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Thursday, April 1, 2021 • 19 Nissan 5781 • VOLUME 75 NO. 13 • tjpnews.com $1.00 Tasting Tradition Kids experience the Passover seder and ageless story of freedom and redemption, pp.10-11

Photo: JCC Braedon Sands, Sahara Benaoum, Carter Sears, Samantha Falk and Makinley Schofield

Light Shabbat/Yom Tov candles: Friday, April 2, 7:30 p.m. Yom Tov ends: Sunday, April 4, 8:41 p.m. HAPPY PASSOVER! Shabbat ends/Light Yom Tov candles: Saturday, April 3, after 8:40 p.m.* *From pre-existing flame 2 | April 1, 2021 Former Soviet Union Jews eat tons of matzo

Here’s why they ancestors’ hurried flight out of per Israeli soldier. eat the most Egypt. “There’s a special emotional Matzo every year That’s a provision of 2.7 pounds attachment to matzah here that per person – a ratio that’s nearly you don’t find elsewhere because By Cnaan Lipshiz three times what’s on stock for the for decades under the anti-Semitic (JTA) — When it comes to average soldier in the Israeli army. persecution of the communist consuming matzah, the Jews of In Russia, home to about years, Passover was probably the the former Soviet Union are in a 155,000 Jews, the rate of safest way to stay connected to league of their own. consumption is somewhat lower Judaism,” Russian Chief Rabbi At the top of the chart are than in Azerbaijan, about 2.4 Berel Lazar, who was born in Italy, Azerbaijan’s 8,000 Jews, who this pounds per person. The ratio in told the Jewish Telegraphic Agency. year are expected to consume the similarly sized Ukrainian “Pound for pound, Russian- 10 tons of the unleavened bread Jewish community drops to about speaking Jews buy much more cracker that Jews eat on the week a pound of matzah per person, but matzah than what we know in of Passover to commemorate their that’s still higher than the average other communities. A lot of people keep eating matzahs long after Use your long-term care insurance Passover.” Photos: Cnaan Liphshiz/JTA to pay for in-home care. Two matzah retailers told JTA that estimates for consumption Kashrut supervisor Rabbi Shmuel Liberman at the Tiferet HaMatzot factory in Dnepropetrovsk on Dec. 8, 2014. in Western countries, including the United States, France and the United Kingdom, are difficult to make as those countries have multiple importers and producers. The supply in Russia, Ukraine and 972.938.0703 other former Soviet countries “is www.customcaregivers.com more centralized,” according to one of the retailers, Rabbi Meir Stambler. In Azerbaijan, Jews regularly stock up on matzah to consume NOW OPEN! for many months after Passover, said Zamir Isayev, the rabbi of the Georgian Jewish Community of Wednesdays – Sundays 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. the Azeri capital of Baku. Among his community of Mountain Jews, an ancient group that has lived in Central Asia for at least a millennium, “Passover is a time of Workers knead dough at the Tiferet Hamatzot factory in Dnepro, Ukraine, great devotion, and eating matzah Dec. 8, 2014. is part of it.” “Passover is a holiday that is celebrated inside the family and requires no special objects except the matzah, which is just a cracker. Get tickets at DHHRM.ORG So it was relatively safe to practice,” Lazar said. The holiday’s message of People refer to what we do as a mitzvah. deliverance from slavery also We consider it an honor. resonated especially with the oppressed Jews of the former FAITH PRESBYTERIAN HOSPICE is the most comprehensive not-for-profit hospice provider in Greater Dallas. FAITH is dedicated To make each moment matter for those we serve. Soviet Union. FAITH provides hospice care in the home, nursing homes, hospitals, assisted living This year, Lazar’s Chabad- communities and in our inpatient hospice center, located in the T. Boone Pickens Center, north of Medical City Dallas. FAITH’S compassionate end-of-life care supports life and affiliated Federation of Jewish Matzahs travel on the production line of the Tiferet HaMatzot factory in hope, and the values of Jewish tradition. We work closely with Rabbi Howard Wolk, Communities of Russia for the first Dnepro, Ukraine on Dec. 8, 2014. Community Chaplain of Jewish Family Service. FAITH is Accredited by the National Institute for Jewish Hospice, which means that we are sensitive to the needs of Jewish time sent out 30,000 sets of matzah patients, their families and the Jewish Calendar. and other staples of the seder meal to Jewish households due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Whereas making matzah was legal under communism, Lazar said, the regulations on selling and storage made it impossible Elise Power Rabbi Howard Wolk Sue Kramer, to keep its kosher for Passover Faith Jewish Hospice JFS Community APRN, FNP-C certification. Community Liaison Chaplain Faith Nurse Practitioner In Azerbaijan, Isayev said, “you could make the matzah, but were only allowed to sell it in a regular bakery. Next to the bread, which FAITHPRESHOSPICE.ORG An employee prepares dough at the Tiferet HaMatzot factory in Dnepro, To contact Elise, dial 214-505-7234. For referral information, dial 972-239-5300. see MATZO, p.16 Ukraine on Dec. 8, 2014. April 1, 2021 | 3 Emhoff hosts the White House’s first online seder

By Ron Kampeas Emhoff, said she wanted evidence the Haggadah, “Next year in (JTA) — There was virtual of the matching outfits. Jerusalem.” wine spilled and nostalgia for “I just wish we had a Biden alluded to the necessity of gefilte fish, as well as a serious photograph, to really fully Zoom seders in a pandemic.”We message to consider the role of appreciate the magnificence of can close the seder by adapting women in the bible. that,” she said. a familiar refrain: Not only next Doug Emhoff, Vice President Emhoff, who was joined in year in Jerusalem. But next year Kamala Harris’s Jewish husband, hosting by Rabbi Sharon Brous in person.” hosted the White House’s first- of IKAR congregation in Los Harris echoed: “Happy ever online Passover seder on Angeles, where Emhoff lived Passover, to all who celebrate, and Thursday, March 25, two nights until the election, focused on the indeed, next year in Jerusalem, before the holiday formally began. biblical women who are often next year, in person.” “We are gathered today for the overlooked in retellings of the Top Jewish staffers led portions first Passover celebration of the Passover story. of the seder, including Anne Biden Harris administration, and “We should also talk about Neuberger, the deputy national I’m excited to join you as the first- the women who’ve earned their security adviser for cyber and ever second gentleman, married own chapters in the history emerging technologies, who said to the first woman to serve as Vice books, then and now the often that on her walks home from Photo: Screenshot President of the United States,” neglected women in the Passover work, she recalled her Holocaust Vice President Kamala Harris and her husband Doug Emhoff participate in a virtual White House seder, March 25, 2021. Emhoff said. “And as the first story, including the midwives survivor grandparents. Jewish spouse of a president or who saved Moses, the mother “When I leave the White is fraying a little bit, its pages are generations conveying just as vice president.” who nursed him, the Egyptian House and walk down the steps marked, not only with his little powerfully as the words of the President Barack Obama princess who spared him the pain of the Executive Office Building, jottings, but also with wine spills Haggadah, Passover’s central launched White House seders in of slavery, the sister, a prophet I look up to my right and see from decades past,” Cedarbaum message, or one of its central 2009; they have until now been in her own right, who watched the Washington Memorial lit up said. “And so to me, those stains messages, that each generation closed to the public. over him, and ultimately led the against the dark night,” she said. are not imperfections. They are lets tell the next about a very Emhoff recalled attending Israelites in a song of liberation,” “I think of my grandparents, and messages reaching across the ancient struggle for freedom.” his grandmother’s seders in Emhoff said, likening them to I think of the lessons of their lives, Brooklyn and waxed nostalgic the first responders, teachers and the fear and the pain and the gift COVID-19 may present diffi cult circumstances for your loved one over her brisket and “delightfully others who continued to work of freedom. They taught us to Apple Care & Companion is here for you gelatinous gefilte fish.” throughout the coronavirus never forget it.” “Some of my best memories pandemic. Jonathan Cedarbaum, the Short-term or long-term of my own family’s Jewish Emhoff drew his remarks in legal adviser to the National traditions,” said Emhoff, who part from a National Council of Security Council, held up a frayed • Personal Care grew up in New Jersey. “My Jewish Women supplement to the Haggadah. • Companionship mom, Barb, dressing me and my Haggadah, “The Five Women of “This Haggadah was used by • Overnight Stays brother Andy and my sister Jamie the Exodus.” my grandfather, Lou Goldman, Laurie Friedman Miller, Owner in matching outfits to go over President Joe Biden and his my mother’s father when he led We have incorporated enhanced protocols to ensure 469-619-5474 to my grandma Anne’s house in wife, Jill, made an appearance. seders in Brooklyn, New York as the safety of our clients AppleCareandCompanion.com Brooklyn for the seder.” They, together with Harris, a newlywed in the 1920s, and a Harris, who later joined emphasized the closing wish of young father in the 1930s. Its spine TIFERET ISRAEL CELBRATES ISRAEL WEEK 2021 WITH ISRAELI DINING

Featuring Chef Paul Nirens owner of Galileat and Rabbi Shawn Zell & Sue Kretchman

Join us for a fun-filled and interactive four-session event on Israeli Dining. The sessions will focus on: Food vocabulary replete with anecdotes, dining conversation, ordering from a menu, paying the bill and interaction with wait staff. There is no charge for this event. Sessions: April 8, 12 & 14 from 2:00pm – 2:40pm Session with Chef Nirens: April 11th at 11:00am

You may register for one or all of the sessions. However, those attending three of the four sessions, including the session with Chef Nirens, will receive a gift bag of assorted Israeli foods. Chef Nirens’ menu will include authentic Pita and Za’Atar and Fatoush Salad in an interactive format where participants will receive an ingredient list before the class so they will be able to cook along in real time. Preparation of both dishes will take between 45-60 minutes with time for Q&A. REGISTRATION BEGINS APRIL 1ST AT TIFERETISRAEL.ORG A LINK WILL BE SENT AFTER YOU REGISTER

This program has been made possible by Israel Week 2021. Micro Grant funding of the Jewish Federation of Greater Dallas.

