JEWISH
CALENDAR 2012–2013
5773 CHABAD LUBAVITCH OF THE LEHIGH VALLEY 4457 Crackersport Rd | Allentown, Pa. 18104 | 610.351.6511 www.chabadlehighvalley.com | www.ganisraelpa.com
ELUL–TISHREI ROSH HASHANAH: September 17–18 Rosh Hashanah celebrates the beginning of creation, when G-d gave breath to human beings. On this day, G-d charged Adam with the responsibility of helping the world reach perfection. Rosh Hashanah, therefore, is a time for us to reflect on the purpose of creation and resolve to make our lives more meaningful by contributing to all of creation. The Shofar: On Rosh Hashanah we hear the sounding of the shofar, the ram’s horn. It is the oldest and most soulful of wind instruments, sounding like a primal outcry from the depth of the soul. The sounding of the shofar has many meanings. It heralds a special occasion, signifying that we proclaim G-d as King of the universe. Its thrilling blasts awaken us to repent and return to G-d and remind us of the shofar heard at Mount Sinai when we accepted G-d’s commandments for all time. Tashlich: On the first afternoon of Rosh Hashanah it is customary to visit a natural body of water that contains fish. There we cast our sins down the river of time from which they will never return.
KOL NIDREI
BY BEN AVRAM WWW. AVIRAMART.COM
Apple & Honey: Dipping a piece of apple into honey at the first meal of Rosh Hashanah is a popular custom, symbolizing the hope that our new year will be blessed with sweetness and goodness. For the same reason, it is customary to eat other sweet foods, such as tzimmes.
FAST OF GEDALIA: September 19 This fast day commemorates the tragic assassination of Gedalia, the Jewish Governor of Judea who was installed over the country after Nebuchadnezzar’s invasion of Israel (and the subsequent Babylonian exile).
YOM KIPPUR: September 26 Yom Kippur is a 25-hour fast beginning at sunset on September 25th, and continuing through nightfall the following night. Although Yom Kippur is a solemn day on which we fast, it is not a sad day. In fact, in a subtle way, it is one of the happiest days of the year, for on Yom Kippur we receive one of G-d’s most precious gifts—forgiveness.
September 2012 SUNDAY
Elul 5772/Tishrei 5773
MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
Shake things up at Chabad!
KI TEITZEI
1
14 Elul
Get your own
Sukkah, Lulav & Esrog
To order, please call (610) 351-6511
2
Labor Day
3
15 Elul
First Day oF Gan yeLaDim
16 Elul
Shabbat Ends: 8:16 PM
4
5
17 Elul
18 Elul
6
19 Elul
7
KI TAVO
20 Elul
21 Elul
Light Candles at: 7:06 PM
First Day oF Hebrew scHooL
9
10
22 Elul
11
23 Elul
12
24 Elul
25 Elul
13 26 Elul
14
Shabbat Ends: 8:04 PM
NITZAVIM
27 Elul
16
no Hebrew scHooL
29 Elul
Light Candles at: 6:51 PM
23 30 7 Tishrei
EREV SUKKOT Light Candles at: 6:28 PM
14 Tishrei
ROSH HASHANAH: 1ST DAY
17
ROSH HASHANAH: 2ND DAY
1 Tishrei
Light Candles after: 7:48 PM
24 8 Tishrei
18
FAST OF GEDALIA
2 Tishrei
3 Tishrei
25
20 4 Tishrei
Fast Begins: 5:26AM Fast Ends: 7:31PM
Holiday Ends: 7:46 PM
EREV YOM KIPPUR
19
YOM KIPPUR YIZKOR
9 Tishrei
Fast Begins/Light Candles at: 6:36 PM
Chabad of the Lehigh Valley 4457 Crackersport Rd | Allentown, Pa. 18104 | 610.351.6511 | chabadlehighvalley.com | ganisraelpa.com
26
10 Tishrei
Fast Ends: 7:33 PM
21
Shabbat Ends: 7:52 PM
VAYELECH
5 Tishrei
11 Tishrei
28
12 Tishrei
Light Candles at: 6:31 PM
22 6 Tishrei
Light Candles at: 6:43 PM
27
15 28 Elul
Light Candles at: 6:54 PM
EREV ROSH HASHANAH
8
Shabbat Ends: 7:39 PM
HA’AZINU
29
13 Tishrei
Shabbat Ends: 7:28 PM
Tishrei Molad: Sunday, September 16, 2012, 1:57AM +8 chalakim
TISHREI–CHESHVAN SUKKOT: October 1–7 The Festival of Sukkot is observed through the performance of three mitzvot: Sukkah: For the duration of the holiday, it is a mitzvah to eat in a Sukkah, a temporary hut covered by loose tree branches. Lulav & Etrog: Each day of the festival (except on Shabbat) we take the “four (plant) species” and shake them together. Joy: The overarching mitzvah of Sukkot is joy. When our Holy Temple stood in Jerusalem, there was continuous celebration for all seven days of Sukkot! Men and women, young and old would join in music, dancing, juggling, and other entertainments.
