The Central Synagogue Pesach Journal 2024

Pesach Times

CONTENTS

Message FROM The President

Dear Central Synagogue Family,

As we approach Pesach this year, our hearts are heavy with the weight of recent events. Our world has witnessed turmoil, tragedy, and a surge in antisemitism that threatens the very fabric of our community. In this context, the messages and traditions of Pesach take on renewed significance.

The Hamas terrorist attacks on Israel last October shook us to our core. Lives were lost, families shattered, and hope seemed distant. Yet, as a community, we stood together. Just as our ancestors united during the Exodus, we too must find strength in our shared history. Pesach reminds us that even in the darkest times, unity can be our beacon.

At every Seder, we retell our ancestors’ journey from Egypt to the land of Israel. This underscores our sacred right and unbreakable bond to Eretz Yisroel. As we gather around our seder tables, let us reaffirm our commitment to this ancient connection—a connection that transcends borders and time.

This Pesach, let us not merely recite the words of the Haggadah; let us live them.

Let us embody the story of liberation, resilience, and faith. I encourage everyone in our community to draw strength from one another, finding solace and inspiration in our shared traditions by joining our communal seder on the second night of Pesach, and joining us in Shule to say special prayers for the men and women of the IDF who are so bravely fighting to free the hostages and protect the people of Israel.

May all the hostages be safely released and may there be peace for all the people of Am Yisroel.

Chag Pesach Kasher V’Sameach and Am Yisroel Chai!

Warm regards,

Simon Klimt President

Message FROM Rabbi Wolff

As we approach Pesach, we are acutely aware of what a different Jewish nation we are this year. So much has happened in the past 6 months and is sadly still occurring. There was life before October 7, and life after October 7. It is a new reality for Jews all over the world and especially in Israel. Not just for those who are still mourning the death of family and friends lost on that tragic day, but also those with empty chairs at their Seder table - waiting for the return of a loved one currently serving in the IDF and more than anything the return of the hostages still in captivity.

One of the most powerful paragraphs in the Haggadah that will so deeply resonate with us this year are the words in Vehi Sheamda; “In every generation, they rise up against us to destroy us; but the Holy One, blessed be He, delivers us from their hand.”

This paragraph feels more relevant today than ever. The adversities confronting us over the last six months seem unparalleled in their intensity, bringing these words of the Haggadah to life with striking clarity. With G-d's help, with our support of one another and with the incredible ability of the Israeli Defence forces we will bring the hostages home and eliminate yet another enemy in our history. Because we are armed with tenacity, resilience and an eternal covenant we made with G-d. He always has our back.

When I visited Israel with a group of women and men from our Shule, just a month after the tragedy, I noticed a message plastered all over Israel, on billboards, buses, and bumper stickers. It has become our motto of this war – ינצחהנצח ”“ the people of eternity will be victorious. We aren’t swayed by odds, numbers and likelihoods; We are the people of eternity. We see differently than others. We believe in what will be, not what is.

On the surface, there is so much to fear right now. But look a little closer, by carefully reading the words of the Haggadah, you will recognise that we have merited to view things that our people have never seen before. Our vision to be a united people is coming to fruition, the dream of a spiritual awakening is taking place and the hope for a resurgence, a connection to our homeland is transpiring.

If you ask those sitting at you Seder table, what are the three most famous words since Oct 7th, they would certainly be “Am Yisrael Chai – the People of Israel live!” In no other time in history have the words “Am Yisrael Chai” been used so frequently or so fervently.

This phrase was loudly cried out by British Army Chaplain Rabbi Leslie Hardman when the Jews of Bergen-Belson concentration camp were liberated in April 1945. It was loudly cried out by 50,0000 people to then Israeli Ambassador Golda Meir when she visited the Great Synagogue in Moscow in 1948. In 2009, when Prime Minister Netanyahu visited the Wannsee Villa in Berlin where the Final Solution was penned by Adolf Hitler, he wrote these words in the visitors book – “Am Yisrael Chai – the people of Israel live.” Am Yisrael Chai is also a prayer, a longing for a united Jewish people living together in safety, security, with unity and harmony.

These three powerful words affirm that the Jewish people will not merely survive attempts to annihilate us, we will thrive. Because we are not only individual Jewish souls, we are an entire nation of united Jewish souls dedicated to practising our faith and ensuring our Jewish continuity for many generations to come. Our values, our traditions and our practices have stood strong and certainly stood the test of time – 4000 years. Pesach is a perfect example.

ינצחהנצח ”“ , a people” (Shemos 6:7)

On Seder night we drink one of the four glasses of wine honouring the famous words G-d tells the new Jewish nation “I will take you to Me as an

The Hebrew word

”“ Am, nation, is identical to the Hebrew word ינצחהנצח ”“ Im, with. The secret to a strong Am Yisrael is a sense of Im Yisrael. The “im”, the togetherness, the community, the unity, the loyalty, the shared grief and suffering, the hope, the prayer and the renewed strength has been the driving force of The Central Synagogue team.

We have provided a safe space to host you and the wider community through a plethora of events, solidarity missions, hostage release ceremonies, womens groups, childrens groups and a vast array of speakers from politicians to foreign dignitaries, influencers and Israel advocates such as Sharri Markson, Nate Buzz and Douglas Murray. We endeavour to continue to be an anchor during these challenging times and provide a comfort and support network for our community. For our continuity. For our spiritual connectivity. For our proud, strong and resilient members. For Am Yisroel.

There is so much more we can and must be doing. Am Yisroel are all being called to serve in this war in our own way. We cannot all be courageous and brave heroes on the front lines but Jews and decent people everywhere in the world have a role to play. Daven, learn, donate, rally, advocate, write letters in gratitude to elected officials and media personalities who show support, and stand up in protest to those who don’t.

Unity does not mean uniformity. We do not need to be the same, act the same, think the same, or hold the same opinions. What we do need, is to focus on all that we share in common – which far exceeds that on which we disagree – and build and strengthen our bonds of friendship despite our relatively few differences.

Rabbi Yisrael Meir Lau, standing in Auschwitz-Birkenau at the March of the Living several years ago said, “We always knew how to die together. The time has come for us to know also how to live together.” I think over these last six months we have demonstrated that we know how to.