Partnership 2Gether Dallas Western Galilee aims to build strong, meaningful relationships between the Dallas Jewish community with the land, spirit and people of the Western Galilee to ensure a safe, secure, and vibrant State of Israel.

#hereforyouhereforgood #jewishdallas #IsraelEd #tiferetisrael 4 | April 1, 2021 In Brief

Bibi, opponents have no clear the 61 needed to form a governing path to governing majority coalition. Although if Gideon Sa’ar’s right-wing New Hope Party joined (JNS) Israeli Prime Minister along with Yamina, then there Benjamin Netanyahu and his would be enough for Netanyahu opponents have no clear path toward to form a coalition. However, Sa’ar, a Knesset majority, Israeli election who quit Likud, has explicitly Jimmy Wisch results show, indicating that the ruled out joining a Netanyahu-led Publisher & Editor | 1947-2002 country’s political gridlock will government. continue. Rene Wisch “It is clear that Netanyahu doesn’t The results of Tuesday’s, Publisher & Editor | 1947-2010 have a majority for a coalition headed March 23, election confirm that by him,” Sa’ar said in a statement. Netanyahu’s Likud Party won the PUBLISHER & EDITOR “Now we must work to fulfill the most seats, 30, his bloc of right-wing, Sharon Wisch-Ray potential for forming a government and religious supporters only have 52 [email protected] of change. As I announced on Photo: Olivier Fitoussi/Flash90 seats, while the parties opposed to the Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addresses supporters on election election night, ego won’t be a factor.” Israeli leader had 57 between them. night at Likud Party headquarters in Jerusalem, March 23, 2021. VP SALES & CIRCULATION Indeed, Opposition Leader Yair While the right-wing Yamina Susan Wisch Lapid, who heads the second-largest will head to an unprecedented fifth 525 mayors sign antisemitism pledge Party (seven seats) and the Islamist [email protected] party set to enter the Knesset, has round of elections this summer. Ra’am Party (four seats) have not (JNS) American Jewish been discussing with other anti- “This round of elections was committed to either side, it remains Committee and the U.S. Conference VP SALES & MARKETING Netanyahu parties the possibility of among the most challenging that highly unlikely, despite recent of Mayors (USCM) announced Amy Doty forming some type of coalition to the State of Israel has known,” said rumors, that any right-wing party Monday that more than 525 mayors [email protected] pass legislation to block Netanyahu Orly Adas, head of the Central would sit in a government with an across the United States have joined from forming a government. Still, Elections Committee. “Beyond the anti-Zionist Islamist party such as their national effort to combat PAGE DESIGNER it’s unclear how they could gain such fact that this is the fourth election the Arab Ra’am. antisemitism. Chad Austin a majority without cooperation from in the past two-and-a-half years, If former defense minister The two organizations are calling [email protected] the Arab parties. we experienced an enormous Naftali Bennett’s Yamina did on mayors across the country to Notwithstanding a major political challenge in light of the coronavirus join with Netanyahu’s bloc, they sign a statement declaring that AD REPRESENTATIVES development, it appears that Israel pandemic.” would still fall two seats short of antisemitism is incompatible with Nancy Sadicarios fundamental democratic values. [email protected] “In the face of rising Judy Wisch antisemitism, the Jewish community is grateful for the partnership of the COPY EDITORS/PROOFREADERS U.S. Conference of Mayors and the Phyllis LaVietes, Susan Wisch support provided by its constituents. Our elected leaders are critical allies COLUMNISTS/CONTRIBUTORS in the fight against antisemitism, Rabbi Yerachmiel Fried, Harriet P. Gross, Jubilee Gala bigotry and hate,” said Joel Schwitzer, Rabbi Dan Lewin, Laura Seymour, Deb regional director of AJC Dallas. Silverthorn, Jerry Kasten, Rabbi Benjamin Thirteen mayors in Texas have Sternman and Rabbi Yogi Robkin in honor of signed the antisemitism pledge. They are Steve Adler (Austin), Ron MULTI-MEDIA INTERN Nirenberg (San Antonio), Jose L Hannah Simon Segarra (Killeen), Betsy Price (Fort Rabbi Yitzchak Cohen EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Worth), Eric Johnson (Dallas), for over 50 years of service and leadership to the Michael Evans Sr. (Mansfield), Daniela Appel Greater Dallas Jewish Community Harry La Rosiliere (Plano), Joe R. Zimmerman (Sugar Land), AD DESIGN Thurman “Bill” Bartie (Port Chad Austin Arthur), Ken Fulk (Allen), Craig [email protected] Sunday, May 2, 2021 Brown (Galveston) and Becky Ames Views and opinions of columnists and contributors are their own and not necessarily those of this (Beaumont). newspaper. All rights reserved. Photocopying, reproduction or quotation strictly prohibited without permission from the publisher. Composition responsibility: This newspaper will not be liable for errors As part of signing the pledge, appearing in advertisements beyond the cost of the space occupied by the error. Advertisers assume responsibility for errors in telephone orders. We are not responsible for the Kashruth of any product or the mayors agree to condemn establishment advertised in the Texas Jewish Post. Advertisers are responsible for authenticity of any at 7:00 PM claims or statements made in their advertisements and are not endorsements by the Texas Jewish Post. antisemitism in all its forms, including hatred and prejudice DALLAS Join Congregation Nishmat Am to celebrate the ‘Magic of Yitz’ directed towards Jews, stereotypes 7920 Belt Line Rd., Suite 680 in a spectacular virtual gala of stories, music, and memories. or conspiracy theories about Jews, Dallas, TX 75254 Holocaust denial or distortion, and 972-458-7283 | 214-466-2633 FAX

50YEARSWITHYITZ.COM anti-Israel animus that crosses a line FORT WORTH to target Jews or deny the Jewish 817-927-2831 PHONE state’s right to exist. or call 972-618-2200 SUBSCRIPTIONS Additionally, the mayors also Published by Texas Jewish Post, LTD. at 7920 Belt Line Rd., Dallas, Texas 75254. Subscription Rates: Texas: $40 per year, Other States in U.S.: $52 per year, Foreign: $70 per year. Subscriptions are pay- will support national, state and local able in advance. Unless notified otherwise, it is understood that all subscriptions are renewed auto- Include your photos and reminiscences about Rabbi Cohen matically upon expiration. Please allow four weeks from date received by the Texas Jewish Post for efforts to eradicate antisemitism; address changes to take effect. The Texas Jewish Post (ISSN 0040-439X) is published weekly, with an additional issue the last week of June. Periodicals Postage Paid at Dallas, Texas. POSTMASTER: Send in the virtual Jubilee Gala and in the published tribute book. reject notions that Israel’s actions address changes to the Texas Jewish Post, 7920 Belt Line Rd., Dallas, Texas 75254. Help us meet our Challenge Match of $25,000. can justify or excuse antisemitic acts; and affirm that a climate of Each dollar donated will be matched by our donor. mutual understanding and respect Register soon, both offers expire on March 31! among all citizens is the bedrock of pluralistic communities. April 1, 2021 | 5 Shearith Israel holds Young Family Seder on Zoom

Last year Shearith Israel in-person, was when Wallach planned, as they do every year, rewarded people who answered to hold a Young Family Seder in questions with a marshmallow person. But when the pandemic tossed to them from across the hit, Rabbi Shira Wallach and room. Wallach didn’t let a little Rabbi Adam Roffman ran the thing like actual distance stop Seder from their living room her. This year, when someone couch on Facebook Live. Without answered a question, she tossed the joy of families in attendance, a marshmallow at the camera. the seder felt very one-way. Parents, given a supply of Now, a year into virtual marshmallows in their Seder community experiences, Wallach boxes, could toss them at their knew she wanted to offer families kids. Hannah Roffman, Wallach’s something different. She gathered 5-year-old daughter home on a team of parents to help her spring break, piped in, “I like to craft an interactive, virtual catch them in my mouth.” Seder experience that broke the Hopefully, this was the last fourth wall. “Our team brought Young Family Seder that will be unlimited creativity, generosity held virtually. But the humor and joy to this project,” she said. and musical sequences that the The seder was held on the second group shared made it feel like night of Passover, Sunday, March they really had gathered together. 28. “In the service, when we came Before the Zoom seder, each to the Four Questions, everyone family was invited to pick up unmuted themselves and the a seder box, an elaborate kit of entire group asked together in a specialty items, along with a wonderful cacophony of singing Haggadah, to be used throughout and shouting, from young and old the hourlong event. The box voices,” said Wallach provided myriad items to help This year’s turnout, 27 everyone in the family participate families, was the largest gathering in a fun and funny retelling of the for the event to date. “Over this Passover story. past year, our families have come

