Volume 22, Issue 1

CONGREGATION LEVI YI TZCHOK OF HANCOCK PARK 5771/2011 Nisan

Chabad Chodesh Nisan 5771

say Tachnun, "Av HaRachamim" or or HaRachamim" "Av Tachnun, "Tzidkascha" inNisan) say 429:9] Aruch, Shulchan we holiness, 's in [Alter Tov..." Yom a as by holy all it make went month the of most Erev is since Pesach; of days eight fourteenth by followed Pesach, The Tov. Yom own Nasi's the was day Each twelfth. the in through Nisan, sacrifices their bring to began Nesiim the The on based Soferim]: [Maseches Chachamim custom the of words a community, the on to Nisan, of twelfth thededicate theMishkan. until first the from Nesiim sons and BCE) of consecration the completed (1312 2449 1, Mishkan the of dedication The 11a] HaShanah, [Rosh in redeemed. be and will redeemed we Nisan were fathers our Nisan In [Rosh 11a] HaShanah, died. and born were Avos the Nisan In Rosh ChodeshNisan Nisan 1/April5/Tuesday S separated all thosewhohadinter and investigation his finished Yeru Ezra reached Rosh they on and Jews Rosh Chodeshshalayim on Av. many Nisan with Chodesh Bavel Left Ezra Vaera.Haftorah ofParshas the for it read We 29:17]. [Yecheskal Bavel of of king fall the Nebuchadnetzer, of time the the in Egypt on prophesied Hanavi Yecheskel Yam the into Suf. jump to first the also was who 1, was Nisan on sacrifices, bring to Nasi first The read "ZosChanukas ( Ratzon". Nasi the say we 12, Nisan until Nisan Chodesh Rosh From PECIAL "...We don't fast in Nisan, nor decree a fast a decree nor Nisan, in fast don't "...We

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Yartzeit of Nadav and Avihu, 2449 spiritual.‟” [Letter of the Rebbe, Adar day. (1312 BCE). "...A Choson and Kalah 25, 5710] fast today, even though it's Rosh Bnei Yisrael crossed the Yarden and Chodesh, because it's a day of the Nisan 3/April 7/Thursday put up twelve monuments at Gilgal, death of Tzadikim, the sons of Yartzeit of R. Levi Yitzchok Slonim, 2488 (1273 BCE). [Yehoshua 4:20] Aharon." son of Rebbetzin Menuchah Rochel, daughter of the Mitteler Rebbe, Nisan 11/April 15/Friday "...Whoever goes out in the days of 5655 (1895). He was one of the Birthday of the Rebbe, 5662 (1902). Nisan and sees [fruit] trees heads of Kolel Chabad in Chevron. Chasidim have a custom to say the blossoming must bless: Rebbe‟s chapter of Tehilim daily. We .Nisan 5/April 9/Shabbos begin saying Chapter 110 ברוך אתה ה‘ אלוקינו מלך העולם Yehoshua sent scouts to Yericho, “The previous Rebbe said, „Every שלא חיסר בעולמו כלום BCE). [Yehoshua 2:1] Chassid should say a chapter of 1273) 2488 וברא בו בריות טובות ואילנות טובות Tehillim every day, that the merit of ליהנות בהם בני אדם "Blessed are You, L-rd our G-d, Yartzeit of R. Avrohom Yehoshua the Rebbeim should be extended to King of the universe, who did not Heschel of Apta, author of Oheiv him, and the revelation of light leave out anything from his world, Yisrael, 5585 (1825). should be received in an inner way.‟ and created in it good creations and This is the chapter of Tehillim of the good trees to give enjoyment to Yartzeit of R. Shneur Zalman of Lu- Rebbe.” [Sicha, Shabbos Mevarchim people". blin, Rav of Polotzk, Lublin, and of Av, 5710] "He blesses only the first time he the Chassidim of Eretz Yisrael, au- see them in the year". [Alter Rebbe, thor of Toras Chesed, one of the Communal Bris of Bnei Yisrael, up- Seder Birchos HaNehenin 12:14] great Poskim in the time of the on entering Eretz Yisrael, for all Jews Tzemach Tzedek, 5662 (1902). The not circumcised in the desert, 2488 Nisan 2/April 6/Wednesday Tzemach Tzedek admired him great- (1273 BCE). [Yehoshua 5:7] Moshe Rabeinu made the first Parah ly. [Likutei Diburim, Vol. II; 17] Yartzeit of R. Mosheh b. Nachman, Adumah (Red Heifer), 2449 (1312 the Ramban, Talmudist, Kabbalist BCE). Nisan 7/April 11/Monday and commentator on Chumash, "...There were nine red heifers End of mourning period for Moshe 5030 (1270). from the time they were Rabbeinu, 2488 (1273 BCE). commanded to observe this Yartzeit of R. Yeshayahu Hurwitz, until the Second Beis HaMikdash Yartzeit of R. Yitzchok of Dravitch, Kabbalist, author of Shnei Luchos was destroyed: Moshe Rabeinu did student of the Baal Shem Tov, 5504 Habris, (“SheLaH”), 5390 (1630). the first, Ezra did the second; there (1744). Before the Alter Rebbe traveled to were seven after Ezra and the tenth the Mezeritcher Magid, he knew all will be done by M e l ec h Nisan 8/April 12/Tuesday of the Shnei Luchos Habris by heart. HaMashiach, may he quickly be Yartzeit of R. Eliyahu Hakadosh of He was a “SheLaH Yid”, he studied revealed, Amen, may it be His York, Rabbeinu Yom Tov, and sever- the “SheLaH”, gave classes in it, will." [Rambam, Hilchos Parah al other English Tosafists, who per- Davened and practiced according to Adumah 3:4] ished at Clifford‟s Tower, during the the SheLaH. [Sefer Hamaamarim, Crusades, 4906 (1146). 5708]. He organized a Minyan ac- Yartzeit of our holy Master, Yartzeit of R. Yaakov Tzvi Yales of cording to the practices of the Sholom Dov Ber, the Rebbe RaShaB, Premezyl, Kabbalist and Talmudist, SheLaH. [Sefer Hasichos, 5705]. The of blessed memory, fifth Lubavitcher author of Melo Haroim and Kehilas Alter Rebbe said he had taken much Rebbe, 5680 (1920). He founded Yaakov, 5585 (1825). from him (in Chassidus). [Sefer Ha- . “The Tzemach Tzedek cites him 5710]. “...This day, the Yartzeit of the many times as a basis for ideas in Rebbe RaShaB, is the beginning of Chassidus ChaBaD...” [Sichah, She- Nisan 12/April 16 the leadership of my saintly father- vat 10, 5722] Shabbos HaGodol in-law. This day is meritorious for On the Shabbos before Pesach the everyone to accept upon them- Nisan 9/April 13/Wednesday Jews in Mitzrayim took lambs for selves, with a firm commitment to Arrest of R. Levi Yitzchok Schneer- the Korban Pesach. The Egyptians go in their way that they taught, for son, father of the Lubavitcher Rebbe, gathered and asked the Jews what the entire year, and they will be 5698 (1938). they were doing. They answered that blessed, as they prophesied, „This is HaShem had commanded them to the vessel to receive their blessing in Nisan 10/April 14/Thursday use the lambs as a sacrifice, after the material and the Yartzeit of Miriam, 2487 (1274 which HaShem would kill the BCE). Miriam‟s well dried up that firstborn Egyptians. The first born