This Pesach will be unlike any we have had before. Both in times of war and in peace, we stand united with our Israeli brothers and sisters and Jews all over the world this Pesach and until we merit the true and final exudes. L'Shana Haba'ah B'Yerushalayim!

Am Yisroel Chai!

Chag Pesach Kasher V’Sameach!

Rabbi Levi and Chanie Wolff

Message FROM Rabbi Freedman

A PESACH THOUGHT – RABBI DAVID FREEDMAN

Rabban Gamliel used to say: Whoever does not discuss three things on Pesach has not kept the Seder properly. They are the Korban Pesach (the sacrifice and consumption of the Paschal Lamb), the Matzah (the unleavened bread) and the Maror (the bitter herbs eaten on Seder night).

This extract from the Haggadah is, to say the least, somewhat unusual. We have many mitzvot, for example, we are commanded to place mezuzot on our doorposts, we are directed to wear tallit and tefillin, we are instructed to light Shabbat candles, and we are expected to give tsedaka. In these examples, and many others, the expectation is that we fulfil the mitzvah, nothing more and nothing less – no one suggests that before we put a mezuzah on our doorpost that we must bring the family together to discuss the finer points of the ritual, similarly with lighting Shabbat candles – in most homes, the Ba’alat Habayit simply places candles into the candlesticks, lights them, covers her eyes and says the blessing – she doesn’t arrange a seminar for all the family to confer, to debate, to explain the meaning behind this weekly ritual. So why when it comes to Pesach does Rabban Gamliel insist that we sit and deliberate on these three mitzvot before fulfilling each one according to the law?

I will offer two answers to this question, one based upon our ancient texts, the other of a more contemporary nature.

The first possible response is based on the text of the Torah itself. From ancient times, the Israelites, later the Jews, read their sacred texts and understood that the celebration of Pesach and the commemoration of the Exodus demanded two complementary actions. A close study of Exodus 12 reveals the nature of these two actions. First, the Israelites were told to replicate the rituals originally observed by the Israelite slaves in Egypt, but then the Torah added something new and unfamiliar, that regarding these particular rituals, we should expect to be quizzed by our children, and that being the case, we should always be ready on Seder night to answer their probing questions with relevant and accurate explanations. From the very outset of Jewish history, in the words of Rabbi Sacks, ‘a connection was drawn between eating, asking and discussing.’

Why Jewish children would be particularly inquisitive regarding the Pesach customs, and not necessarily others, is not explained – but it has become a self-fulfilling prophecy – and every year our children surprise us with their interest and excitement. It is no surprise therefore that hundreds of different Haggadot have been published over the years with a wide variety of commentaries to assist us in making the Seder a meaningful experience for our children and grandchildren.

A second explanation of Rabban Gamliel’s instruction has some relevance to the current difficulties facing the Jewish people. Firstly we need to identify Rabban Gamliel – no easy task. Some consider this was Rabban Gamliel the Elder who lived in the first half of the opening century CE. Some, however, are of the opinion that the Rabban Gamliel mentioned in our Haggadah was in fact his grandson, Rabban Gamliel II, who was alive during the destruction of the Temple by the Romans in the year 70 CE and became the Nasi, the spiritual head of the community in Judea, around the year 80 CE (see Rabbi Chaim Yosef Dovid Azulay in his Haggadah Simchas Haregel). Either way, Gamliel lived during a time of existential crisis.

The Romans with their military aspirations together with their pagan philosophy were intent on destroying Judaism as well as a certain self-belief among the Jews that they were indestructible. Their agenda was to destroy Jewish independence, erase Jewish self-confidence, expunge Jewish culture, exile the people from their own land and curtail Jewish influence internationally.

Faced with such threats, Rabban Gamliel understood that at that moment in history, the Jews could not fight against the Romans using conventional weapons – he understood that in place of military strength, Israel required a different form of defence, one which could sustain a people throughout many years of suffering and exile. Israel was to be armed with a unique self-awareness of their God-given role in the history of civilisation.

Only through education, and the subsequent knowledge acquired, could the Jewish people survive this onslaught by such a brutal enemy. When Jews were fully acquainted with their history as well as their destiny – Rabban Gamliel was certain that they would outlive even the most powerful of empires. To ensure this, he proclaimed through his teaching in the Haggadah that the concepts of slavery and freedom as expressed through the Korban Pesach, Matzah and Maror – should be deliberated upon annually, so that Jews should never forget the blessings that come with freedom and independence.

He was right – two millennia after he made his famous statement – the Jewish people returned home and began to rebuild their lives after the Shoah and advance Jewish culture and Jewish self-determination in a way that had not been seen since Biblical days.

How ironic that since October 7, Israel has again been fighting for those same freedoms that were lost during the life of Rabban Gamliel. Once again a barbaric enemy has risen against Israel intent on destroying Jewish independence, erasing Jewish self-confidence, expunging Jewish culture, removing the Jewish people from their own land and limiting their influence in the Diaspora. We have lived through an ordeal, we stand accused of heinous crimes, we face mounting anti-Semitism - and yet we take inspiration from Rabban Gamliel – we will never give up, we will never give way – but will eventually conquer, not only our enemies on the battlefield, but also those on the political left, on the far right, in the media and in the universities.

Rabban Gamliel was correct when he suggested that only through honest discourse will the truth materialise. It was Franklin Roosevelt, in his State of the Union address on January 6, 1941, who spoke of four freedoms, Freedom of speech, Freedom of worship, Freedom from want and Freedom from fear. One day the world will come to appreciate that it is for these freedoms Israel is sending its young brave soldiers into battle.

We read within the Dead Sea Scrolls, many of which coincidentally were written and hidden away during the lifetime of Rabban Gamliel, that one day there will be an apocalyptic battle between the forces of light and darkness (see the scroll known as The War of the Sons of Light against the Sons of Darkness). That is precisely what we face today. May Israel, a beacon of light and good overcome the demonic forces of evil, and may Israel’s future, intrinsically linked to our own, be filled with blessings of peace and tranquillity.

May I wish you all a Chag kasher ve-sameach.

Rabbi David Freedman

Message FROM YOUTH RABBI Tzuri Avila

As we draw near to the festival of Pesach, I extend heartfelt greetings to all members of our cherished community. Pesach serves as a poignant reminder of liberation and renewal, prompting us to reflect on our history, embrace our freedom, and anticipate a brighter future ahead.