One popular item was the to trust that Shearith Israel will be Photo: Courtesy Shearith Israel Seder Bingo card, which allowed thoughtful and intentional when Twenty-seven families participated in Shearith Israel’s virtual Young Family Seder on Sunday, March 28. In advance of the families to keep a checklist of we create meaningful spaces program, each family picked up a special seder kit at the shul. service milestones, like the four for virtual gathering,” Wallach the world, there were so many Wallach and Roffman thank Applebaum, Melissa Goldberg questions and items on the Seder explained. “I also think we really kids who led “Ma Nishtanah” Sarah Katz, Family & Youth and Roee Lazebnik, who helped plate. One unique item was a need these joyful touchpoints that for the first time this year. And coordinator, and the volunteer plan the engaging event. Create-Your-Own-Passover- signal the passage of time — no we need to celebrate that! With team — Staci Reznik, Chelsie —Submitted by Kaleidoscope-Kit. Many of the matter what’s happening out in marshmallows,” she added. Kastriner, Sarah Davis, Lindsay Julie Carpenter plagues — blood, frogs and locusts — were represented and the activity afforded everyone the chance to participate. Wallach had children and adults take turns crushing matzah into crumbs for the base of the kaleidoscope. “When it was the parent’s turn, to add some levity, I told them crush the matzoh like this year has crushed our souls,” said Wallach. “But I believe the seder marked a turning point and we can be optimistic about the trajectory of the pandemic!” One favorite tradition from past years, when everyone was 6 | April 1, 2021 DALLAS DOINGS

Federation supports programming during this week Echo Hill’s Marcie Friedman Anshai Torah to host opportunities. community observance while continuing to observe all shares camps’ summer plans tennis tourney May 3 “We are thrilled to invite of Israel Week pandemic-related protocols,” he with Temple Emanu-El the community to share this added. Brotherhood Congregation Anshai Torah amazing addition to Anshai The Jewish Federation of Funding for the events is being On March 3, Marcie Friedman will host its first LOVE Anshai Torah’s calendar,” said Greater Dallas is celebrating 73 provided by the Federation’s and Army Major Robert McBride Tennis Tournament Monday, Congregation Anshai Torah’s years of Israel independence with Israel Week Micro Grants, and were the Temple Emanu-El May 3, at Fretz Tennis Center. Rabbi Michael Kushnick. “We more than a week of programs and recipients include Akiba Yavneh Brotherhood’s guest speakers. Men and women of all ages, look forward to engaging ceremonies for the community. Academy, Congregation Shearith Marcie and her family ran Echo are invited to hit the courts in an enjoyable morning of Instead of hosting one central Israel, Hillels of North Texas, Hill Ranch for more than 50 years to benefit the congregation’s togetherness that will support event for Yom HaAtzmaut, Temple Emanu-El and Tiferet – where several generations of programming. Check-in is at 9 our congregation.” Israel’s Independence Day, Israel. All the programs reflect Jewish kids enjoyed their summer a.m., and play will be from 9:30 The tournament will be the Federation is inviting the the diversity of Israeli life and experiences. Several people on a.m. to 12:30 p.m. played on 12 courts, with community to multiple online culture. the call had attended and said it “We are so excited to a maximum of 60 players and in-person programs. Events For Yom HaShoah, Dallas’ was a magical place which should bring our community to the participating in a round-robin will be held beginning on April Partnership 2Gether program continue — and that’s exactly what courts for a morning of fun format. Men’s and women’s 8 with Yom HaShoah, Holocaust is partnering with The Ghetto is going to happen. The Friedmans competition, good spirit and teams, connected by player Remembrance Day, to April 18. Fighters Museum in Akko to are transforming the property and fundraising for Anshai Torah,” level at the event by organizers, “Israel Week has been and honor the memories of those who are planning to offer free summer said Ricardo Szperling, who will be reassigned after each continues to be an important lost their lives in the Holocaust. camp to Gold Star children, whose is co-chairing the event with match and the winner of the part of maintaining a strong On Tuesday, April 13, the mom or dad have been killed or Michelle Silver. “We’re happy most games will take away final connection between Israel and our community is invited to a died in the U.S. military. Jack Bell to host this opportunity to honors. local Dallas Jewish community,” Facebook Live observance of Yom serves on the board of directors as take out the racquets to help Snacks and drinks will said Jonathan Rubenstein, HaZikaron, Israeli Memorial Day, is excited that they can offer this our synagogue bring exciting be provided throughout the Chair of the Israel & Overseas followed the next day by Yom to children who live with such a educational, informative and morning and all participants Committee, Jewish Federation HaAtzmaut. great sacrifice. Marcie’s brother social programs,” he added. The will receive thank-you gifts. of Greater Dallas. “Support of To learn more about what’s planned Kinky is also very involved along tournament committee includes For more information, to Israel and Jewish communities and to register, visit jewishdallas.org/ with many of his entertainment Robin Feldman, Kim Velevis register as a participant ($36/ around the world remains a key IsraelWeek or contact Peta Silansky at industry friends as well as several and Marni Wise-Itscovitch. player) or as a sponsor, visit tinyurl. part of our Federation’s mission, [email protected]. branches of the military. Proceeds will benefit thecom/CAT-LOVE-TENNIS- and we are so pleased to have the —Submitted by synagogue’s programming throughout TOURNEY opportunity to offer meaningful Jamie Moore —Submitted by CAT’s spectrum including guest —Submitted by David Genz speakers, events and learning Deb Silverthorn Dedicated to helping seniors continue to experience the richness of life. We provide professional assistance with: • Bathing, Dressing, Personal Hygiene • Companionship • Incontinence Care, Toileting • Bed/Wheel Chair Transfers • Light Housekeeping & Laundry • Respite Care

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• Asset Protection 5400 LBJ Freeway, Ste 1200 • Wills & Probate Dallas, Texas 75240 972.773.9095 • Business Representation www.colinsmithlaw.com AROUND THE TOWN April 1, 2021 | 7 Building a shmura matzo factory took a village

By Sharon Wisch-Ray I was on the way home from picking up our son Sam, a University of Georgia junior, at the airport, Thursday night when my cellphone rang. I’ll admit, anytime I see the caller ID or an email pop up on a Thursday and the name of someone who is featured in a story in that week’s TJP. I hold my breath and hope it’s good news and we haven’t made some huge mistakes (It does happen from time to time). On the other end of the line, I heard the distinct and warm voice of Rabbi Dov Mandel. Hopefully you read the impressive story in last week’s March 25, TJP, about Community members volunteering to work at the matzo bakery are clockwise Photos: Ben Torres for Chabad.org Mandel’s Fort Worth shmura from bottom left, Sivan Shihmanter, Liz Chesser and Josh Nadel along with two Masked and ready to lend a hand is Debby Rice, pictured in the black shirt, in Fort Worth’s shmura matzo bakery. matzo factory. Rabbi Mandel guys from New York who came to pitch in. said he was overjoyed with the oven, as well as providing a listened to my kvetching and even include the incredibly bright many homes in North Texas that story, but humble as he is known significant amount of firewood cheered me on. rabbis and matzo professionals serve your shmura matzos when to be, he couldn’t take the credit, from his stockpile. Jayne Michel, “Chris Scruggs assisted in who gave me expert advice and they gather with their families because really it took a village to her daughter Elaine Bumpus, many different ways together technical assistance in reaching in-person next Pesach. build this matzo factory and keep Debby Rice, Sivan Shihmanter with Rick Klotz. this goal.” After I disconnected the call the production going leading up and Josh Nadel, all joined our “I cannot overstate the “Sincerely, Rabbi Dov Thursday, Sam turned to me and to Pesach despite some hardships team, and committed themselves support and faith that my wife, Mandel.” said. Sounded like he liked the along the way. He asked if he and excellently developed a Chana Tovah Mandel, had Rabbi Mandel, I wish you and story. I smiled and exhaled. could write a letter and explain proper routine and produced an placed in me and quietly stands the community that helped you a We wish everyone a wonderful in a little more detail, just how excellent product. by my side, keeping me sane and hearty “Yasher Koach.” May the conclusion to Pesach. We love to many people came together to “Rabbi Mendel Goldman of focused to achieve my goals. Fort Worth matzo bakery only hear from our readers, send your make the matzo bakery happen. Oklahoma City joined us and “As you can now see, my grow from strength to strength news to me at sharon@tjpnews. It follows: expertly mixed and blended the success is only as a result of and please God there will be com. “Shavua Tov and Moadim flour, and directed the flour, standing on the shoulders of Lesimcha to you Sharon. water and mixing operation. Alex these community members and Rent what youy need from “I am very grateful for the Nason and Luba Gershengoren, their incredible help and work. beautiful article about the matzo found us an excellent helper, These people inspire me and bakery, although I still laugh Svitlana Pavzyuk. give me the ability to envision when I think about the line on “Last but not least, my son even greater plans for the Fort EQUIPMENT COMPANY, INC. the front cover. Mendel who took a break Worth Jewish Community. I “Of course, I get credit for from yeshiva to assist in the have always believed that we can putting it all together, however production. Of course, my good achieve great things together, We have EVERYTHING you’ll need none of it would’ve happened friend Monica O’Desky, and and we have just proven that to to make your next event special. if not for the entire community her hounds who welcomed me ourselves. pitching in. with a chorus of excited barking “I am probably forgetting Call or visit our showrooms at 220 University Dr. (817) 332-5258 The house that the bakery and provided the well water and some people, and this doesn’t was situated in was purchased with the intent of demolishing TTaylorsRental_041708_2X2.inddaylorsRental_041708_2X2.indd 1 44/4/08/4/08 12:29:4212:29:42 PMPM it for the construction of a building and parking lot. This purchase couldn’t have happened without the generosity of many community donors, headed by Roz Rosenthal and her family. The oven was purchased after Carlos Ido of Dallas referred me to a local oven designer and builder. Arnold Gachman was responsible for having his dedicated crew find the right sized steel for the oven base and cut it to our specifications. “Liz Chesser took an active interest all the way from the beginning, pretty much managing the operation as well as packaging, as well as taking the halachic requirements extremely serious. “Robert Nelsen was instrumental in building the 8 | April 1, 2021 YOUTH Area Jewish teens join NCSY’s Aspire Yarchei Kallah Signature Torah learning event goes virtual

