ‘Atah Chonantanu’ AND ‘V’sein Brachah’ AND meals on Acharon Shel Pesach. He called the ‘Yaaleh V’yavo.’ third meal "Moshiach's Seudah". Acharon Shel Pesach is the day for Moshiach's Seudah be- Regular Havdallah is recited, with a candle and be- cause on this day the radiance of Moshiach's somin (if you have pesachdik), Vayitein Lechah is light shines openly. recited quietly. In 5666 (1906) the Rebbe RaShaB ate the meal Shevii Shel Pesach of Acharon Shel Pesach with the students of Ye- Sunday Night/Nisan 21/April 16 Tomchei Tmimim. He ordered that four Candle-lighting, Sunday, April 16 is 7:07 p.m. We cups of wine be given each student, and then say the Brachah “. . . Lehadlik Ner Shel Yom Tov.” declared, "this is Moshiach's Seuda." (, p. 47) We DON’T say “Shehechiyanu” at candle-lighting The Rebbe stated that it's obvious that this prac- or at Kiddush. tice wasn't to be limited to that particular year, but is for all years." (Foot note in the English It’s customary to remain awake throughout the night Hayom Yom, p. 47) of Shevii Shel Pesach (the seventh night) to learn To- rah. We should drink the four cups of wine with the thought that this is connected to and hastens the Shevii Shel Pesach Day Geula. (Maamar Acharon Shel Pesach, 5749, Monday/Nisan 21/April 17 1989) We say Shemoneh Esrei for Shalosh Regalim, half Pesach ends April 18th at 8:10 p.m. Hallel, and take out two Sifrei Torah, and say Musaf of Shalosh Regalim. After Pesach, give the Rav about an hour to re- purchase the Chametz before using it. We read the Parshah of Kriyas Yam Suf, and stand for the Shirah. Isru Chag Wednesday/Nisan 23/April 19 Acharon Shel Pesach Night On Isru Chag, the day after Yom Tov, it's cus- Monday Night/Nisan 22/April 17 tomary not to fast and to eat a better than usual No preparations for the second day of Yom Tov may meal. be done before 8:07 p.m. candle-lighting is from a pre-existing flame. We say Pirkei Avos, a Perek a week, after Min-

We DON’T say “Shehechiyanu” at candle-lighting chah, between Pesach and Shavuos (and or at Kiddush. throughout the summer), from the Shabbos after Pesach. On Acharon Shel Pesach (the final day of 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.

VOLUME 28, ISSUE 1 Page 12 P ESACH WITH THE REBBE

Many of the following descriptions of the Rebbe’s the Rebbe’s room before the Seder. The matzos hanhaga during the Seder were taken from were on a chair behind which the Rebbe stood and Hamelech B’misibo, Otzer Minhagei Chabad, the Rebbe told each person to take a matzah. Reb and Haggadah shel Pesach, printed by Heichel Hendel Lieberman would not take his Matzah by Menachem, or were told to me by people who himself; he would ask the Rebbe to give him a were present at the Rebbe’s Seder, including my matzah. Once when a person took a matzah which brother Avrohom Aba Raichik who was a wait- was a little broken, the Rebbe told him to take a er/guest at the Rebbe’s Seder many times. The whole one. The Rebbe’s guests and the waiters purpose of this article is to describe the Rebbe’s would take their other two matzos from the Beis Seder, not to give people new customs. The com- Nisan matzos upstairs. plete description of Chabad minhagim are in the Haggadah and therefore we did not repeat these More than a Minyan of men would participate at customs. the Rebbe’s Seder.