In this spirit of celebration, I am delighted to share the inspiring achievements of our youth department throughout the past year. Despite the challenges we've faced, our youth department has remained a steadfast source of inspiration and vitality, fostering growth, connection, and meaningful engagement among our youngest members.

A cornerstone of our youth department's efforts has been the expansion of our Mums and Bubs group. This nurturing space, nestled within our beautiful Youth Campus, offers invaluable support and community for parents and caregivers, while also providing our youngest members with opportunities to explore and deepen their Jewish identity. Led by Ellie, Fiona, and their dedicated team, this program infuses song, movement, and creative play to connect with mums, bubs, grandparents, and carers, ensuring a delightful and enriching experience each week.

Additionally, I'm thrilled to announce the launch of our after-school Torah learning program, facilitated by BJE. Tailored to primary school-aged children, this initiative prioritises the foundational teachings of our heritage and the cultivation of Jewish values. The program has sparked excitement and enthusiasm among participants, who thoroughly enjoy their afternoons at The Central Synagogue, immersing themselves in learning and forging connections to our vibrant traditions under the guidance of the dedicated BJE team.

Furthermore, the creation of our Teen Friday Night Minyan, led and managed by teenagers themselves, represents a significant stride in empowering our youth. This inclusive environment fosters leadership skills, deepens religious observance, and cultivates a strong sense of community among our older youth. The song, prayers, and contagious enthusiasm exhibited by our teenagers creates an ideal ambiance for welcoming Shabbat together with their peers. With the added treat of hot chips and onion rings, the teenagers thoroughly enjoy this program!

Another great achievement our youth department has delivered on is the Shabbat Family lunches, occurring every six weeks. This initiative offers families a wonderful opportunity to partake in Shabbat without the hassle of meal preparation. Our catered meals consistently receive high praise. These gatherings serve as a platform for families to unite, share a meal and engage in thought-provoking discussions. Featuring engaging speakers and words of Torah shared by community members, these gatherings form bonds and strengthen connections, enriching our Shabbat experience.

Our commitment to providing exceptional programs continues through our youth movement, Hineni. Hineni remains dedicated to providing exceptional programs for our members and community. Whether it's Shabbat afternoon activities, holiday camps, federal camps, or junior adventure camps, there's always something exciting happening. The unwavering commitment of our Hineni Madrichim and Madrichot has been pivotal in delivering impactful experiences for our young members throughout the year. Hineni Youth ensures that our youth are not only engaged but also provided with a space to connect, opportunities to assume leadership roles, and avenues to deepen their connection to their Jewish identity in dynamic and meaningful ways.

As we reflect on the significance of Pesach, let us heed the timeless wisdom of Rabbi Jonathan Sacks, embracing the opportunities for growth and renewal that lie ahead. May this festival of freedom inspire us all to strive for personal and communal growth, and may the lessons of our tradition guide us in the year ahead.

Warm wishes for a Happy and Kosher Pesach to all members of our community. For further information on youth programs and events, please reach out via the provided QR links, email, or phone number. Let us continue to nurture the next generation and build a vibrant and inclusive community together.

Chag Pesach Sameach!

Rabbi Tzuri and Fiona Avila

Scan below to get in contact with Rabbi Tzuri

Would you like to learn more about our Mums and Bubs group? Scan the code below

To learn more about the BJE after school program scan the below

It is an honour and a pleasure to join The Central Synagogue family!

For those of you, who I haven’t yet had the pleasure to get to know, here’s a bit about me.

I was raised in Los Angeles and received my Rabbinical ordination in Israel. I spent 8 years in clergy and non-profit work. I've had the privilege of running an orphanage in Ukraine and founding a non-profit organisation in Israel.

I have spent the past 9 years in the financial services industry and currently run a private mortgage fund.

My wonderful wife Sara (maiden name Deitz), a Bondi native, is an accomplished Senior Project Manager in the Department of Education. Together with our 3 children Mem (13), Aliya (12), Ariel (9) and our cavoodle Buddy, we call Bondi home.

I firmly believe that at the core of human existence lies a yearning for meaningful connections. Whether it be with God and spirituality, community and family, personal growth, or social and professional, these connections are what truly enrich our lives.

My goal at The Central Synagogue is to nurture and grow our community alongside Rabbi Wolff and the Central team by offering diverse opportunities for individuals to connect with themselves, with Judaism and our community in ways that are relevant and meaningful to them.

Since joining The Central Synagogue, we've had the pleasure of organising a variety of events tailored to young adults and families, including social events, meditations, inspiring Shabbat meals, and engaging in-home study groups.

While I am encouraged by the success we've achieved thus far, I am also keenly aware that there is much more work to be done. As we look ahead to the future, I am excited to embark on this journey together and welcome your input and involvement. Please do not hesitate to reach out to me directly with your ideas and suggestions. Scan the QR code for my contact info.

Wishing you and your family a Kosher and Happy Pesach!

Rabbi Yosef Eichenblatt

What a year! I feel like we say that every year, but this year certainly changed all of us, and exposed the importance of teaching our children to be strong, proud Jews.

This year, marks 30 years that I have been involved with the children's programs at Central, commencing around the time of my Bat Mitzvah, when I started helping Anne-Louise Oystragh look after the little ones. Since that time, I have watched the children's programs grow, and the number of children coming through our doors increase. Many new children joining us this year, was surely sparked by the October 7 attacks, and the way that we have come under fire simply for being Jewish. The importance of teaching our children about their heritage and identity, ensuring they feel a strong sense of connection to Judaism, is now clearer than ever. When I was 5 years old, my grandmother, a holocaust survivor, bought me to the kids programs at Central for exactly this reason.

This year, many children have been attending Friday Night services, joining us in the garden for children's Kabbalat Shabbat, games and raffles. Our Shabbat day program is rarely a small event, with four separate groups of different ages, including a new program for teen girls run by our wonderful madricha, Eli. The primary and teen boys program is run by Levi and Tzvi, who do an amazing job engaging the boys in parsha, sport and food craft. The primary girls love hanging out in the upstairs classroom, playing games, earning token for learning and chatting with Hendi, who always makes sure they enjoy their time at shul. The younger children enjoy davening and singing songs with me, hearing parsha stories, learning about chagim and playing games with the rest of our team: Adi, Leielle, Dina, Sima, Peter and Naftali.