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic’s limits on travel and large scale in-person gatherings, NCSY, the Orthodox Union’s flagship youth movement, has transitioned its signature Torah learning mega- event, Aspire: Yarchei Kallah, into local in-person study for smaller groups, as well as larger national hoto: Courtesy NCSY virtual sessions this year. More AKiba Yavneh Academy seniors Liel Guttman and Trina Baskin are chavruta part- than 2,000 teens and educators ners. The pair participated in Aspire: Yarchei Kallah. joined the programming, dubbed “Aspire: Yarchei Kallah On the them the texts ahead of the Feb. 15 Following the launch event, they Go.” Sixty-three teens from NCSY’s opening session held virtually with partook in different challenges Southwest Region, which includes hundreds of the participants. The with prizes to keep them engaged the Metroplex, participated in the text options included Artscroll’s in their learning with their partner, Photo: Courtesy NCSY Plano West senior Zach Schwartz and his chavruta partner Plano West junior Leah event. “Chumash Sefer Shemot,” including posting a 30-second Weinglass In late January, teens signed up Artscroll’s “Gemarah Mesechet summary of something they learned to either choose their own chavruta Brachot,” NCSY’s “Koren Siddur,” to social media, an essay contest During this time, we get to separate with fellow classmate Trina Baskin. or have NCSY pair them with a “Praying with Fire” and “Mesillat about what the program meant to ourselves from our phones and In prior years, NCSY’s annual partner for the learning event. They Yesharim.” them and more. focus on connecting ourselves with event was held in-person as a also selected the books they wanted Teens joined from 26 U.S. states “Each week we look forward to Torah,” said Liel Guttman, an Akiba weeklong Torah-learning retreat to study. The organization then sent and five Canadian provinces. learning together in our chavruta. Yavneh Academy senior who learns for hundreds of teens during the December public school break. “While there is no true substitute When your family issues become legal issues for the immersive experience of • Divorce the classic Yarchei Kallah retreats, it was inspiring to see how NCSY’s • Property and Asset Division leadership team was able to pivot a • Premarital and Post-Marital Agreements program so focused on a physical Specializing exclusively with infants, atmosphere of unity and in-person Dr. Terri Train children and teens • Enforcement of Orders and Modifications (Terri Train Greenspan) learning into one that engaged • Child Custody and Visitation Carrollton Office: Richardson Office: 972-235-8555 with more teens than usual and for 4443 N. Josey Lane, Ste. 180 100 N. Central Expressway, Ste. 1108 www.childentspec.com • Child Support Holly Friedman Biederman, J.D., M.S.W. an extended period of time,” said Carrollton, Texas 75010 Richardson, Texas 75080 • Mediation Orthodox Union Executive Vice Dr. Harold Simpson, Dr. Terri Train, Dr. Candice Hutcheson, Dr. Rodney Lewis President Rabbi Moshe Hauer. • Collaborative Law Taking the program online For a consultation 214-265-6572 allowed more teens to participate in this year’s program. “Where prior 10440 N. Central Expressway, Suite 800 5700 Tennyson Parkway, Suite 300 Dallas, Texas 75231 Plano, Texas 75024 to the pandemic we were limited by BIEDERMAN LAW, PLLC *by appointment *by appointment capacity restraints, travel costs and [email protected] | www.biedermanfamilylaw.com a teen’s ability to devote a full week To Do: to the program, this year we were able to open the event up to teens everywhere and impact even those Fold laundry Beckloff Pediatric Behavioral Center BPBC who might have limited available Wash dishes time to devote each day to learning,” Pick up dry cleaning A counseling and educational center focused on said Rabbi Dovid Bashevkin, NCSY helping kids, teens and families education director. Renew TJP subscription Two Plano West teens, Leah Bake cookies Weisglass, a junior, and her learning Make dentist partner Zach Schwartz, a senior were appointment among this year’s local particpants. “The learning itself from Yarchei Kallah has not only inspired me and my chavruta to lead enriched Jewish Let us help you complete your to do list lives, but it has empowered us. We see how with just some focused Where kids become kids…again! effort and intention, you can always Teen Counseling Parent Facilitation learn something from our vast ADHD Testing/Coaching Speech & Language Therapy collection of Jewish knowledge,” said Weisglass. Family Counseling Testing & Assessment To learn more about NCSY locally, Play Therapy Divorce Care contact Rabbi Michel Lomner, shwartsfamilydentistry.com [email protected] or Chana 17210 Campbell Road, Suite 200, Dallas, TX 75252 (972) 250 1700 Ben-Abraham, benabrahamc@ncsy. 972.437.6035 www.DrBeckloff.com org or call 469-222-0657. April 1, 2021 | 9 OT Robin Abels loves helping children succeed

By Deb Silverthorn

For Robin Abels, playing at work is the work. The pediatric occupational therapist is in her eighth year of private practice, with most of her students between ages 3 and 9. “My job, which I don’t think of as a job at all, is that I get to play with kids. All day, I play and it doesn’t get better than this,” said Abels, of Kids Rock Pediatric OT. She brings the practice to schools and homes to meet the needs of her students. “My goal is for children to learn, and maintain, skills they’ll use all their lives while having a good time.” Robin Abels has adapted her occupational therapy practice to the conditions of the pandemic. She is shown here with Max Ingham. As the pandemic brought Photos: Courtesy Robin Abels her in-school support visits to a Robin Abels (front, right) and Karen Weiller-Abels, together for more than 40 halt, Abels transitioned to online years, are the parents of Ethan and Emmie. programming so her students of Jessie and Millie of blessed it’s something they want to do and wouldn’t miss a session. Still memory, and the sister of Jonathan. not a chore.” providing tele-therapy when She graduated from Southern Sheryl Feinberg, early childhood requested, she is meeting her Connecticut State University, director at Levine Academy for 12 students on their turf — at home and later earned a master’s degree years and at Temple Emanu-El for — always masked and meeting in special education from the seven, has seen Abels in action as safety protocols. University of North Texas. It was a parent and therapist, and taken “I was very worried last there that she met her future wife, guidance from her as a mentor. March about how I’d be able Karen Weiller-Abels, an assistant “In everything she does, Robin to meet the kids’ needs but professor in the Department of imparts knowledge, care and we did it and they weren’t Kinesiology. absolute consideration. There’s compromised,” said Abels, who The couple, together now for nothing she doesn’t give her all to,” meets most of her students more than 40 years, are the parents said Feinberg. “Her personality virtually once a week. “It was of Ethan, 27, who attended the overflows always with a positive different, and there was a Ann and Nate Levine Academy, outlook. From Robin, there’s always learning curve, but we made and Emmie, 21 who went to the a ‘can-do.’ If she doesn’t know it yet, it through and, happily, I’ve preschool at Congregation Beth she’ll find it and she turns everything picked up a number of new Torah. Longtime Carrollton into a teachable moment.” referrals.” residents, they have been members To reach Kids Rock Pediatric Will Goode, age 6, waits at the door each week to help his occupational therapist, “‘Miss Robin’ is sooo much fun of congregations Anshai Torah, OT call 214-738-3360. Robin Abels, carry in her case filled with activities. and I love her,” said 6-year-old Beth El Binah, Temple Emanu-El Will Goode. “I love to paint with and Temple Shalom. marshmallows and do Bubble Early in her career, Abels Wrap art and animal Jenga. She worked for the Association of The CChildrenhildren of IIsraelsrael helps me a lot and now I love Retarded Citizens and the Denton writing.” State School (now the Denton From Goode’s mother Samantha, State Supported Living Center). connectconnecteded witwithh HashemHashem Abels’ report card is all aces. As with In 1990, after learning more all of her students, Abels coordinates about the field of occupational wwhenhen ttheyhey leftleft Egypt. Egypt. with her students parents, therapy, Abels returned to Texas and teachers, making whatever Woman’s University where, accommodations appropriate to during her rotation schedule, she support the child at home and at quickly learned pediatrics was her school. path. At TTiferetiferet Israel,Israel, wewe continuecontinue “Will was 4 ½ with the motor In 2013, after a 28-year career skills of an 18-month-old. He’s mostly with the Richardson tthathat connection and wish tthehe been working with her, first on school district, Abels decided to campus and now home for a year, step out on her own. Her garage and I can’t imagine where he’d be is stacked with supplies: games, entirentiree JewishJewish communitycommunity without her. The feedback from books, art supplies, mazes and his teachers is always positive,” more, her traveling case one that said Goode, who was referred many of her students can’t wait to a CChaghag SSameachameach Pesach. Pesach. to Abels by her son’s neuro- help her carry in. psychologist. “He adores her and “I tell the kids what we ‘have to’ there’s nothing about what she work on, but I allow them freedom does that’s intimidating to him. to choose what they want to do to 10909 Hillcrest Road He knows he ‘can’ because of get there,” said Abels. “Dot-to- Dallas, TX 75230 ‘Miss Robin.’” dots, silly sentences, games … 214-691-3611 A native of Stamford, I can make almost any activity Connecticut, Abels is the daughter match our goal. It’s easier when www.tiferetisrael.org POST PICS 10 | April 1, 2021 Pre-Passover preparation at area schools

Area religious school and preschool students learned about Pesach through experiential learning. Thank you to the organizations who submitted photos. Want to see your activities in print? Send them to [email protected] AAkibakiba YYavnehavneh AAcademycademy

Photos: Courtesy of AYA Talia Fricker dips celery in salt water in her class Liv Perets loves her matzo sandwich. Natan Klirs has one of his four cups of “wine.” Abigail Goldfarb is serious about the matzo ball seder. soup.