VOLUME 22, ISSUE 1 Page 2 Egyptians went to their parents and Naomi and Rus returned from the Daniel saved from lion‟s den, 3389 Paroh to ask that the Jews be sent fields of Moav to Beis Lechem. (372 BCE). [Daniel 6:23] out. When they refused, it caused a We begin counting the Omer on the war between the firstborn and the Birthday of R. Mosheh b. Maimon, Second Night of Pesach, Tuesday other Egyptians, 2448 (1313 BCE). the Rambam, in Cordova, Spain Night. [Alter Rebbe‟s Shulchan Aruch, 4895 (1135). I:430] Second Seder Tuesday Night Hevel and Kayin brought their sacri- After Mincha we read the Hagadah fices. (Targum Yonason b. Uziel). Nisan 16/April 20/Wednesday from Avadim Hayinu to l‟chaper al Second day of Pesach kol avonoseinu. After Mincha we say the Seder Kor- bon Pesach — the order of the Pe- Birth of Levi son of Yaakov Avinu, Nisan 13/April 17/Sunday sach offering. 2195 (1566 BCE) and his Yartzeit Bedikas Chometz - the formal search [Yalkut Shimoni, Shemos] for is tonight. First Seder, Monday Night Supply of Mon exhausted after Jews Bris of Avraham Avinu, 2048 (1714 Nisan 15/April 19/Tuesday crossed into Eretz Yisroel, 2488 BCE). First Day of Pesach (1273 BCE). [Kiddushin 38a]

Haman sent scrolls announcing his Yetzias Mitzrayim, 2448 (1313 Omer brought the first time, 2488 decree. Esther ordered a three day BCE). (1273 BCE). [Yehoshua 5:11, Rosh fast, [Esther 3:12, 4:16] 3404 (357 HaShanah 13a] BCE) We pray for dew and begin to say “Morid Hatal” at Musaf. Angel orders Gidon to attack Midian Yartzeit of R. Yosef Karo, author of [Shoftim 6:19] the Beis Yosef on Tur, Shulchan Sarah brought to house of Pharoh, Aruch, Kesef Mishneh on the Ram- 2023 (1738 BCE), [Yalkut Shimoni] Chizkiyahu Hamelech completed bam, and Magid Meisharim, in (and to the house of Avimelech) rededication of Beis Hamikdash, Tzfas, 5335 (1575). [Targum to Esther 5:1] 3199 (562 BCE). [Divrei Hayamim II 29:17] Yartzeit of R. Mosheh Alsheikh, Dar- Avraham fought the four kings to shan of Tzfas, author of Toras save Lot. [, Bereishis 14:15] Haman hanged, 3404 (357 BCE). Moshe, in Tzfas, 5358 (1598) [Esther 7:10] Bris Bein Habesarim with Avraham, Yartzeit of our holy Master, Rabbi 2018 (1743 BCE). [Seder Olam] Yartzeit of R. Mordechai Dov Ber Menachem Mendel, the Tzemach Twerski of Tomashpol, son of R. No- Tzedek, third Lubavitcher Rebbe, chum, son of the Mitteler Rebbe, author of Tzemach Tzedek, 5626 The angels informed Sarah that she 5680 (1920). [The name Twerski (1866). would have a son, 2047 (1714 was from his maternal grandfather, BCE). R. Yaakov Yisroel of Czerkass, who Nisan 14/April 18/Monday had no sons]. Erev Pesach Birth of Yitzchok, 2048 (1713 BCE).

Taanis Bechorim When HaShem Yitzchok summoned Eisav and We start to say „Visein Brachah‟, in killed the Egyptian firstborn, He blessed Yaakov, and blessed him Maariv, Motzei Yom Tov, Nisan 17, spared the firstborn Jews. Firstborn with Tal, the dew of the heavens, April 20, Wednesday Night. males (and fathers of firstborn sons 2171 (1590 BCE). under thirteen) fast unless they par- Nisan 17/April 21/Thursday ticipate in a Seudas Mitzvah: Bris, HaShem appeared to Moshe in the Yartzeit of R. Yisroel Noach of Pidyon HaBen or Siyum. burning bush, 2447 (1314 BCE). Niezhin, son of the Tzemach Tzedek, [Rabbeinu Bachya Al HaTorah] 5643 (1883). Burning Chametz in the morning. He would review the Halachic Yartzeit of R. Menachem Mendel of Fall of Sisera. [Shoftim 4:1] questions the Tzemach Tzedek re- Bar, student of the Ba‟al Shem Tov, ceived [Sefer Hamaamarim Kuntrei- 5525 (1765). Assyrian army of Sancheirev de- sim II, p. 405] and would prepare stroyed, 3213 (548 BCE). [Melachim the Teshuvos [Beis Rebbe III, p. 28]. Day of Korban Pesach II 19:35] The Tzemach Tzedek praised his er-

VOLUME 22, ISSUE 1 Page 3 udition [Piskei Dinim, Yoreh Deah, No. 116, Sefer Ha- Yizkor toldos MaHaRaSh, p. 26]. Some of the Teshuvos as- cribed to the Tzemach Tzedek are actually his. [Kuntres Bris of Yitzchok Avinu [Rosh Hashanah 10b] 2048 Hashulchan, p. 17] (1713 BCE).

Nisan 18/April 22/Friday Yehoshua began march around Yericho, 2488 (1273 Birthday of R. Levi Yitzchok Schneerson, father of the BCE). [Seder Olam] Lubavitcher Rebbe, 5638 (1878). Day of the Bris of the Rebbe, 5622 (1902). Yartzeit of R. Yehudah Rosanes of Constantinople, author of Mishneh Limelech on the Rambam, and Nisan 19/April 23/Shabbos Chol HaMoed Parshas Derachim, 5487 (1727). Yartzeit of R. Yehoshua Falk, author of Meiras Einayim and Derishah and Perishah on the Tur, 5374 (1614). Moshiach Seudah Nisan 23/April 27/Wednesday Yartzeit of R. Aharon of Karlin, student of the Me- zeritcher Magid, colleague of the Alter Rebbe, 5532, (1772). On Isru Chag, the day after Yom Tov, it's customary not to fast and to eat a better meal than usual. Nisan 20/April 24/Sunday Erev Yom Tov Bris of Levi, son of Yaakov.

