5915 Beacon Street, Pittsburgh PA 15217 • 412-421-1017 • [email protected] New Light News March 2021

A Word from the Rabbi There is a favorite story of mine in the Torah that has always puzzled me. It is the story of Jacob and the ladder. In that story, Jacob has a dream about a ladder reaching up into the heaven. The Torah does not say that Jacob climbs the ladder only that he looks up the ladder and sees angels on the ladder and knows that the presence of God is on top of the ladder. Why doesn’t he climb the ladder? If Judaism is about rising up in holiness, why doesn’t Jacob imitate prophets like Moses or Isaiah? Why doesn’t he go up the ladder to be with God? I think Jacob is an archetype for a special type of religious personality. It is the person who desires spirituality in his or her life, knows how to get it, looks at the rungs of the ladder and does not make it up to the pinnacle of the spirituality he or she aspires to. It is a spirituality that is applied in stages – what the philosopher Franz Rosenzweig described as a “not yet” spirituality. “I know intellectually where I want to be – to be grateful for my life, to adopt spiritual practices, prayer, yoga, good deeds, whatever… but I can only do it step by step.” Fifteen is a number that is associated with Pesach. Pesach falls on the 15th of Nissan. There are 15 parts of the Seder from “Kadesh u’rchatz” to “Nirtza.” If you look at the Torah scroll, on the part that describes the parting of the Red Sea, the words of the poem are arranged as an illustration that shows a ladder with rungs from top to bottom, 15 rungs to be exact. There are other number 15’s. There are 15 psalms that begin Shir Hamaalot, Songs of elevation, at the end of the Book of Psalms. There were 15 steps ascending the Southern side of the Jerusalem Temple. I imagine that each of the 15 elevation psalms was said by pilgrims who went up to Jerusalem at fifteen different stations along the way. Once they climbed the fifteen steps to the Temple, the priests gave them a blessing also recorded in our Torah – the Birkat Kohanim (said every Friday night as a blessing to children and in Israel at the end of every Schacharit service)–a total of 15 words! It is not an accident that Pesach begins on the 15th of Nissan, the night when the moon is most full. The moon calls on us to expand our consciousness and to accept our spiritual freedom as if we too were slaves in Egypt. The song “” (which by the way has 15 verses) says it all, I think. Kamah Maalot Tovot, it begins. How many levels of goodness were we able to climb through God’s intervention? Had God just brought us out of Egypt… Had God just brought us across the sea… Had God just brought us to dry land. And what do we say? Dayenu! That would have been enough! But if you think about it, it wouldn’t have been enough because if we had not completed all those 15 steps we would not have ascended to the Temple! Jacob too stood at the ladder gazing up at the rungs. We too are still climbing. Some of us are still at the Sea. Some of us are still at dry land. Some of us are still at the Giving of the Torah. And Dayenu! That is enough for now. At the end of the Seder, whatever we’ve accomplished spiritually in the 15 steps, we say “Nirtzah” for the entire group. Accept the spiritual efforts of each person at the table and Dayenu. Chag Kasher Sameach, Rabbi How to prepare for - Some Tough Questions Answered by the Rabbi 1. is any food product made from wheat, barley, rye, oats or spelt that has come into contact with water and been allowed to ferment and “rise.” In practice, just about anything made from these grains—other than Passover matzah, which is carefully controlled to avoid leavening—is to be considered Chametz. This includes flour (even before it is mixed with water), cake, cookies, pasta, breads, and items that have Chametz as an ingredient, like malt. The Torah prohibits the ownership of Chametz, the eating of Chametz and benefiting from Chametz (such as keeping an animal fed). We embark on an “operation zero Chametz” to rid our homes of all edible Chametz. The main purpose of cleaning and searching for Chametz is to remove any Chametz that one may come to inadvertently eat or derive benefit from during Passover. This obligation of getting rid of Chametz does not extend to inedible Chametz or tiny crumbs or particles of Chametz that are soiled or spoiled. The hunt for Chametz concludes the evening before Passover (14th Nissan). In the morning of the 14th, we say a formula of nullification to declare of all remaining and unseen Chametz null and void. 2. Kosher l’Pesach Food. Packaged foods are certified “kosher for Passover” and have a small “p” next to the heksher of kosher trademark. Many foods without this trademark include Chametz as an admixture. One must be very careful and rely on the appropriate heksher. Vegetables and fruits, meats and fish are generally kosher for Passover. Ashkenazim do not eat kitniot or beans, peas, corn, and legumes because of their similarity to Chametz (they puff up when boiled). (Conservative Jews may now eat kitniot during Pesach.) 