AAnshainshai TTorahorah

Photos: Submitted by Rachel Blum Dominik Jarocki, Benjamin Berns, Rachel Ethan Zavadsky Pharoah Emma Waknin Rio Levin Steinberg and Asher Kcholi

TTempleemple ShalomShalom

Photos: Lisa Rothberg Temple Shalom Religious School student Mila Vincent makes a Pass- Temple Shalom Religious School student Samantha Falk, works on Monica Susman and her granddaughter Lili Mullis enjoyed a over card for residents at The Legacy Willow Bend. her Passover card for residents at The Legacy Willow Bend. morning of Passover learning, songs and crafts at Temple Shalom’s Munchkim Minyan, March 13. They made a seder plate together. POST PICS April 1, 2021 | 11 JJCCCC GoldbergGoldberg EarlyEarly CChildhoodhildhood CenterCenter

Photos: JCC ENGAGEMENT Andrew Katzen Caroline Vineyard Yudkin-Conway Joan and Robert Yudkin of Dallas are thrilled to announce the engagement of their son, Ross H. Yudkin, to Madeline N. Conway, daughter of Matthew Conway of Boston, Massachusetts, and Elizabeth Conway of Cataumet, Massachusetts. Ross earned his Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Texas at Austin and is a director at a tech company. Madeline graduated magna cum laude from Wellesley College with a degree in economics and works in investing. The two reside in Boston with their English goldendoodle, Oslo, and enjoy hiking, skiing and swimming at their home in the mountains. The couple will wed this fall in Austin, Texas.

William McKinnis, Sophia Eisenberg, Charlie Jackson, Vivienne Lacey LeLevinevine AAcademycademy Chag kasher vsameach - a Happy and Kosher Passover 5781 From the Board and Staff of Dallas Kosher Your kosher resource year round www.dallaskosher.org

Beverley Lewin and two year olds mixing matzah for Pesach. Photos: Levine Academy Rabbi Michael Katzman fires matzah on the grill.

One of Levine Academy’s Twos classes learns about a few plagues. 12 | April 1, 2021 In their words . . . Sefiras Ha-Omer: Columnists, opinion from the TJP counting the ‘Omer’ Remembering Dear Rabbi, G-d at Mount Sinai. (Exodus In our Haggadah which we used for our seder Ch. 19-20) In those moments this year, it says “on the second night of Passover, the newly formed nation ob- we begin counting the ‘omer.’” Nobody attending tained its spiritual identity the Holocaust our seder had previously heard of this practice. and national calling through Could you please give us some insight? the Torah, and the redemp- Sincerely, tion was complete. through books Mark ASK THE This world-altering event, Dear Mark, the revelation of the Torah to The Jewish people’s journey toward nation- RABBI the Jews at Mount Sinai, took Today is April 1, often called Summita Books hood began on Passover. The Exodus redeemed place on the seventh day of “April Fools’ Day.” But we Jews are in 1985; priced them from physical slavery and subjugation, By Rabbi the Jewish month of Sivan, in not fools – no longer to be taken in at $17.95. but they still lacked a national identity and pur- Yerachmiel the year 2448 (1313 BCE). Ev- by outside lying promises, or even Religion: pose. This was conferred upon them only later D. Fried by our own inside desires to believe “Things We — when the Jewish people heard the words of see FRIED, p.16 that what we’d like to see will happen, Couldn’t Say,” by even when we can be sure it will not. Diet Eman and Today is one week before our own IN MY James Schaap. country’s official Holocaust “Day of The book’s brief Teach empathy by Remembrance,” to be marked next MIND’S I prolgue sets the Thursday, April 8. The week of April scene for a con- 4 through 11 will be full of appropri- By Harriet versation we are ate nationwide activities. P. Gross having in our setting the example What can we as individuals do own country during this time, throughout that today: “We always come back to the Dear Families, to think of others when grocery week, and even continue on long af- same point: ‘The church may not One of the most important Jewish Values is empa- shopping — buy a second portion terward, to remember the Holocaust mix in politics,’ he says. And I tell thy, rachamim, and one of the best ways to teach it is of something for the food bank. and its victims ourselves, and to per- him that when you are a Christian, by modeling. Rachamim, the Hebrew word, is usually Today as we read, hear and sonally honor its survivors? The sim- and profess that God is almighty, translated as compassion. As we acknowledge other watch the sad and frightening sto- plest thing of all: We can read! there is no single area of life from people’s feelings, thoughts and experiences, we feel ries in the world, we question how There are many, many books ap- which you can eliminate God.” compassion for them — we identify with them and much to share with our children propriate for reading during this Published by Wm. B. Eerdmans want to help them, which is also called empathy. Psy- and that is an individual family special time of memory. Whether Publishing Company, 1994; priced chologists tell us that compassion and empathy begin SHALOM matter. Yet, we must look inside you prefer history, biography, fiction at $18.99. to develop in the first years of life. In fact, scientists as- FROM THE ourselves to not only feel empathy SHABBAT LADY — whether you choose prose or po- And there are so many oth- sume that we are biologically wired for these feelings. toward those who are suffering and etry — this is the time to read, and ers! You can’t go wrong by pick- Yet, we must also teach our children to be empathic By Laura struggling but to decide how we remember. Here are a few possible, ing up anything by Elie Wiesel, and compassionate. Rabbi Wayne Dosick in Golden Seymour can act to help others. This is part very appropriate, choices: originally a reluctant writer who Rules says: of the healing for those in need and History: “My Opposition: The — once he started — became “You can teach your children that a good decent, for growing for each of us as we reach out to help. Diary of Friedrich Kellner, a German spokesperson for an entire gen- ethical person has a big, loving heart when they feel A Story about Empathy Against the Third Reich.” Readers eration. Or simply rereading you feeling another’s pain, when they know that you have called this book “a reminder Ann Frank’s personal writings, are committed to alleviating human suffering. Mendel the shoemaker was working quietly at his that not all Germans under the Third published as “Diary of a Young “You can teach your children that a good, decent, cobbler’s bench when who should burst in but the Em- Reich were Nazis…some managed to Girl.” Or getting acquainted ethical person has big, open hands when they watch peror Napoleon! “Save me,” the emperor screamed in retain a sense of decency and human with the poetry of Nelly Sachs in you give of your resources — generously and often panic. “They’re going to kill me.” values…” Published by Cambridge her Nobel Prize-winning book, — and when they watch you give of the work of your The good-hearted shoemaker hid Napoleon in his University Press in 2019; priced at “O the Chimneys.” hands — willingly and joyfully. bed under a pile of old quilts, just as three enemy sol- $17.85. The main thing is to read! And “You can teach your children that a good, decent, diers stormed into the room. They pierced their swords Memoir: “When Time Stopped… as you read, remember that one of ethical person can fulfill the sacred task of celebrat- into everything, including the quilts on the bed, but My Father’s War and What Re- the first attacks of Hitler’s Nazis ing the spark of the Divine in each human being and found nothing and left. mains,” by Ariana Neumann. Read- was not on people, but on books, the preciousness of each human being when you teach Miraculously unharmed, Napoleon granted Men- ers say “An extraordinarily moving because books carry the history of them to imitate G-d who is ‘gracious, compassionate del one wish as a reward for saving his life. Mendel was story; she brings the lost world of her the world and the opinions of peo- and abundant in kindness; who forgives mistakes, and perplexed, since he was basically happy and had ev- relatives murdered in the Holocaust ple who have shaped that world. promises everlasting love.’” erything he needed. Finally, he asked Napoleon, “Tell to vivid life.” Published by Scribner So, it is quite right to say that me, if you don’t mind, how you felt when the soldiers Family talk time in 2020; priced at $28. one of the best ways to remember poked their swords into the quilts?” Suddenly Napo- Letters and Poetry: “Dancing on the Holocaust, and to assure that • What does it mean to be kind to a friend? What leon turned red. He ordered his troops to tie the terri- a Powder Keg” by Ilse Weber. Read- those who perished in it will al- does it mean to be kind to an animal? fied shoemaker to a tree and shoot him. ers say “The letters and poems get un- ways be remembered with honor, • Think of a time when someone hurt you. How did Ready!” The soldiers lifted their guns. der your skin.” Published in 2016 by to affirm that such a time will nev- it feel? “Aim!” The soldiers aimed. Mendel said his last Bunim and Bannigan, Ltd., and Yad er happen again, is to read — what • Try to “put yourself in someone’s shoes.” What prayers. Vashem. Priced at $34.95. they wrote, and what others have does that mean? How does it help us to understand “But the emperor didn’t say “Fire!” What did he say? A Classic: “The Drowned and written about them. And never to others? “Now you know how I felt!” the Saved,” by Primo Levi, one of forget that it was once a crime in • Tell about Rabbi Tanchum of whom it is said, from “Brainteasers From Jewish Folklore” by Rosa- the world’s best-known survivor our own country to teach a slave “When he needed only one portion of meat for himself, lind Chaney Kaye writers. Readers say “The tri- to read… he would buy two; one bunch of vegetables, he would umph of reason over the barba- Harriet Gross can be reached at harrietgross@ buy two — one for himself and one for the poor.” How Laura Seymour is director of camping services at the Aaron Family Jewish rism of genocide.” Published by sbcglobal.net. could you do this in your family? Make a promise Community Center. In their words . . . April 1, 2021 | 13 EDITORIAL Passover 5781 and The Quest For Freedom

