Pesach Magazine 2015

SPRING 2015 | PASSOVER 5775

‫בס׳׳ד‬

HOLIDAY Magazine Winnipeg’s Jewish Holiday Magazine | Compliments of Chabad-Lubavitch

LEADERSHIP LESSONS FROM

MOSES

FOODS OF

FREEDOM

THE GLOBAL

SEDER TREK

:

IVE >>EXCLUS

ER PASSOV GUIDE

10 SHOCKING

PASSOVER FACTS!

Rabbi & Mrs. Avrohom Altein Senior Rabbi & Executive Director

A PASSOVER MESSAGE FROM THE RABBI

Rabbi & Mrs. Boruch Heidingsfeld Camp Gan Israel, Family & Youth Programs Rabbi & Mrs. Yacov Simmonds Partners with Chabad, Jewish Women’s Circle Rabbi & Mrs. Shmuly Altein Jewish Learning Insitute, Chabad Torah Tots Jewish Learning Centre 1845 Mathers Avenue Winnipeg, MB R3N 0N2 Web: www.ChabadWinnipeg.org Email: office@ChabadWinnipeg.org Phone: 204-339-8737 Fax: 204-272-8178 Printed by Kromar Printing Ltd. 725 Portage Avenue Winnipeg, MB R3G 0M8 Telephone: 204-775-8721 Fax: 204-783-8985 Email: info@kromar.com

SAVE THE DATE MONDAY, MAY 18, 2015

The

Sexual and the Sacred

Thoughts on Mikvah from the Deep

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: Bluma Marcus EDITOR: Rabbi Shmuel Marcus DISTRIBUTION: Rabbi Avraham Green DESIGN: Carasmatic Design SECTION EDITORS: Dovid Zaklikowski Shira Gold Ben Sherman

Lecture will be followed by a delicious buffet of Sushi & Wine.

Make it a Kosher Night Out! Tickets can be purchased online at ChabadWinnipeg.org.

THANK YOU: Rabbi Mendel Laine, Rabbi Yosef B. Friedman, Rabbi Yudi Mann, Rabbi Chaim Fogelman, Mrs. Baila Olidort, Lubavitch.com, Chabad.org and Shira Gold

A

s we observe the holiday of Pesach, our Festival of Freedom, we are very cognizant of the forces of evil and terror that are threatening to envelope the world. The Passover Seder that celebrates freedom from tyranny and oppression resonates this year with us, more than ever. Let’s delve a bit more deeply into the text of the Passover Haggada; we will learn an interesting lesson.

The number four plays a special role in the Seder. Children ask the “Four Questions;” the Haggada describes the “Four Sons”—the wise, the wicked, the simple and the one that does not even ask and we drink the “Four Cups” of wine. Interestingly, in all these cases, the number four is misunderstood—because in reality the four are all one and the same at their core.

Notice that though the Four Questions” raise the question of why we eat Matzah and bitter herbs and why we dip our food and recline, the Haggada does not offer answers. It provides no answer at all as to why we recline or dip the food. Neither is the explanation for Matzah and Marror given as a reply to the child’s question; it is only mentioned in the Haggada long after having told the story of the Exodus.

That is because the four are just various facets of one single question—“Why is this night different?” And to that single question, we do provide an elaborate answer, describing the Exodus and how Jews were given freedom. This night is different from all other nights because freedom is so important; it allows us to be our true selves, a proud nation of Jews.

Notice the Hebrew text when it describes the Four Sons. It states, “One is wise, one is wicked, one is simple and one does not ask.” Why is the word “one” repeated four times? The Lubavitch Rebbe explained that at their core, all Jewish children are one and the same. Every Jew, whether wise or wicked etc., carries in his/her heart a spark of Jewish warmth. It is our job to set that spark aflame and uncover the great potential that lies beneath the surface.

That is the motto of Chabad. We do not think of Jews as being a hodge-podge of varying and opposing streams. On the contrary, Chabad believes in the harmonious, singular identity that unites all Jews, no matter how different they look on the surface. We all are the “one” child. Visit Chabad’s Jewish Learning Centre and you will experience genuine warmth as part of the larger Jewish family.

And then there are the “Four Cups” of wine. They represent the four expressions of freedom promised by G-d to Jews in Egypt. They would be extricated from Egyptian oppression, saved from slavery, set free from brutality and be given the freedom to live as Jews. In truth, all their four Tzores were resolved with one single solution—the redemption from exile led by Moses.

Jews have suffered nearly two millennia of Tzores during our dispersion in the Lands of Exile. There is one single solution to all Jewish suffering and to all misery in this world and that solution is one big cup of wine—the future Redemption

by Mashiach. Let us hope and pray that we will celebrate that complete redemption in the very near future.

Wishing you and yours a wonderful Passover!

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rights reserved, including the right to reproduce any portion of This magazine in any form, without prior written permission from the publisher, exzcept by a reviewer

who wishes to quote brief passages.

Printed in the USA

Spring 2015 / Pesach 5775

Rabbi Avrohom Altein

1.

The taste of the Matzah. I'm always shocked that the family who prides themselves on their culinary skills will serve me a dry Matzah.

Matzah is flat and tasteless. We don’t dress it up with spices.

But there is a reason why matzah isn’t about the flavor. Because matzah is about commitment. That’s why it is the most important Passover item. We can talk all night and have a beautiful Seder, but if we don’t physically eat the matzah, then we're like a husband who writes love poems to his wife... but won’t wash the dishes!

And you can’t just wash one dish as a symbolic gesture. You have to wash all the dishes! We don’t take a nibble of matzah. We eat a full portion.

It’s an act of commitment, and it’s the most important part of Passover.

him. That perfect wet-nurse was his mother, and she actually raised Moses in her own home until he was a young boy.

6.

The Jews kept Shabbat in Egypt. Really? Yes, while still a young man in Pharaoh's palace Moses told Pharaoh that slaves need a break or they will snap. Moses gave a great suggestion: Why not give them one day a week to rest, and how about Saturday? Drum roll please... Pharaoh said: Fine!

2.

7.

8.

3.

9.

G-d doesn't call it Passover! G-d calls the holiday Chag Hamatzot, or Festival of Matzah because that’s what is notable to Him. When He thinks about this holiday, He thinks about how the Jews followed Him out into the desert with inadequate provisions. They just picked up and followed him. They showed pure trust. So if you ask G-d what the holiday is, He says it’s called Chag Hamatzot.

But if you ask Jews what the holiday is called, we say it’s called Pesach, which literally means Passover. Why? Because to us, the story is not about us or what we did. It’s about what G-d did. How He passed over the Jewish homes when slaying the Egyptian firstborn. And we are still thankful for that.