3. Selling of Chametz. The Torah teaches: “No leaven shall be seen of yours, and no leavening shall be seen of yours throughout all of your borders.” Ridding one’s home of all Chametz or leavened foods during Passover is not simple. Most of us have pantries and freezers which are full of items which are not kosher for Passover. In addition, eliminating all Chametz would also include thoroughly scouring every utensil, pan and pot which were used together with Chametz items, to rid them of Chametz residue. The rabbis conceived a halachic device whereby all Chametz foods are stored in a closet or room (or more than one), which are then closed and sealed for the duration of the eight days of the holiday. On the morning before Passover the Chametz is sold, and the areas wherein they are stored are rented, to a non-Jew. In this manner, the Chametz no longer belongs to us, until the end of Passover when the Chametz is bought back from the non-Jew. Incidentally you need to sell the Chametz which may be in any properties you own or rent. This would also include your office or business premises. If you have a home on the beach or in the mountains, whether you use it or not, you still need to sell the Chametz that is within it, too. Please see the “Sale of Chametz” guide or speak to the rabbi for more information. 4. Two Marors on the Table? Many have the custom of using both horseradish and romaine lettuce to fulfill the obligation to consume (bitter herbs) on Passover night. The sages of the Mishnah list five vegetables which may be used for maror. Unfortunately, it is difficult to be certain as to the identity of these five vegetables mentioned in the Mishna by their ancient Hebrew names. Two of them, however, we have a clear tradition regarding their identity: horseradish and lettuce. The Talmud says that of the five species mentioned in the Mishna, the preferred one for use is the lettuce -- which is surprising, considering that it is not bitter. The reason for this is its symbolism. If lettuce isn’t harvested, its stem hardens and becomes very bitter. i.e. it starts off sweet, and its end is bitter. This is a perfect metaphor for our ancestors’ slavery in Egypt. Originally they were enticed to work with promises of full wages, and they were sweet-talked into joining the work campaign; their patriotism to the Egyptian homeland was invoked. Eventually, however, this led to full-fledged bitter enslavement. 2 Nevertheless, many have the custom of having horseradish as well, apparently this stems from a desire to consume actual “bitter” herbs, to recall the great pain that the Jewish nation endured for the duration of their slavery. 5. The . All are different. In many homes, the standard has become the Haggadah. Each religious movement publishes their own Haggadah and then some! Many old commentaries have been translated and published to understand a particular commentary’s take on the haggadah. It is okay to add songs and your own commentary to the haggadah. You can also skip sections if the old material is holding you back. The essential features of the seder meal is telling the story and eating the symbolic foods. Don’t forget about finding the ! 6. Arrangement of the Seder Plate (Ka’arah) includes most of the ingredients that go into the making of the Seder. Its three matzahs and the six other items are arranged in a formation dictated by their mystical significance and relationship vis-a-vis each other. Here’s how you set it up: On top of a large plate, tray or cloth place three whole matzahs, one on top of the other. It’s best to use round, hand-baked shmurah matzah. Cover the matzahs with a cloth or tray. On top, position the following six items in a counter-clockwise position: 1) “” - a roasted chicken bone with most of the meat removed. This will represent the Passover offering. It will not be eaten. 2) “Beitzah” - a hard-boiled egg, representing the festival offering. 3) “Maror” - grated horseradish (just the horseradish -- not the red stuff that has vinegar and beets added) and/or romaine lettuce, for use as the “bitter herbs.” 4) “” - a paste made of apples, pears, nuts and wine. We’ll be dipping the bitter herbs in this. 5) “” - a bit of vegetable, such an onion or potato. 6) “Chazeret” -- more bitter herbs, for use in the matzah-maror sandwich. We’ll also need a wine cup or goblet for each participant, and plenty of wine (four cups each), and a dish of salt water (in which to dip the Karpas). A Zissen and Healthy Pesach to you and your families! Passover Services Schedule We will observe the first and second days of Pesach with Beth Shalom, via Zoom. Day 1 - March 28th, 9:00 AM. Day 2 - March 29th, 9:15 AM. Zoom link 943 2466 5900 Passcode “minyan” The last two days, April 3rd and 4th will be observed by New Light via Zoom or in Helfant, 9:45 A.M. Use the regular Shabbat Zoom connection.