This week, Jews all over the world celebrate crisis that cries out for a fair resolution. Within poll reflected that 61% of Americans opposed perished in the Holocaust as the Nazis savaged our sacred festival of Passover. It is well to our borders today, approximately 10 million admitting 10,000 Jewish children who were Europe. remember that although this is year 5781 in or more immigrants, many from Mexico refugees from Nazi Germany. In History’s measuring cup, the distance the Jewish calendar, our People’s delivery from and Central America, are engaged in a daily In May 1939, the S.S. St. Louis with 937 between today and 1939 is a grain of sand. Egyptian bondage more than 3,000 years ago struggle for dignity and self-determination. Jewish refugees aboard, was denied entry Measured against more than 5,800 years continues to the present day. The Washington Post reported last week into the port of Havana, Cuba. The Cuban of our existence as a people, the Holocaust How can that be so when the events of the that rising number of migrants are moving government allowed approximately 28 was only yesterday. Our own families, our Exodus, when Moses led the Jewish People to the U.S. southern border, and more than people to disembark after an excruciating parents and grandparents, some alive today, from slavery to freedom occurred so long 100,000 were detained in February. This examination of their visas. The ship’s captain’s felt the yolk of oppression. No human being ago? The answer to this conundrum is that presents President Biden with an inescapable efforts to deliver the remaining passengers can experience the photographs of the death Passover, our annual celebration of freedom, challenge to bring to fruition his campaign to safety in Havana failed. Many on the ship camps and remain unmoved. is an eternal experience. Approximately 6.8 pledges of implementing more humane had applied for U.S. visas. So, the vessel sailed And, no human being can see news reports million Jews live in Israel. Demographers immigration policies than those of his toward Florida. Passengers cabled President of huddled refugees, be they from Syria or disagree, but perhaps as many as 7 million predecessor. Franklin D. Roosevelt pleading to be allowed Hispanic countries, and not identify with Jews live in the United States. All Jews living Freedom’s challenges are not limited to refuge in America. A State Department their plight. in the United States and virtually every Jew how we achieve humane policies for the telegram said the refugees must “await their Each of us has a duty to practice tikkun living in Israel share an immigrant experience. myriad immigrants living in the United turns on the waiting list and qualify for and olam – to repair the world. The horrors of Like our ancient ancestors, millions of Jews States who entered the country without obtain immigration visas before they may be these crises will not be wiped away in a week, have yearned to drink from bountiful cups proper documentation. The plight of Syrian admissible into the United States.” a month or a year. But, each of us can make of freedom’s wines — to partake of living in refugees is heart-rending. After more than Next, the St. Louis sought sanctuary in a start — by practicing the Jewish value freedom. 10 years of oppression by Syrian President Canada. Again, the passengers were denied of “Welcoming the Stranger” and being This week, as we eat matzo and recall the Bashar al-Assad, more than 6.6 million asylum. “No country could open its doors wide cognizant of what goes on at home and abroad. enduring saga of the Jewish People, let us Syrians have been forced to emigrate under enough to take in the hundreds of thousands The huddled masses of refugees are unlikely remember that Egypt was not the only land of dire circumstances and more than 6.7 million of Jewish people who wanted to leave Europe: to realize freedom and self-determination our affliction. Throughout our history, Jews Syrians have been uprooted from their homes the line must be drawn somewhere,” Frederick soon. But, each of us can find ways to lend have suffered the scourge of oppression from and remain displaced in Syria. Blair, Canada’s immigration director, told succor to those who suffer. We may act Babylonia to the Spanish Inquisition, to the America has woefully failed to grapple newspapers at the time. through charitable contributions, political disgrace of the Dreyfus Affair, culminating in with our own immigration crisis. And, we’ve Tragically, the ship returned to Europe and action or, simply, by how we treat others. Our the horror of the Holocaust. done no better at aiding Syrians who have fled docked at Antwerp, Belgium on June 17, 1939. own deliverance from savage injustice on an One core lesson of Passover is that none of death and starvation imposed by Assad and Jewish organizations had secured visas for the epic scale remains relatively recent. It could us are truly free until all men are truly free. his henchmen. refugees in Belgium, France, the Netherlands happen again. Every period of history presents its challenges. Let us remember that in January 1939, just and Great Britain. Most survived the A version of this editorial appeared in the April 1 edition Today, America confronts an immigration two months after Kristallnacht, a nationwide Holocaust. Yet, at least 254 of the passengers of the Jewish Herald Voice and is reprinted with permission. Reason to believe

One would do well to wonder It was only after the but to see that justice Egypt should be seen as “creation scale horizontal reenactment why it took the dividing of the sea harrowing experience prevails. And because redux.” This is why our rabbinic of separation of waters. Even for the Children of Israel to enter at the Yam Suf that the of the need for right to sages Rabbi Yehoshua and Rabbi emancipated slaves were able to a state of wonderment. Surely the Children of Israel saw triumph over wrong and Eliezer take contradictory views recognize how very blessed they successive plagues visited upon that G-d was good as for good to triumph over regarding when the world was were to witness such an event. Egypt — especially the plague of His word. Humans do evil, there are those of us created. One sage maintained Even emancipated slaves were Darkness with its psychological not like to be deceived, who are prepared to put that the world was created in able to appreciate their unique implications — should have especially when their ourselves through misery the month of Tishrei; the other role. This, above all else, provided produced a similar reaction. How everyday existence is D’VAR demanding that justice sage maintained that the world a newly created nation ample did the dividing of the sea, along at stake. No doubt, the TORAH prevail. It was after was created in the month of reason to believe in G-d. with the concomitant journey of Children of Israel were crossing Yam Suf, seeing Nissan. Both sages were correct. This Shabbat, the seventh day of the Children of Israel on dry land astonished to witness By Rabbi the corpses of Egyptians One sage was referring to the the festival of Pesach — mirroring between walls of water, differ the waters of Yam Suf Shawn Zell washed up on the shore, creation of the world; the other the seven days of creation — is from previous nature-defying defy nature. Much more that our ancestors saw sage was referring to the creation one where we commemorate phenomena? important, however, the Children that justice had prevailed. And of the Jewish nation. Moreover, G-d making good on His word Had modern-day road signs of Israel were relieved to learn when the emotions of our ancestors parallels exist where the creation to liberate our ancestors from existed at the time of the Exodus that there was reason to believe in got the better of them and they of the Jewish nation parallels Egyptian bondage. This Shabbat, from Egypt, it would have been the G-d of Israel. It is one thing began to rejoice, they were quickly or mirrors the creation of the the seventh day of the festival of reasonable to expect the Children to ask for the trust of others; it is chastised by G-d. Reflecting on world. First and foremost is the Pesach, is a day when justice was of Israel to have been greeted quite another thing to earn the this divine reaction, I believe dividing of the waters. Just as meted out to those who dared to with a billboard displaying the trust of others. It was at Yam Suf that G-d was intimating that the G-d divided the upper waters dehumanize another people. This following message: “You are where G-d earned the trust of the fact that justice was meted out to from the lower waters — just Shabbat, the seventh day of the now leaving Egypt.” No better Children of Israel. the Egyptian enslavers ought to as G-d effected a “vertical” festival of Pesach, enabled our reassurance could have appeared Many years ago, I attended a have been enough. Extrapolating separation during the creation ancestors to witness a remake before them, as they once again High Holy Day sermon seminar from our sages of the midrash, of the world — so too did G-d of what took place during the set foot on terra firma, after of a renowned rabbi, author of it was as though G-d was saying: create a “horizontal” separation creation of the world. As such, successfully traversing Yam several bestsellers. He posited a “My children, if you must feel during the creation of a nation. they had every reason to believe Suf or the Sea of Reeds. As concept that I summarily rejected. anything, feel vindicated. Under There was no one, however, to in G-d and Moshe His servant. astounding as any and all of the He maintained that the goal in no circumstances, should you feel witness the primordial separation plagues visited upon Egypt might life is to be happy. In the world joyful.” of waters. In contradistinction, Rabbi Shawn Zell serves Tiferet Israel. He have been, not one of the plagues as we know it, the goal in life for For some time, I have been there were 600,000 emancipated is a member of the Rabbinic Association of delivered the expected results. most of us is not just to be happy, expounding that the Exodus from slaves able to witness a smaller- Greater Dallas. In their words . . . 14 | April 1, 2021 How pro-Israel community is responding to the pandemic