Passover almost did not happen. You see, the parents of Moses had been separated due to Pharaoh's decree of "all newborn male babies shall be thrown into the Nile." Moses' birth was very possibly not going to happen. But the real shocker comes next.

4.

The Talmud records that the person who pursuaded Moses' parents to get back together (allowing the leader of our people a chance to be born) was a little girl. You read that correctly.

Moses' older sister, Miriam, was a child when she told her separated parents that "you are worse than Pharaoh who has decreed against the boys. You have decreed against the boys and the girls." So they got back together and gave birth to Moses.

5.

Moses was raised by his own mother. Some people are surprised to find out that Moses wasn't raised in Pharaoh's house. Did I get you confused? Didn't you read that the daughter of Pharaoh pulled Moses from the water and raised him? Well, that's true, but since Moses would not nurse from an Egyptian and "coincidently" his sister was nearby, she offered to find the perfect woman to nurse

Not all Jews were slaves in Egypt. The Levites were not enslaved, which explains how Moses and Aaron could walk in and out of Pharaoh's office without having any slave duty to run back to.

Nine of the ten plagues were for the Jews. Think about this: If G-d wanted to get the Jews out of Egypt, He could have started with the 10th plague of the death of firstborns. Pharaoh, being a firstborn himself, was ready to cooperate when it came to that one. So why the need for the nine earlier ones? That's the shocker—the Jews were so convinced of the Egyptian power and way of life that G-d had to break Egypt in front of the Jews. It took nine plagues to prove to the Jews that G-d is the true source of their sustenance. Sometimes you need to get out of Egypt, and sometimes you need to get the Egypt out of you! Apparently the latter is nine times harder.

Did you know that most Jews wanted to stay in Egypt? I was shocked to read that four out of five Jews chose the hardship of slavery over the unknown road to freedom.

10.

The Passover Seder commemorates an event that happened to our great-grandparents more than 3300 years ago. Can you name a single family anywhere that eats a specific food today because of an event that their grandparents participated in 3300 years ago? And it's got to be the same food. Sometimes I'm shocked at the amazing survival of our people.

Like we read in the Haggadah: "In every generation they rise up against us, but G-d saves us from their hands." So, this year while reading about the miracles in Egypt and at the Sea of Reeds, look around and think about how you reading about those miracles is in itself a miracle. Happy Passover. l >>Shira Gold is a staff writer at Chabad Magazine. She lives in Southern California with her husband and five children.

10 shocking facts about

passover

By Shira Gold

Spring 2015 / Pesach 5775

THE

Global

SEDER In Search of the Fifth Son

TREK

By Lisa Alcalay Klug

The Haggadah speaks of the proverbial Four Sons. Chabad is out there searching for yet a fifth—the Jewish son or daughter who may have had no plans to join a seder.

Back in 1998, Israeli-born Shachar Zefania felt drawn to return to trekking the Himalayas, where he backpacked after his mandatory army service seven years earlier.

A secular Israeli who had then finished a film degree at Tel Aviv University, Zefania wanted to document the experience on film. He began the journey in Kfar Chabad in Israel. Then he flew to Asia and trekked to Gokyo Peak. The trip climaxed at the legendary Chabad seder in Katmandu, Nepal in the valley below.

There, he forged a lasting connection with Rabbi Asi Spiegel. Spiegel led the Katmandu seder for seven years. Armed with a professional film crew, Zefania recorded Chabad’s Passover preparations in Israel and Nepal, combining the story with his trekking experiences. He ultimately produced a 56-minute documentary called “Seder Trek.” It has since aired on Israeli Channel 2 and at film festivals around the world.

“Nepal was the best experience of my life and the best friend of my life is Asi Spiegel,” says Zefania, now living in Los Angeles with his wife and children. “It’s a great thing for enabling

Spring 2015 / Pesach 5775

every Jew whereever he or she is to make a seder.”

From Honolulu to Hanoi, Luzern to Lima, Pukhet to Phnom Phen and countless points in between, “frequent flyers,” travelers and locals of every Jewish variety will visit Chabad on the 14th of Nissan. They’ll arrive en masse on the night of April 3rd to re-enact the annual ritual meal central to Jewish identity. The night wouldn’t be the night without reciting the Exodus from Egypt and washing down ritual foods—karpas, charoset, matzah and maror— with the requisite four cups of wine. Making it all happen are some 4,000 Chabad emissaries, their wives and a cast of about 1000 volunteer yeshiva students arranging and conducting no less than 5,940 communal seders round the world.

Matching these rabbinical students with the right location is one of the trickiest parts of managing the operation. The key is make sure they fit the language requirements—Hebrew as well as the local tongue. One office at Lubavitch Headquarters is dedicated to just that.

The program, says Rabbi Moshe Kotlarsky, Vice Chairman of the Lubavitch educational division, who travels the world to develop new Chabad outposts, is "a trademark of Lubavitch outreach at its best.” It is a reflection of the Rebbe’s wish, “to ensure that every Jew—even that fifth child who does not know to come to

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a Passover seder, is brought to the table. And if that means that we have to bring the seder to them, well, that’s what we do,” Kotlarsky says, pointing to St. Thomas; Windhoek, Namibia; Varna, Bulgaria, and hundreds of other spots around the globe.

Local and international donors help out with some of the costs to keep seders affordable and/or free. In addition to local residents who frequent Chabad, business travelers and visitors, the seders also attract countless college students who gather at dozens of U.S. college campuses. Thousands more guests around the world, many of them Israeli backpackers, will crowd into the largest Chabad seders on record

of them, at the traditional Chabad House in Bangkok, for instance, are for 150 “regulars.”

Kantor also expects another 800 to 1,000 participants at a second Bangkok location aimed at backpackers in the tourist district. And, with past experience as an indicator, additional travelers, young and old, will likely land in Pattaya, Pukhet, Chiang Mai and Ko Samui in Thailand, as well as Luang Prabang in the nearby country of Laos. In total, they are expecting 3,700 across the seven locations.

Thanks to these energetic guests, backpacker seders are unparalleled in their style. “They are extremely lively. And it's quite a feat to conduct the seder and hold the attention of eve-

From Honolulu to Hanoi, Luzern to Lima, Pukhet to Phnom Phen and countless points in between, “frequent flyers,” travelers and locals of every Jewish variety will visit Chabad on the 14th of Nissan. in South America and Asia. Some 1,400 are expected in Cusco, Peru, for example, and 800 have made reservations in Bariloche, Argentina.