3 March 2021 Presidents’ Report Have you been vaccinated? Seems Pennsylvania’s system for administering the vaccine is disorganized and frustrating. Elsewhere in the newsletter are the most up to date information on where and how to obtain either a Pfizer or Moderna vaccination. If you need help in navigating websites and telephone lines, please call Barbara or Steve. We will try to help! At the last Board meeting, the New Light members of the Memorialization Workgroup the recent work to identify the purpose of a memorial. The Workgroup has further refined the purpose to a single sentence: “The purpose of the Memorial is to honor the lost lives of our loved ones, remember what happened, and to provide education on Anti-Semitism and Jewish values, so that we never forget and it will never happen again.” We would appreciate your thoughts and comments prior to the next meeting in early March. With the installation of the exterior doors and our Memorial Boards inside, the new Chapel at the Cemetery is almost complete. We are still waiting for the delivery of the outside entrance portico. Following are pictures of the exterior and interior.

We will be re-installing the Yahrzeit plaques over the next several weeks. In addition, we will be moving furniture and other items from storage into the Chapel. There are several other issues: First, we will be designing special stained glass inserts for the doors. Second, we need to decide on the name of the Chapel. The tentative name we have been using is “The New Light Chapel.” It is common, however, to dedicate a building in honor of a person. Your suggestions are appreciated. Third, we have been working with the Eric Lidji at the Rauh Center to bring some of the shul’s memorabilia into the Chapel to be displayed. We would only use replicas and copies. Over the next few months we will be designing this display. Lastly, a word about Shabbat attendance. We are still the only Conservative or Reform congregation meeting in-person in the Pittsburgh region. We have strictly enforced all COVID-19 protocols. There have been no cases among our Congregation from services. While for many it is still too soon to think about returning to our Chapel, we are hoping by April or May that we can gather together in community. In one way the pandemic has been a boon – many congregants who were unable to travel before the pandemic have joined our services on a regular basis. To accommodate everyone, we will continue our Zoom services for the foreseeable future. May you have a happy and sweet Pesach! Barbara & Steve 4 Upcoming Events Shabbat Services Shabbat services are now in Helfant and via Zoom. Friday night services are Zoom only. If you want to attend in person on Shabbat please email [email protected] so that you can be on the list we provide to Beth Shalom each week for security purposes. Contact [email protected] for the Zoom connection. March Board Meeting The next board meeting is Sunday, March 7th at 10:30 A.M. Please use the same Zoom connection as for Shabbat services. Rabbi’s Movie Club The next meeting is Tuesday, March 16th at 7:00 P.M. The movie Tevya can be borrowed from Rabbi Perlman or seen on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q4CqthipSg0. The Fine Line Between Resiliency and Fear March 24th, 2021, 6:00 P.M. via Zoom. This engaging program to evaluate how and why we can make safer decisions. Learn with Shawn Brokos, Director of Community Safety with the Jewish Federation, and Maggie Feinstein, Director of the 10.27 Healing Partnership, about how our brain works under fear and what we can do to make the safest possible decisions for ourselves and those around us. Registration required at https://1027healingpartnership.org/event/the-fine-line-between-resiliency-and-fear/. Joyce Fienberg Book Group March 10th, 2021, 7:30 P.M. via Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84112023766 The Sisters Weiss: A Novel by Naomi Ragen Powerful, page-turning and deeply moving, Naomi Ragen’s The Sisters Weiss is an unforgettable examination of loyalty and betrayal; the differences that can tear a family apart and the invisible bonds that tie them together.

March Birthdays March Anniversaries Ronald Berkman Barbara & Arnold Epstein Roselle Solomon Barry Werber

5 Rabbi Perlman Receives Honorary Degree The Jewish Theological Seminary (JTS), awarded honorary doctorates to 45 rabbis at an online convocation ceremony on January 31th, 2021. JTS celebrated and honored the achievements of these important spiritual leaders and expressed appreciation for their contributions to Jewish life. Each recipient has served the Jewish community and the Conservative Movement with distinction for over 25 years. More information can be found at http://www.jtsa.edu/jts-honors-45-rabbis-for-their-dedication-and-commitment-at-january-2021-convocation.