Physicians and front- methods as it continues be mentored by my father, wife Talya. The communal response line health care workers to show its support for Kenny Goldberg, Karen We have continued to support that we’ve seen to COVID-19 know firsthand the profound the Jewish state. Garfield, Charles Pulman Bonds as we adapted to the must serve as a model and a disruption that the COVID-19 I grew up in a pro- and Larry Olschwanger. COVID-19 world. Homebound rallying cry to continue engaging pandemic has wrought on all Israel, strongly Zionist The current leadership and constrained by the “new communities in support of the aspects of life. Simultaneously, household in Dallas. I has helped craft new normal,” we restructured our Jewish state. Doing so means we have also borne witness to vividly recall my father, leaders. At the national work with Israel Bonds to suit connecting with new investors, the innovations that have helped Dr. Allan Shulkin, GUEST level, Dr. Andrew Hutter, the pandemic age. Events and offering opportunities to keep our practices, our families folding down the Israel a longtime Bonds leader programming were shifted to network and organize, and and our society together. For the Bonds tab card during COLUMN and a well-known face in Zoom, where we could still growing Bonds’ base of support pro-Israel community, this has the High Holidays. the pro-Israel community convene and spread the word. locally and nationwide. By Zev Shulkin been an especially challenging Some time ago I came (and esteemed orthopedic This change in format helped Fulfilling this goal not only time. The virus has robbed us across records of my surgeon), took me under broaden our net and enabled us will help Israel weather today’s of members of our mishpacha grandparents’ investments his wing, and showed me what it to reach more supporters than uncertain economic climate, it (family), battered the U.S. and dating back to Israel’s formative took to do the legwork of building ever before. will also honor a long and rich Israeli economies and stymied years. For my family and my community and establishing deep Bonds events have featured Prime tradition of the Diaspora uniting international travel. Missions to wife’s family, this support — and lasting ties. Together, we Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in support of its Jewish homeland. Israel are paused, and in-person this love — Is second-nature and worked to forge a base of support, Michael Solomonov, Bari Weiss and In generations past, our parents gatherings to support Israel in unconditional. getting more and more young Amar’e Stoudemire, to name a few. and grandparents invested in and the Diaspora have come to a As a medical school student, people engaged through events, Our outreach focuses on channeling supported Israel when it was in dire halt. I continued the family tradition programming, outreach and the enthusiasm we see on Zoom straits, facing wars, international During the day, physicians by making my first Israel bond networking opportunities. events and other virtual gatherings crises and threats to its existence. have had to adapt to challenges purchase. Soon after, I was My involvement with Israel into direct action, whether it be It is just as critical today that we in the operating room, in our recruited to be a part of the Israel Bonds has enabled me to travel financial investment, organizing show the same level of support as clinics and in our hospitals. Bonds New Leadership Division, to Shabbat dinners in New York or some combination of both. In past generations, and essential that Concurrently, through my which strives to get young people City, to attend major events in all cases, the objective of the pro- we continue their legacy. involvement in the pro-Israel involved in the organization’s Miami, and to interact with Israel community—in Dallas and movement, I have seen the pro- activities on behalf of Israel. other Bonds leaders at weekend beyond—is on ensuring that the Zev Shulkin is a volunteer member of Develop- Israel community adapt to a During these early years, leadership retreats in Arizona groundswell of support that we’ve ment Corporation for Israel/Israel Bonds’ changing environment. Like mentorship was key. Dallas has and Austin. It is through my seen throughout the COVID-19 National New Leadership Campaign Council. He the medical profession, this a thriving Jewish and pro-Israel extended Israel Bonds family period is translated into productive, lives in Dallas and chairs the Dallas Israel Bonds community is pioneering new community, and I was privileged to that I was blessed to meet my real-world impact. New Leadership Division. A Miraculous Era Built on Relentless Respect

Sitting in the desert, the heard the Shema in the the middle of the United next to me commented on the all. It is a chapter where we can same desert to which our wind. One man, in fact, Arab Emirates, I heard beauty of the wind’s Shabbat sing “Hatikvah,” together. ancestors went for inspiration, returned with puffy a Sephardic rendition of nigun. Underneath a sukkah of As we retell the story of our I facilitated a meditation for eyes saying that he had Kabbalat Shabbat and lights and a literal blue moon, I Exodus from Egypt on Passover, Birthright participants many lived in a city his entire an Ashkenzaic melody reflected on that same framing to let’s celebrate the miracles — big times. I shared how the word life and had never heard for “Shalom Aleichem.” the Birthright desert meditation. I and small — that happen every day. for desert, midbar contains the true silence. The desert I participated in a felt awake. Moreover, whether we look in same letters as medaber, to speak: awakens the senses and dinner conversation that When we celebrate Passover, our religious tradition or national I do not believe that this is a can be a deeply spiritual GUEST contains phrases ranging we often say that God took us history, we have an obligation to coincidence, as, going as far back experience. COLUMN from Yiddish to Arabic. out of Mitzrayim, which we be a light unto other nations or to as our ancestors in the Torah, we It had been four years Living out the dream of translate as Egypt. However, the [build] a city on the hill that will Jews have gone into the desert for since I have wandered By Josh Yudkin Ahad Ha’am, secular and shoresh, the root, of the word shine its light onto the rest of the inspiration. Perhaps, the desert is into the desert, and religious Jewish polyglots Mitzrayim is tzar, or narrow. world. We have an opportunity to a sacred place where we can hear about four weeks since I departed from six out of seven continents When we say that God took leave this era of divisive language God speak. Now, it was their the Promised Land. Yet, I found broke bread and rejoiced in the us out of Mitzrayim, what we in the past and engage with one turn to go into the desert - it was myself, once again, in the desert, Sabbath. mean is that God took us out another with a relentless respect. their time to hear God speak. but this time sitting around a My mind began to wander of a narrow place, a place filled As we welcome the season of While some participants Shabbat table surrounded by during the Kiddush. I reflected with repression that stifled our spring and the true Jewish New enjoyed looking at the constellations dozens of Jews singing “Shalom on the past week when I met identities and existence. Year, we have an opportunity to of stars, other reflected that they Aleichem.” Sitting in a villa in Israeli celebrities who star on It was around this Shabbat elevate and empower. Let’s express $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ the Netflix original “Fauda.” table in the middle of the Emirati radical gratitude and actively NEED EXTRA CASH !!! ??? The smell of the oud cologne on desert that I could say I witnessed welcome in this miraculous new $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$I BUY RVS & the man next to me reminded a miracle. In celebration of our year and this era built on relentless $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ me of the rich and unknown tradition, I could say that God respect, together. MOBILE HOMES fragrances from the Grand Souq has taken us out of a narrow place $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ in Bur Dubai. I felt radically and allowed us to offer thanks Joshua Yudkin currently serves as an executive Travel Trailers l 5th Wheels grateful to be taking the first and rejoice. The Shabbat table in committee member of the Jewish Federation $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$Goosenecks l Bumper Pulls ever commercial flight from the middle of the Emirati desert of Greater Dallas’ Jewish Community Relations In Any Area!!! Any Condition!!! Dubai to Tel Aviv on Sunday. is a symbol for the beginning of a Council (JCRC) and is a co-founder of JUST $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$Old/New !!! Dirty or Clean !!! As I was about to take a bite of new chapter for the Jewish people. Conversations. He is an epidemiologist by $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$I PAY CA$H 956-466-7001 challah, I felt a cool breeze begin It is a chapter filled with unity, training who was recently awarded a Fulbright No Title – No Problem – We Can Apply For One to massage my neck. As it moved dynamic discussion, illuminating research grant and works at the intersection of $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ANR Enterprises across my shoulders, the woman ideation and relentless respect for community building and public health. $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ OBITUARIES April 1, 2021 | 15 Segal, 87, vanguard of ‘60s wave of young Jewish actors, dies

By Ron Kampeas present as desirable were over. by Alec Guinness, tells him. (JTA) — George Segal, whose Segal brought sex and “Consequently, they’re difficult career as an actor ranged from athleticism to his 1966 role as a to recognize, they look like shattering Jewish stereotypes in naive academic caught in a trap everybody else.” his youth to cheerfully indulging by a destructive couple in “Who’s Quiller is ultimately betrayed them in his dotage, has died at 87. Afraid of Virginia Woolf?” Segal (spoiler alert) by his young The fact that early in his career played opposite Elizabeth Taylor German girlfriend. He is Segal had to field questions about and Richard Burton in the film, captured by the Nazis and resists why he didn’t change his name which earned him his only their torture to escape. He meets or fix his nose was a testament to Academy Award nomination. with his handler and they have how unusual it was at the time for His roles were soon Jewish a Pinter-esque exchange that a Jewish actor who could play a as well, in films like “Bye Bye alludes to the postwar anomaly of plausible tough guy and romantic Braverman” in 1968 and “Blume being Jewish in a continent that lead to present as Jewish. in Love” in 1973. In 1970, he has made Jews disappear. “I didn’t change my name shattered Jewish stereotypes in “Met a man called Oktober,” because I don’t think George “The Owl and the Pussycat,” Quiller says of his encounter with Segal is an unwieldy name,” where he starred opposite Barbra the head Nazi. “At the end of our Segal told The New York Times Streisand. conversation, he ordered them in 1971. “It’s a Jewish name, but His most emblematically to kill me.” The handler rejoins: Photo: Silver Screen Collection/Hulton Archive/Getty Images not unwieldy. Nor do I think my Jewish role from that time was “And did they?” George Segal in a 1965 publicity shot nose is unwieldy. I think a nose not obviously Jewish: He played Segal continued to play job is unwieldy. I can always spot the eponymous hero in the romantic leads, notably teaming rehabilitation included touring sitcoms “Just Shoot Me!” (albeit ’em. Having a nose job says more 1966 spy thriller “The Quiller up with Glenda Jackson in “A with a band he led with his banjo, as an ostensible Italian) and “The about a person than not having Memorandum,” tracking down Touch of Class” in 1973. He filmed the Beverly Hills Unlisted Jazz Goldbergs,” from 2013 until now. one. You always wonder what a ring of postwar Nazis. Harold the crime caper classic, “The Hot Band. In an appearance with the Segal was born in 1934 in that person would be like without Pinter, the Jewish playwright who Rock,” opposite Robert Redford, band in Israel in 1982, he was New York. He is survived by two a nose job.” wrote the screenplay, reshaped in 1972, and joined with Elliott welcomed as a hero. daughters, Polly and Elizabeth, Segal’s meld of defiance and the laconic British spy in Elleston Gould in 1974 in “California Segal played minor roles from his first marriage to Marion self-deprecation helped pave Trevor’s novel into an American Split,” considered one of the best and then reemerged in 1996 in Sobel, and his third wife, Sonia the way for actors like Elliott furious at Europe for allowing gambling films ever. a role as Ben Stiller’s father in Schultz Greenbaum, a high Gould, Dustin Hoffman and the Nazis to flourish and for His career went into a “Flirting with Disaster.” That school girlfriend with whom he Richard Benjamin. The days of never truly crushing them. downward spiral in the character would define the rest reunited after the death of his Jewish actors and actresses like “Nobody wears a brown early 1980s, fueled by what of his career: the neurotic, self- second wife, Linda Rogoff. Sonia John Garfield and Lauren Bacall shirt now, no banners, you see,” he said was self-destructive effacing Jewish dad. It was a role said Segal died of complications changing their names in order to Quiller’s British handler, played behavior, including drugs. His he replicated in the television following bypass surgery.