Rabbi Yosef Kantor, the Chief Rabbi of Thailand, has been organizing seven seders this year near his adopted home of 14 years. Some

rybody until we get to the juicy parts like the matzah,” Kantor says. “Once the meal starts coming out, from there on it's a lot of singing and dancing. And usually it culminates with ‘Echad Mi Yodea [the classic Passover song, “Who Knows One?”]. And by the time we fin-

ish that, the ones who lead the seder, and the participants, are up on the chairs.”

Chabad also conducts seders in approximately 90 locations that do not yet have a fulltime emissaries or shluchim. For the first time this year, for instance, Chabad will host a seder for 30 to 40 guests in Phnom Phen, Cambodia.

As Kantor explains, “We found a group of Jews interested in having a seder. Most of them are not very observant but most of them want to connect. They want to come to the seder.”

Even with the huge crowds drawn to Thailand and other destinations, the largest backpacker seder is in Nepal. Estimates vary but this year they are preparing for 2,100 guests.

Many of them are Israelis who explore the Himalayas after they complete mandatory service in the Israel Defense Forces.

As Israeli filmmaker Zefania explains, his documentary, “Seder Trek,” is not only about the powerful experience of attending Chabad’s largest seder in the world. It is, he says, “really about ahavat yisrael”—love for one’s fellow Jew, a message shared by the holiday. “...as long as you love your fellow Jew, that's what it's all about. Isn't it?” l >>Award-winning freelance journalist Lisa Alcalay Klug is a contributor to the New York Times, Forward and Lubavitch.com.

Spring 2015 / Pesach 5775

{passover}

GUIDE

Chametz

Make it Legal

All leavened foods that contain wheat, barley, oats, rye or spelt` – are forbidden by Torah law on Passover. You’ll be surprised at where you can find Chametz. So, look out for possible leavened products and isolate them in a designated “Chametz Closet.” Rabbinic law allows one to sell the Chametz (see next step).

Then clear the house of any possible remaining Chametz: empty clothes’ pockets, vacuum cleaner bags, even the pet food goes into the closet. Since you’ll use a separate set of dishes for Passover, the Chametz dishes get locked up too. Now stock up on Kosher-for-Passover items; for good leads on Passover foods check out www.ok.org.

After cleaning the house, and selling and burning the Chametz, the head of the household says the appropriate prayers (see Haggadah), verbally disowning any Chametz that might have been overlooked.

How To Sell Your Chametz It is also forbidden to “own” Chametz during Passover, hence, the annual sale of Chametz (see enclosed form). Sound complicated? It is, so ask your Rabbi to make the arrangements.

Or log on to www.chabad.org to sell your Chametz online.

APRIL

02

Search for the Chametz

At nightfall begin the “formal search” of the house for Chametz. Traditionally, we use a candle to light the way, a spoon (as a shovel), feather (as a broom) and a paper bag to collect any Chametz found. After the search, place everything you found in a conspicuous place to be burned the following morning.

APRIL

03

Fast of the Firstborn

When G-d slew the firstborn of Egypt, he spared the firstborn sons of Israel. Out of gratitude all firstborn sons fast on this day.

Burning the Chametz In the morning burn all the Chametz found during the previous night’s formal search.

Spring 2015 / Pesach 5775

• • • • • • • • •

Prepare to Celebrate CHECKLIST Matzah Wine Bitter Herbs Charoset Hard Boiled Egg Roasted Chicken Bone Salt water Festive Meal Menu

Ready to Seder At sundown candles are lit. At nightfall the Seder begins. Be sure to eat Matzah and drink the four cups of wine.

04

APRIL

6-9

Seder Round 2

Jews living outside of Israel hold a second Seder. Since the festival is already in full swing, the candles are lit after nightfall from a pre-existing flame. On the second night of Passover we begin to count the Omer, which lasts for 49 days. What’s the Omer? In the Holy Temple the Omer was an offering of barley taken from the first grain of the new crop.

We count seven weeks, from the bringing of the first Omer offering (Passover) until the day

Chol Hamoed: 4 "Intermediate Days"

In between the first two and last two days of Passover, are the 4 days of Chol Hamoed. Considered Passover without the prohibition of work.

Haggadah

Talmudic Tip: To build an appetite for the Seder abstain from eating any Seder plate foods today, especially Matzah. So if you’re a lover of bitter herbs and raw onions, stay out of the kitchen.

APRIL

we received the Torah (the Festival of Shavuot).

The 49 days between Passover and Shavuot represent the 49 steps of mystical self-purification and preparation our people went through between leaving Egypt (Passover) and receiving the Torah (Shavuot).

APRIL

09

The Seventh Day

At sundown, light candles. It was a seven-day journey from Egypt to the Sea of Reeds. On the 7th day of Passover we celebrate the Miracle of the Splitting of the Sea and our total liberation from Egypt. In commemoration, we stay up all night studying Torah.

APRIL

10

The Last Day

After nightfall, light candles from a pre-existing flame. This day, the final day of Passover, emphasizes an even higher level of freedom. It is dedicated to our imminent and Final Redemption.

APRIL

11

Final Hours

The final hours of Passover are about freedom and redemption. And with each passing day these energies increase and intensify. So, it is befitting that on the last day we observe Yizkor memorial prayers during services. Chasidic Jews also have the custom of the Ba’al Shem Tov, to conclude Passover with a “Feast of Moshiach” – a festive meal complete with Matzah and, yes, four cups of wine. It begins before sunset as the spiritual light of the future redemption shines brightest. Nightfall marks the official conclusion of Passover. Wait an hour to give the Rabbi enough time to buy back your Chametz and then, eat Chametz to your heart’s content. l

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15 STEPS

A Chassidic Perspective on The Seder STEP

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.

STEP

2

U RC H A T Z (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.

Spring 2015 / Pesach 5775

Passov e OF A

r

Seder STEP

3

K A R PA S (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 ‫כרפס‬ allude to the word Perech ‫פרך‬, 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?

STEP

4

YA C H A T Z (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.

STEP

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.

STEP

6

RACHTZA (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.

STEP

7

M OT Z I (Blessing over bread)

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

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.

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.

STEP

8

MATZAH (Blessing over the 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.

STEP

9

M A RO R

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.

STEP

10

KO R E C H (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.

STEP

13

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.

STEP

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

BEIRACH (Grace after Meals)

Recite the blessing over the third cup of wine, then 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.

STEP

STEP

(Bitter Herbs)

Take at least 3/4 ounce of bitter herbs and dip it in the charoset, shake off 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.

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.

STEP

15

N I RT Z A H (Accepted)

The Seder concludes with the wish, L’shana Ha- ba-ah Bi-Yerushalayim. 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. l

Spring 2015 / Pesach 5775

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 meal.