JEWISH JOY
BY BEN AVRAM WWW. AVIRAMARTS.COM
SHEMINI ATZERET/ SIMCHAT TORAH: October 8–9 On the evening of Simchat Torah (in some communities, on the eve of Shemini Atzeret as well) great celebrations take place in the synagogue, focusing on the Jew’s connection to the holy Torah. Children play a central role in the festivities, waving flags and riding on their parents’ shoulders. On Simchat Torah day the yearly cycle of Torah reading is completed and the cycle begins anew. We express this joy with ongoing singing and dancing with the Torah scrolls.
October 2012 SUNDAY
Tishrei/Cheshvan 5773 MONDAY
SUKKOT: 1ST DAY
TUESDAY
1
SUKKOT: 2ND DAY
15 Tishrei
WEDNESDAY
2
SUKKOT: 1ST INTERMEDIATE DAY
3
16 Tishrei
17 Tishrei
THURSDAY SUKKOT: 2ND INTERMEDIATE DAY
4
18 Tishrei
FRIDAY SUKKOT: 3RD INTERMEDIATE DAY
SATURDAY
5
SUKKOT: 4TH INTERMEDIATE DAY
19 Tishrei
6
20 Tishrei
susHi in tHe sukkaH
Light Candles after: 7:24 PM
SUKKOT: 5TH INTERMEDIATE DAY HOSHANA RABBAH
7
SHEMINI ATZERET YIZKOR
21 Tishrei
8
Holiday Ends: 7:23 PM
SIMCHAT TORAH
22 Tishrei
Shabbat Ends: 7:16 PM
Light Candles at: 6:19 PM
9
10
23 Tishrei
24 Tishrei
11
25 Tishrei
12
BEREISHIT
26 Tishrei
13
27 Tishrei
coLumbus Day
Light Candles at: 6:16 PM
14
28 Tishrei
21
5 Cheshvan
28
12 Cheshvan
Light Candles after: 7:13 PM
15
29 Tishrei
22
6 Cheshvan
29
13 Cheshvan
Holiday Ends: 7:11 PM
ROSH CHODESH CHESHVAN
16
Light Candles at: 6:08 PM
ROSH CHODESH CHESHVAN
30 Tishrei
23
7 Cheshvan
30
14 Cheshvan
Chabad of the Lehigh Valley 4457 Crackersport Rd | Allentown, Pa. 18104 | 610.351.6511 | chabadlehighvalley.com | ganisraelpa.com
17
1 Cheshvan
24
8 Cheshvan
18
2 Cheshvan
25
9 Cheshvan
19
Shabbat Ends: 7:05 PM
NOACH
20
3 Cheshvan
4 Cheshvan
Light Candles at: 5:58 PM
Shabbat Ends: 6:55 PM
26
LECH-LECHA
27
10 Cheshvan
11 Cheshvan
Light Candles at: 5:48 PM
Shabbat Ends: 6:46 PM
31
15 Cheshvan
Cheshvan Molad: Monday, October 15, 2012, 2:41PM +9 chalakim
CHESHVAN窶適ISLEV MITZVAH SPOTLIGHT: The Mezuzah The mezuzah, a scroll on which a portion of the Torah is written, signifies the sanctity of the Jewish home. It contains the section of the Shema that includes the basic principles of Jewish faith and practice. A mezuzah is placed on the entrances of the home to reflect the holiness of the home that one is about to enter. The decorative case makes the mezuzah more beautiful, but a case without a mezuzah is like the wrapper without the candy. A mezuzah is made in the same manner as the Torah itself: handwritten on sacred parchment in Torah script by an ordained and dedicated scribe who carefully follows the 4649 laws governing its 713 letters and 22 lines. When you purchase a mezuzah for yourself or as a gift, be sure to ascertain its validity.