Yartzeit of R. Hai Gaon, last and most influental of the Nisan 24/April 28/Thursday Geonim, 4798 (1038). Jews stop at Marah, first Shabbos in the desert, 2448 “...The Alter Rebbe (in his Siddur) followed the Zohar, (1313 BCE). [Shabbos 87b] They were taught the the Ari ZaL...and R. Hai Gaon” [Shaar Hakolel]. “In an- laws of Shabbos, the Parah Adumah, Seven laws of ything that had to be decided (in his Siddur), the Alter Noach, and honoring ones parents. Rebbe ruled like the opinion of R. Hai Gaon” [Shaar Hakolel]. “It‟s not possible that the Alter Rebbe would Yartzeit of R. Schneur Zalman Mordechai Schneer- amend a text not according to R. Hai Gaon.” [Shaar son, son of R. Yosef Yitzchok of Urvitch, son of the Hakolel, p. 239] Tzemach Tzedek, 5626 (1866). He was a great Gaon. At seventeen he was appointed Rav of Zhitomir. He Yartzeit of R. Yitzchok Dov Ber of , grandson of the was the Rebbe RaShaB‟s brother-in-law. Tzemach Tzedek, author of Siddur MaHaRiD, 5670 (1910). Nisan 25/April 29/Friday Yartzeit of R. Chaim Halberstam of Tzanz, author of The Rebbe and the Rebbetzin, received American visas Divrei Chayim, founder of Tzanz Chassidic dynasty, at Marseilles, enabling them to escape German occu- 5636 (1876). pied France, 5701 (1941). Nisan 26/April 30/Shabbos Nisan 21/April 25/Monday Shabbos Mevarchim Iyar Shevii Shel Pesach We start studying Pirkei Avos after Minchah. We say Pharoh‟s decree against Jewish boys cancelled, 2368 a Perek a week, between Pesach and Shavuos (and (1393 BCE). [Sotah 12b] throughout the Summer).

Seventh day of Moshe at the burning bush; he agreed to Yartzeit of Yehoshua ben Nun, 2516 (1245 BCE). speak to Pharoh, 2447 (1314 BCE). [Rabbeinu Bachya [Megilas Taanis] Al HaTorah] Nisan 27/May 1/Sunday Kriyas Yam Suf: Splitting of the Sea, 2448 (1313 BCE). Beginning of , 5744 (1984). Moshe and Bnei Yisrael sang the Shirah [Sotah 12b] Nisan 28/May 2/Monday Yartzeit of R. Dovid Leikes, student of the Baal Shem Yericho was circled seven times and the walls came Tov, 5559 (1799). down. Fall of Yericho, 2488 (1273 BCE). [Seder Olam] Nisan 22/April 26/Tuesday Acharon Shel Pesach Nisan 29/May 3/Tuesday

VOLUME 22, ISSUE 1 Page 4 Pesach Laws and Customs Monday Night ~ Tuesday / April 18 - April 26

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

Preparing for Pesach make sure that there is no chometz mixed into the in- While cleaning and preparing for Pesach we should gredients, and you need to use separate utensils and try to help others: in selling their Chametz, providing wash it away from the kitchen sink (ie the bathroom them with Shemurah Matzah, and making sure they sink). have a Seder. Make sure the milk and eggs you buy were produced DON’T wait until the last minute to sell your Cha- BEFORE Pesach. metz. Make sure to sell your Chametz by Monday Morning, April 18. There is no reason to wait until Sidurim and Bentchers used on the table throughout the last minute to sell your Chametz, please do it the year should be put away with the Chametz. It‟s before Monday, Erev Pesach, April 18. advisable to have Pesachdik Sidurim and Bentchers

Buy hand-baked Shemurah Matzah early (in case the If you leave home before Pesach you must do Bedikas stores run out). Chametz the night before you leave. Consult a Rav about details of , including using 10 Products change every year. Something which was pieces of bread and saying the Brochah, and selling Kosher last year is not necessarily Kosher this year. Chametz. Consult a Rav when in doubt. Make sure to purchase the special foods for the Seder Food bought for Pesach must have reliable, current in great enough amounts. Hashgachah. Cosmetics, perfumes, medicines, etc. may contain Chametz. Before buying them for Pesach, It‟s a good idea to review the before Pesach consult a Rav, if possible, calling earlier is always bet- to acquaint yourself with the Halachos and Minhagim ter. of the Seder. If you have any questions about con- ducting the Seder, etc.. you‟ll have time to get answers Obviously, all products used on Pesach must be from before Pesach. packages not opened or used throughout the year, even if they‟re Kosher L‟Pesach. Vacuum cleaners, mops and brooms must be cleaned before Pesach. Remember to change your vacuum When purchasing items, check each box or container cleaner bag and discard the old one. as non Pesachdik items sometimes gets mixed up on the shelf with Kosher for Pesach ones. Women living on their own must do Bedikas Chametz and Bitul Chametz, and sell their chometz. There are different customs between the Ashkenazic Community and the Sefardic Community during Pe- Preparing The Kitchen sach. We, the Ashkenazic Community (and some of It‟s preferable to have dishes, pots, pans and utensils, the Sefardic community as well), do not eat Kitniyos etc., put aside and used only for Pesach. on Pesach - rice, beans, peas, corn, legumes, peanuts etc, or any oil made out of Kitniyos (ie Peanut Oil). If you need to Kasher dishes, or sinks, stoves, ovens, Therefore make sure when you purchase items for Pe- etc., make a list of everything and consult a Rav to sach they do not contain Kitniyos. find out if they can be Kashered, and how to do it.

If you have a child that is dependant on drinking for- Generally, there are two ways of Kashering: “Libun” mula and the formula contains Kitniyos you must (fire) and “Hagalah” (purging in boiling water).

VOLUME 22, ISSUE 1 Page 5 Kesherim & Ben David Inc. Things to be Kashered by Hagalah must be spotlessly clean and without any Established 1947 rust. They may not be used for twenty-four hours prior to Kashering. Diamonds, Rubies & Sapphires It‟s advisable to complete all Kashering before Erev Pesach. Many Shuls David Kesherim have a place to Kasher things before Pesach. It‟s often more practical to go

to the public Kasherings than to do it yourself. 706 S. Hill Street # 320 Los Angeles, CA 90014 Tel: 213 622-6006 Clean cupboards, counters, cabinets, etc. thoroughly and cover with card- Pager: 213 506-6000 board, metal or contact paper. Sink faucets must be Kashered and covered or Fax: 213 622-6007 changed. Stainless steel sinks may be Kashered (consult a Rav for direc- - - - tions); porcelain or enamel sinks must be cleaned very well and lined. There are those who are Machmir leave the sink unused for 24 hours, then pour Shomer Insurance Agency boiling water over every part of the porcelain or enamel sink three times, Insurance Specialists and then line it.

Joseph Schneerson Garbage disposals can be cleaned by putting ice cubes and Ajax cleanser Principal & Broker and running the unit. They cannot be kashered.

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6300 Wilshire Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90048 Cookbooks and telephone books etc. should be put away with the Chametz. The kitchen telephone should be cleaned very well. Tel: 323 866-0830 Fax: 323 866-0838 Wedding rings which are worn when preparing chametzdik food have to be License # 04188981 kashered for Pesach or not worn when preparing Pesach foods.

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*** Every room and place where Chametz may have been brought must be thor- Melinda Dauer, Psy. D., oughly cleaned and checked. A.T.R.-B.C. Art Therapy & Coaching It‟s nearly impossible to check every necessary place the night of Bedikas Children & Adults Chametz, especially in the kitchen, which is usually already Pesachdik. So, after cleaning the kitchen, it‟s advisable to check with a candle or flashlight 310 892-6988 [email protected] before lining shelves and cabinets. This is true of closets, cabinets, under “Find more joy in your life!” heavy furniture, etc. Do a Bedikas Chametz after you clean these areas, be- fore you return things to their usual places.

VOLUME 22, ISSUE 1 Page 6 Places sold to a non-Jew don‟t need to be checked for „Kol Chamira‟ [Annulling the Chametz] was written in Chametz. Aramaic, the spoken language, so everyone would un- derstand it. You must say ‘Kol Chamira’ in a lan- Set aside any Chametz you still need before Pesach in guage you understand. If you understand its intent a safe place before Bedikas Chametz. you may say it in the original.