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

MAROR

ZROAH

Maror or bitter herbs to remind us of the slavery.

Most use fresh grated horseradish on romaine lettuce.

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.

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 reuse it the following Seder night.

How to Plate Your

SEDER PLATE

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.

Spring 2015 / Pesach 5775

CHAROSET

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.

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.

‫ב”ה‬

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THE ORIGINS AND EVOLUTION OF JEWISH TRADITION

JUDAISM DECODED

unravels the mysteries surrounding biblical interpretation. How do we know our interpretation is true? If it is true, why is it subject to differences of opinion? And with so many interpretations to choose from, how do we know which one reflects its original intent?

Discover the sheer elegance of the “source code” upon which Talmudic law is built; enjoy the razor-sharp reasoning, intelligent debate, and compelling arguments that we encounter in this fascinating course; and get a behind-the-scenes glimpse at the clockwork of the most intellectually sophisticated religion in existence.

WHEN Six Sundays* 10:30 am - 12:00 pm Beginning May 3, 2015

LOCATION Jewish Learning Centre 1845 Mathers Avenue Winnipeg, MB R3N 0N2

FEE $89

MORE INFO/ REGISTER 204-339-8737 www.ChabadWinnipeg.org *Free supervised child care

Leadership Lessons

By Yanki Tauber

DEFENDER OF ISRAEL

The first of Moses' actions to be explicitly recounted by the Torah delineate two central tasks of the leader: to defend his people from external threat, and to safeguard their internal integrity.

On the day that Moses attains adulthood, he "goes out to his brothers" and "sees their affliction" - his years in Pharaoh's palace have not inured him against affinity with this tribe of Hebrew slaves and sensitivity to their plight. He sees an Egyptian beating a Hebrew to death. He is compelled to act, sacrificing, with this single action, his privileged life as a member of the ruling class and binding his fate to that of his brethren.

The very next day Moses acts again, this time to intervene in a quarrel between two Jews. Seeing two of his brethren in conflict, he suddenly comprehends that the source of their enslavement is not the power of Egypt, but their own internal disunity, and that the key to their redemption lies in fostering a sense of mutual interdependency and responsibility among the members of the fledgling nation of Israel.

From these two demonstrations of leadership one would expect Moses to proceed directly to his ordained role as leader of Israel. But first he had to become a shepherd.

THE FAITHFUL SHEPHERD

For the role of a leader in Israel is not only to defend, redeem, preach and govern,

Spring 2015 / Pesach 5775

but, also and primarily, to nurture. Moses is the savior of Israel and their teacher and legislator, but also their raaya meheimna their "faithful shepherd" and "shepherd of faith" - meaning that he is the provider of their needs, both materially and spiritually, feeding their bodies with manna and feeding their souls with faith.

So Moses is driven from Egypt to faraway Midian to become a shepherd of Jethro's sheep. The Midrash relates how another shepherd, David, learned the art of leadership by caring for his father's flocks: he would have the small kids graze first on the tender tips of grass before allowing the older sheep and goats to feed on the middle portion of the stalks, and only afterwards releasing the strong, young rams to devour the tough roots. A leader cannot simply point the way and a teacher cannot simply teach; he must "shepherd" his flock, supplying to each guidance and knowledge in a manner that can be absorbed and digested by its recipient.

The Midrash also tells how, one day, a kid ran away from the flock under Moses' care. Moses chased after it, until it came to a spring and began to drink. When Moses reached the kid he cried: "Oh, I did not know that you were thirsty!" He cradled the runaway kid in his arms and carried it to the flock. Said the Almighty: "You are merciful in tending sheep - you will tend My flock, the people of Israel."

The Lubavitcher Rebbe points out that in addition to demonstrating Moses' compassion, the incident holds another important lesson: Moses realized that the kid did not run away from the flock out of malice or wickedness - it was merely thirsty. By

the same token, when a Jew alienates himself from his people, G-d forbid, it is only because he is thirsty. His soul thirsts for meaning in life, but the waters of Torah have eluded him. So he wanders about in foreign domains, seeking to quench his thirst.

When Moses understood this, he was able to become a leader of Israel. Only a shepherd who hastens not to judge the runaway kid, who is sensitive to the causes of its desertion, can mercifully lift it into his arms and bring it back home.

THE ULTIMATE SACRIFICE

After many years of leadership in the making, the stage is set. He was a Hebrew baby cast into the Nile, an infant at Jocheved's breast, a young Egyptian prince, a fearless defender of his people, an equally fearless campaigner for Jewish unity, a shepherd in the wilderness. Then G-d revealed Himself to him in a burning bush to say: I have seen the affliction of My people, I have heard their cries, I know their sorrows. I'm sending you to redeem them. Go, take them out of Egypt, and bring them to Mount Sinai for their election as My chosen people.

Most amazingly, Moses refuses to go.

He doesn't just refuse - for seven days and seven nights he argues with G-d, presenting every conceivable excuse to decline his commission, until "G-d's anger burned against Moses."

First came the excuse of humility: "Who am I, that I should go to Pharaoh, and that I should bring the children of Israel out of Egypt?"

from

MOSES Based on the teachings of the Lubavitcher Rebbe

G-d ends all debate along those lines with the words: "I will be with you." Can even "the humblest man on the face of the earth" plead unworthiness after that?

But I don't know Your essence, says Moses.

How can I present myself as a messenger when I can't explain the nature of the One who sent me?

So G-d tells him who He is.

They won't believe me when I say that G-d sent me.

G-d rebukes Moses for slandering His people. Yes, they will believe you. Whatever else you say about them (and there's lots to say), they are believers. But if you're not convinced of their faith, here's a few magic tricks you can perform.

Moses' excuses are running out. He tries: But I have a speech impairment. A leader needs to give speeches, you know.

G-d's answer is so obvious it hardly needs repeating.

So Moses finally just cries: O please, my G-d, don't send me. "Send by the hand of him whom You shall send."

Why, indeed, is Moses acting so strangely?

His brothers and sisters are languishing under the taskmaster's whip; Pharaoh is bathing in the blood of Jewish children. The moment for which the Children of Israel have hoped and prayed for four generations has finally come: G-d has appeared in a burning bush to say, "I

am sending you to redeem My people." Why sinned by worshipping the Golden Calf, Modoes Moses refuse? Out of humility? Because ses said to G-d: "Now, if You will forgive their sin—; and if You will not, blot me out of the he's not a good speaker?

Our sages interpret the words, "Send by Book which You have written.")

Nor did Moses ever accept the decree of the hand of him whom You shall send," to mean: send by the hand of him whom You galut. After assuming, by force of the divine shall send in the end of days, Moshiach (the command, the mission to take Israel out of Egypt, he embarked on a lifelong struggle to Messiah), the final redeemer of Israel.