Our wonderful volunteers, Macy, Sara and Yaakov always help create exciting food crafts and make sure everything runs smoothly.

We are incredibly lucky to have the two most amazing Youth Leaders: Viola and Charlotte who work with the children, not only on Shabbat, but also at our Monday playgroup.

Our Monday playgroup has become a popular event during the week, and the kids have so much fun playing in our beautiful garden, dancing, singing and participating in Jewish themed activities.

Looking back on my own childhood, kids programs at Central were small, and often, there were only a handful of other children to play with. I am filled with immense happiness and pride to see the difference today, with hundreds of children coming through our doors, to join our weekly programs and special events. My goal is for every child to feel connected, comfortable and happy at our shul, building positive memories and ensuring Jewish continuity. We couldn't achieve this goal without our wonderful team of madrichim, volunteers and youth leaders, who work incredibly hard on the front line with all our beautiful children.

Wishing everyone a Happy and Kosher Pesach, and I pray that we continue to see a multitude of children at our shul, followed by their children and grandchildren.

Chag Sameach!

Ellie Nagel Silva Youth Director

Message FROM Hineni

Shalom Chaverim,

On Pesach, the Seder table becomes a stage for curious minds and eager hearts. Children are encouraged to ask questions, to inquire about the significance of rituals, to delve deeper into the narrative of our people's journey from slavery, “Mah nishtanah, ha-laylah ha-zeh, mi-kol ha-leylot?”

Hineni is a space in which growth, education and community flourish. We pride ourselves on creating future Jewish leaders that yearn to question and learn, cultivated through our chinuch (educational curriculum) on embracing Modern Orthodoxy, the impact of our Activism and the intracises of Pluralist Zionism.

Now more than ever, our community can recognise the importance of Hineni. Whether it be our camps where one davens in Shul or lays tefillin for the very first time, questions what it means to be a good leader or is simply immersed in a positive environment surrounded by Jewish Youth. Hineni is the place of many firsts, many questions, lots of fun, and growth. But more importantly, Hineni is a safe, nurturing environment which fosters confident, tolerant, critical thinking.

Our camps bring all of this together with activities ranging from silent discos, flying fox, Shabbat dinners and educational programs! In 2023, we saw over 150 chanichim attend our bi-annual camps!! We expect 2024 to be full of even more fun and excitement, and I hope to see you all there.

Chag Pesach Kasher ve’ Sameach, Elisha Shifroni, Rosh of Hineni NSW

HINENI EVENTS

Fortnightly Junior Programs (Years 2-6):

At Central on Shabbos afternoons, 4-5:30pm

Contact Elisha for dates on 0478 801 024

Winter Camps:

Junior Winter Camp (Years 2-6): 8th-11th of July 2024

Senior Winter Camp (Years 7-12): 11th-17th of July 2024

Senior Adventure Camp (SAC) (Years 7-12): 30th-31st August

Summer Camps:

Junior Summer Camp (Years 2-6): 21st-24th of January 2025

CHOFESH - Senior Summer Camp (Years 7-12): 6th-13th of January 2025

How to Plate Your SEDER PLATE

MAROR

Maror or bitter herbs to remind us of the slavery. Most use fresh grated horseradish on romaine lettuce.

BEITZAH

A hard-boiled egg to commemorate the chagiga-holiday sacrifice.

Prep: Boil one egg per Seder plate, and possibly more for use during the shulchan orech meal.

Use: The egg is dipped into saltwater and eaten right before the meal starts.

See Seder step 11.

Prep: Buy fresh horseradish root and grate it.

Use: During the blessing over the bitter herbs hold the maror and then dip it lightly into the charoset before eating it. See Seder step 9.

ZROAH

Shank Bone to commemorate the Pesach sacrifice. Many use a roasted chicken neck.

Prep: Roast the neck over an open flame. Afterwards, remove most of the meat to reveal the bone.

Use: The shank bone is symbolic and not eaten. You can re-use it the following Seder night.

KARPAS

Karpas vegetable for dipping. The traditional potato or onion is dipped into saltwater at step 3 in the seder to provoke questions.

Prep: Peel an onion or boiled potato and place slice on seder plate. Also prepare a small bowl of saltwater.

Use: At karpas the vegetable is dipped into saltwater, the Borei Peri Ha’adama blessing is recited, before it is eaten. See Seder step 3.

CHAZERET

Used with the maror that reminds us of the slavery.

Prep: Wash romaine lettuce and check for bugs. Pat dry.

Use: During the korech sandwich of matzah and maror use these bitter herbs. Dip it lightly into the charoset before using it. See Seder step 10.

CHAROSET

Charoset (the apple, nut, wine puree) to remind us of the mortar and brick made by our ancestors in Egypt.

Prep: Shell walnuts and peel apples and chop finely, mix well and add red wine for color.

Use: The charoset is used as a symbolic dip. Before eating the maror, dip it lightly into the charoset See Seder steps 9 & 10.

15 STEPS OF A PASSOVER SEDER

A Mystical Perspective on The Seder

1. KADESH (Sanctify)

The Seder begins with a blessing over the first cup of wine. This is when we declare that this is “The Season of Our Freedom.” To stress this point, we recline to the left when drinking, as only free people did in ancient times.

2. URCHATZ (Wash)

Wash the hands (in the ritual manner but without reciting a blessing). We will be touching a wet vegetable in the next step and rabbinic law requires washing of the hands. The Kabbalah teaches that hands represent expressions and attributes, while water epitomizes intellect and purity. Washing refines our attributes with intellect, enabling restrictions to turn into benevolence, hate into love, and personal slavery into freedom. The observance, one of many during the Seder intended to pique the interest of children, awakens the innocence within each of us.

3. KARPAS (Vegetables)

Recite the appropriate blessing for vegetables, then dip the Karpas vegetable in saltwater before eating it. In the saltwater, we can taste the tears of anguish and despair our ancestors shed as their spirits were crushed in Egypt. When rearranged, the letters of Karpas ספרכ allude to the word Perech ךרפ, or “crushing labor.” Our people were forced to perform senseless tasks in Egypt, endless drudgery without meaning, purpose or goal. Why, some 3,000 years later, do mindless routines and habits, or careers driven by the need for status, still dominate our lives so often?