Before the search, put ten pieces of hard Chametz, After the search, check to be sure you found all ten wrapped in paper, in different places in the house. pieces of Chametz. Don‟t use aluminum foil: it doesn‟t burn. Put the closed bag away in a safe place (away from the Remember where you put them! If you don‟t find all children) until the morning, when you burn it. ten pieces you‟ll have to search until you do. It‟s ad- visable for someone to write down the hiding places, Erev Pesach so you will have a back-up. Monday Morning/Nisan 14/April 18 Don‟t say Mizmor L‟Sodah in Davening on Erev Pe- It‟s customary to use a beeswax candle, a feather (to sach. (The Korban Todah was Chametz.) sweep small crumbs into the bag), a spoon and a pa- per bag for Bedikas Chametz. After Shacharis it‟s customary to make a Siyum for the Bechorim (firstborns), so that they may eat. All first- Before the search say the Brachah (see Siddur). Don‟t born males (of either or both parents) fast, to commem- speak between the Brachah and the search. It‟s prefer- orate HaShem‟s miracle of saving the first-born Jews. able not to speak throughout the entire search, unless But participating in a Seudas Mitzvah exempts one it‟s about Bedikas Chametz. from the fast. A father fasts (or participates in a Siyum) for his first-born who is too young. This check list, by no means comprehensive. It is only an aid to recall places where Chametz may be: On Erev Pesach it‟s forbidden to eat Matzah. You can eat Chametz until 10:41 am. Be careful to confine it to Behind and Under furniture one location so it will be easy to clean up. Briefcases Bookcases Brush your teeth (and put your toothbrush away with Purses the Chametz) and floss before 10:41 am. Children‟s backpacks Closets Chametz must be burnt and annulled before 11:46 am. Toys After that time you must burn the Chametz but the Pockets and cuffs of clothes annulment doesn’t work. Highchair While the Chametz burns, nullify all remaining Cha- Car: Glove compartment, trunk, under seats, car seat metz and say „Yehi Ratzon.‟ (see Siddur, or the begin- ning of the Hagadah.) Office or workplace: Desk, filing cabinet While you say „Kol Chamira,‟ you must have full in- Where it‟s difficult or hazardous to use a candle (in a tention that all ownership of Chametz be annulled en- car, under beds, etc.) use a flashlight. tirely. If you say it and don‟t mean it, it has no effect.

After the search, put out the candle. Put the spoon, Shake out your pockets, and your children‟s pockets candle and feather into the bag with the Chametz (the after „Yehi Ratzon‟ to be sure they‟re free of crumbs. handle of the spoon should stick out of the bag). Tie the bag tightly with string. Those away from home must also do Bitul Chametz,

the morning of Erev Pesach. Then, annul all Chametz you didn‟t find.

VOLUME 22, ISSUE 1 Page 7 Before Midday (12:52 pm) on Erev Pesach, take a hair- Practices (Kehot), translated by R. Jacob Immanuel cut and trim your nails in honor of Yom Tov. If you Schochet. don‟t get a haircut before midday, a non-Jew may give you one. It‟s recommended that you review the Haggadah before Pesach to acquaint yourself with the Hala- Since this year the seder is starting very late (Daylight chos and Minhagim of the Seder. If you have any Savings Time) it would be a very good idea for all chil- questions about conducting the Seder, etc. you‟ll dren to take a nap during the day, so they will be up for have time to get answers before Pesach. the seder. Look in the Haggadah before each part of the Seder. Preparing For The Seder (Don‟t rely on your memory). Even though we Roasting the Zeroah, making the salt water, and learned the entire Haggadah before Pesach it‟s im- Charoses should all be prepared before Yom Tov. portant to use it for the Seder to avoid errors.

The Chabad Minhag is to use a roasted piece of chicken “Everyone must bestir himself with awe to follow neck for the (shankbone). It must be roasted be- the instructions of the Sages who arranged the pre- fore Yom Tov. The Friediker Rebbe used to remove al- cept of the Seder and the Haggadah. This should not most all the meat from the neck. Some meat must be be trivial in one’s eyes. There are some things at the left, because a bone without meat isn‟t considered a Seder which may seem insignificant to a man, but cooked food. let him act prudently to observe them, for there is nothing vain among them!” [Sefer MaHaRiL, quot- For Moror (bitter herbs) and Koreich we use both Ro- ed in Haggadah for Pesach, p. 6, note a] maine lettuce and horseradish. We return home from Shul promptly to begin the Every leaf of Romaine must be carefully checked indi- Seder as early as possible, so the children won‟t fall vidually, to remove any tiny worms or insects. Lettuce asleep during the Seder. shouldn‟t remain in salt water over eighteen minutes. To clean it well, discard outer leaves, wash each leaf under We prepare the Seder Plate after we return from running water, soak it briefly in salted water, rinse well Shul, before Kiddush. and check under good light. Dry very thoroughly. We use three Shemurah Matzahs for the Seder We make Charoses from apple, pears and nuts, and Plate. The bottom one is the Yisroel, the middle is moisten it with red wine. the Levi and the top is the Kohen. Separate each with a cloth and on top place a cloth. (Most Matzah The Chabad Minhag is to use raw onion or cooked pota- covers are made with pockets for this.) to for . The Chabad Minhag is to place the symbolic foods The Beitzah, is a hardboiled egg. It commemorates the of the Seder on the Matzah cover. Place a tray un- Korban Chagigah, the Yom Tov Sacrifice everyone ate, der the Matzahs. [see Haggadah] besides the Korban Pesach. The minimum size wine cup for the Sedarim is a It‟s customary not to eat the ingredients of the Charoses “Reviis” —about 3.5 fluid ounces. It‟s preferable to (nuts, apples and pears) and Moror (Romaine lettuce and drink the entire cup, preferably without a pause. horseradish) from Erev Pesach through Koreich of the This applies to all four cups. Second Seder. If this isn‟t possible, drink more than half. (This is true for the first three cups. For the fourth, drink an The Seder entire Reviis, to say the Brachah „Al Hagefen‟). This merely highlights a few laws and customs of the Seder. For full details use the Haggadah For Pesach With English Translation Of Text, Customs And

