C13 – e14 Adar, 5767l / Marche 1, 3, b4, 2007 ration!

HOW TO PURIM the soulful meaning, customs, event schedules, and how to celebrate CELEBRATION! My Dear Friends, Wisconsin Jewry, Purim Guide The other day, while I was driving her to school in the morning, my seven-year-old grand-daughter asked me: “What’s the most important day of the year?” 2 PURIM THOUGHTS “Yom Kippur,” I replied instinctively. A moment later I said, “Or maybe Purim.” 3 THE REBBE’S MESSAGE At the next red light, I was backtracking again. “Actually, Passover is a very important day in our history. And Shavuot, when Why “Purim” we got the Torah. Rosh Hashanah, too....” I can’t really be blamed for my confusion. Open up any Chassidic text on the festivals of the Jewish calendar, and you’ll find that the 4 THE HISTORY OF PURIM most important day of the year is the one you’re reading about. The Passover discourses explain how the Exodus from Egypt is the most 6 HOW DO WE CELEBRATE? significant event of our history; and how it is on Passover, when the Exodus is “remembered and re-enacted,” that we establish the very Body & Soul foundation of our spiritual lives and our relationship with G-d. The Shavuot discourses say the same thing–about the revelation at Sinai. As do the discourses that discuss the inner significance of 10 PURIM RECIPES Chanukah, Purim, Rosh Hashanah, Sukkot.... You get the idea. Hamentashen and Kreplach All of which are, of course, true. At every juncture of the spiritual terrain of Jewish time is embedded a resource–be it freedom, wisdom, joy, unity, commitment – that is the foundation of our 10 CARING AT ITS FINEST spiritual lives and our relationship with G-d. On each of these, the Bar Mitzvah and the Phoenix entire edifice stands. Yet Yom Kippur and Purim do stand out as “most important days.” Both are distinguished by the fact that they are single-day 12 JEWISH PRIDE festivals (as opposed to Rosh Hashanah’s two days, Sukkot’s seven, Who Needs It? Chanukah’s eight, etc.). Their names even sound alike. Indeed, the great Kabbalist Rabbi Isaac Luria (1534-1572) says that Yom Kippurim (Yom Kippur’s full Hebrew name) can also be read to 15 WHAT’S HAPPENING AT mean yom k’Purim, “a day like Purim” (which would mean that my first instinct was on the mark: if Yom Kippur is a day like Purim, LUBAVITCH OF WISCONSIN then Purim should top the list...). Photo gallery of recent events and programs For both days represent extremes. Yom Kippur in its spirituality – we fast, dress in white to emulate the angels, and spend the entire day in devotion and prayer. And Purim in its physicality – we party and feast, bestow gifts of food to friends and money to the poor, and are even commanded to drink (!) to excess. Celebration! Volume 38 #3 February 2007 Push yourself to your limits and beyond–both these days say Published 6 times a year by Lubavitch of Wisconsin to the Jew–and if you do it with all the integrity and devotion and 3109 N. Lake Drive • Milwaukee, WI 53211 goodness of your Jewish soul and body, there you will find G-d. Phone: (414) 961-6100 • FAX: (414) 962-1740 ••••• e-mail: [email protected] My dear friends, as you know on Purim we masquerade; the www.chabadwi.org Purim saga helps us realize that in truth things may not necessarily be the way they appear. We have to reach into the deepest depths to extract the best. Now, even though my name is signed to this message, it is only Dedicated to the Rebbe, masqueraded. I found this beautiful message at Chabad.org and Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson, OBM, wanted to share it with you. Dig it, incorporate it, and, with it, whose boundless love and teachings celebrate a truly joyous Purim. are an endless source of inspiration and guidance. Rabbi Yisroel Shmotkin

2 The Rebbe’s Message

umerous factors contributed to the salvation that G-d really cares about one people more than another? of the Jewish people from Haman’s decree, Can it be that He is truly pleased by “good” deeds and not least amongst them Mordechai’s rousing angered by “bad” ones? Surely G-d is beyond all that. There of the Jews to repentance and Esther’s efforts might be a level of reality on which goodness is rewarded Non their behalf. Yet the name of the festival – the one word and evil is punished, but on a higher plane, these things are chosen to express its essence – refers to a seemingly minor obviously meaningless. On that level, a truly infinite G-d detail: the fact that Haman selected the date of his proposed has no concern with what goes on in the material world, and annihilation of the Jews by casting lots (pur is Persian for the prime minister of the mightiest empire on earth can do “lot”). Obviously, the significance of what he chooses to a small, dispersed Haman’s lots lies at the very heart of minority. what Purim is all about. So Haman cast lots, hoping to Why did Haman cast lots? Because “connect” to that level of reality that he was attempting to break what, to transcends the laws of good and evil– his mind, was a “vicious cycle” that to that level of reality on which, he had been plaguing him and his ilk believed, everything is up for grabs, as since the appearance of the Jewish free of any moral rules as a throw of nation a thousand years earlier. dice. Many great and powerful men, from What Haman failed to realize was Pharaoh to Nebuchadnezzar–not to that the people of Israel are G-d’s mention Haman’s own ancestors, the chosen people–that even on the level of divine “choice,” Amalekites–had tried to destroy this people. Granted, the which transcends all logical criteria, G-d desires them and Jews have a great and powerful G-d, but they also fail Him protects them. It is true that G-d, in essence, is beyond it all; by committing sins and anger Him with their transgressions. but this very G-d chose–for no other reason than such was All one needs to do, it would seem, is wait for such an His desire–to take the people of Israel as His own. opportune moment. But always, at the very last minute, the Jews repent and, time and again, their G-d is reconciled with The Jew always knows this in the deepest part of his soul, them and saves them. even if his external behavior may, at times, run awry of this realization. This, ultimately, is the reason why we always Haman knew that the Jews had sinned yet again by return to G-d, and why G-d always forgives us in the end. worshipping the king of Babalon, Nebuchadnezzar’s idol and partaking of Achashverosh’s feast; (see beginning of History This, ultimately, is the very essence of the miracle of - page 4,) but who knows how long their estrangement from Purim, and the very essence of the miracle called “the people G-d will last this time? of Israel.” As long as our plans hinge upon the virtue or iniquity of Israel, reasoned Haman, we’ll just have a repeat of the same Adapted from the teachings of the Lubavitcher Rebbe, O.B.M. old scenario. A more basic approach is called for. Can it be By Yanki Tauber, Chabad.org