AKEIDA
BY BEN AVRAM WWW. AVIRAMART.COM
The mezuzah is affixed: 1. On the right doorpost as one enters the house. 2. In a slanted position, with the top pointed toward the inside of the room. 3. In the upper third of the doorpost height. The mezuzah is seen as a special blessing of safety for all who dwell in this particular home, wherever they may be. Since a mezuzah is usually on the doorpost outside of the home, exposed to inclement weather and the heat of the sun, it is important to have it checked regularly.
November 2012 SUNDAY
Cheshvan/Kislev 5773 MONDAY
TUESDAY
Wednesday Nights, 7:30 pm
4
11
26 Cheshvan
20 Cheshvan
veteran’s Day
1
or visit ChabadLehighValley.com
5
19 Cheshvan
THURSDAY
Details, call (610) 351-6511
at Chabad - 4457 Crackersport Rd.
DayLiGHt savinGs time enDs
WEDNESDAY
12
27 Cheshvan
6
21 Cheshvan
13
28 Cheshvan
16 Cheshvan
7
8
22 Cheshvan
14
23 Cheshvan
ROSH CHODESH KISLEV
29 Cheshvan
15 1 Kislev
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
2
VAYEIRA
18 Cheshvan
Light Candles at: 5:39 PM
Shabbat Ends: 6:38 PM
9
CHAYEI SARAH
18 4 Kislev
19 5 Kislev
20 6 Kislev
21 7 Kislev
22 8 Kislev
25 Cheshvan
Light Candles at: 4:32 PM
Shabbat Ends: 5:31 PM
16
TOLDOT
2 Kislev
23 9 Kislev
Light Candles at: 4:21 PM
no Hebrew scHooL
25 11 Kislev
26 12 Kislev
27 13 Kislev
28 14 Kislev
29 15 Kislev
10
24 Cheshvan
17 3 Kislev
Light Candles at: 4:25 PM
tHanksGivinG Day
3
17 Cheshvan
Shabbat Ends: 5:26 PM
VAYEITZEI
24 10 Kislev
Shabbat Ends: 5:22 PM
30 16 Kislev
Light Candles at: 4:18 PM Chabad of the Lehigh Valley 4457 Crackersport Rd | Allentown, Pa. 18104 | 610.351.6511 | chabadlehighvalley.com | ganisraelpa.com
Kislev Molad: Wednesday, November 14, 2012, 3:25AM +10 chalakim
KISLEV–TEVET CHANUKAH: December 9–16 Chanukah celebrates the miraculous victory of the Maccabees over the Syrian-Greek armies. When the Jewish nation recaptured the Beit Hamikdash, the Holy Temple in Jerusalem, they found a little jug with just enough oil to light the menorah for one day. Miraculously, the oil burned for eight days until more arrived. To commemorate this miracle, we light the menorah (preferably with olive oil) for the eight days of Chanukah, and we savor traditional foods, such as potato latkes, fried in oil. The Menorah: The lit menorah dramatizes and publicizes the Chanukah miracle. Therefore, we light the menorah at night when it shines brightest (except on Friday, when it is lit before sunset) and we put it in a doorway or window so passersby can share the light of the menorah. All family members should participate in this beautiful ceremony of light. On the eve of the first day of Chanukah we light one candle on the menorah, adding one more candle each night until eight are lit on the 8th night. The candles are placed from right to left and are lit from left to right, beginning with the newest candle. Olive oil or paraffin candles provide the light of the menorah. There must be enough oil or candle length to burn until 1/2 hour after nightfall. A shamash is used to light the candles and is then placed in its designated holder on the menorah. After the candles are lit, the Haneiros Halalu prayer is recited and the family often gathers together to eat latkes and play dreidel. ARK