VOLUME 22, ISSUE 1 Page 8 It‟s better to use smaller cups of minimum size, so it crumbs are in the cup. For Mayim Acharonim, we will be easier to drink the entire cup. don‟t pass our wet fingers over our lips, as we usu- ally do. Use wine for all four cups; [if it‟s difficult to drink, you may dilute the wine with grape juice. If that‟s difficult, We try to eat the Afikomen by Chatzos (12:52 use grape juice]. a.m.), especially on the First Night. [The Korban Pesach had to be eaten by midnight]. It can be eaten The Shiur of Matzah is a Kizayis [one ounce], approxi- after Chatzos. mately half a hand-made Matzah and three quarters of a machine-made Matzah. We eat Matzah three times dur- We carry candlesticks to the door, and open it for ing the Seder: each time, each Kizayis should be eaten Eliyahu. Minhag Chabad is not to stand for within four minutes. (If this is not possible within seven „Shefoch‟, (except for those at the door). minutes.) On the first night of Pesach we say only the first The Matzah on the Seder plate won‟t be enough for eve- paragraph of Kriyas Shema and „HaMapil‟, since rybody; take more from the box. it‟s Leil Shemurim, the night of HaShem‟s protec- tion. The Shiur of Moror is three quarters of an ounce of Romaine and horseradish. It should be eaten within four First Day of Pesach minutes, (if that isn‟t possible, within seven minutes.) Tuesday/Nisan 15/April 19 We say Shemoneh Esrei for Shalosh Regalim (see All minimum Shiurim of the Seder apply equally to men Siddur), Hallel and take out two Sifrei . Kri- and women. yas HaTorah for each day of Pesach is in the back Children should be taught to do all the Mitzvos of the of Siddur. Seder. Before Musaf on the first day of Pesach, the Sha- It isn‟t the Chabad Minhag to wear a Kittel for the Se- mash announces that we‟ll begin saying ‘Morid der, nor to be particular about the direction of one‟s seat. Hatal’ (instead of „Mashiv Haruach Umorid Hageshem‟). We announce and explain the Simanei Haseder (Order of the Seder), as we come to them. This is a good op- We begin to say it at Musaf. portunity to get the children involved in the seder. During the Musaf repetition the Chazan includes a Men and boys recline on their left side for all the four special Tefillah about Tal. cups, the Matzah, Koreich and Afikomen. Reclining on your right side, face or back isn't reclining. Women If you say „Morid Hageshem‟, but realize your mis- don't recline. take before HaShem‟s name at the end of „Mechayeh Hameisim‟, start again from „Atah Gi- Women are obligated to say (at least) the basic parts of bor.‟ the Haggadah, especially from “Raban Gamliel” until after the second cup of wine. If you recall saying „Morid Hageshem‟ after finish- ing „Mechayeh Hameisim‟, start the Shemoneh Es- It‟s a Mitzvah to explain the Haggadah to our children. rei over. The one conducting the Seder must try to explain to them as much as possible of the Yom Tov of Pesach and If you didn‟t Daven Shacharis yet (and aren‟t the Geulah of Mitzraim on their level. Davening with another Minyan), but heard the Sha- mash announce „Morid Hatal‟, say „Morid Hatal‟ in Throughout Pesach (except the last day) we don‟t wet Shacharis. the Matzahs. Matzahs on the table are kept covered. Be- fore pouring liquids at the table, make sure no Matzah

VOLUME 22, ISSUE 1 Page 9 We‟re obligated to rejoice on Yom Tov: we eat meat; Second Day Pesach men drink an extra cup of wine. Wednesday/Nisan 16/April 20 At the meal of the Second day we eat something Second Night Pesach special to commemorate Esther‟s meal on this day, Tuesday Night/Nisan 16/April 19 the same day Haman was hanged. Maariv begins with Shir Hamaalos and is followed by Hallel. V’Sein Brachah We start at Maariv, Wednesday Night, Motzei Sefiras HaOmer Yom Tov, Nisan 17, April 20. We begin to count the Omer at the end of Maariv, after Hallel on the second night of Pesach and continue until Throughout the summer months (from Pesach to Shavuos. (See Siddur). Sukos) we don‟t ask for rain („Visein Tal Umatar‟) in the weekday Shemoneh Esrei. Instead, we say We stand while saying the Brachah and counting „Visein Brachah‟. Sefirah. If you say “Visein Tal Umatar” and realize your If you forgot to count at the end of Maariv but remem- error before or after finishing the Brachah , begin ber during the night, count with a Brachah. again from “Bareich Aleinu”, [if you‟re still saying Shemoneh Esrei]. If you remember during the following day, count with- If you realize you said “Visein Tal Umatar” after out a Brachah. Continue that night to count with a Bra- finishing Shemoneh Esrei, (and you already said chah. the second „Yiheyu Liratzon‟) repeat the Shemoneh Esrei. If you forgot entirely during the night and next day, un- til the next night, count Sefirah without a Brachah until Ya’aleh V’Yavo in Shemoneh Esrei Shavuos. We say “Yaaleh Veyavo” in Shemoneh Esrei

If you‟re uncertain whether or not you counted the night throughout Chol Hamoed. before, count with a Brachah. If someone asks you after sunset, what the Sefirah count If you forget “Yaaleh Veyavo” in Shemoneh Esrei is, tell him what YESTERDAY‟S count was. If you tell on Chol Hamoed (or aren‟t sure you said it) and him how much tonight is, you may not count with a haven‟t said HaShem‟s name at the end of the Bra- Brachah that night. chah, say “Yaaleh Veyavo” and continue “Visechezenah”. We count Sefirah when it's fully night, not during twi- light. If you remember after HaShem‟s name, but before “Modim”, say “Yaaleh Veyavo” and continue with Second Seder “Modim”.

Tuesday Night/Nisan 16/April 19 If you said “Modim”, go back to “Retzei” and con- No preparations for the Seder or the second day of Yom tinue through the rest of Shemoneh Esrei. Tov may be done before 8:12 pm.

If you finish Shemoneh Esrei and didn‟t say Candle-lighting for the second night of Pesach is after “Yaaleh Veyavo”, (and you already said the second 8:12 p.m., from a pre-existing flame. We say “. . Lehad- „Yiheyu Liratzon‟), repeat Shemoneh Esrei. lik Ner Shel Yom Tov” and “Shehechiyanu”.

If you forgot “Yaaleh Veyavo” at Shacharis and The Second Seder is the same as the first. Krias already said Musaf, don‟t repeat Shemoneh Esrei Shemah al Hamitah is the same as for every Yom Tov. for Shacharis.

VOLUME 22, ISSUE 1 Page 10 These laws apply to Shacharis, Minchah and Maariv At Shachris on Shabbos we say Amidas Shabbos of Chol Hamoed. with Ya‟aleh V‟yavo, and we say half Hallel, and take out two Sifrei Torah. We say the Haftorah of Ya’aleh V’Yavo In Bentching Yechezkel (see Siddur). If you forget “Yaaleh Veyavo” in Bentching on Pe- sach and remember after “Bonei Birachamav Musaf is that of Shalosh Regalim with Shabbos in- Yerushalayim, Amein,” say the Brachah in the Siddur serts. for this situation. Shabbos day Kiddush is said quietly until “Borei If you remember after the word „Baruch‟ of the fourth P‟ri Hagofen.” Brachah, on Yom Tov start Birkas HaMazon over; on Chol Hamoed, Don't, repeat the Bentching. At Maariv, Motzei Shabbos, don‟t forget to say, „Atah Chonantanu‟ AND „V‟sein Brachah‟ AND Chol Hamoed „Yaaleh V‟yavo.‟

We don‟t wear Tefillin on Chol Hamoed. Regular Havdallah is recited, with a candle and be-

somin (if you have pesachdik), Vayitein Lechah is In Shacharis, don‟t say Mizmor Lesodah. (The Korban recited quietly. Todah was Chametz!) We Daven the weekday She- moneh Esrei with Yaaleh V‟yavo. Shevii Shel Pesach We say half Hallel, read the Torah (see Siddur), fol- Sunday Night/Nisan 21/April 24 lowed by Musaf. Candle-lighting, Sunday, April 24 is 7:13 p.m. We say the Brachah “. . . Lehadlik Ner Shel Yom Tov.” We‟re obligated to rejoice on Chol Hamoed: we eat meat; men drink an extra cup of wine. We DON’T say “Shehechiyanu” at candle-lighting or at Kiddush. Sewing, laundering (except baby clothes), haircuts and nail cutting are forbidden. It‟s customary to remain awake throughout the night of Shevii Shel Pesach (the seventh night) to learn Shabbos Chol HaMoed Torah.