The Chassidic masters explain that Moses make this the final and ultimate redemption. knew that he would not merit to bring Israel To the very last day of his life, Moses pleaded into the Holy Land and thereby achieve the with G-d to allow him to lead his people into ultimate redemption of his people. He knew the Holy Land; to his very last day he braved that Israel would again be exiled, would again G-d's anger in his endeavor to eliminate all suffer the physical and spiritual afflictions of further galut from Jewish history. In Moses' galut (if Moses himself would have brought own words: "I beseeched G-d... Please, let me the Children of Israel into the Holy Land cross over and see the good land across the Jorand built the Holy Temple, they would never dan, the good mountain [Jerusalem] and the have been exiled again and the Temple would Levanon [the Holy Temple]. And G-d grew never have been destroyed, since "all Moses' angry with me for your sakes... and He said deeds are eternal"). So Moses refused to go. to Me: Enough! Speak no more to Me of this If the time for Israel's redemption has come, matter..." (Deuteronomy 4:23-26).

Says the Lubavitcher Rebbe: G-d said he pleaded with G-d, send the one through whom You will effect the complete and eternal "Enough!" but Moses was not silenced. For redemption. For seven days and nights Moses Moses' challenge of the divine plan did not contested G-d's script for history, prepared to end with his passing from physical life. The incur G-d's wrath upon himself for the sake Zohar tells us that every Jewish soul has at its core a spark of Moses' soul. So every Jew who of Israel.

(This extreme form of self-sacrifice, in storms the gates of heaven clamoring for rewhich a man like Moses jeopardizes his very demption continues Moses' struggle against relationship with G-d for the sake of his peo- the decree of galut. l ple, was to characterize Moses' leadership throughout his life. When the people of Israel

Spring 2015 / Pesach 5775

O

n Pesach we are commanded not to eat any leavened bread or even to own any leaven (Shemos 12:15). Some people don’t eat any processed food during Pesach for fear that a small amount of leaven might have inadvertently entered the food production process.

But what is leaven exactly? The leaven of Pesach is yesteryear’s yeast, or as Henry David Thoreau described it in Walden, “[T]he soul of bread, the spiritus which fills its cellular tissue.”

More accurately, leaven is yeast and bacteria in the form of a wet, bubbly mixture of flour and water used to make traditional leavened bread, or what we today refer to as sourdough.

Coincidentally, the ancient Hebrew word for leaven is “se’or,” which sounds very similar to the word “sour.”

However, it is interesting that the yeast which ferments dough into leavened bread is basically the same yeast that turns grape juice into wine. Yet leavened bread is forbidden during Pesach, while fermented grape juice (i.e. wine) is an essential element of the Pesach Seder. (Indeed, the consequence of eating leavened bread during Pesach is spiritual excision, while drinking fermented grape juice at the Seder is a mitzvah from the Rabbis.)

As an avid fermentation hobbyist, having a deeper understanding of bread and wine helps me understand this difference. Leaven is constantly bubbling as the yeast within it metabolizes the simple sugars in the mixture into carbon dioxide. Bread dough holds in these bubbles, and this is what causes bread to rise. On Pesach, we approach this air-filled bread as a metaphor for our own egos, while the flat matzah represents humility. There is a well-known phrase from the opening of Koheles: “Vanity of vanities, all is vanity.” (1:2) In Hebrew, the word for vanity (hevel) also means breath or breeze, emphasizing the connection between vanity and airiness. On Passover, we try to rid ourselves completely of any self-serving ego.

On the other hand, the winemaking process is a process of refinement. Yeast produces

Foods Spring 2015 / Pesach 5775

carbon dioxide bubbles during the wine fermentation process as well, but those bubbles escape. What remains is a cultured drink, much more complex and refined than the original grape juice. For this reason, our sages teach that the four glasses of wine we drink at the Pesach Seder are in memory of the four phrases of redemption that G-d used when taking us out of Egypt. Out of these four phrases, wine is especially connected to the fourth when G-d said, “I will take you to Me as a People.”

The fulfillment of this level of redemption only came about at the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai, an event for which we had to prepare and refine ourselves.

Paradoxically, the same yeast affects both the bread and the wine, but engenders a totally different change. And perhaps this is the message. Our sages teach that we have a powerful energy within us, which naturally pushes us in the direction it wishes to go. If we feed into it, we end up with a bloated ego. If, on the other hand, we use this energy for our own selfrefinement, we develop fine character traits and we merit that the Torah should be given to each one of us personally.

This message is fitting when we look deeper into the role of leavened bread and the chagim.

If bread is bad and represents an inflated ego, why does the Torah require two loaves of leavened bread to be offered in the Temple in Jerusalem on Shavuos – only 50 days after Pesach? Because Shavuos commemorates the giving of the Torah, which corresponds to the fourth phrase of redemption, “I will take you to Me as a People.” On Shavuos, the bread is synonymous with self-refinement to the point that even the ego itself has been refined and is now used for holiness.

This Pesach, may we experience our own personal redemption from any and all parts of ourselves which hold us back from achieving our full potential. May our personal redemption lead to the full and final collective redemption of our people with the coming of Moshiach very soon. l

The same yeast affects both the bread and the wine, but engenders a totally different change.

of Freedom

By Uri Laio

Exclusive Kosher for Passover Recipe from Celebrity Chef

korean style beef bulgogi ingredients 1 cup lime juice 1 cup brown sugar 1 small ripe pear ¼ cup peeled garlic ¼ cup honey 5-10 fresh jalapenos (preferably red) ¼ cup kosher salt 1 bunch fresh cilantro ¼ cup chopped ginger 1 cup water

Chef's

Must-H ave Ute nsil fo Passove r Cookin r A Hand g: Ble nder, per fect for making soups, d ressings.

Chef use s a Kitch en Aid hand ble nder.

directions 1. Blend into puree 2. Slowly drizzle 2 cups of cottonseed oil into blend to thicken consistency. If it gets too thick add a little water.

3. Take 3 pounds Beef (Shoulder) sliced very thin. Tip: You can put meat in freezer for 1 hour and use a sharp knife to create the perfect thin slice.

4. Place thin meat slices into marinade for at least 3 hours.

5. Grill over charcoal or gas fire, but never in a pan.

Garnish with fresh onions, cilantro and a squeeze of lime.