Special Purim presentation at www.chabadwi.org/Purim 3 being summoned meant risking her life. Esther requested that all the Jews undertake a three-day fast of prayer and repentance. At the end of these three days, Esther stood uninvited before The History of Achashverosh and invited the king and Haman to a private banquet. At that banquet, she invited them both to a second banquet the next night. That night, after the first banquet, King Achashverosh was unable to sleep, and he asked his servants to read to him from his Book of Chronicles. When they reached the episode where Mordechai saved his life, he realized that Mordechai had never been rewarded. Just at that moment, Haman appeared in the courtyard, planning to suggest to the kind to hang Mordechai. Purim When he entered Achashverosh’s chambers, the king asked Haman to suggest the best way of honoring someone. “The Once upon a time… King wishes to honor me,” Haman thought. He was angered and mortified to discover that the honors he envisioned for It was the year 365 B.C.E. in the city himself would be accorded to Mordechai. of Shushan, Persia. The reigning At the subsequent banquet, Esther asked the king to spare King Achashverosh hosted a series of her life and the lives of her people. Surprised, Achashverosh lavish royal feasts in his palace that asked Esther who had threatened her. She replied that it was went on for a hundred and eighty none other than the wicked Haman. days – one half of a year! Every Haman was immediately hanged on citizen living in Shushan was invited. the gallows that he had intended for The Jews, too, participated in the great party. Mordechai. Intoxicated with the excitement of the festivities and days of Although Haman was dead, his endless drinking, King Achashverosh commanded his queen, cruel decree remained unchanged. Vashti, to appear before his guests wearing only her crown. A new decree was issued, granting Vashti refused. Enraged at her insolence, the king consulted the Jews permission to defend with his ministers and had Vashti executed. themselves against their enemies The king now needed a new queen. Achashverosh had all the and to attack and slay all those who beautiful daughters of the country brought to the palace so that he might choose a wife. The king chose Esther (Hadassah), the cousin of Mordechai, who was one of the leaders of the Jewish people. Heeding Mordechai’s advice, Esther did not reveal her identity as a Jew, and observed Jewish law secretly in the palace. Purim Holiday Check List Mordechai would spend time at the palace gates every day, —Have you scheduled to go to Synagogue to waiting for word from Esther. One day, Mordechai overheard listen to the Megillah reading? two attendants planning to poison the king. He told Esther of —Have you prepared Shalach Manos, or the plot, and she informed the king. The plot was foiled, and did you order Shalach Manos to be sent Mordechai was credited with saving the king. on your behalf to your friends? Meanwhile, Haman, a descendant of Amalek – the —Is there a poor person you know to implacable enemy of the Jewish people, became Prime Minister of the king’s court. The king had issued an order commanding give him/her a gift on Purim. (You may forward funds to Lubavitch of everyone in the palace to bow down in deference to Haman, Wisconsin, and we will distribute it, but Mordechai refused, because Haman wore an idol around on your behalf, on Purim.) his neck. This so enraged Haman that he devised a scheme to annihilate all the Jews in the kingdom on the 13th day of the —Have you arranged for a Purim feast? Are you looking to celebrate Hebrew month of Adar. He also had a gallows constructed with friends? Join us. specifically for hanging Mordechai. (See ad on page 9.) Hearing of the evil plan, Mordechai donned sackcloth and ashes and told Esther that she must go to the king and intercede on behalf of her people. To appear before the king without