Nisan 19/April 23 If you have an Eruv Chatzeiros you should remake it Shevii Shel Pesach Day for the year, on Friday, April 22nd, see Siddur. Say Monday/Nisan 21/April 25 it in English, if you don‟t understand Aramaic. We say Shemoneh Esrei for Shalosh Regalim, half Hallel, and take out two Sifrei Torah, and say Musaf Candle-lighting, Friday, April 22, is at 7:12 pm. We of Shalosh Regalim. say the Brachah “...Lehadlik Ner Shel Shabbos Ko- desh.” We read the Parshah of Kriyas Yam Suf, and stand for the Shirah. Before Minchah we say Posach Eliyahu and Yedid Nefesh. Acharon Shel Pesach Night Monday Night/Nisan 22/April 25 Kabolas Shabbos starts with “Mizmor L‟Dovid.” In No preparations for the second day of Yom Tov the last stanza of Lecha Dodi say “B‟Simchah.” Say may be done before 8:15 p.m., candle-lighting is the regular Shabbos Amidah with Ya‟aleh V‟yavo. If from a pre-existing flame. you forget it repeat the Amidah. (See Siddur). We DON’T say “Shehechiyanu” at candle-lighting Say Shalom Aleichem, Eishes Chayil, etc. quietly be- or at Kiddush. fore Kiddush.

VOLUME 22, ISSUE 1 Page 11 On Acharon Shel Pesach (the final day of Pesach), we no The Rebbe stated that it's obvious that this practice longer keep Matzah covered, and we make a point of eat- wasn't to be limited to that particular year, but is for ing Gebroks [wet Matzah]. all years." (Foot note in the English , p. 47)

Acharon Shel Pesach We should drink the four cups of wine with the Tuesday/Nisan 22/April 26 thought that this is connected to and hastens the Geula. (Maamar Acharon Shel Pesach, 5749, 1989) Yizkor is before Musaf. Pesach ends April 26th at 8:15 p.m. It‟s customary to have a third meal, after Minchah called “Moshiach‟s Seudah”. After Pesach, give the Rav about an hour to repur- chase the Chametz before using it. “The Baal Shem Tov would eat three festival meals on Acharon Shel Pesach. He called the third meal Isru Chag "Moshiach's Seudah". Acharon Shel Pesach is the day for Wednesday/Nisan 23/April 27 Moshiach's Seudah because on this day the radiance of On Isru Chag, the day after Yom Tov, it's customary Moshiach's light shines openly. not to fast and to eat a better than usual meal.

In 5666 (1906) the Rebbe RaShaB ate the meal of We say Pirkei Avos, a Perek a week, after Minchah, Acharon Shel Pesach with the students of Yeshiva between Pesach and Shavuos (and throughout the Tomchei Tmimim. He ordered that four cups of wine be summer), from the Shabbos after Pesach. given each student, and then declared, "this is Moshiach's Seuda." (Hayom Yom, p. 47)

A KosherAnd Freilichen Pesach!

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

This is only a brief overview. For any specific questions please contact your Rav.

MINHAGIM FOR PESACH

As everyone is preparing for Pesach there are lots of Halochos and Minhagim we should be aware of. Every Minhag has to be based in Halachah and there is no basis to have Minhagim which have no base in Halochah. On the other hand we can‟t be lenient on Minhagim which we do have.

There‟s a story told that once someone came to the Rebbe Rashab and told him how great machine Matzah is. The Rebbe Rashab responded with a Story:

Once Czar Nicholas wanted to see what a Bris was so he disguised himself and went to see a Bris being performed. He saw the Mohel washing his hands with alcohol, cleaning the knife, and making sure that everything was clean and sterilized. After the Bris was done, the Czar saw the Metzizah how the Mohel sucks out the blood with his mouth. The Czar said: “everything is fine and good but do you have to eat from it?”

The Rebbe Rashab explained: Things can be fine and good, but not everything that is kosher for Pesach do we have to eat.

Especially in our times where Baruch Hashem we are living in a country where we can buy more on Pesach than all year round, even non Gebrochts .This story gives us a guideline in how to conduct ourselves.

VOLUME 22, ISSUE 1 Page 12

There is a custom by Yidden that on Pesach we are more careful than the entire year because of the strictness of Pesach. As Lubavitchers we are careful in Gebrochts.

The Friediker Rebbe says (in Sefer HaSichos 5703 page 64), that when his father would eat Matzah he wouldn‟t eat any other food or drink with it. But, he would eat Matzah with milk or wine that was so guarded that not even a drop of water went into the wine or milk.

We see from here that the Rebbeim did eat dairy It‟s not a custom of Chabad not to eat dairy products. With that said, we don‟t have to eat every dairy product that‟s Kosher for Pesach. In today‟s times, all milk and cheeses are processed and contain some water, therefore, to dip Matzah in wine or milk or to toast cheese on Matzah is not okay if you‟re careful with Gebrochts.

The Rebbe Rashab was so careful that when he bought produce for Pesach, didn‟t buy in a store that sold Chametz. You shouldn‟t buy in a store that has Chametz right near the Pesach food. If the store does sell Chametz, make sure the counter is covered before you put your Pesach food down on it.