BY BEN AVRAM WWW. AVIRAMART.COM
December 2012 SUNDAY
Kislev/Tevet 5773 MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY VAYISHLACH
For all of your
1
Chanukah needs,
17 Kislev
please call (610) 351-6511 Shabbat Ends: 5:20 PM
2
yuD tes kisLev
18 Kislev
3
4
19 Kislev
5
20 Kislev
6
21 Kislev
7
22 Kislev
menoraH makinG at Home Depot
9
25 Kislev
menoraH makinG at bricks 4 kiDz
10 26 Kislev
menoraH LiGHtinG in easton
CHANUKAH: DAY 3
11 27 Kislev
menoraH LiGHtinG in betHLeHem
CHANUKAH: DAY 4
12 28 Kislev
menoraH LiGHtinG in aLLentown
CHANUKAH: DAY 5
13 29 Kislev
CHANUKAH: DAY 6 ROSH CHODESH TEVET
14
24 Kislev
Shabbat Ends: 5:20 PM Light 1st Chanukah candle after Shabbat
MIKETZ CHANUKAH: DAY 7
1 Tevet
2 Tevet
16 3 Tevet
Light 3rd Chanukah candle at night
17 4 Tevet
Light 4th Chanukah candle at night
Light 5th Chanukah candle at night
18 5 Tevet
19 6 Tevet
Light 6th Chanukah candle at night
20 7 Tevet
Light Candles at: 4:18 PM Light 7th Chanukah candle before Shabbat Candles
21
Shabbat Ends: 5:21 PM Light 8th Chanukah candle after Shabbat
VAYIGASH
8 Tevet
Fast Begins: 5:56 AM Fast Ends: 4:40 PM
23 30 10 Tevet
17 Tevet
24 31 11 Tevet
25 12 Tevet
18 Tevet
Chabad of the Lehigh Valley 4457 Crackersport Rd | Allentown, Pa. 18104 | 610.351.6511 | chabadlehighvalley.com | ganisraelpa.com
26 13 Tevet
27 14 Tevet
28 15 Tevet
Light Candles at: 4:25 PM
22 9 Tevet
Light Candles at: 4:20 PM
FAST DAY
15
community sHabbat Dinner
Light 2nd Chanukah candle at night
CHANUKAH: DAY 8
CHANUKAH: DAY 2
8
23 Kislev
Light Candles at: 4:17 PM
CHANUKAH: DAY 1
VAYEISHEV
Shabbat Ends: 5:24 PM
VAYECHI
29 16 Tevet
Shabbat Ends: 5:29 PM
Tevet Molad: Thursday, December 13, 2012, 4:09PM +11 chalakim
TEVET–SHVAT TU B’SHVAT: January 26 Jewish tradition regards the 15th day of Shvat as the New Year of the Trees, the season when trees begin to bud in the Holy Land of Israel. Just as Rosh Hashanah, the New Year for Creation, is viewed as the day on which man is judged, Tu B’Shvat is a day of judgment for earth’s vegetation. To commemorate this special day, Jews throughout the world eat foods that are distinctive to and characteristic of the Holy Land, including the seven types of fruits and grain mentioned in the Torah: wheat, barley, grapes, figs, pomegranates, olives, and dates. A new seasonal fruit is customarily
eaten on this day for the first time. The blessings She’hecheyanu and Ha’eitz are said over the fruit. The Torah states: “For man is the tree of the field.” There are many lessons to be learned from this metaphor. One lesson, particularly relevant on Tu B’Shvat when we celebrate through eating fruits is: Just as a healthy tree bears fruits, so should one strive to produce fruits in his life. These “fruits” are the good deeds and mitzvot that we do to bring spiritual nourishment to those around us. Furthermore, not every tree bears the same fruit. In addition to our common mitzvot and responsibilities, we each have a special role to play in making the world a beautiful garden.