4 Check out our weekly online magazine at www.chabadwi.org JOIN US FOR SERVICES AND would assault them. The Jews experienced a stunning victory in battle. At that time, the 14th day of Adar was consecrated as the festival of Purim, to celebrate and commemorate the great Milwaukee miracle of our people’s salvation and the downfall of the wicked THE SHUL EAST Haman. 3030 East Kenwood • (414) 961-6100 ext.309 Saturday, March 3rd – Services at 7:15pm Megillah Reading at 7:30pm Sunday, March 4th – Services at 8:00am On Purim, nothing is as it seems. Megillah Reading at 8:30am That ferocious monster is really sweet, shy Sarah from second grade. That beautiful Queen Esther with the Bayside jewel-studded crown is really your brother Moishe. Is THE SHUL that a gigantic three-cornered, poppy-seed-fi lled-cookie walking down the street? And how did little Michael grow 383 West Brown Deer • (414) 228-8000 that luxuriant white beard? Saturday, March 3rd – Megillah Reading at 7:15pm Sunday, March 4th – Services at 7:30am Why do we disguise ourselves on Purim? Because on Megillah Reading at 8:15am Purim nothing is as it seems. Was the banishment and execution of Vashti simply one of those things that happen Mequon when a debauched Persian emperor gets drunk? Was it just coincidence that Mordechai happened to overhear AGUDIS ACHIM CHABAD a plot to kill the king? Did Achashverosh choose Esther 2233 West Mequon Rd • (262) 242-2235 to be his queen because she happened to be the most Saturday, March 3rd – Megillah Reading at 7:15pm beautiful woman in the empire? Was it plain bad luck for Sunday, March 4th – Services at 8:00am evil Haman that he happened to visit Achashverosh just Megillah Reading at 8:40am when the king was having Mordechai’s heroic deed read to him? Was it Esther’s charm and Achasverosh’s fl ippancy Madison that made the king suddenly hang his favorite minister? CHABAD HOUSE Purim was instituted because the Jewish people at that 1722 Regent • (608) 231-3450 time understood that it was G-d Himself who did all of Saturday, March 3rd – Service at 7:15pm the above, to save His people. He was just disguising Himself within a Persian palace soap opera. Megillah Reading at 7:30pm Sunday, March 4th – Services at 9:00am When G-d took the Children of Israel out of Egypt on Megillah Reading at 9:30am Passover, the entire neighborhood, from Giza to Gaza and from Memphis to Mesopotamia, resonated with the CHABAD ON CAMPUS miracles wrought by the G-d of the Hebrews. When a For Location please call: 608-257-1757 small jug of oil burned for eight days on Chanukah, the Saturday, March 3rd – Services at 7:15pm most skeptical Hellenist saw that it was an act of G-d. Purim (“lots”) is unique in that the most miraculous of Megillah Reading at 7:30pm and 10:00pm salvations was shrouded in the garments of nature, luck Sunday, March 4th – Megillah Reading at 12:00pm, 3:00pm and 5:00pm and coincidence. G-d was hidden and remained hidden -- His name does not once appear in the entire Megillah OTHER MEGILLAH READINGS (Scroll of Esther)! Sunday, March 4th: Purim is a masquerade in every way. The Scroll of Esther The Sarah Chudnow Campus at 10:30am (“I shall hide”) is rolled up, The poppy-seed fi lling is barely Meadowmere Assisted Living Center at 10:30am peeking out of the folds of dough of the Hamantash (or Agudis Achim Chabad at 8:40am and 4:30pm is it prune?). Not to mention the meat (chicken?) fi lling in The Shul at 4:45pm the kreplach is completely concealed. Not paradoxically, Purim is also the most joyous festival For more Megillah readings on the Jewish calendar. It’s great to celebrate miracles, please call: (414) 961-6100 x310 but how often does a miracle come your way? Far more exhilarating is the realization that nothing is as it seems, that G-d is always pulling the strings, even when things seem to be “just happening.”

By Yanki Tauber, Chabad.org

5 Soul Of course we Shalach Manos is more than nice, it’s a mitzvah that we’re obligated to perform. It’s a mitzvah that gives expression to our desire for Jewish unity and friendship. It enables us to celebrate. bypass our “body” – our differences, and give expression to our soul. In fact, it’s a great opportunity to reconnect with someone we may have had some friction with in the past. Allowing our Neshama to overflow with joy and But how? generosity can be contagious. Sharing food that can be enjoyed immediately does wonders to shore up friendships, heal old wounds, and make us each a part of ...With body & soul one another. Matanot L’Evyonim Gifts to the Needy All miracles are Divine. But the miracle of Purim is all the greater for its subtlety – as the invisible hand of G-d foils the BODY We don’t need a special occasion to give plot of the heinous Haman to liquidate the Jews of Persia. charity. After all, tzedakah is synonymous Victory occurs on the 14th day of the Hebrew month of Adar, with being Jewish. Nevertheless, Purim is a resulting in an annual day of unfettered joy to celebrate the special time when we must give material help to at least two people in need. essential bond between a Jew and the A-mighty. Don’t know any poor Jews to give to on Purim day? True joy, of course, means getting past the superficial Not to worry. There are plenty of wonderful charitable constraints of the body, and unleashing our true inner soul. organizations that will gladly distribute your tzedakah We achieve this by observing the Mitzvot of Purim – each of dollars on Purim. You can even put your Matanot L’Evyonim money in a pushka (charity box.) This goes which reflect the theme of getting beyond the surface, the for a-l-l of us, even little children … Especially little body, and reaching into the soul of the matter. children. Purim is observed by men, women and children alike. Well …almost alike. (It’s okay to drink on Purim, but not for kids. Soul As for dressing up, perfect for children.) Tzedakah on Purim is special, because it goes beyond mere generosity toward a needy individual. On Purim, Tzedakah becomes Jewish unity in action. It motivates us to transcend our complacency by bonding with a fellow Jew who is totally Mishloach Manot outside our social and economic orbit. We give to (at least) Gifts of Food two needy people in order to reinforce our kinship with BODY On Purim we treat our friends to... treats. Makes no Litigation • Work Injuries • Accidents difference whether you call it by its proper name Mishloach Employment • Zoning Manot or by the abridged Shalach Manos.