Matzos were baked twice for the Rebbe, once on When everything was ready upstairs, someone Beis Nisan and again on Erev Pesach. If Beis Ni- would knock on the Rebbe’s door to let him know san fell on a Sunday the matzos would be baked that all was ready. This was done for each meal. on Monday, Gimmel Nisan to ensure that the The Rebbe would have this person take the special mayin shelanu (the water for the matzah baking) wine, matzoh and becher upstairs for him. The would be drawn the day before the baking, before Rebbe would bring up the to the Seder his Hagga- sunset. The Beis Nisan matzos were generally dah and the Siddur HaArizal. During the Seder sent to Eretz Yisroel. In later years these matzos the Rebbe would consult the Siddur HaArizal. were also sent to Shluchim in other cities. From Meals would start approximately an hour to an the Beis Nissan baking, matzah was also taken hour and a half after davening. upstairs to be used by the Rebbetzin Nechama The Rashag, Rabbi Shmaryahu Gurary, A”H, the Dina A’H, and by all those who ate in the Rebbe’s brother-in-law, used to ask many ques- Friediker Rebbe’s home which was on the second tions of the Rebbe during the meal. After the meal floor of 770. The Erev Pesach matzos were given someone would come down and repeat chidushim out by the Rebbe. The Rebbe himself ate only that were said at the meal. Many times the Rebbe, from the first batch of the first baking of the Erev in his Sichos, would discuss at length questions Pesach Matzos. that had been brought up at the meal.

The night of Bedikas Chametz the Rebbe would The first night of Pesach the Seder would start af- sell his chometz with an Orev Kablan (a guaran- ter 9:00. The Rebbe would first go to the Yeshivah tor) to one of the Rabbonim, in the early years to dining hall to see each bochur and inspect his Se- Rabbi Shmuel Levitan, then later to Rabbi Zal- der plate. He would give them a brochah. In later man Shimon Dworkin and in later years to Rabbi years he would also go to , Machon Yisroel Piekarsky. The Rebbe would sell the Ye- Chana, and to several other Sedorim before he be- shivah in Melbourne, Australia, as well as other gan his own Seder. places, to the Rav. In 5749 (1989) a home was bought for the Rebbe in Lubavitch, Russia. The The Rebbe used cloth napkins for the Matzos. On Rebbe asked for the address in order to be able to top of the cloth napkins (not on a plate) the sym- sell the house with the rest of his Chometz to the bolic foods were placed. Under the Matzoh, the Rav. Rebbe would use a silver plate (but only the Rebbe had one. See the Haggadah) Everyone else would Those who were invited to the Rebbe’s Seder or follow suit. For maror the Rebbe would squeeze who worked as waiters at the Seder would go into