JERUSALEM GATE
BY BEN AVRAM WWW. AVIRAMART.COM
Brad Finberg
Technical director 610-965-5440 1-866-384-8292 Fax brad@microinnovation.net www.microinnovation.net
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we specialize in Commercial and Residential Technologies
January 2013 SUNDAY
Tevet/Shevat 5773 MONDAY
TUESDAY new year’s Day
WEDNESDAY
1
19 Tevet
2
20 Tevet
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
4
3
SHEMOT
22 Tevet
21 Tevet
Light Candles at: 4:30 PM
6
7
24 Tevet
25 Tevet
8
26 Tevet
9
27 Tevet
10
11
28 Tevet
Shabbat Ends: 5:34 PM
VA’EIRA ROSH CHODESH SHEVAT
29 Tevet
13
14
2 Shevat
3 Shevat
15 4 Shevat
16 5 Shevat
17 6 Shevat
18
Shabbat Ends: 5:40 PM
BO
7 Shevat
20 9 Shevat
21
10 Shevat
22
11 Shevat
23
12 Shevat
24
13 Shevat
25
14 Shevat
Light Candles at: 4:53 PM
27
16 Shevat
28
17 Shevat
29
18 Shevat
Chabad of the Lehigh Valley 4457 Crackersport Rd | Allentown, Pa. 18104 | 610.351.6511 | chabadlehighvalley.com | ganisraelpa.com
30
19 Shevat
19 8 Shevat
Light Candles at: 4:44 PM
martin LutHer kinG, Jr. Day
12 1 Shevat
Light Candles at: 4:37 PM
Hebrew scHooL sHabbat Dinner
5
23 Tevet
Shabbat Ends: 5:48 PM
BESHALACH TU B’SHEVAT
26
15 Shevat
Shabbat Ends: 5:55 PM
31
20 Shevat
Shevat Molad: Shabbat, January 12, 2013, 4:53AM +12 chalakim
SHVAT–ADAR PURIM: February 24 Purim, a very exciting holiday, celebrates the liberation of the Jewish people from an annihilation plot instigated by the evil Haman, a descendant of the Jew-hating tribe of Amalek, and an advisor to the Persian King Achashverosh. We begin the festivities of Purim after Shabbat by listening to the reading of the megillah. We listen to the megillah reading again during the day because salvation came as a result of the unified effort of the entire Jewish nation, and during the day Jews perform mitzvot that help the needy and foster relationships between friends. We therefore send a gift of at least two different kinds of food to a friend and give charity to at least two people. As on all festivals, we celebrate Purim with a special meal during the daytime as family and friends gather to rejoice in Purim spirit. Masks and Costumes: The miracle of Purim is unique in that it occurred through SHABBAT QUEEN
BY BEN AVRAM WWW. AVIRAMART.COM
natural causes. The sea didn’t split. The earth didn’t shatter. There were no plagues. Had it not been for the daring intervention of Achashverosh’s Jewish queen, Esther, Haman’s plot would have wiped out the entire Jewish population of Persia in one day. Queen Esther was in the right place at the right time. The hand of G-d was “masked” beneath the “costume” of natural events. To symbolize this, children and even many adults, wear facemasks or costumes on Purim.
SHUSHAN PURIM: February 25 In cities that are surrounded by a wall dating back to the days of Joshua (13th century BCE)—a prominent example is the city of Jerusalem—Purim is observed on the 15th of Adar (instead of the 14th), in commemoration of the first Purim ever, which was celebrated in the walled city of Shushan on this day.
February 2013 SUNDAY
Shvat/Adar 5773 MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
Your Donation Matters! Donate your car to the Chabad of Lehigh Valley and recevie a tax deduction. This no cost, no hassle process begins when you contact us at (610) 351-6511.