This mitzvah is performed on Purim day. The important Scott R. Winkler Attorney At Law thing is to pack up at least two types of edibles or drinks that are ready to eat or drink (e.g. pastry, fruit, beverage) and have them delivered, ideally by messenger, to at least Winkler Law Firm S.C. 633 West Wisconsin Avenue one friend – men to men, women to women, kids to kids. Phone: 414/271-0000 Suite 1500 Fax: 414/277-1303 Milwaukee, WI 53203 The ideal messenger? A child, of course. They love it. Cell: 414/708-9465 [email protected]

6 Check out our weekly online magazine at www.chabadwi.org The Megillah is a sensational story. It’s such a powerful reminder that G-d is always looking out for His People; sustaining us, giving us the courage and the energy to forge ahead against all odds. This has been true from the very birth of the Jewish people and throughout our long journey until the coming of Moshiach. Seudat Purim The Festive Purim Feast BODY different types of people, even people for whom we lack Of course, we eat on Purim. Can an instinctive empathy. On Purim we share what we have, you imagine a day of Jewish rejoicing because we’ve achieved that pure sense of oneness that is so that doesn’t include a festive meal? elusive on other days. The Seudat Purim is an occasion for every member of the family – immediate, extended, and friends Megillat Esther – to celebrate with food and wine. Listening to the Megillah Anytime during the day is fit for BODY the Purim feast. It is customary, Ancient history? Not for us. The Purim saga is something however, to sit down for a meal and celebration towards we must experience for ourselves. How? By listening to the the end of the day before sunset, and continue celebrating reading of the Megillah (The Scroll of Esther). into the night. It’s traditional to include soup with ‘kreplach’ (stuffed dumplings) as part of the menu. We read the Megillah not just once, but twice – on the eve of Purim and again in the morning. We pay rapt attention to every word, and blot out every mention of Soul Haman’s accursed name by twirling our graggers and Do we curse Haman and bless Mordechai, or is it he other stamping our feet. Children are in the habit of making way around? Foolish question. Yet our Sages urge us to feast noise. But on Purim, it’s a mitzvah! on Purim until we reach a state in which we can’t tell the Where can you hear the Megillah? In the synagogue. difference. “Blessed is Mordechai” shows our appreciation Can’t make it? We offer many opportunities, see ad on for goodness, holiness and G-dliness. “Cursed is Haman” page 5. expresses our disgust for hatred, evil and wrongdoing. The two combine to represent two aspects of our Divine service – the positive and the negative. Soul The Megillah is unique On Purim we rid ourselves of certain inhibitions. We liberate among the books of the our soul, allowing it unfettered expression of its essential love Bible. G-d’s name does of G-d. And so, the two aspects become one. Yes, Purim not appear, even once. enables us to get past our normal personal, intellectual All the same, G-d is appreciation of Torah and Mitzvot, the good and abhorrence constantly present, his for evil. On Purim we transition into a whole different realm name hidden amidst of absolute passion and desire just to make the A-mighty the words. Yes, it is happy. Details and distinctions all merge. They dissolve in easy to delude ourselves the light of our consuming desire to fulfill the Divine will, into believing that the whatever it takes. Purim saga and the ultimate deliverance of the Jews was a natural occurrence. It Now, on Purim, our neshama’s (soul’s) very essence is given is only by looking deeper, that we see the hand of G-d, like a free reign. Like a child devoted to its parents, we yearn master puppeteer, weaving disparate elements, disconnected only to please G-d – both through positive actions and by plots, and subplots together toward an inexorable finale. abstaining from anything that might cause Him pain.

Special Purim presentation at www.chabadwi.org/Purim 7 Other Purim Observances Masquerades, Kreplach & Hamantashen Ta’anit Esther The Fast of Esther Amazing how much can be said about Purim – yet we haven’t even scratched the BODY surface, let alone gotten to masquerades Purim is a day of unbridled joy. Yet the day and costumes. that precedes it is one of fasting. Why? Because the Jews of Persia – aware that there can be no Of course it’s fun to dress up on Purim, victory without Divine help – fasted and prayed after all “we must rejoice until we on this very day. can’t distinguish between Haman and Mordechai.” Dressing in costume, This year, as the day preceding Purim is however, has symbolic importance as well. Shabbat –when we can’t fast – Taanit Esther It reminds us of times in our history when is observed on the preceding Thursday (March we concealed our true identity as Jews. st 1 ). The fast begins at dawn and ends at Outwardly, we strayed from Torah, even as nightfall. we remained faithful to G-d in our hearts. Another reason for the Purim masquerade is the Purim Soul saga itself, which comes to us in the guise of a series of Fasting is very effective in moving us from our material utterly natural coincidences. It takes a more discerning routine into a more refined, introspective state. Abstaining eye to probe beneath the surface and recognize the from food and drink enables us to reach an inner dimension hand of G-d. and achieve a higher consciousness in anticipation of the next day’s festivities. Likewise, the ubiquitous Purim treat, the Hamantash, and the Kreplach we feast on at the Purim meal are both made of dough with concealed fillings – reminding us MachatzitMachatzit HHashekelashekel of G-d’s hidden role in the Purim story. After all, what Half Coins would a Hamantash be without that delicious filling? BODY And kreplach are hardly kreplach without the savory stuffing that is invisible to the undiscerning eye. When the Holy Temple stood in Jerusalem, every Jew was obligated to contribute a half shekel at this time of the year.