B

orn and raised in the heart of Mexico, the son of a Japanese father and a Mexican mother, Chef Katsuji Tanabe’s formative years were spent at the apron of the family’s many in-

home chefs, creating his first meal at the age of six – Paella. Following a family move to the US, Tanabe studied at the esteemed Le Cordon Bleu, leading to experience in several of LA’s more prestigious restaurants, including the celebrated, four-star Bastide Restaurant and Beverly Hill’s Mas-

Chef

is on the current season of Top Chef on Brav o.

Chef's

s alad San Tip for S : ce u tt e L Romaine chio la, Radic

gu Kale, Aru

tro’s Steakhouse. Tanabe was recruited to lead the kitchen of LA’s Kosher Steak House, Shilo’s, in the heart of the Los Angeles Kosher Corridor. Rather than becoming restricted by the laws ruling all kosher establishments, Tanabe discovered that creativity and cooking skills could transform a cuisine that he viewed as lost in time.

Upon opening his own restaurant, Tanabe was determined to cook the food that he knew best, the beloved food of his youth - authentic Mexican cuisine. And it would be Kosher- the first authentic Kosher Mexican restaurant in Los Angeles, arguably the first in the United

States. Recently celebrating his restaurant’s first anniversary, Tanabe leads kosher dining groups throughout the Los Angeles area through a myriad of world cuisines with his Beverly Dinner Group, while his tiny kosher Taquería continues to be celebrated as among the best in Los Angeles, kosher or not.

Chef Tanabe is among the cadre of new “celebrity chefs” with recent appearances on The Food Network’s “Chopped,” as well as profiles by The New York Times, The Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Magazine, as well as national and international attention and acclaim from respected food media. Tanabe regularly appears on both English and Spanish language television, with upcoming appearances targeted to a large national audience. Tanabe serves as a personal mentor and celebrity representative of Jewish Big Brothers & Big Sisters, Los Angeles as well as enjoying invitations to appear at major food events and festivals throughout the United States.

Spring 2015 / Pesach 5775

pineaepple

passover

recipes

Pineapple Chutney

Pineapple Crisp

Chutney is a popular Indian inspired condiment that combines sweet, spicy and tangy flavors into one unique bite. It is a versatile condiment that can be used as jam on chicken or fish or a dipping sauce for steak. You can also switch things up and use any fruit or a combination of fruit you have on hand in place of the pineapple.

The topping is crunchy and satisfying, similar in taste to a mix of oatmeal cookies and granola. You can use any combination of fruit, such as apples, strawberries, rhubarb, mango, peaches, blueberries or pears.

Note: the coconut adds a wonderful texture and flavor to the crisp, but for those who do not use coconut on Pesach, this recipe works well without it.

Serves: 6

1 medium to large jalapeno 1 tablespoon canola oil 1 medium shallot or 4 tablespoons shallots, finely diced 4 cups pineapple or 1 large pineapple, peeled and chopped into ½ inch cubes ½ teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon ginger powder or 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger (optional) 1 cup semi-sweet white wine ¼-½ cup sugar 1 Roast jalapeno over an open flame or under a broiler until peel is black. Allow jalapeno to cool and remove the peel.

2 Finely chop jalapeno. For a spicy version include the seeds of the jalapeno; remove the seeds if you prefer it less spicy.

3 In a medium saucepan, on medium heat, heat oil.

4 Add shallots and sauté until translucent.

5 Add jalapeno and sauté for one minute.

6 Add pineapples, salt and ginger (optional), and sauté for two minutes to combine the flavors.

7 Add the white wine and sugar and bring to a boil.

8 Lower heat to lowest level, cover pot and simmer for forty minutes or until pineapples are able to fall apart with the back of a fork.

Why roast jalapenos?

Roasting the jalapeno intensifies its flavor and is also a great option for those who peel their produce

Spring 2015 / Pesach 5775

Serves 6

1 pineapple 4 tablespoons sugar ¼ cup coconut water 1 cup Klein’s Naturals finely chopped or ground almonds 1 cup Klein’s Naturals finely chopped or ground pecans or walnuts 1 cup Klein’s Naturals shredded coconut 2 egg whites ½ cup sugar 1 Peel pineapple and cut into 1-inch chunks.

2 Sprinkle sugar and coconut water on pineapple and refrigerate until

ready to use.

3 Mix nuts, coconut, sugar and egg whites.

4 Place pineapples with some liquid into individual ramekins or one 9” baking dish. Top with coconut, nut mixture.

5 Bake for fifteen to twenty minutes or until topping is golden brown and crunchy.

6 Serve with vanilla ice cream.

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CHABAD

TorahTots

By Joanne Seiff

C

habad Torah Tots is not just a daycare option for your 2-5 year old. Well, it is, but it’s far more than that. With a real focus on curriculum that boosts both a child’s development and their Jewish knowledge, it offers something far beyond babysitting. This is a small preschool that enables children to develop, grow, and celebrate their Judaism through every day learning and holiday celebrations. The rich international environment and strong supports for family help us succeed in our efforts to raise healthy, happy and loving Jewish kids.

When my twins come home, they are singing, dancing, and covered in the leftovers of fantastic art projects. That’s because Chabad Torah Tots offers music & movement classes, drama and lots of arts and crafts to boost their experiential learning. The classrooms and facilities are purpose-built for small kids, and the toys, learning stations and kid-sized furniture all serve to enable good learning. They are knee-deep in positive interactions which help them learn and grow.

On Fridays, my boys rush to school.

They cannot wait to make their own challah and participate in the weekly Shabbat party…and they follow it up with funny songs about “I’ve got that Shabbes feeling down in my toes” and “Challah in the oven, gonna watch it RISE!” Every year, each kid gets to be a Shabbat Ema or Aba, lighting candles or doing Kiddush in front of their classmates. In our house, our twins demand that we all dress up on a day when one kid is the Shabbes Aba; we are all celebrating together. Both three year olds grin with pride

when their mommy is a special guest for the occasion.

Every week, the kids get their own puppet show, complete with a curriculum that teaches life lessons. One week, they learn about how to find help with safe adults and the next, they might talk about how to treat each other with care and respect. The puppets offer an age-appropriate way to teach important skills and Jewish values.

In many ways, Chabad Torah Tots meets the needs of the Jewish community in Winnipeg. The preschoolers are a diverse and interesting population, including both local Winnipeg Jewish families and newcomers from all over the world. Everyone comes from a different perspective and families are warm and open to sharing their traditions with new friends.

“

Chabad Torah Tots is full of the kind of love, care, learning, and support that makes for successful kids

That open and positive energy comes directly from the preschool director, Mrs. Adina Altein, and her amazing staff. The teachers work as a team and they bring all of their talents to the classroom. Singing, dancing, hugs and comforting are all part of making preschoolers happy, and every staff member excels in that effort. A particular strength at Chabad Torah Tots is its multilingual environment. Several of the staff

members speak other languages and it is common to hear a teacher switch quickly from Hebrew or Russian to English or Yiddish in rapid succession. Every kid starts school at a different place, and newcomers to Winnipeg know their kid will be understood and loved, no matter what his home language.