4. YACHATZ (Breaking)

The middle matzah (of the 3) is broken in two pieces. The larger piece, designated as the Afikoman, is wrapped and hidden away for the children to discover. The smaller broken piece, the “bread of poverty,” takes center stage while retelling the story of the exodus. It personifies the spiritual and material destitution our people endured in Egypt once they no longer grasped the meaning of true freedom. By relating to their plight, we feel what is broken in our own humanity. At the same time, when the children hide the Afikoman we sense the larger dimension of our being, the part of our soul never touched by slavery that waits to be discovered.

5. MAGGID (Telling)

“Tell your children G-d took you out of Egypt.” Fill the second cup of wine, then retell the story of our rise from the depths of bondage to the heights of redemption. Maggid begins with the children asking, “Why is this night different from all other nights?” The question can put us in touch with the innocence of children as we contemplate the dynamics of liberation. Are we eating the matzah out of habit, or because we are ready to embrace its significance? Are we observing these rituals to assuage guilt, or to actualize the desire to live a more meaningful life? When we allow the events in Maggid to touch us to the core, we reveal the candor that children hold dear. At the conclusion of Maggid, we savor the second glass.

(Washing)

Wash the hands and recite the blessing, Al Netilat Yadayim (on the lifting of the hands). We prepare to internalize the humble nature of matzah by uplifting our extremities and expressions. In its literal sense, the word netila means to move something from one place to another. With this blessing, we remove the physicality and vulgarity that may dwell in and around the hands, raising them up for what is to follow.

7. MOTZI (Blessing Over Bread)

Hold the broken half-matzah and two whole ones while reciting the appropriate blessing for bread, Hamotzie Leh-Chem Min HaAretz.

The word lechem (bread) contains the same letters as lochem (war). Food is raw energy that holds the potential for either good or evil. Thus, a spiritual battle ensues every time it is consumed. If the purpose in eating is solely to gratify physical cravings, evil prevails. However, when eating to gain energy with which to better serve G-d, good prevails.

8. MATZAH (Blessing Over Matzah)

Return the bottom matzah to the Seder plate. Holding the remaining one and one-half matzot, recite the blessing for eating matzah, Al Ah-Chilat matzah.

Our ancestors fled Egypt with inconceivable haste, leaving no time for the dough that would nourish them to rise. Once free, their first taste was the “bread of poverty,” matzah. From a mystical viewpoint, matzah exemplifies a selfless ego. It was with this trait, rather than arrogance, that they accepted G-d-given freedom. Humility allowed them to appreciate the gifts of life. After the blessing, recline to the left and eat at least one ounce of matzah.

9. MAROR (BITTER HERBS)

Take at least 3/4 ounce of bitter herbs and dip it in the charoset, shake off the excess, and recite the blessing Al Ah-Chilat Maror before eating. Having meditated on the bitterness of exile during Maggid, we now physically experience its force. The impact further clarifies the significance of our exile. Before we can experience true freedom we have to internalize the might of our hardship – and accept that when we make the right choices, hardship exists only to make us stronger.

10. KORECH (SANDWICH)

Break off two pieces of the bottom matzah (at least one ounce). Take 3/4 ounce of maror, dip it in charoset and shake off the excess. Place the maror between the two pieces of matzah and say, “Thus did Hillel do in the time of the Holy Temple...” Recline while eating. Maror alludes to the wicked, while matzah refers to the righteous. Hillel, the great Jewish sage known for his compassion, instructed the righteous to reach out and draw the wicked closer. Likewise, now that we have felt what it means to break free of slavery on a personal level, it is our obligation to share the experience with others.

11. SHULCHAN ORECH (FESTIVE MEAL)

Traditionally, the meal begins by dipping the hard-boiled egg from the Seder plate in saltwater to symbolize our constant mourning for the destruction of the Holy Temple, and to allude to G-d’s desire to redeem His people. “Ess, mein khind!” Across the community and throughout the world, we are together at the Seder table. The wise, the wicked, the simple and the innocent, all equal in the eyes of each other and the eyes of G-d. And we remember the fifth son – he who has not yet experienced the freedom of Passover. We are united as one in the common goal of redemption.

12. TZAFUN (HIDDEN)

At the conclusion of the Passover meal, children return the Afikoman. Eat at least one ounce of this matzah. Nothing else except the remaining two cups of wine is consumed thereafter. It was necessary to partake in every step, every ritual, every taste and every thought before the Afikoman is revealed; then, we can become one with its Divine potential. We eat it only when completely satiated because it fulfills a need higher than the hunger for freedom, and we eat nothing afterward so that its taste remains with us. In the Seder, as with everyday life, there are no shortcuts to the greater dimension. Yet we are always aware that it is present and yearns to reveal itself when we seek with a pure heart.

13. BEIRACH (GRACE AFTER MEALS)

Recite Grace After Meals. Then say the blessing over the third cup of wine, and drink while reclining. In anticipation of our ultimate Redemption, we now fill a special goblet, the Cup of Elijah. We then open the door to the house and, holding a lit candle, recite the passage inviting the Prophet Elijah to appear. Imagine all of creation in a state of spiritual and material freedom. Think about a world free of pain and suffering, war and struggles. Imagine all of existence at this level. Imagine yourself, the light of a single candle, ushering in the era of our redemption.

14.

HALLEL (SONGS OF PRAISE)

We offer praise to G-d for his mercy and compassion in redeeming our people from Egypt, and in anticipation of our own ultimate redemption. Why does G-d need us to praise Him? He doesn’t; we do. As the Kabbalah explains, when we praise His kindness we reveal His compassion. When praying for our needs, we evoke His desire to give.

15. NIRTZAH (ACCEPTED)

The Seder concludes with the wish, L’shana Ha- ba-ah BiYerushalayim. We hope for each other that which our forefathers prayed for while enslaved in Egypt, “Next Year in Jerusalem!” Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi omitted the passage, “The order of Passover is concluded,” from his Haggadah because the Seder’s message remains timeless. Every day, one leaves Egypt by transcending his or her limitations, to reach higher levels of holiness.