WeWe ccommemorateommemorate thisthis byby givinggiving tthreehree Special Prayer half-dollar coins to charity – usually in and Torah Reading the synagogue – either on the Fast of Esther or just prior to the Megillah reading. BODY Al Hanissim is recited during the Amidah (Silent Devotion) of the evening, morning and afternoon prayers, as well as during the Birkat Hamazon (Grace After Meals.) During TheSoul Torah describes the mandatory half-shekel offering as the Shacharit (morning) service, there is also a special “koffer nafsho” – redemption of the soul. By contributing reading from the Torah. exactly a half shekel we declare that as individuals we are incomplete, merely one half of an entity. The other half is G-d, with whom we bond. As we are all merely halves – incomplete beings – we achieve wholeness only by bonding BothSoul in the Amidah and during Birkat Hamazon we face the with other Jews, and together we bond with the A-mighty. A-mighty and thank Him for the special care He accords us The Machatzit Hashekel reminds us that we are not alone during good times as well as challenging ones. and, indeed, cannot be alone.

8 Check out our weekly online magazine at www.Chabadwi.org from Egypt, the Amalekites declared war. They made Torah Reading of “Zachor” another attempt as we entered the Land of Israel forty years BODY later, and yet again on numerous occasions throughout our history. The Torah commands us to remember the deeds of the nation of Amalek – Haman’s ancestors – which sought to But there is a spiritual aspect to Amalek as well; An insidious destroy the people of Israel at their very birth upon the toxin within us that invades our Jewish soul, a moral virus exodus from Egypt. that attempts to derail us by pouring “cold water” to dampen our enthusiasm as we try to emancipate ourselves from our On the Shabbat before Purim the Torah portion, inner constraints and move onwards in our Jewishness. “Zachor” (Remember) is read in the synagogue, and we are all enjoined to be present at that moment. We counter this Amalek by reaching into our neshama for that eternal bond with G-d, to that deepest space where doubt does not exist, where faith is so strong that our only AmalekSoul is not just a nation, it is a mindset of implacable hunger is to bond with the A-mighty. It is here that we re- hatred for the Jewish People. Even as we first tasted the energize ourselves for our continued odyssey in the service sweetness of freedom immediately following our Exodus of G-d.

Join Us for a Live Music & Fun Activities Grand Purim L’chaim’s & Dancing sunday, March 4 Celebration! 5:00 pm For the Whole Family!

delicious dinner purim costumes Join the Rabbis & friends as they take on their once-a-year Purim identities!

children’s activities For children 3 and older. Lead by the Friendship Circle The Shul 383 West Brown Deer Road – Audubon Court

Plus: Last Chance Megillah Reading at 4:45 PM; Chassidic Farbrengen after the meal

cost: $18 per adult, $10 per child; $60 maximum per family

Name

Number of Adults Number of Children Total amount Check enclosed

Credit Card # Exp Date Signature Mail to: Purim Celebration, 614 W. Brown Deer Road 53217 RSVP to: Leann Mester at 414-228-8000, or email to [email protected]

Special Purim presentation at www.chabadwi.org/Purim 9 Basic Kreplach Hamentaschen Kreplach are small squares of rolled pasta dough filled Hamentaschen, a traditional Purim with ground beef or chicken and folded into triangles. delight, is a three-cornered They can be boiled and served in soup or fried and served as a side dish. pastry filled with mohn (poppy seed) or other It is traditional to eat kreplach on the eve of Yom Kippur, sweet filling. on Hashana Rabbah and on Purim. These specific holidays are associated with “hiddenness” (like the kreplach that have an unseen filling). All three holidays are very holy days that are “enclothed” in weekday-like activity. “Work” 1 cup sugar that cannot be performed on Shabbat and other holidays 1/3 cup oil may be done on these days although the essence and meaning of the day is very holy. 1/2 cup margarine 3 tsps. baking powder

3 eggs 1 tsp. salt INGREDIENTS 4 cups flour 1 egg, beaten Dough Filling 2 lbs. mohn filling 2 cups flour 1 onion, diced 1/2 cup orange juice 1/2 tsp. salt 2 Tbsp. oil 3 Tbsp. oil 1 cup ground beef Cream sugar, oil and margarine. Add eggs and juice 2 egg yolks 1 tsp. salt and mix well. Blend with dry ingredients and roll into a 1/2 cup water 1/2 tsp. pepper ball. Divide into four parts. Roll out each piece very thin (approximately 1/8 inch) on a floured board. With the rim 1 1/2 tsp. baking powder 1 egg or soda of a cup or glass (depending on desired size) cut into the 1 Tbsp. matzah meal dough to make circles. Place 1/2 to 2/3 teaspoon of filling in the middle of each circle.