In every way, this preschool works to support families, their needs and their concerns. For instance, the school offers a healthy hot kosher lunch and snack option which absolutely transformed my evenings. I stopped spending lots of time packing endless containers of toddler-friendly snacks and let the school take over. What a relief! Also, every family has its own concerns about kids’ development, health and well-being. The staff at Chabad Torah Tots is open to both formal and informal dialogue as it concerns your children. They support our kids’ learning while guiding us gently towards more maturity and growth.

Chabad Torah Tots is full of the kind of love, care, learning, and support that makes for successful kids. All the learning and experiential play are fabulous, but I can’t leave out the most important part. At Chabad Torah Tots, your kid will be well cared-for, safe and loved. Who could ask for anything more?

Joanne Seiff is the author of two books and the mom of twin preschoolers. She’s been able to return to her work life as a freelance writer and educator because her kids are safe and happy at Chabad Torah Tots.

Please visit ChabadTorahTots.com to learn more.

Spring 2015 / Pesach 5775

A Love Letter to my

Wicked Son

By Rabbi Shais Taub

T

he Haggadah is a love story. Not just any love story, but the story of G-d finding His people. It’s our love story. And if you read the Haggadah like that, it takes on new meaning.

What’s a good romance without food?

Especially a Jewish one. At some point, we have to go out for a bite. So, as we tell our love story, we mention this detail, and there are various reactions.

The wicked son says, “What is this service to you?”

What is the “service” that he doesn’t feel like he’s part of? The eating of the paschal lamb, the matzos, the bitter herbs, the four cups. He’s mocking this part of the story – the part where we go out for a meal. It seems so mundane to him that we would mention this detail.

In relationships it's like the husband who enjoys the poetry and the big picture but can't be bothered with the mundane details.

Spring 2015 / Pesach 5775

So, we “blunt his teeth.” We tell him, “What were teeth made for other than to go out for a bite with our Beloved?”

Relationships thrive on bite-size acts.

Small gestures and basic tasks.

And then, of course, we explain: “The only reason you mock this is because you think it’s not your love story, too! You think

Relationships thrive on bite-size acts. Small gestures and basic tasks. it only happened to us and not to you. So you’re bored hearing which restaurant we went to on our date. In Egypt, those who didn’t identify with the love story stayed behind. But in the coming redemption through Moshiach, everyone will eventually get it.”

Consider the numerical value of the

Hebrew word for teeth “shinav" is 366. The Hebrew word for wicked is “Rasha” is 570.

When you subtract the “Teeth” from the "Wicked" that is 366 subtracted from 570, you get 204, which is the numerical value of the hebrew word "tzadik" righteous.

In the future redemption our true innocence and righteousness will be apparent. We will all know that this story is about us – not just the miracles and the wonders of the story, but even the little details, like the foods that we eat.

Indeed, as we read shortly after finishing this section about the Four Sons, the time for telling our story is when the matzah and maror foods are sitting in front us.

So this year, read the Haggadah as your story. A personal love letter from the Creator of heaven and earth who personally comes to get you out of Pharaoh's grip. You may find a lot of love in the small details. l

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‫‪Rose‬‬ ‫‪SamNepon‬‬ ‫‪Gunn‬‬

‫‪Jerry‬‬ ‫‪Nepon‬‬ ‫‪Pearl Sholom‬‬ ‫‪Gunn‬‬

‫שרגא‬ ‫אברהם‬ ‫בתדוד בן‬ ‫שמחה‬ ‫חיים‬ ‫שמואל‬ ‫רחל‬ ‫נפטר ה' שבט‪ ,‬תשל"ח‬

‫בן שמעון‬ ‫יצחק בת‬ ‫פערל סימא‬ ‫יעקב‬ ‫נפטרה כ"ב תמוז‪ ,‬תשנ"א‬ ‫כסלו‬ ‫נפטר ב‪-‬י‘‬ ‫תשנ”ח‬ ‫*‬

‫נפטרה ב‪-‬י”ב אדר ’א‬ ‫תשנ”ח‬ ‫*‬

‫‪Rose Nepon‬‬ ‫רחל בת שמואל חיים‬ ‫‪Sam Gunn‬‬ ‫נפטרה י"ב אדר א'‪ ,‬תשנ"ח‬

‫שמחה דוד‬ ‫בן אברהם* שרגא‬ ‫שבט‬ ‫נפטר‬ ‫ב‪-‬ה‘‪Butch‬‬ ‫‪Nepon‬‬ ‫תשל”ח‬ ‫ישראל בן יצחק‬ ‫מרדכי דוב‬ ‫נפטר י"ג תמוז‪ ,‬תשנ"ח‬

‫‪Joe*Lavitt‬‬ ‫‪David & Shaino Stitz‬‬

‫צבי‬ ‫יוסף יהודה בן‬ ‫דוד יעקב בן ברוך מרדכי‬ ‫ניסן‪ ,‬תשנ"ב‬ ‫נפטר כ"ה‬ ‫שבט‬ ‫ב‪-‬כ”ח‬ ‫נפטר‬ ‫שיינדעל בת בצלאל צבי‬ ‫תש”ע‬ ‫ניסן‪ ,‬תשע"ב‬ ‫נפטרה כ"ב‬ ‫*‬

‫‪Harry‬‬ ‫‪Lavitt‬‬ ‫‪Phil‬‬ ‫‪Kravetzky‬‬ ‫צבי בן שלום פריידל הלוי‬ ‫שרגא פייווש מרדכי‬ ‫נפטר ו' כסלו‪ ,‬תשכ"ב‬ ‫בן בצלאל ליב‬ ‫נפטר *‬ ‫ב‪-‬ל‘ ניסן‬ ‫תש”ע‬

‫‪Joe Lavitt‬‬ ‫יוסף יהודה בן צבי‬ ‫‪Butch‬‬ ‫‪Nepon‬‬ ‫נפטר כ"ח שבט‪ ,‬תש"ע‬

‫בן יצחק‬ ‫מרדכי*דוב ישראל‬ ‫‪Jerry‬תמוז‬ ‫‪Nepon‬ב‪-‬י”ג‬ ‫נפטר‬ ‫תשנ”ח‬ ‫יצחק בן יעקב‬