Corrine Tycher to complete her Corinne is survived by her undergraduate degree daughters Linda Tycher and Corinne Feldman and went on to receive Michelle Tycher Stein, and son Tycher left this world March a master’s in special Marshall Tycher and his wife Sally; 18, 2021, surrounded by her education. Early in her her grandchildren Jonathan (Tally) adoring children. The heart career, she was a founding Caplan, David Tycher, Jeremy Stein, and soul of her family, she member of the Dallas Benjamin (Stephanie) Stein, Lucy leaves behind a long legacy Corrine Tycher chapter of the Academic Stein (Roni Kobrosly), Becca Stein of love and dedication to Language Therapy (Lauren Anderson), Jack (Teanna) her family and community. Association. In the decades that Tycher, Kate (Adam) Dratch and Born in Chicago in 1927, she followed, in her classroom and Dana (Seth) Reisman; and her great moved to Dallas, Texas, in 1935 then her home office, she spent grandchildren Asher, Levi, Maya, with her parents David and Rose her days teaching children with Talia, Noa Rose, Brady, Drew, Feldman and sister Pearl. A dyslexia and other learning Reese, Oliver, Chase, Phoenix, graduate of Forest High School, differences. Axel, Reagan and McKenna. she attended Southern Methodist A lifelong learner and teacher, A funeral service was held University during World War II to Corinne led a life driven by her Friday, March 19, at Shearith pursue a degree in journalism but genuine curiosity, generosity of Israel Cemetery with Rabbi Shira left before graduating to marry the spirit and humility. She exuded Wallach officiating. love of her life, the late Frederick a natural warmth, charm and The family requests that Z. Tycher. Fred and Corinne were grace that endeared her to family, contributions in Corinne’s memory married 57 years. friends, students and strangers be made to Congregation Shearith As they built their lives alike. She gave all of herself to Israel’s Kesher (Special Needs) and family in Dallas, Corinne everyone and everything she Program, 214-361-6606, 9401 volunteered her skills and touched. Douglas Avenue, Dallas, TX 75225. resources to causes she held dear. She served as president of How to submit an obituary Congregation Shearith Israel TJP Sisterhood and as a leader of the The publishes obituaries of 300 words or fewer free of charge for Jewish Federation of Greater the community. Obituaries of more than 300 words incur a nominal Dallas. fee. Obituaries must be submitted by a family member or funeral home. At the age of 42, with her To submit an obituary, email the information to sharon@tjpnews. youngest child in high school, com or fill out the form online at tjpnews.com. Corinne returned to college For more information, call the office at 972-458-7283. 16 | April 1, 2021

had an underground matzah it supplied 200 tons of matzah Ukraine, has another factory, The late Lubavitcher rebbe, MATZO bakery that operated secretly annually, mainly to Russian- Tiferet Hamatzot, that Menachem Mendel Schneerson, continued from p.2 for four decades until the 1990s. speaking countries. But demand specializes in shmurah matzah, often recalled how his father, The oven was built by a Jewish plummeted that year following a handmade product that Levi Yitzchak Schneerson, who of course meant Jews couldn’t engineer. Patrons would bring the territorial conflict between some Jews favor because of the lived in Dnepro, clashed with consume it as kosher.” their own little paper bag of Russia and Ukraine, which has strict kosher standards of its Soviet authorities over matzah. To get kosher matzah, Jews matzah flour and the staff would paralyzed bilateral trade. production. The elder Schneerson obtained across the former Soviet Union use it to bake the matzah. Russia has its own matzah “I think there’s a special pride permission to produce kosher would come to underground The bakery has since been factory, but “it’s never enough and satisfaction that goes into matzah. supply points — typically private modernized and expanded and we need to import from getting matzah here,” the city’s “But it made him enemies, and residences — for a few pieces. under Ukrainian Chief Rabbi Israel,” Lazar said. chief rabbi, Shmuel Kamenetsky, that’s the reason he was arrested The Ukrainian capital of Kyiv Yaakov Dov Bleich. Until 2014, Dnepro, a city in eastern told JTA. ultimately,” Kamenetsky said. In Dnepro, many local Jews Levi Yitzchak Schneerson was buy matzah, which in the former exiled from Dnepro in 1939 and Soviet Union is available only died in Kazakhstan in 1944. in a handful of kosher stores “Ultimately, Russian-speaking and at synagogues, “to give it Jews risked their lives to have to their non-Jewish friends as matzah,” Kamenetsky said. “So something exotic and interesting,” it’s no wonder they like it a little Kamenetsky said. more than other Jews.”

“mensch.” (See Gateways to Ju- FRIED daism, Becher, Ch.12) continued from p.12 The Kabbalists explain fur- ther that 49 days of counting, ery year, the anniversary of that comprised of seven weeks of revelation is celebrated as the seven days, represents the epit- festival called Shavuot. ome of the physical world. The The Torah emphasizes the number 7 in Judaism represents link between Passover and Sha- physicality, such as seven days vuot, through the command- of the week, the seven musical ment of “Counting the Omer”, tones, etc. The multiple of seven or Sefiras Ha’omer. We count times seven is the epitome of the days and weeks from the that concept. second day of Passover until the The Jews had sunk to 49 lev- festival of Shavuos. (We begin els of impurity during their so- the counting only on the sec- journ in Egypt. Egypt itself was ond night of Passover, not on at the level of 50, the point of the first, in order not to detract no return. The Jews needed to from the celebration and joy leave immediately at that point, BubbieCare has created of the Exodus with a reminder because to tarry any further an innovative approach that the redemption was not yet endangered them to sinking to complete. See Sefer Hachinuch the point of no return. Hence, for families to find and mitzvah 306). there was no time for the bread hire their own personal The phrase Sefiras Ha’omer, to rise, and they had Matzah. caregiver. Call us today if meaning “the counting of the The rising of the bread, the WE ARE THE BRIDGE you’d like: omer, is referring to the omer chametz, represents the in- offering of newly harvested clination to haughtiness and THAT CONNECTS barley that was brought to the evil. By leaving with great alac- A Stress-Free Process Temple in Jerusalem on the rity to fulfill G-d’s command AMAZING 16th of Nissan, the second day they stopped the “rising of the Caregivers Personally of Passover. (Leviticus/Vayikra bread”, the inclination towards 23:10-14) evil, in its tracks. CAREGIVERS Matched, Vetted and In contrast to the Passover The following 49 days were Screened offering of barley, the offer- devoted to growing and acquir- WITH FAMILIES ing on Shavuot was bread made ing positive character traits, one from wheat flour, (ibid 23:17). by one, day by day. At day 49, the THAT NEED THEM Fair Wages For What is the significance of this Jews had perfected themselves Your Caregivers change from barley to wheat? and freed themselves of the 49 The Sages explain that barley levels of impurity, now ready to Find out how at is often used as animal fodder, receive the Torah. On day 50, Flexibility In Schedule while wheat is predominantly they entered the spiritual realm www.BubbieCare.com & Duties With No for human consumption; bread which transcends the physical, is an exclusively human food. the square multiple of 7, into or call (512) 862-9030 Restrictive Contracts Thus, as we count from Pass- the realm which is diametrical- over to Shavuot, we also mark ly opposed to the negative “50” our spiritual progression from of Egypt. This is the world of Si- slavery to our material, animal- nai, of Torah, of the Almighty. istic passions, to the increas- This is the real purpose of our ingly human realm of free will, redemption on Passover; hence intellect and attachment to G-d. it begins with, and connects to, Through the counting of 49 the Haggadah. days, we count our elevation, day by day, into the realm of Rabbi Yerachmiel Fried is the dean of Dallas Torah life and our growth as a Area Torah Association.