INSTRUCTIONS To shape into triangle, lift up right and left sides, leaving Dough: In a large bowl, combine flour, salt and oil, In a the bottom side down, and bring both sides to meet at separate bowl, beat egg yolks, water, and baking powder center, above the filling. Lift bottom side up to center to (or soda). Add to flour mixture. Knead and roll dough out thin on floured board. Use a glass to cut into 3 inch meet other two sides. circles. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Brush dough with beaten Filling: Sauté onion in oil. Add ground beef and brown for egg before baking. Place on greased cookie sheet. Bake 5 minutes. Remove from heat and cool. Add salt, pepper, at 350 degrees for approximately 20 minutes. egg, and matzah meal. Mix well. Place a tsp. of filling in the middle of the dough circle. Yields 4 dozen Hamentaschen Lift 3 sides of the dough circle to meet in the center and form a triangle. Press together tightly and pinch corners closed. Moisten edges with top of finger dipped in cold water to keep seams closed. Place kreplach in boiling, salted water. Cook about 20 minutes until kreplach floats to the top. When ready, remove from pot. Serve kreplach in soup or fry it until golden brown and serve as a side dish

This recipe comes from Spice and Spirit, The Complete Kosher Jewish Cookbook (Lubavitch Women’s Cookbook Publications, 1990).

10 Check out our weekly online magazine at www.Chabadwi.org TheBar The Mitzvah&Phoenix In gratitude to the Rebbe’s, Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson, OBM, gift of love — we present the following fascinating stories.

hey waited. Th e assembled crowd anticipated the t was 22 years ago, when the widow of Jacques usual motion signifying that the Rebbe would Lifschitz, the renowned sculptor, had come for a soon commence a gathering of his followers, but private audience with the Rebbe, shortly after her it did not come. At the end of morning services, husband’s sudden passing. theT Rebbe simply left the Shul. “Today, there will be no IIn the course of her meeting with the Rebbe, she farbrengen.” mentioned that when her husband died, he was nearing It was the 9th of (the Hebrew month) Kislev, 5735 completion of a massive sculpture of a phoenix in abstract, (1975), the Yahrzeit (passing anniversary) of Rabbi Dov- a work commissioned by Hadassah Women’s Organization Ber, the Second Lubavitcher for the Hadassah Hospital on Mt. Rebbe. On that year, the Rebbe Scopus, in Jerusalem. would address the audience at a As an artist and sculptor in her Chassidic gathering, or farbrengen, own right, she said that she would virtually every Shabbos. Certainly have liked to complete her husband’s he would farbreng on such an work, but, she told the Rebbe, she important day on the Chassidic had been advised by Jewish leaders Lubavitch calendar. that the phoenix is a non-Jewish Rarely, if ever, had such a thing symbol. How could that be placed, happened. Anyone following the in Jerusalem -- no less! Rebbe for forty years knows that I was standing near the door to nothing – cold, fever, even his the Rebbe’s offi ce that night, when heart attack or personal tragedy he called for me and asked that I – nothing would stand in the bring him the book of Job, from his Rebbe’s way from a farbrengen bookshelf, which I did. with Chasidim, where he would Th e Rebbe turned to Chapter inspire the audience, deliver 29, verse 18, “I shall multiply my his message, and “connect with days like the Chol.” his fl ock,” especially on such And then the Rebbe proceeded an auspicious day, honoring the to explain to Mrs. Lifschitz the memory of the “Mitteler” (second) Rebbe. Midrashic commentary on this verse which describes the But, the Rebbe did not farbreng that Shabbos! Chol as a bird that lives for a thousand years, then dies, and A number of years beforehand, a man had approached is later resurrected from its ashes. the Rebbe as he was entering 770 Eastern Parkway, Clearly then, a Jewish symbol. Lubavitch headquarters, to express his pain that his biracial Mrs. Lifschitz was absolutely delighted and the project step-son, his wife’s child from her fi rst marriage, is suff ering was completed soon thereafter. at the hand of his classmates, who, as unfortunately boys True to his nature, the Rebbe discerned the positive sometimes do, tease others for being diff erent. where conventional wisdom saw only negativism. Th e Rebbe immediately had his secretary call the How fi tting, retrospectively, this beautiful metaphor of

Special Purim presentation at www.Chabadwi.org/Purim 11 The Bar Mitzvah & The Phoenix continued...

principal of the Lubavitch school, demanding that this life returning from the ashes. In his own divinely inspired child be protected. “Must I come down there myself way, the Rebbe had brought new hope to this broken widow. and straighten things out?” were the Rebbe’s words as And in the recurring theme of his life, he did the same for conveyed by the secretary. Understandably, the matter was the spirit of the Jewish people, which he raised from the immediately taken care of. ashes of the Holocaust to new, invigorated life. It was on that Shabbos, the Yahrzeit of the Mitteler Rebbe, that this same boy had his bar mitzvah in a nearby Told by Rabbi Yehuda Krinsky shortly after the Shul. Through one of the Rebbe’s secretaries, it was learned Rebbe’s passing in 1994. Rabbi Krinsky served as a that before Shabbos, the Rebbe had sent a message to the secretary to the Lubavitcher Rebbe for more than 40 years. family that this Shabbos there would be no farbrengen. Prospective guests shouldn’t have any conflict about Chabad.org attending and the entire community would be able to come share in the family’s bar mitzvah celebration.

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12 Check out our weekly online magazine at www.chabadwi.org Public Menorahs. Demonstrating Jewish Pride. Who Needs It? THESE TWO PEOPLE DID.