CELEBRATING

Bar Mitzvahs

Jordan Pozniak

Tommy Taibel

Dean Lederer

Meir Itkin

Daniel Abrahams

Yair Yuda Farkas (in Israel)

Tal Rubenstein

Judah Shifroni

Aiden Filler

Ziggy Stern

Bayley Kassel

Naftali Silva

Sammy Levy

Dylan Jackson

Ethan Hammerschlag

Beau Baron

Noah Kessell

Hudson Weinberg

Ben Kant

Chase Jacobson

Judah Junger

Luca Collins

Nate Mizrachi

Toby Lenga

Natan Levy

Jake Sandler

Odden Wueji

Matt Abrahams Miller

Jake Slot

Aiden Filler

Daniel Abrahams

Matt Abrahams Miller

Odden Wueji

Beau Baron

Noah Kessell

Ziggy Stern

Yair Yuda Farkas

Sammy Levy

Bayley Kassel

Jake Slot

Judah Shifroni

Nate Mizrachi

Jordan Pozniak

Toby Lenga

Naftali Silva

Tal Rubenstein

Luca Collins

Ethan Hammerschlag

Dylan Jackson

CELEBRATING Bat Mitzvahs

Maytal Goodman

Ashley Blitz

Taylor Topper

Ava Boyarsky

Tia Edelmuth

Jade Placks

Jasmine Taibel

Luella Neiron

Tatum Weinberg

Amelie Lipman

Mia Spiro

Amaya Rubenstein

Zoe Moshal

Taylor Topper

Zoe Moshal

Luella Neiron

Mia Spiro

Maytal Goodman

Amaya Rubenstein

Ashley Blitz

Tia Edelmuth

Jasmine Taibel

Nathan Ryba and Rina Lowy

Marissa Wilk and Benjamin Simai

Devorah Harkham and Guy Cohen

Benji Prawer and Lauren Klimt

Darren Blumenthal and Mia Rapaport

Justin Malek and Kerryn Josman

Adam Kaye and Jamie Mohay

Jacob Stein and Claudia Lowy

Shoshi Lazarus and Yossi Reicher

Joshua Burnard and Gabriella Polischuk

Jared Phillips and Debbie Karpel

Tamar Shifroni and Adam Bermeister

Jess Gorin and Klara Novosadova

Jonathan Harrison and Sophie Walter

Yanky Smith and Chani Singer

Rick Munitz and Dori Jacobson

Eliot Redelman and Serene Quilter

Joshua Horwitz and Ella Segal

Gavi Rod and Leila Freedman

Shterna Gurevitch and Noah Zeiler

Adam Bermeister & Tamar Shifroni

Benji Prawer & Lauren Klimt Rina Lowy & Nathan Ryba

Claudia Lowy & Jacob Stein

Shooshi Lazarus & Yossi Reichter

Adam Kaye & Jamie Mohay Gabriella Polischuk & Joshua Burnard

Chani Singer & Yanky Smith

Dori Jacobson & Rick Munitz

Kerryn Josman & Justin Malek

Joshua Horwitz & Ella Segal

Serene Quilter & Eliot Redelman

Leila Freedman & Gavi Rod

Jared Phillips & Debbie Karpel

Sophie Walter & Jonathan Harrison

Marissa Wilk & Benjamin Simai

Darren Blumenthal & Mia Rapaport

CELEBRATING Births

Azriel Zelig Gutnick

Billie Maeve Schneider

Jonah Phillips-Lieblich

Tahlia Marcus

Kaia Bella Schnabl

Zac Lemish

Zev Samuel Cesana

Ivy Nathan

Olympia Linz Midalia

Lexi Luna Friend

Jeremy Wiesner and Felicity Gray on the birth of a son and the grandparents Bella and Tom Wiesner and Ventry and Paulina Gray.

Rick And Lori Friend on the birth of a daughter and to the grandparents Mark and Lee Hoffman and Lionel and Aline Friend and great grandparents

Jules Karney and Ren Miller.

Joshua Hurwitz and Taryn Silver on the birth of a daughter and to the grandparents ArwIn and Kaye Hurwitz and Eric and Annie Wroby-Silver, and great grandfather Dennis Silver.

Avigayil and Ari Cadry on the birth of a son, Boaz Elyakim and to the grandparents Judy Wilkenfeld OAM and Bob Cadry and Chaya Waks and Zephaniah Waks, and to the great grandparents Mazal Yemini and Nissim Yemini Z’L, Betty Wilkenfeld Z”L and Gershon Wilkenfeld Z”L and Rebecca Cadry Z”L and Jacques Cadry Z”L.

Bianka and Jeremy Shellim on the birth of a daughter and to the grandparents Sion Shellim OB"M and Allison Bard Shellim, Janet Sar-el, George Lang, Beatrice Lang and Ron Kaplan.

Jordan and Laura Wise on the birth of a son and to the grandparents Simon and Michel Wise and Michael and Andrea Gehring and great grandmother Mimi Wise.

Zac Midalia and Natasha Linz on the birth of a daughter and to the grandparents

Neil and Karen Midalia and Gary Linz and Carolyn Opit, and great grandparents Sam and Barbara Linz , Robert Wilkan Z”L and Mary Wilkan, Max Naumberger Z”L and Ingrid Naumburger Z”L and Roy Midalia Z”L and Paula Midalia Z”L.

David and Dalia Schnabl on the birth of a daughter and to the grandparents Peter and Jenny Wohl and Michael and Iris Schnabl, and great grandparents Aubrey Cohen and Faye Smith.

David and Carla Mizrahi on the birth of a son and to the grandparents Ruth Mizrahi and Clem Mizrahi Z”L and Ros and Ian Wainer.

Pearl Adams on the birth of a great grandson.

Daniel and Jess Wolman on the birth of a daughter and to the grandparents Jonathan and Shellee Maister and Moshe and Rosie Wolman and the great grandparents Bert and Eve Akres and Charles and Andrea Gordon and Dennis and Gerda Maister.

Danny and Jordana Staub on the birth of a son and to the grandparents Martin and Leah Dostalek and Joe and Debbie Staub, and great grandparents

Michael and Barbara Cohen.

David and Tamara Cesana on the birth of a son and to the grandparents Yoval Cohen Gal-Or and Janice Woolf and Reno Cesana and Joyce Cesana, and great grandparents Miriam Woolf, Rina Roussos and Sara Cohen.