VOLUME 28, ISSUE 1 Page 13 the liquid out of it and then put it together with the Urchatz; the Rebbe would say it and read the romaine lettuce. He would also use the kepel (the explanation, and at the same time say karpas top) of the horseradish, which was not grated. For and its explanation without pausing (making a karpas the Rebbe would use a small onion. The hefsek) between the two. Before Rachtzah the charoses was not mixed with wine until later in the Rebbe would quietly recite all the Simanei Se- evening. Before eating the maror, the Rebbe would der with all the halachas till after Korech in or- take some of the charoses and put it on the plate der not to make a hefsek before Korech. For from under his becher and mix it with the wine that washing his hands the Rebbe would go to a was on the plate. The rest of the Charoses he would small sink in the hallway off the kitchen, no wa- leave dry for Korech. ter was brought to the table. For the karpas the Rebbe would cut part of the onion and eat the At the Friediker Rebbe’s place there was a silver tray piece but would not put the rest back on the (from the Rebbe Rashab) with Matzoh. Kairah (as the Rebbe has written in the Hagga- dah.) The Rebbe would add some salt to the The Rebbetzin Chaya Mushka would be in a room salt water before dipping the karpas and then off of the dining room with her mother, Rebbetzin dip three times. Nechama Dina, and the Rebbe’s mother, Rebbetzin Chana, and other women. After the Seder the Reb- For Yachatz, the Rebbe writes in the Rishimos be would walk his mother home. #5, pgs. 19-21, that the Friediker Rebbe would take the Afikomen from his sons-in-law and put Reb Yaakov Katz would say the Haggadah out loud it together with his own. This has been the cus- and the Rebbe would say the Haggadah to himself. tom of the Rebbeim since the Maggid’s time. At times those sitting near him were able to hear some of what he was saying. Sometimes the Rebbe The Rebbe would uncover some of all of the would correct something that had been said. Reb three matzos at the beginning of Maggid. Yaakov Katz’s son would say the Mah Nishtanah. When they came to the , the Rebbe Though questions were not asked during the recit- would move the Kairah a little to the side and ing of the Haggadah, discussions about the Hagga- cover the matzos. After the Ma Nishtana was dah and the Seder often took place during the meal. said, it was the custom of the Friediker Rebbe The Rebbe was the only one who ate while reclining. to say the Ma Nishtana over to himself quietly The others did not recline because they were at the with the introduction to the four questions and Rebbe’s Seder. the explanation just as the children say it (the Rebbe’s Haggadah). This was surely the After making the Kaira, the Rebbe would quietly say hanhaga of all the previous Rebbeim. This was all the Simanei Haseder beginning with the words, told to us to be used as guidelines by everyone. “Simanei Seder Shel Pesach.” In addition it was ob- (Sichos Yud-Alef Nisan, 5743 (1983) p. 126). served that when the Rebbe would come to each The custom by Yidden is that the youngest Siman he would say it quietly with it’s explanation. child asks first. (Hisvaadus 5740 (1980) p. For Kiddush, red wine was used for Pesach, as well 698). as for the entire year. The becher was always a sil- ver cup without a stem and it was always placed on For the Makos the Rebbe would pour from the the right side of the Kairah. The Rebbe would al- becher into an old, cracked dish which was on ways stand for Kiddush both at night and day. The the floor. After finishing, the Rebbe would add Rebbe would fill up the becher so that it would pour wine to the becher which would again overflow over onto the plate underneath. (See Sicha Shabbos onto the becher’s plate. Acharei 5746 (1986), pg. 181) He would pick it up with the right hand, put it in the left hand, and then At the part of Rabban Gamliel when he would place it in the palm of his hand with his fingers say Pesach, Matzoh and Maror, the Rebbe touching the becher. At any time during the Seder would look at the matzoh and the maror on the that the Rebbe would pick up and hold the becher, Kairah (some remember that he would touch he would do so in this fashion. the matzoh and the maror).

VOLUME 28, ISSUE 1 Page 14 The custom in the Rebbe’s house was to hold the Kos Eliyahu into the wine bottle, by first pour- second and third matzos with the cloth while saying ing the wine into his becher. When they Matzoh Zu. During Maror Ze, the Rebbe would put poured back the wine from Eliyahu Hanavi’s his right hand on the maror and his left hand on the Kos, Keli Ata was sung, except for one year chazeres. when the Rebbe started singing Prozos Teshev Yerushalayim before singing Keli Ata. During the meal, the Rebbe would put some salt on the napkin with the matzoh, then take some matzo From after opening the door for Eliyahu until and dip it into the salt three times. the end of the Haggadah the Rebbe would say

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

VOLUME 28, ISSUE 1 Page 15 ACHARON SHEL PESACH IN 5666 (1906)