3
4
23 Shevat
24 Shevat
5
25 Shevat
6
7
26 Shevat
27 Shevat
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
1
YITRO
21 Shevat
Light Candles at: 5:01 PM
8
Shabbat Ends: 6:03 PM
MISHPATIM SHEKALIM
28 Shevat
10
ROSH CHODESH ADAR
30 Shevat
11 1 Adar
12 2 Adar
13
14
3 Adar
4 Adar
15
Shabbat Ends: 6:11 PM
TERUMAH
5 Adar
17
presiDent’s Day
7 Adar
PURIM
24 14 Adar
18 8 Adar
SHUSHAN PURIM
25 15 Adar
19 9 Adar
26 16 Adar
20 10 Adar
27 17 Adar
FAST OF ESTHER
21
22
Fast Begins: 5:26 AM Fast Ends: 6:11 PM
Light Candles at: 5:27 PM
11 Adar
12 Adar
16 6 Adar
Light Candles at: 5:18 PM
no Hebrew scHooL
9
29 Shevat
Light Candles at: 5:10 PM
ROSH CHODESH ADAR
2
22 Shevat
Shabbat Ends: 6:19 PM
TETZAVEH ZACHOR
23 13 Adar
Shabbat Ends: 6:27 PM
28 18 Adar
annuaL purim basH
Chabad of the Lehigh Valley 4457 Crackersport Rd | Allentown, Pa. 18104 | 610.351.6511 | chabadlehighvalley.com | ganisraelpa.com
Adar Molad: Sunday, February 10, 2013, 5:37PM +13 chalakim
ADAR–NISSAN PESACH (PASSOVER): March 26–April 2 The eight-day Pesach holiday celebrates the liberation of the Israelites from Egyptian slavery and the birth of the Jewish nation more than 3,300 years ago. Pesach is rich with traditions that help us achieve “freedom” in our own lives. Chametz: Food and drink made of leavened wheat, barley, rye, oats, spelt or their derivatives is called Chametz and is forbidden during Pesach. In Egypt, an animal offering was brought on the morning before Pesach, thus the chametz prohibition actually begins mid-morning on March 25. Seder Nights: The celebration of Pesach begins with the seder on the evening of the 14th of Nissan–March 25. On the first two nights of Pesach we conduct a seder: a festive, yet serious event. Around a table set with the finest crystal and silver and the best kosher wine, we reenact the ancient exodus from KLEZMER
BY BEN AVRAM WWW. AVIRAMART.COM
Egypt. We think of ourselves as also being in bondage in Egypt, suffering Pharaoh’s oppression, joining the walk out of Egypt and across the Sea of Reeds. Matzah: One of the main mitzvot of Pesach is eating matzah. There is a custom to eat hand-baked shmurah matzah, which closely resembles the bread baked by the Jews at the hurried moment of their exodus. The Four Cups of Wine: The Torah uses four expressions of freedom in connection with our liberation from Egypt (Exodus 6:6-7). This is one of the reasons we celebrate the liberation with four cups at the Seder. The Last Day of Pesach The seder nights emphasize our past exodus as we celebrate the first liberation of the Jewish people from the bondage of Egypt. As we conclude the festival, we look toward the future, a time when, as we are promised in the Torah, Jews will merit a final redemption from all our oppressors.
March 2013 SUNDAY
Adar/Nissan 5773 MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
1
to order your Shmura Matzah, and for all of your Passover needs, call 610-351-6511.