Yaakov and Avishag Levy on the birth of a son Yisrael Chai in Israel, and to the grandparents Yossi and Jodi Levy and great grandparents David and Carole Singer and Francoise Levy.

Jason and Paloma Levin on the birth of a baby boy and to their grandparents Nadine Levin and David Levin Z”L and Yehuda and Gillian Kemelman and great grandparents Rabbi Dr Yehoshua Kemelman Z”L and Rebbetzen Zahava Kemelman and Maurice Alter Z”L and Helen Alter and Prof. Albert Solomon Z”L and Daphne Solomon.

Simon and Jemma Brender on the birth of a daughter and to the grandparents Steven Brender and Lisa Spira and Shelley and Robin Lewis, and great grandparents Judy Spira and Henry Spira Z”L, Joseph Brender AO and Gerda Brender, Myra and Harry Nestadt and David Z”L and Rachel Z”L Lewis. Marc and Nicole Freeman on the birth of a daughter and to the grandparents Pam Freeman Z”L, David Freeman AM and John Landerer CBE AM and Michelle Landerer.

Avi and Rivka Kimhi on the birth of a son and to the grandparents Tzali and Simone Vizel and Isaac and Dalit Kimhi, and the great grandparents Lionel and Lorraine Bell and Manes and Manya Vizel.

Justin and Samantha Margolin on the birth of a daughter and to the grandparents Paul and Elaine Berman and Issy and Ann Margolin, and great grandparents Dorothy Bagraim and Judith Davidowitz.

Jonathan Lemish and Lisa Naftal-Lemish on the birth of a son and to the grandparents Peter and Lisa Lemish and Leon and Rivka Naftal, and great grandmother Rita Kaufman.

Daniella Phillips and Ian Lieblich on the birth of their son and to their parents Robert and Judy Phillips and Sam and Yvonne Lieblich. Ronny and Samantha Schneider on the birth of their daughter and to the grandparents Raveena and Ben Marks and David and Renee Schneider, and great grandparents Lily Marks and Stan Marks Z’L, Harold Levy Z”L, Fay and Julian Marco, Alice Loeb and Harry Loeb Z”L and Yola Schneider and Alfie Schneider Z”L.

Mendel and Faigy Gutnick on the birth of their son and to the grandparents Rabbi Moshe and Esty Gutnick and Chazan Yehuda and Devora Niasoff. Daniel and Tash Fainsinger on the birth of their daughter and to the grandparents Brian and Vicy Fainsinger and Tony and Nicky Ryba, and great grandparents Peter and Edith Ryba, Suzie Israel and Rhona Fainsinger.

Josh and Andrea Zinn on the birth of their daughter in Toronto and to the grandparents Cecil and Gail Zinn, and great grandmother Sylvia Kameras. David Neustein and Grace Mortlock on the birth of their daughter and to the grandparents Michael and Janet Neustein and Marion and the late Richard Mortlock.

Michelle Mizrahi and Ido Amit on the birth of their daughter (in Israel) and to the grandparents Clem Mizrahi Z’L and Ruth Mizrahi and Clara Amit.

Michael and Jaimie Wagenheim on the birth of their son and to the grandparents Morris and Lynn Wagenheim and Roland Bloch and Jenny Bloch, and great grandmothers, Eva Bloch and Cecily Johnson.

Gavin and Daria Marcus on the birth of a daughter and to the grandparents Sam and Marilyn Podjarski and Hershey Marcus Z”L and Charmaine Marcus and great grandmother Pat Skurnik.

James and Simone Nathan on the birth of a daughter and to the grandparents Robert and Judy Phillips and Peter and Sarah Nathan.

Isaac and Monica Tyler on the birth of a son and to the grandparents Edward and Rosana Tyler and Jorge Gloger and Nancy Gloger.

Aleeza Ben Shalom @ Central

75 in Concert

Nate Buzz @ Central

Nate Buzz @ Central

PURIM CARNIVAL @ Central

Buying your first home? Refinancing? Purchasing an investment property or downsizing and need a bridging loan? We work with more than 30 lenders and can access thousands of loans with competitive interest rates. You can rely on our expert advice to guide you through the process and help you make the right choice every time.

KOSHER CERTIFIED BY CK

UPCOMING DATES (2024):

6/MAY, 3/JUNE, 1/JULY, 19/AUGUST, 16/SEPTEMBER, 4/NOVEMBER, 2/DECEMBER

WHERE: SHAFFA, 80 ALBION ST, SURRY HILLS

BOOKINGS: EMAIL US TO KOSHER@SHAFFA.COM.AU OR SMS 0452 630 480

Follow us to stay up to date with our events: @ Sh_kosher_events

Passover Brisket Recipes

Makes 10 servings

Ingredients

• 2kg brisket

• 8 garlic cloves cut lengthwise into 4 pieces

• Sea salt

• 4 cups beef stock

• 2 sweet onions thinly sliced

• 1 cup tomato sauce

• ¼ cup coconut sugar or brown sugar

• 2 tsp paprika

• Handful of fresh thyme or rosemary

Method

1. Preheat the oven to 250°C.

2. Place the brisket on a work surface. If the fat cap is on the thicker side (1cm) trip off a little of the fat, leaving an even .5cm layer.

3. Using a paring knife, make vertical incisions in the meat and insert a piece of garlic into each. Do this until the meat is stuffed with garlic all over. Season both sides with salt and pepper and place the brisket in a large braiser, Dutch oven or rimmed baking dish (preferably metal) starting with the fat cap facing up and brown it in the oven, for about 10 minutes per side.

4. Remove the pan from the oven and pour in the beef stock (NOTE: if you are using a pyrex dish, wait a few minutes for the pan to acclimate to room temperature so it does not shatter.). Turn the oven down to 180 degrees, cover the dish with a lid or foil, and cook in the oven for 1 hour.

5. In the meantime, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-low heat in a large skillet. Add the onions and sauté, stirring occasionally, until soft and caramelized, about 30 minutes.