Following is an excerpt from a 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 28, ISSUE 1 Page 16 3: Zeyde was wrapped in a tallis and laying in and I asked “What is Yizkor?" The Maharash bed. explained that the neshomas of our great grandparents are millitz yoshor (pleading the 4. After Shemoneh Esrei two people picked up case) for their descendants and therefore we the Tzemach Tzedek, put him on a chair and mention their neshomas and [pledge to] give brought him to the table with our father (the Tzedakah. Maharash) and our Uncle - Rabash (R. Boruch Sholom - the oldest son .) Two sifrei Torah were Great Tzaddikim like Zeyde (the Tzemach taken out to layn from, and they were brought to Tzedek) see the neshomos of their parents, and the Tzemach Tzedek for him to kiss (before our father said that today Zeyde saw the layning). neshoma of his mother (Rebbetzin Devorah Leah) and the neshoma of his father-in-law, 5. Our Uncle R. Boruch Sholom and our father, the Mittler Rebbe, and of his Zeyde , the Alter the Maharash had Shlishi and Chamishi, the Rebbe. Tzemach Tzedek had Maftir which he said seat- ed. R. Zalman Aharon began to sing what his un- cle, Reb Boruch Sholom, the son of the When Uncle R. Zalman Aaron told this to my fa- Tzemach Tzedek, sang on that Acharon Shel ther - it brought tears to his eyes, and two tears Pesach while the Tzemach Tzedek ate Seudas ran from his cheeks when he heard the end of Moshiach. this recollection. My father said he had heard from the Rebbe A few minutes later my father turned to his Maharash that the Baal Shem Tov gave the brother, the Raza, and asked him do you remem- name Moshiach Seudah to the meal of Acharon ber the Birchas Kohanim of that year, and kissing Shel Pesach. the Zeyde’s Tzitzis? Then R. Zalman Aharon mentioned how the The Raza said he remembers how R. Yosef Mor- Zeyde, the Tzemach Tzedek said to his son, R. dechai took both of us to a side room during Yiz- Boruch Sholom, when you will sing the songs kor and also remembers how his father, the Ma- of Moshiach's Seudah as the Alter Rebbe sang harash explained to them the meaning of Yizkor. them you should awaken your memory and remember the holy vision of the Zeyde (the Al- "Right after grandfather finished Maftir, our fa- ter Rebbe) and my father-in- law (the Mittler ther gave a wink to Yosef Mordechai to take us Rebbe.) into a side room, and later we were brought back in. We were standing next to our father for When R. Boruch Sholom began to sing, our fa- Birchas Kohanim. Our grandfather made a sign ther, the Rebbe Maharash, began to sing along with his hand that we should approach him. with him, and our Zeyde, the Tzemach Tzedek Our father noticed and brought us to where our sang very quietly. With his left hand he held Zeyde was sitting. And you (the RaShaB) stood his head and covered his eyes, and with his next to our Zeyde's right hand and put me (R. right hand he kept time on the table and great Zalman Aharon) on the left and covered us both tears ran over his cheeks. with the Zeyde's tallis. The Tzemach T z e d e k pointed to each word in the siddur as it was re- Now my father (the RaShaB) said, "I don't ask cited and answered all three omains loudly. why today, in particular, have I reminisced about that Acharon shel Pesach, for everything After davening he called me over to kiss the happens by Hashgacho Protis (Divine Provi- tzitzis of his tallis and then he called you over for dence). But for what purpose and reason did I the same thing. remember? This I do ask.

In the afternoon our father came into our room, (Sefer Hasichos Acharon shel Pesach 5700, 1940 p.70)

VOLUME 28, ISSUE 1 Page 17 SHABBOS CHOL HAMOED By Rabbi Shimon Raichik

Adapted from Sichas of the Rebbe necting bone. And as I looked, there were sinews upon them, and flesh came One of the most moving and dramatic episodes in up and skin covered them above. The the book of the Prophets is Yechezkel's vision in spirit of life came into them, they came the valley of the dry bones, and the great prophecy alive and stood up on their feet, an ex- which G-d commanded him to prophesize there. ceedingly great multitude." We read this as the Haftorah on Shabbos Chol Ha- Pesach. G-d tells Yechezkel,

Techiyas Hamasim is the Thirteenth Principle of "Son of man, these bones symbolize the Faith, Ani Maamin .... entire house of Israel: behold, they are saying: Our bones are dried up, our hope The passage in question is read in Shul for the is lost: we are cut off from the fountain Haftorah every Shabbos Chol Hamoed Pesach of life. Therefore prophesy, and say to (the Shabbos which falls in the middle of the them, Thus said HaShem: Indeed, My week of Pesach). The following excerpts will give people. I will open your graves, and some idea of what to expect: bring you to your land of Israel."