‫נפטר י' כסלו‪ ,‬תשנ"ח‬ ‫*‬ ‫‪Pearl Gunn‬‬ ‫‪Anne‬‬ ‫‪Gunn‬‬ ‫בת שמעון‬ ‫סמיא‬ ‫פעדל‬ ‫שמחה דוד‬ ‫חנה ביילא‬ ‫כסלו‬ ‫נפטרהבתב‪-‬כ”ב‬ ‫נפטרה כ"ג שבט‪ ,‬תשע"ג‬ ‫תשנ”א‬ ‫*‬ ‫‪Frank‬‬ ‫‪Lavitt‬‬ ‫‪David‬‬ ‫‪Yakov‬‬ ‫פריידל שלום בן יוסף יהודה הלוי‬ ‫דוד יעקב‬ ‫נפטר ל' סיון‪ ,‬תשי"ג‬ ‫בן ברוך מרדכי‬ ‫נפטר *ב‪-‬כ”ה ניסן‬ ‫תשנ”ב‬

‫ פסח תשע״ה‬- Passover Calendar N

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Nissan 5775/March-April 2015 k~á åê Nairn

Kildonan há ä Çç Place å ~å = mä ~ÅÉ=pÜç é é=á å Ö Shopping Centre ` Éå í ê É

5

‫טז ניסן‬

16 Nissan

12

Omer 1

‫כג ניסן‬

23 Nissan Omer 8

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^ é é ä ÉÄÉÉ ë Applebees

E

W

2nd day of Passover

S

PACKAGING SERVICES

WIDEFORMAT PRINTING

WORLDWIDE SHIPPING SERVICE

SMALL BUSINESS SOLUTIONS

PRINTING SERVICES

24HR MAILBOX ACCESS

Josh Kass - Owner & Franchisee Unit #1-1596 Regent Avenue West Winnipeg, Manitoba R2C 4H4 P: 204.661.6900 | F: 204.661.6850 store401@theupsstore.ca www.theupsstore.ca/401

In the evening count Omer 2 Holiday ends at 8:46pm

6

‫יז ניסן‬

17 Nissan

1st Intermediate day

NISSAN 11 Birthday of the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson (1902).

CELEBRATING PESACH (PASSOVER) Pesach is celebrated by refraining from eating or owning any chametz foods for the duration of the holiday, and by participating in a Seder dinner on the first two nights of the holiday.

REMOVAL OF CHAMETZ Chametz (leaven) is defined as wheat, barley, oats, rye or spelt which have been mixed with water and then had time to rise. During Pesach it is forbidden to eat, derive benefit or even own chametz, or any mixture containing chametz.

We prepare for Pesach by thoroughly cleaning our home, workplace or other place we own, and removing any trace of chametz we may find. Sinks, tables, counter tops, and dishes not used exclusively for Pesach need to be koshered. All food products used on Pesach must be certified Kosher for Passover.

On the evening before Pesach begins (this year on Sunday evening, April 13), we formally search the entire home for any remaining chametz. Any chametz we don’t plan on destroying is placed in a special room or closet, sealed, and sold - through a Rabbi - to a non-Jew for the duration of the festival. Unsold chametz must be destroyed the morning be- fore the Festival.

• •

•

•

2

‫יג ניסן‬

13 Nissan

‫כד ניסן‬

24 Nissan Omer 9

In the evening count Omer 3

In the evening count Omer 10

7

14

‫יח ניסן‬

18 Nissan Omer 3

‫כה ניסן‬

25 Nissan Omer 10

2nd Intermediate day In the evening count Omer 4

In the evening count Omer 11

8

15

‫יט ניסן‬

19 Nissan Omer 4

3rd Intermediate day

‫כו ניסן‬

26 Nissan Omer 11

In the evening count Omer 5

In the evening count Omer 12

9

16

‫כ ניסן‬

20 Nissan

‫כז ניסן‬

27 Nissan Omer 12

4th Intermediate day In the evening count Omer 6 Search for Chometz 8:56pm

Ask the Four Questions and recite the Haggadah, which tells the story of Passover and describes the miracles of our redemption.

3

Eat Matzah, the plain unleavened bread which symbolizes both the simple bread of slaves and the swiftness of the redemption from Egypt, which did not give our ancestors time to let their dough rise.

Eat chometz untill 11:22am Destroy chometz by 12:27pm

THE LAST DAY OF PESACH The eighth and final day of Pesach is associated with Moshiach and our fervent hope for his imminent arrival. In many communities, a festive “Moshiach Meal” is organized toward the evening, to emphasize this day’s special dimension.

13

Omer 5

Drink four cups of wine (or grape juice), reminding us of the redemption and its four stages.

Eat Maror (bitter herbs), which reminds us of the bitterness of the enslavement.

In the evening count Omer 9

Omer 2

www.theupsstore.ca/401

THE SEDER The Pesach Seder, conducted each of the first two nights of Pesach, is the central event of the Passover festival. During the Seder, we:

Isru Chag

‫יד ניסן‬

14 Nissan

Eruv Tavshilin

In the evening count Omer 13

Light candles at 7:55pm

10

‫כא ניסן‬

21 Nissan

17

Omer 6

Fast of the Firstborn

7th day of Passover

Light candles at 7:46pm First Seder after 8:37pm

4

‫טו ניסן‬

15 Nissan

In the evening count Omer 1 Light candles after 8:44pm Second Seder after 8:44pm

Omer 13

In the evening count Omer 7 Light candles at 7:56pm

In the evening count Omer 14 Light candles at 8:07pm

11

18

‫כב ניסן‬

22 Nissan Omer 7

1st day of Passover

‫כח ניסן‬

28 Nissan

Moshiach Seuda Yizkor 8th day of Passover

In the evening count Omer 8 Holiday ends at 8:56pm

‫כט ניסן‬

29 Nissan

Omer 14 TAZRIA-METZORA

Pirkei-Avot: Chapter 1 Blessing of the new month In the evening count Omer 15 Shabbat ends at 9:08pm

‫ב”ה‬

Passover JOIN US FOR AN ENCHANTING

SEDER Relive the exodus, discover the eternal meaning of the Haggadah, and enjoy a community Seder complete with hand-baked matzah, wine, and a wonderful dinner spiced with unique traditional customs.

Friday, April 3 8:00 PM

Jewish Learning Centre

Our Seder is English and Hebrew friendly, and everyone will feel welcome. Enjoy the Holiday of Freedom with a Seder experience you will remember for a lifetime!

Open to Everyone • Family Seating • Children’s Program Courvet: Adult (13+) $18 | Child (3-12) $12 | Infant (0-2) FREE! No one will be turned away due to lack of funds.

To RSVP and for more information, please visit ChabadWinnipeg.org or call 204-339-8737