Two years ago during Chanukah two of our Baltimore events My Soul That Lit turned out, for various reasons, to be disappointments for us. One, a Menorah lighting at Johns Hopkins University the Candles and the other a parade of ‘Mitzvah Tanks’ which was By Jacob Tarica-Lechter supposed to cover the downtown area. Rabbi Gopin (the eing a Junior at the University of Wisconsin- Madison, I know how hard it is to find and hold Shliach at Hopkins) and I just accepted it for what it was onto spiritual inspiration. The majority of people in this environment believes only/mostly in the and moved on to other programs and projects. After all, Bscientific method and do not appreciate acts of faith or even Babe Ruth didn’t always hit home runs. the wisdom of Jewish teachings. This inhibits me. I feel I must keep secret some of the morals and values that I have Not exactly so, as you will discover in the following story, decided to incorporate into my life. However, because I am a product of my environment, which appeared in a recent issue of the Jewish Press. I felt uncomfortable practicing my beliefs in public. For the last two years, I have wrapped Tefillin almost every –Rabbi Shmuel Kaplan, Chabad of Maryland day. When I wake up in the morning, I lock my door and whisper the Shema (you know, Shma Yisrael…) so that my roommates do not hear me. I am afraid of being ridiculed for practicing a tradition and a truth that I so greatly appreciate and that has been around for thousands of years. The Menorah That My personal struggle, therefore, has become, “How can I live my life, as a student of Jewish beliefs, while being Lit Up My Life intriguing and intelligent in the eyes of my Jewish friends, who so ardently disagree with me, or do not want to By Laura P. Schulman, MD understand Jewish practices?” According to Jewish thought, life is supposed to be a spiritual journey that leads individuals through moments of wo years ago I was in Baltimore on business pleasure and pain, inspiration and struggle, enlightenment and happened to pass by the public menorah and confusion, in order to build a better relationship with in front of Johns Hopkins University just as G-d. the first light was being lit. My eyes welled Now, don’t get me wrong; everyone deserves an with tears. Although I was raised a secular Jew, my family occasional porterhouse steak or trip with wife or friends T to the Bahamas, but material pleasures are not what push has always celebrated Chanukah. To be away from my family that first night of the holiday felt cold and lonely. the soul, our immortal essence, to greater heights. Material pleasure is that which is tangible, and its value depreciates Now, seeing the lights of the first night’s flames of that to nothing in time; searching for inspiration to carry me big menorah, my heart lit up also and I felt the warmth above the influence of my environment elevates my soul, of my people all around me. The next day I was walking and allows me to grow to be more than a man who looks by the waterfront and a young man in a black hat ran up only for what is comfortable. to me and politely asked, “Excuse me, are you Jewish?” For approximately the last five years, I have built strong Somewhat surprised that anyone would care, I answered in relationships with Lubavitchers and have grown to admire the affirmative. their ability to love their fellow Jew. From Rabbi Shmaya

Special Purim presentation at www.Chabadwi.org/Purim 13 “Do you know that it’s the second night Shmotkin’s and Rabbi Avremi Schapiro’s of Chanukah tonight?” he asked earnestly. families in Milwaukee, to Rabbi Mendel I nodded. Matusof’s family in Madison, and to one of my dearest friends Rabbi Yisroel Wilhelm “Do you have a menorah?” he inquired, and his family in Boulder, I have been looking a bit anxious. surrounded by mensches, people who care “No,” I replied. about kindness and goodness, that not only “Do you want one?” he asked hopefully. live the teachings of the Torah, but also “Do you have one?” I asked, almost dedicate their lives to helping others uplift shouting with joy. their Neshamas (Jewish souls). Each one “Yes, and I’ll get you one!” he replied, of these Rabbis lives a totally transparent almost as excited as I. Jewish life; so it only made sense for me He ran off and returned moments later to be curious as to what it is like to see the with an entire menorah kit in a box: little brass homeland of their movement and then to candleholder, box full of the right number see how it affects my actions. I wanted to seize this opportunity to leave my comfort of candles, and complete instructions. Also zone while trying to find the same truths a DVD full of Chanukah stories, how-tos, that Chassidim illuminate across the even recipes. I politely declined the offer of a globe. donut (fried foods are traditional on Chanukah, but I have So, last November, I picked up and went to Crown to pace myself) and raced off to my hotel room to examine Heights, Brooklyn’s Lubavitch community, to experience the contents of the box and watch the DVD. the Chassidic culture for three days. With an open mind Childhood memories of Chanukah lights, my father and searching soul, I walked into Midway Airport, in telling stories of the Maccabees the miracle of how one Chicago, with nine other Jewish friends, hoping to find a day’s worth of oil somehow lasted for eight days...it all way to feed my soul’s hunger. came flooding back. I knew I had been given a gift that Just after sunrise, we sat down in the terminal and Chanukah in Baltimore: the gift of the return of Judaism waited for our planes to arrive. I looked across the way and saw Rabbi Mendel Matusof deeply engaged in prayer to my life, and of my life to Judaism. while wrapping his Tefillin. Never in my entire life have I All this because of a menorah on the steps of a public dared to wrap Tefillin publicly unless a Rabbi spotted me institution. And all because I “happened” to be passing by out and did it for me. This time, it was different. I decided that day and the flame of the menorah ignited the spark that that, as small an act as it was, this was the time for me to had been sleeping in my Jewish heart for nearly 50 years. prove to myself that I am proud to be Jewish. The lessons When I returned to Seattle the following week, I called that I learned in the past finally seemed to pay off, and for a rabbi for the first time in my life. I told him what the the first time in my life I wrapped Tefillin in front of people menorah in Baltimore had stirred in me. Over the next two that I did not know. Better yet, it was in an airport, where years, with his wise and gentle guidance I found my way hundreds if not thousands of people were walking around. Within the first five hours of the trip to Crown Heights I was squarely facing my personal challenges. This one act opened me up to an ease of internal acceptance that made the rest of the weekend phenomenal! I got to spend time with learned Rabbis and Jewish students for seventy-two hours. We sang niguns (Chassidic melodies), danced, and celebrated the fact that we were together. Matisyahu, a pop chart-busting singer and a Lubavitcher, made appearances on Friday and Saturday. This included a performance where the students made no fuss that there was a mehitzah (separation) between the dancing men and women. We were content to be in Crown Heights together; and the change in culture did not bother us. Everyone felt connected to the same purpose and that purpose was simply finding ways to exercise our long neglected Jewish souls. Chasidic discourse teaches that man’s relationship to G-d is like a father’s relationship to his children. He loves each individual child with the same passion. When we were together in Crown Heights, there was no disconnect between the Chassid and college student. Everyone was