"The hand of HaShem was upon me, and Although with this soul shaking vision brought me out through the spirit of Ha- Yechezkel gives us a glimpse into the Messianic shem, and set me down in the midst of the era, the Prophet also affords us a view of our valley, and it was full of bones. He made own times. For, allegorically, the dry bones rep- me pass them, around and around, and be- resent the person of every Jew who, having hold, they were many on the surface of the been cut off from his Jewish origins, and having valley and they were very dry. And He said lost all hope of existing in accordance with the to me: Son of man, can these bones be- Torah, has turned (contrary to the innermost come alive? ... Prophesy concerning these yearnings of his soul!) to a way of life pro- bones, and say to them: O dry bones, listen foundly at odds with Jewish values and teach- to the word of Hashem!" ing. G-d wanted Yechezkel to reaffirm to the millions of Jews who died in Exile that He will G-d tells Yechezkel to speak to the dry bones as bring them back to life and return them to Jeru- follows: salem. But He also wanted Yechezkel to be heard by those Jews in whom Torah and Mitz- "Thus, said Hashem to these bones: Be- vos--the flesh and blood and muscle of Yiddish- hold, I will cause the spirit of life to enter keit--had dried up, leaving nothing but the "dry you, and you will live. I will put sinews bones". upon you and I will spread flesh over you and I will cover you with skin, I will en- Indeed, G-d addresses Yechezkel as "Ben Ad- dow you with the spirit of life, and you will am" ("Son of Man"), to arouse our deepest com- live; and you will know that I am Ha- passion. "You are a human being, a Mensch", Shem." says HaShem. "How can you bear to see your brothers and sisters like this and not be moved While Yechezkel was in the midst of prophesying, to speak to them, to help them?!"

"there was a clattering sound, a commotion Thus, by promising to restore even the dead --the bones came together, bone to its con- from their ultimate exile in the valley of death,

VOLUME 28, ISSUE 1 Page 18 HaShem wanted us to learn that every Jew has a the deeds of Rabbi Chiya!", concludes the duty to speak to the "dry bones" Jews among us, Gemorah. to let them know that there is a Jewish way of life which is comely, dignified, modest and pure, full Thus every Jew, no matter how high or how low of light, learning, inner strength and brother1y his own station in life may be, no matter how love. knowledgeable or ignorant, has to know that he has the power and the ability and the duty to This Jewish way of life, precisely defined in the help another Jew come closer to Yiddishkeit. Torah (written and oral) holds forth the promise This can be achieved, if by only teaching anoth- of redemption from the grave of exile and cultural er Jew the letter "aleph", or by describing to a and moral assimilation. Today just as in biblical daughter or a nephew something he saw his times, Jews look to the Torah for inspiration. As grandparents do--something which the daughter an ideal, as a goal to be realized through daily and or nephew never saw his parents do. life long resolve, dedication and perseverance, to reach for, to live by, by putting its tenets into A few years ago, the Rebbe, OB"M, as he stood practice handing out dollar bills to a long line of hushed visitors, was overheard to respond to the follow- How do we know G-d wants us to understand ing question from an admiring : Yechezkel as prophesying to the living as well as "Which is more important - to help another Jew to the dead? One clue is that in the Torah portion come closer to Yiddishkeit, or to strengthen of Kedoshim, the Torah commands us: "Do not one's own Yiddishkeit?" The Rebbe's immediate stand still when your neighbor's life is in danger." reply: "To help another Jew. Because by help- This commandment refers not only to the life of ing another Jew in his Yiddishkeit, you the body, but especially to the life of the spirit. strengthen your own Yiddishkeit!" Thus every Jew has a Torah duty to come to his fellow's aid when he sees him drifting away from In great part due to the Rebbe's own tireless ef- Jewish values into assimilation or immorality. fort and example, Jewish outreach has become a significant part of Jewish life and practice. But what if that Jew has himself grown up in ig- However, the time is also at hand when the dry norance or fallen away from Torah? How can bones themselves are reaching out in search of such a Jew save his fellow? The Gemorah tells Torah and Mitzvos. For when the dry-bones of how Rabbi Chiya saved Yiddishkeit from extinc- a Jew finally tire of lying in the valley of death, tion during the darkest days of the Babylonian Ex- despondent and assimilated, it is a sure sign ile. He would walk from village to village, look- that, as in the prophecy of Yechezkel, G-d has ing for Jews, bringing food to the hungry and the caused breath to enter him, and sinews and flesh orphaned. When he would find children playing in and skin to cover him. It is a sure sign that G-d the road, he would choose five groups from the will bring him speedily and literally now to Je- younger ones, and six groups from the older ones, rusalem! and he would sit down with them and take out scrolls from his bag and learn Torah with them, privately. The younger ones, he taught Chumash-- just one Book to each group. The older ones, he taught Mishna--one Division to each youth. And when Rabbi Chiya had taught each child all he knew of that one Chumash or Mishna, he would take leave of them, telling them, "Now go and teach each other and the other children." And he would move on to the next village. "How great are