PESACH WITH THE REBBE

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

VOLUME 22, ISSUE 1 Page 13 The Rashag, Rabbi Shmaryahu Gurary, A”H, the Rebbe’s served that when the Rebbe would come to each brother-in-law, used to ask many questions of the Rebbe Siman he would say it quietly with it’s explanation. during the meal. After the meal someone would come For Kiddush, red wine was used for Pesach, as well down and repeat chidushim that were said at the meal. as for the entire year. The becher was always a sil- Many times the Rebbe, in his Sichos, would discuss at ver cup without a stem and it was always placed on length questions that had been brought up at the meal. the right side of the Kairah. The Rebbe would al- ways stand for Kiddush both at night and day. The The first night of Pesach the Seder would start after Rebbe would fill up the becher so that it would pour 9:00. The Rebbe would first go to the Yeshivah dining over onto the plate underneath. (See Sicha Shabbos hall to see each bochur and inspect his Seder plate. He Acharei 5746 (1986), pg. 181) He would pick it up would give them a brochah. In later years he would also with the right hand, put it in the left hand, and then go to , , and to several place it in the palm of his hand with his fingers other Sedorim before he began his own Seder. touching the becher. At any time during the Seder that the Rebbe would pick up and hold the becher, The Rebbe used cloth napkins for the Matzos. On top of he would do so in this fashion. the cloth napkins (not on a plate) the symbolic foods were placed. Under the Matzoh, the Rebbe would use a Urchatz; the Rebbe would say it and read the expla- silver plate (but only the Rebbe had one. See the Hagga- nation, and at the same time say karpas and its ex- dah) Everyone else would follow suit. For maror the planation without pausing (making a hefsek) be- Rebbe would squeeze the liquid out of it and then put it tween the two. Before Rachtzah the Rebbe would together with the romaine lettuce. He would also use the quietly recite all the Simanei Seder with all the hala- kepel (the top) of the horseradish, which was not grated. chas till after Korech in order not to make a hefsek For karpas the Rebbe would use a small onion. The before Korech. For washing his hands the Rebbe charoses was not mixed with wine until later in the even- would go to a small sink in the hallway off the kitch- ing. Before eating the maror, the Rebbe would take en, no water was brought to the table. For the some of the charoses and put it on the plate from under karpas the Rebbe would cut part of the onion and his becher and mix it with the wine that was on the plate. eat the piece but would not put the rest back on the The rest of the Charoses he would leave dry for Korech. Kairah (as the Rebbe has written in the Haggadah.) The Rebbe would add some salt to the salt water At the Friediker Rebbe’s place there was a silver tray before dipping the karpas and then dip three times. (from the Rebbe Rashab) with Matzoh. For Yachatz, the Rebbe writes in the Rishimos #5, The Rebbetzin Chaya Mushka would be in a room off of pgs. 19-21, that the Friediker Rebbe would take the the dining room with her mother, Rebbetzin Nechama Afikomen from his sons-in-law and put it together Dina, and the Rebbe’s mother, Rebbetzin Chana, and with his own. This has been the custom of the Reb- other women. After the Seder the Rebbe would walk his beim since the Maggid’s time. mother home. The Rebbe would uncover some of all of the three Reb Yaakov Katz would say the Haggadah out loud and matzos at the beginning of Maggid. When they the Rebbe would say the Haggadah to himself. At times came to the , the Rebbe would move those sitting near him were able to hear some of what he the Kairah a little to the side and cover the matzos. was saying. Sometimes the Rebbe would correct some- After the Ma Nishtana was said, it was the custom thing that had been said. Reb Yaakov Katz’s son would of the Friediker Rebbe to say the Ma Nishtana over say the Mah Nishtanah. Though questions were not to himself quietly with the introduction to the four asked during the reciting of the Haggadah, discussions questions and the explanation just as the children about the Haggadah and the Seder often took place dur- say it (the Rebbe’s Haggadah). This was surely the ing the meal. The Rebbe was the only one who ate while hanhaga of all the previous Rebbeim. This was told reclining. The others did not recline because they were to us to be used as guidelines by everyone. (Sichos at the Rebbe’s Seder. Yud-Alef Nisan, 5743 (1983) p. 126). The custom by Yidden is that the youngest child asks first. After making the Kaira, the Rebbe would quietly say all (Hisvaadus 5740 (1980) p. 698). the Simanei Haseder beginning with the words, “Simanei Seder Shel Pesach.” In addition it was ob- For the Makos the Rebbe would pour from the

VOLUME 22, ISSUE 1 Page 14 becher into an old, cracked dish which was on the floor. down with a candle for the opening of the door for After finishing, the Rebbe would add wine to the becher Eliyahu and saying Sh’foch Chamaschah. The Reb- which would again overflow onto the becher’s plate. be had a special way of pouring back the wine from Kos Eliyahu into the wine bottle, by first pouring At the part of Rabban Gamliel when he would say Pe- the wine into his becher. When they poured back sach, Matzoh and Maror, the Rebbe would look at the the wine from Eliyahu Hanavi’s Kos, Keli Ata was matzoh and the maror on the Kairah (some remember sung, except for one year when the Rebbe started that he would touch the matzoh and the maror). singing Prozos Teshev Yerushalayim before singing Keli Ata. The custom in the Rebbe’s house was to hold the second and third matzos with the cloth while saying Matzoh Zu. From after opening the door for Eliyahu until the During Maror Ze, the Rebbe would put his right hand on end of the Haggadah the Rebbe would say the Hag- the maror and his left hand on the chazeres. gadah louder (but not out loud). At times one could see tears coming from the Rebbe’s eyes. During the meal, the Rebbe would put some salt on the napkin with the matzoh, then take some and dip it In 5729 (1969) the Rebbe said the pasuk “V’ose ni- into the salt three times. flaos g’dolos levado ki le-olam chasdo,” three times just loud enough so that the people near him were Between eating the fish and the meat, the Rebbe would able to hear. wash his hands with water (some recall that he would do this at all the other Yom Tov meals besides the Seder) The second night of Pesach the Rebbe would come and drink a little wine. With the meal the Rebbe would down to the Shul after the Seder with a Haggadah drink wine but not say L’chaim so as not to give im- and explain the Haggadah for a few hours. portance to any wine other than the four cups. People were allowed to go up to the second floor The Rebbe would not eat until all the waiters were sitting until 5729 (1969) when it became so crowded that at their places at the table. After the soup was served, the Rebbe said that the bochurim should not come everyone took three spoonfuls of soup from the silver up. soup terrine of the Alter Rebbe. The terrine would then be set in front of the Rebbe and the Rashag would get up That year, the first group of bochurim/Shluchim and take the hot lid off. When the Rebbe would finish, came back from Australia, after two years. They had the Rashag would again rise to take the terrine from him. the special privilege of going to participate in the end of the Rebbe’s Seder. At the first night’s Seder, The napkins that the Rebbe used for the wine he would they came having already eaten the afikomen. The leave on the table. The napkins he used to wipe his Rebbe asked them if they had eaten the afikomen. mouth from the Matzos he would put on the small serv- The bochurim answered yes. They realized that ing table near him. they should have waited for the afikomen until after they went into the Rebbe’s Seder. On the second In the Haggadah it is noted that the Rebbeim would pour night they made sure not to eat the afikomen before Eliyahu’s cup themselves. The Rebbe would pour the coming. When asked by the Rebbe, they said they cup for Eliyahu before benching. The Rebbe would have had not eaten it yet. The Rebbe said that chairs, someone rinse out his becher and then he would wipe cups, and Haggadah’s should be brought for them. the becher with a napkin before pouring the wine. The Rebbe gave the shluchim from his own afi- komen with some other matzo, covered with a nap- The benching for the Seder was always led by Reb Yaa- kin. The next day, the Rashag asked the Rebbe why kov Katz. The Rebbe and everyone else held their cup of he had given the afikomen to the Shluchim, since it wine during the benching. When the doors were opened says that afikomen should be given only to one’s for Eliyahu Hanavi, the street doors downstairs at 770 family. The Rebbe answered, “These are the chil- would be opened. A candlestick was used when it wasn’t dren of my household, and therefore I gave them Shabbos. The Rebbe would wait until everyone returned from my afikomen.” from downstairs; only then would they continue with the Haggadah. After the passing of Rebbetzin Chaya Mush- ka, for the first time, the Rebbe himself, would come

VOLUME 22, ISSUE 1 Page 15 ACHARON SHEL PESACH IN 5666 (1906)

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

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

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

VOLUME 22, ISSUE 1 Page 16 3: Zeyde was wrapped in a tallis and laying in In the afternoon our father came into our bed. room, and I asked “What is Yizkor?" The Ma- harash explained that the neshomas of our 4. After Shemoneh Esrei two people picked up great grandparents are millitz yoshor (pleading the Tzemach Tzedek, put him on a chair and the case) for their descendants and therefore brought him to the table with our father (the we mention their neshomas and [pledge to] Maharash) and our Uncle - Rabash (R. Boruch give Tzedakah. Sholom - the oldest son .) Two sifrei Torah were taken out to layn from, and they were brought to Great Tzaddikim like Zeyde (the Tzemach the Tzemach Tzedek for him to kiss (before Tzedek) see the neshomos of their parents, and layning). our father said that today Zeyde saw the neshoma of his mother (Rebbetzin Devorah 5. Our Uncle R. Boruch Sholom and our father, Leah) and the neshoma of his father-in-law, the Maharash had Shlishi and Chamishi, the the Mittler Rebbe, and of his Zeyde , the Alter Tzemach Tzedek had Maftir which he said seat- Rebbe. ed. R. Zalman Aharon began to sing what his un- When Uncle R. Zalman Aaron told this to my fa- cle, Reb Boruch Sholom, the son of the ther - it brought tears to his eyes, and two tears Tzemach Tzedek, sang on that Acharon Shel ran from his cheeks when he heard the end of Pesach while the Tzemach Tzedek ate Seudas this recollection. Moshiach.