6. Remove the meat from the oven, and add the tomato sauce, sugar, paprika, thyme or rosemary, to the pan. Using a fork, whisk everything together with the beef stock. Arrange the caramelized onions on top of the meat. Cover the pan again with the lid or foil and return it to the oven for 2-3 hours. NOTE: if you want to be able to cut the brisket into slices, take it out at 2 hours. If you want it to be falling apart, more along the lines of a pulled brisket, keep it in for the full 3.

7. Remove the meat from the oven and transfer it to a cutting board. Slice the brisket against the grain into slices. Return the meat to the sauce and serve, or store in the fridge overnight–the brisket can be made a day or two in advance.

Lemon-Herb Crusted Salmon Recipes

with Salsa Verde

Makes 4 servings

Ingredients

• 4 salmon fillets, rinsed and dried skin on or off( leave the skin off but keep the fat)

• sprinkle salt and pepper

• 1/2 tbs olive oil

• 1/2 small lemon(zest it first)

• extra olive oil, to drizzle

Herb Crust

• 1/2 cup coriander

• 1/2 cup parsley

• 2 sprigs rosemary

• 2 sprigs thyme

• 1/4 cup matza meal

• 1 tsp lemon zest

Method

Salsa Verde

• 1/4 cup coriander

• 1 tsp oregano

• 1 tsp red pepper flakes

• 4 tsp lemon juice

• 1/4 tsp salt

• 2 tbs olive oil

1. Season salmon fillets on both sides with a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Heat 1 Tablespoon oil in a cast iron skillet. When the pan is smoking hot, add the salmon fat/skin side down and let sear for 3 minutes.

2. Carefully flip the fillets and sear the second side for 2 minutes. The inside will still be raw, it will finish in the oven. Remove the fillets to a plate to cool and pour excess oil from the pan, leaving a tad on the pan.

3. Preheat the oven to 200 C.

4. In a food processor, add coriander, parsley, rosemary, thyme, matza meal, and lemon zest. Blend until fine crumbs form.

5. Press the herb crust onto all sides of the salmon fillets, working carefully to keep the fillets whole. Return to the skillet with the now-covered fat side up. Add a couple of slices of lemon around the salmon, squeeze over the juice of half a lemon, and drizzle the tops of the fillets with olive oil.

6. Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake for 10 minutes.

7. For the Salsa, finely chop the cilantro and fresh oregano. Mince or crush the garlic. Add to a small bowl with the lemon juice and pepper flakes, and drizzle in the olive oil. Mix to combine.

8. Carefully remove the hot skillet from the oven. You can serve the dish directly in the skillet, or move to a serving plate. Either way, flip the salmon onto your desired dish so the fat side is now down.

9. The underside of the salmon will have crisped up in the oven and will be a beautiful golden colour.

10. Arrange the lemon slices around the salmon. Right before serving, spoon salsa verde onto the top of each salmon fillet and use the back of the spoon to spread it over the fillets. Enjoy hot!

Apple Matza Kugel

Recipes

Makes 12 servings

Ingredients

• 4 large apples, Granny Smith or any tart apple, cored and cut into medium dice

• 1/2 cup light brown sugar

• 1/4 cup orange juice

• 6 plain matza

• 8 eggs

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 1 1/2 cups sugar

• 1/2 cup (8 tablespoons) butter or margarine, melted

• 1 cup golden raisins

• 1 cup dried apricots, medium, chopped

• 4 tablespoons butter or margarine, cut into small pieces, for casserole topping

Method

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.

2. Toss the apples with the brown sugar and orange juice, set aside in a medium bowl.

3. Break the matzoh into 2- to 3-inch pieces and soak in 1 cup of warm water until soft but not mushy. Set aside.

4. While the matzoh soaks, beat the eggs with a wire whisk in a large bowl until blended. Add the salt, sugar, cinnamon, melted butter, raisins, and apricots.

5. Squeeze the liquid from the softened matzoh and add the matzoh to the egg mixture with the apples. Stir the kugel well and pour into a lightly greased 2 1/2-quart casserole dish or a 10x14inch pan. Dot the top of the kugel with the 4 tablespoons of butter.

6. Bake the kugel at 180 Celsius for 1 hour. Cover the top with foil if the top begins to become too brown early in the baking. Remove the kugel from the oven and cool to room temperature.

Recipes

Flourless Double Choc Nut Cookies

Serves: About 3 Dozen

Ingredients

• 2 cups nuts (walnuts, pecans, any favourite type)

• 3 cups passover confectioners sugar*

• ½ cup plus 3 tablespoons unsweetened Dutch-process cocoa powder

• ½ teaspoon salt

• 4 large egg whites, at room temperature

• 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract

• ¾ cup chocolate chips

Passover Confectioners Sugar*

In a food processor grind-

• 1/3 cup granulated sugar

• ½ tsp. potato starch

Method

1. Preheat the oven to 180 Celcius.

2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

3. Spread the nuts in a single layer and toast them in the oven for 9 minutes.

4. Allow them to cool and give them a rough chop.

5. Lower the oven temperature to 160 Celcius.

6. In the bowl of an electric stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, mix the sugar, cocoa powder and salt.

7. With the mixer on low speed, add in the nuts and mix until they are coated with the sugar and cocoa powder.

8. Add in the egg whites and vanilla. Mix until combined.

9. Stir in the chocolate chips.

10. Spoon the batter into a parchment-lined baking sheet.

11. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the tops are cracked and the edges are set.

12. Transfer the parchment paper to a cooling rack and allow the cookies to cool. The cookies will release from the paper once they are cool.

13. Store in an airtight container for up to a week or in the freezer for 3 months.

*regular confectioners sugar is not kosher for Passover because it contains corn starch.

Condolences

The Central Synagogue community extends sincere condolences to the families who have lost loved ones

Kitty Schneeweiss

Pauline Golda Fine

Keith Blanket

Eva Levi

Naomi Metter

Lester Cohen

Graham Einfeld

Charlotte Szatmari

Susan Vogel

Clara Zipser

Brian Kristeller

Veronica Felberman

Mark Saunders

Barbara Lowy

Bernard Herbert

Helen Adler

Rae De Villiers

Stanley Price

Julien Karney

Barbara Soskin

Naomi Glazer

Bob Borowsky

Philip Carr

Norman Sulcas

Paul Keen

Sophie Gelski

Joseph Brender AO

Roy Butt

Lewis Levi

Lina Lipton

Maxim Bennun