VOLUME 28, ISSUE 1 Page 19 CALENDAR TIMES ARE FOR LOS ANGELES StartSaying Chapter116 in Tehillim StartCounting Sefiras Haomer Nisan 13/April9/Sunday Night Nisan 16/April12/Wednesday Yud AlefYud Nisan/April 7/Friday LightCandles FridayMarch 31 LightCandles FridayApril 7: Nisan 1/March28/Tuesday Nisan 15/April11/Tuesday Last Last Time ToRead Shema: Last Time ToRead Shema: Nisan 14/April10/Monday Last Last Time Readto Shema: Burn&Annul Chametz By: Last Last Time Readto Shema: FinishEating Chametz By: (Frompre LightYom TovCandles: Fast ofFast Firstbornthe StartBedikah After: LightCandles After Shabbos Hagodol Bedikas Chametz Pesach DayTwo Pesach DayOne Nisan 12/April8 Rosh Chodesh - Nisan 5/April1 Yom TovEnds: Shabbos Ends: Shabbos Ends: existing flame): Shachris: Vayikrah Shachris: Chatzos: Tzav

9:42 8:03 7:00 9:49 7:58 6:55 8:03 10:15 9:39 8:02 10:15 9:40 7:02 12:54 11:49 10:45 7:50

Froma Pre (FollowedMoshiachby Seudah) Nisan 30/April26/Wednesday LightCandles SundayApril 16: LightCandles Monday17 April Rosh Chodesh IyarDay Two Rosh Chodesh IyarDay One LightCandles Friday April 14: LightCandles FridayApril 21: Last Last Time ToRead Shema: Last Last Time Readto Shema: Last Last Time Readto Shema: MondayNight Iyar1/April27/Thursday SundayNight Wednesday,April 26th ShabbosCholHamoed 7:48 (11 7:48 AcharonPesach Shel ShabbosMevarchim - Nisan 22/April17 Nisan 21/April16 ExistingFlameAfter: SheviiShelPesach Nisan 19/April15 Nisan 26/April22 Avos PerekOne

Yom TovEnds: Shabbos Ends: Shabbos Ends: chalakim Moladof Iyar - -

Shachris: Shachris: Shachris: Shachris:

Minchah: Tuesday Monday Tehilim: Shmini Yizkor: ) AM - - 18 17

9:33 8:14 10:00 8:15 7:11 8:10 5:00 12:15 10:00 8:08 10:15 9:36 7:07 9:37 8:08 10:00 7:05

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Koshering Keilim - Hag’alas Keilim will be For those who are leaving town (, done next door to the shul Israel etc) there will be a special Mechiras In the Parking lot of Beis Yehudah Chometz made for them. You must give your Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday paper to Rabbi Raichik no later than Motzei April 5, 6, and 9 Shabbos Hagadol- 10:00 pm, April 8. 12:00 - 5:00 pm

MATZAH There will be Biyur Chametz As every year the Shul will help people buy at Yeshiva Ohr Elchonon Chabad, Erev Pe- Matzah, for themselves or for Mivtzoim. sach - Monday, Nisan 14, April 10 Please call and order, let us know what you need and when you will be picking it up. Mechiras Chametz - Selling the Chometz (We will provide envelopes and brochures) Rabbi Shimon Raichik will be available for selling Chometz daily in shul,a half hour after Ma’ariv, beginning on Wednesday, Nisan 2-March 29 or by ap- pointment.