14 Check out our weekly online magazine at www.Chabadwi.org as a fully observant Jew. The spark that was rekindled by a united as one, happy to share in the welcoming of the Shabbas public menorah is now a steady burning flame. Queen. This unity illustrates the Chasidic understanding of How grateful I am to live in a country that is founded every Jew being a child of G-d. There is no Jew less special than the next, and every student felt that way. on the right to worship as we choose, in the manner in Truly, my Crown Heights’ experience inspired me to feel which we choose. I thank our founding fathers who crafted proud to be Jewish all the time, in so many ways. I no longer the Constitution of the United States of America, which separate myself from my Jewish identity because of my recognizes our freedom to express and practice our religion. secular environment; instead, I work with my environment And I thank those who have the courage, in these sometimes in order to connect more closely to my Neshama, hopefully dark times, to defend those rights. becoming an example for friends and family. We never know how many hearts and lives are touched and, yes, even transformed, by the sight of the miraculous • • • • • Chanukah lights, shining into the darkest reaches and reminding us of miracles long ago and not so long ago. Upon returning from Crown Heights to my apartment All those selfless souls whose courage and staunch in Madison, which I share with 6 other students, I needed to act on my choice, my resolve. With Hanukkah soon commitment fuel the kindling of light the world over approaching, I knew I had an opportunity to openly express deserve our heartfelt gratitude. I know they have mine. my Jewish identity for all my friends and neighbors to see. I must use the inspiration of the trip to illuminate HaShem Dr. Laura P. Schulman, MD, is a physician/musician through the lighting of the Menorah. On all but one night I living in Seattle. shared the candle lighting ritual with people other than my family, and even placed the lit Menorah on the frontroom windowsill every night. For the first three nights I not only prayed with all of my heart and soul, in front of four of my non-Jewish friends, but I also wore a kippah while doing it. Each friend made an effort to tell me how beautiful it was that I held so tightly to my religion. On the fourth night I even explained to two Christina’s of them the fact that I wrap Tefillin every day, and even described its meaning. Carpet Care On the fifth night, I came home from the library at 5:30 am after pulling an all-nighter in preparation for an Pesach Specials extremely important test. Still dark outside, I gravitated towards the Menorah. My soul was yearning to light the Call Early candles. I placed my study chair in my kitchen, and with (414) 281-4491 all of the houselights off, took my time saying the prayers. I thanked HaShem for his presence and asked for His help with my struggles. On the next night, exhausted from still no sleep, I lit the candles with the help of a good, Jewish friend, who is BH relatively non-observant, and had heard about what I was doing, and wanted so badly to feel a sense of community. Each night I had asked someone else to join me, too. My best and oldest Jewish friend, and now an apartment- mate, would not light the Menorah with me. Each night he smiled and went off to do his own thing. But on the last night I was in Madison before winter break, he voluntarily came to me and joined in the ritual lighting. Honestly, the lights seemed to brighten and sing. This was a true miracle of Hanukkah in my eyes. My friend let go of his “cool” self- image and, even if he didn’t realize it, he decided to connect with his Neshama. My commitment to spiritual growth became a tool for his growth, and more importantly I was able to finally share in a mitzvah with him. Then on the last night of Hanukkah my parents were there to proudly join me. We basked in the eternal radiance of the Chanukah lights.

Special Purim presentation at www.Chabadwi.org/Purim 15 Chanukah Events Menorah Parade! AT LUBAVITCH OF WISCONSIN and public lighting...

16 Check out our weekly online magazine at www.Chabadwi.org

Bayshore Menorah Lighting & Chanukah Celebration

more pictures of this event on next page

Special Purim presentation at www.chabadwi.org/Purim 17

Bayshore Menorah Lighting Chanukah Wonderland! & Chanukah Celebration

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Special Purim presentation at www.chabadwi.org/Purim 19 Friendship Circle at Chanukah Wonderland

20 Check out our weekly online magazine at www.chabadwi.org Public Menorahs

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Special Purim presentation at www.chabadwi.org/Purim 21 Jewish REACH Mequon Menorah Lighting Chanukah Celebraton

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22 Check out our weekly online magazine at www.Chabadwi.org Mequon Menorah Lighting BEAUTIFY YOUR SEDER TABLE With Hand Made Shmurah Matzoh Now is the Time to Order! Please place your orders by March 19th

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