Vaccine Information Below are some links/numbers to register for or learn about the availibility of the Covid-19 vaccination. Note that these links are subject to change - they were current at the time of this newsletter. • UPMC: https://vaccine.upmc.com/ • CVS: https://www.cvs.com/immunizations/covid-19-vaccine • Sam’s Club (membership not required - just create a guest account): https://www.samsclub.com/pharmacy?xid=hdr_pharmacy • Giant Eagle: https://www.gianteagle.com/covidvaccine • Pleasant Hills Pharmacy: https://pleasanthillsapothecary.com/covid-vaccine/ • Asti’s South Hills Pharmacy: https://hipaa.jotform.com/210168283690154 • Heritage Valley Vaccination Sign Up: https://cms.hvhs.org/carelink/ • Rite Aid Vaccination Sign Up: https://www.riteaid.com/pharmacy/covid-qualifier?fbclid=IwAR0tqG8VD-cBA3XtiCqJW3 KU8gDxuAbmaX945qjcqYKCXRl-cIVZHkbIR_I

Sign up for alerts at: index/453003085611110/#/signuphttps://member.everbridge.net/

See where the vaccine may be available at: https://vaccinatepa.org/#Allegheny_County and https://www.health.pa.gov/topics/disease/coronavirus/Vaccine/Pages/Distribution.aspx

PA Health Hotline: 1-877-724-3258 Mental Health Hotline: Persevere PA at 1-855-284-24946 Reminders ● To purchase Memorial Plaques, Simcha Tree Leaves or Stones contact Ileen Portnoy 412-683-7985 ● To purchase bricks for our “Garden of Freedom” contact Barbara Caplan 412-521-4332 ● To purchase Giant Eagle gift cards contact Marilyn Honigsberg at 412-521-7174 ● For information on our cemetery contact Stephen Cohen at 412-421-3999

NEW LIGHT CONGREGATION 5915 Beacon Street 412-421-1017 www.newlightcongregation.org

Rabbi Jonathan Perlman 412-904-3601 Simcha Tree & Ileen Portnoy 412-683-7985 Co-President/Social VP/ Barbara Caplan 412-521-4332 Memorial Plaques & Yahrzeit Cemetery Stephen Cohen 412-421-3999 Co-President Stephen Cohen 412-421-3999 Religious Committee Carl Solomon 412-421-2165 Membership Debbi Salvin 724-444-6324 Recording Secretary Ileen Portnoy 412-683-7985 Sisterhood Sharyn Stein 412-521-5231 Corresponding Secretary Janet Cohen 412-512-0949 Men’s Club Harold Caplan 412-521-4332 Calendar Janet Cohen 412-512-0949 Onegs Hugh Casper 412-421-7619 Yahrzeits Barbara Caplan 412-521-4332 Treasurer Harold Caplan 412-521-4332 Website Stephen Cohen 412-421-3999

7 New Light Congregation March 2021 17 Adar 5781 - 18 Nisan 5781 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 17 ADAR 2 18 ADAR 3 19 ADAR 4 20 ADAR 5 21 ADAR 6 22 ADAR 5:56 Ki Sisa Services, 7:00 PM Parshas Parah Services, 9:45 AM

23 ADAR 24 ADAR 25 ADAR 26 ADAR 27 ADAR 28 ADAR 29 ADAR 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 Board Meeting, 6:04 Vayakhel - Pekudei 10:30 AM Services, 7:00 PM Parshas Hachodesh Services, 9:45 AM

14 1 NISAN 15 2 NISAN 16 3 NISAN 17 4 NISAN 18 5 NISAN 19 6 NISAN 20 7 NISAN Rosh Chodesh Nisan Movie Club, 7:00 7:11 Vayikra PM Services, 7:00 PM Services, 9:45 AM

21 8 NISAN 22 9 NISAN 23 10 NISAN 24 11 NISAN 25 12 NISAN 26 13 NISAN 27 14 NISAN 7:19 Erev Pesach Services, 7:00 PM Tzav Services, 9:45 AM

28 15 NISAN 29 16 NISAN 30 17 NISAN 31 18 NISAN Passover - Day 1 Passover - Day 2 Passover - First Intermediate Passover - Second Day Intermediate Day