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

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

VOLUME 22, ISSUE 1 Page 17 IT‟S UP TO US

This year marks the twenty year anniversary of mediately. Their stubborn resolve will surely the Sichah the Rebbe gave on Chof Ches Nisan evoke G-d‟s favor, as reflected by the interpre- 5751. We present a short part of the Sichah tation of the verse, “for [I.e. because] they are a here. The Rebbe‟s message rings loud and clear: stiff necked people; You will pardon our sins it‟s up to us to hear it: and wrongdoings and make us Your posses- sion.” “...Because of the unique stress on the Redemp- tion in this time, an astonishing question arises: As a further effort on my part to encourage How is it possible that despite all these factors, and hasten the coming of the redemption, I Moshiach has not yet come? This is beyond all will distribute money to each one of you with possible comprehension. the intent that you give it to Tzedokah, for “Tzedokah is great since it brings the redemp- It is also beyond comprehension that when ten tion near.” (and many times more) Jews gather together at a time that is appropriate for the Redemption to I have done whatever I can; from now on, you come, they do not raise a clamor great enough to must do whatever you can. May it be G-d‟s cause Moshiach to come immediately. They are, will that there will be one, two, or three among heaven forbid, able to accept the possibility that you who will appreciate what needs to be done Moshiach will not arrive tonight, and even that and how it needs to be done, and may you ac- he will not arrive tomorrow, or on the day after tually be successful and bring about the true tomorrow, heaven forbid. and complete redemption. May this take place immediately, in a spirit of happiness and with Even when people cry out Ad Mosai? (“Until gladness of heart.” when will we remain in exile?”), they do so only because they were told to. If they had sincere [Sichah after Ma‟ariv, Thursday Evening, eve of intent and earnest desire, and cried out in truth, Nisan 28 5751] Moshiach would surely have come already.

What more can I do to motivate the entire Jewish On the following Shabbos Parshas Shemini, the people to clamor and cry out, and thus actually Rebbe explained his meaning: The responsibil- bring about the coming of Moshiach? All that ity lies on every individual to hasten the com- has been done until now has been to no avail. ing of Moshiach by increasing his study of the For we are still in exile; moreover, we are in an Torah, both on the revealed level (of , inner exile in regard to our own service of G-d. Torah law, etc.) and on the mystical level of pnimiyus haTorah (I.e., Chassidus), as well as All that I can possibly do is give the matter over by upgrading his performance of the mitz- to you. Now, do everything you can to bring vos—behiddur, in a beautiful and conscien- Moshiach, here and now, immediately. Act with tious manner. all the energy and power of the lights of Tohu, but have your deeds balanced with the stability of the keilim of Tikkun.

May it be G-d‟s will that ultimately ten Jews will be found who are stubborn enough to resolve to secure G-d‟s consent to actually bring about the true and ultimate Redemption, here and now im-

VOLUME 22, ISSUE 1 Page 18 CALENDAR TIMES ARE FOR LOS ANGELES StartSaying Chapter110 in Tehillim Nisan 13/April17/Sunday Night StartCounting Sefiras Haomer Yud AlefYud Nisan/April 15/Friday Nisan 16/April20/Wednesday LightCandles FridayApril 15: LightCandles FridayApril 8: Nisan 15/April19/Tuesday Last Last Time ToRead Shema: Last Time ToRead Shema: Nisan 14/April18/Monday Finish Eating Afikomen By: Burn&Annul Chametz By: Last Last Time Readto Shema: Last Time Readto Shema: Finish Eating ChametzBy: (Frompre Nisan 1/April5Tuesday LightYom TovCandles: Fast ofFast Firstbornthe StartBedikah After: LightCandles After ShabbosHagodol Bedikas Chametz Nisan 12/April16 Pesach DayTwo Pesach DayOne Rosh Chodesh - Nisan 5/April9 Yom TovEnds: Shabbos Ends: Shabbos Ends: existing flame): Metzorah Shachris: Shachris: Chatzos: Acharei

9:36 8:09 7:06 9:42 8:04 7:01 8:12 10:00 9:34 8:12 10:00 9:34 12:52 7:09 12:52 11:46 10:41 7:57

Froma Pre (FollowedMoshiachby Seudah) LightCandles SundayApril 24: LightCandles Monday25 April Rosh Chodesh IyarDay Two Rosh Chodesh IyarDay One LightCandles FridayApril 22: LightCandles FridayApril 29: Nisan 30/May4/Wednesday Last Last Time ToRead Shema: Last Last Time Readto Shema: Last Last Time Readto Shema: MondayNight SundayNight ShabbosCholHamoed Nisan 22/April 25 Iyar1/May 5/Thursday AcharonPesach Shel Nisan 21/April 24 ShabbosMevarchim - ExistingFlameAfter: SheviiShelPesach 1:28 am + 9 Chalakim am1:28 +9 Nisan 19/April23 Nisan 26/April30 Avos PerekOne Yom TovEnds: Shabbos Ends: Shabbos Ends: Moladof Iyar Tuesday/May 3 Kedoshim - -

Shachris: Shachris: Shachris: Shachris:

Minchah: Tuesday Monday Tehilim: Yizkor: - -

26/ 25/

9:28 8:20 10:00 8:15 7:17 8:15 5:30 12:00 10:00 8:15 10:00 9:31 7:13 9:32 8:15 10:00 7:12

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Mechiras Chametz - Selling the Chometz Rabbi Shimon Raichik Koshering Keilim - Hag‟alas Keilim will be will be available for selling Chometz daily in done next door to the shul the Morning from 9:00 - 10:00 am in the In the Parking lot of Beis Yehudah Shul and a half hour after Ma‟ariv in the Wednesday & Thursday Shul beginning on Sunday, Nisan 6-April 10, April 13th & 14th or by appointment. 12:00 - 6:00 pm

For those who are leaving town (,

Israel etc) there will be a special Mechiras There will be Biyur Chametz Chometz made for them. You must give your at Yeshiva Ohr Elchonon Chabad, Erev Pe- paper to Rabbi Raichik no later than Motzei sach - Monday, Nisan 12, April 18. Shabbos - 10:00 pm, April 16th.

QUESTIONS MATZAH For answers to Pesach Shailos (questions) call As every year the Shul will help people buy (323) 930-2759, Matzah, for themselves or for Mivtzoim. in the evening between 9:30-10:30 p.m. Please call and order, let us know what you

need and when you will be picking it up.

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