KI TISA PARAH
20 Adar
Light Candles at: 5:35 PM
3
21 Adar
4
5
22 Adar
6
23 Adar
7
24 Adar
8
25 Adar
Shabbat Ends: 6:34 PM
VAYAKHEL-PEKUDEI HACHODESH
26 Adar
10 28 Adar
11
ROSH CHODESH NISSAN
29 Adar
12
13
1 Nissan
14
2 Nissan
15
3 Nissan
Shabbat Ends: 6:42 PM
VAYIKRA
17 6 Nissan
18
19
7 Nissan
20
8 Nissan
21
9 Nissan
5 Nissan
tHe rebbe’s birtHDay
10 Nissan
22
Shabbat Ends: 7:50 PM
TZAV SHABBAT HAGADOL
11 Nissan
24 31
13 Nissan PASSOVER: 4TH INTERMEDIATE DAY OMER 5 Light Candles at: 7:07 PM
20 Nissan
25
Light Candles at: 7:01 PM
PASSOVER: 1ST DAY SECOND SEDER NIGHT
26
PASSOVER: 2ND DAY OMER 1
15 Nissan
Light Candles after: 8:00 PM
Chabad of the Lehigh Valley 4457 Crackersport Rd | Allentown, Pa. 18104 | 610.351.6511 | chabadlehighvalley.com | ganisraelpa.com
27
16 Nissan
Holiday Ends: 8:02 PM
PASSOVER: 1ST INTERMEDIATE DAY OMER 2
28
17 Nissan
PASSOVER: 2ND INTERMEDIATE DAY OMER 3
29
18 Nissan
Light Candles at: 7:05 PM
23
12 Nissan
Light Candles at: 6:58 PM
EREV PESACH TA’ANIT BECHOROT FIRST SEDER NIGHT community seDer 14 Nissan
16
4 Nissan
Light Candles at: 6:50 PM
moDeL matzaH bakery
9
27 Adar
Light Candles at: 5:43 PM
DayLiGHt savinGs time beGins
2
19 Adar
Shabbat Ends: 7:57 PM
PASSOVER: 3RD INTERMEDIATE DAY OMER 4
30
19 Nissan
Shabbat Ends: 8:05 PM
Nissan Molad: Tuesday, March 12, 2013, 6:21AM +14 chalakim
NISSAN–IYAR PESACH SHENI: April 24 The Second Pesach. One year after the exodus, G-d commanded the Jewish people to celebrate Pesach in the desert. Some were unprepared and could not purify themselves in time to offer their Paschal sacrifice (Numbers 9). G-d told Moses they would get a second chance to offer their sacrifice on Iyar 14 (a month after Nissan 14, when the Paschal sacrifice is normally brought). This “second chance” continued until the cessation of sacrifices with the destruction of the Second Temple in 70 CE. Now we commemorate the day by eating matzah. The eternal significance of the Second Passover is that it is never too late to rectify a past failing. Even if a person has
failed to fulfill a certain aspect of his or her mission in life, there is always a Second Passover on which to make good.
LAG B’OMER: April 28 The 33rd day of this counting period is celebrated as a holiday. On this date in the early second century, the students of Rabbi Akiva stopped dying from an epidemic. On this day, Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai, a Mishnaic sage, mystical thinker, and the author of the Zohar, passed away. Having fulfilled his mission in this world he asked that the anniversary be celebrated as a happy day. Throughout the world, Lag B’Omer is celebrated with festivities and bonfires and serves as an occasion for wedding and Bar Mitzvah celebrations.
Love Your Fellow As Yourself Chassidim asked the Alter Rebbe: “Which is the superior avoda (service), love of G-d or love of Israel?” He replied: “Both love of G-d and love of Israel are equally engraved in every Jew’s neshama (soul). Scripture is explicit: ‘I have loved you, says the L-rd.’ It follows that love of Israel is superior, for you love whom your beloved loves.” —Hayom Yom 28 Nissan JERUSALEM IN THE SPRING
BY BEN AVRAM WWW. AVIRAMART.COM
April 2013
Nissan/Iyar 5773
SUNDAY
MONDAY PASSOVER: 7TH DAY OMER 6
TUESDAY
1
PASSOVER: 8TH DAY YIZKOR OMER 7
21 Nissan
7
OMER 13
yom HasHoaH
27 Nissan
8
2
OMER 8
22 Nissan
Light Candles after: 8:07 PM OMER 12
WEDNESDAY
3
THURSDAY OMER 9
23 Nissan
4
FRIDAY OMER 10
28 Nissan
9
5
SHEMINI OMER 11
25 Nissan
24 Nissan
ROSH CHODESH IYAR OMER 15
29 Nissan
10
ROSH CHODESH IYAR OMER 16
30 Nissan
11
OMER 17
1 Iyar
12
Shabbat Ends: 8:13 PM
TAZRIA-METZORA OMER 18
2 Iyar
14
OMER 20
yom Hazikaron
4 Iyar
15
OMER 21
Happy birtHDay israeL
5 Iyar
16
OMER 22
6 Iyar
17
OMER 23
7 Iyar
18
OMER 24
8 Iyar
19
Shabbat Ends: 8:21 PM
ACHAREIKEDOSHIM OMER 25
9 Iyar
21
OMER 27
11 Iyar
22
OMER 28
12 Iyar
23
PESACH SHENI OMER 29
13 Iyar
24
OMER 30
14 Iyar
25 15 Iyar
OMER 31
26 16 Iyar
Light Candles at: 7:34 PM
LAG B’OMER OMER 33
28 18 Iyar
OMER 34
29 19 Iyar
OMER 35
30 20 Iyar
20 10 Iyar
Light Candles at: 7:27 PM OMER 26
13 3 Iyar
Light Candles at: 7:19 PM OMER 19
6
26 Nissan
Light Candles at: 7:12 PM
Holiday Ends: 8:08 PM OMER 14
SATURDAY
Shabbat Ends: 8:29 PM
EMOR OMER 32
27 17 Iyar
Shabbat Ends: 8:37 PM
Register your child for the summer of a lifetime!
Camp Gan Israel (610) 351-6511 ganisraelpa.com
Chabad of the Lehigh Valley 4457 Crackersport Rd | Allentown, Pa. 18104 | 610.351.6511 | chabadlehighvalley.com | ganisraelpa.com
Iyar Molad: Wednesday, April 10, 2013, 7:05PM +15 chalakim
IYAR–SIVAN SHAVUOT: May 15–16 Shavuot marks the day of the giving of the Torah by G-d to the entire Jewish nation over 3,300 years ago. In Hebrew, the word shavuot means “weeks” and stands for the seven weeks during which the Jewish people prepared themselves for the giving of the Torah. They rid themselves of the scars of bondage and became a holy nation ready to stand before G-d. The giving of the Torah was a far-reaching event that touched the essence of the Jewish soul, then and for all time. Our sages have compared it to a wedding between G-d and the Jewish people: He became our G-d and we accepted the responsibilities of this unique relationship. The Torah, as a marriage contract, spells out the terms of this relationship. It is customary to decorate one’s home with flowers to remind us of the flowers that blossomed on Mount Sinai when the Torah was given. Another, very delicious, custom is to eat dairy foods during this festival. Shavuot is an appropriate time to rededicate ourselves to our precious heritage. Many make a point of attending the Shavuot Torah reading with all members of the family, young and old. KING DAVID
BY BEN AVRAM WWW. AVIRAMART.COM
May 2013
Iyar/Sivan 5773
SUNDAY
MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
1
OMER 36
THURSDAY OMER 37
21 Iyar
2
FRIDAY OMER 38
SATURDAY BEHARBECHUKOTAI
3
OMER 39
23 Iyar
22 Iyar
Light Candles at: 7:41 PM OMER 40
5
OMER 41
25 Iyar
6
OMER 42
26 Iyar
7
OMER 43
yom yerusHaLayim
27 Iyar
8
OMER 44
28 Iyar
9
29 Iyar
ROSH CHODESH SIVAN OMER 45
10
Shabbat Ends: 8:45 PM
BAMIDBAR OMER 46
1 Sivan
12
OMER 48
3 Sivan
13 4 Sivan
OMER 49
14 5 Sivan
SHAVUOT: DAY 1
ice cream party
Light Candles at: 7:52 PM
19
20
10 Sivan
11 Sivan
21 12 Sivan
15 6 Sivan
Light Candles after: 8:58 PM
22 13 Sivan
SHAVUOT: DAY 2 YIZKOR
16
17
Holiday Ends 8:59 PM
Light Candles at: 7:55 PM
7 Sivan
23 14 Sivan
15 Sivan
Light Candles at: 8:02 PM
26 17 Sivan
memoriaL Day
27 18 Sivan
28 19 Sivan
29 20 Sivan
30 21 Sivan
Shabbat Ends: 8:53 PM
NASO
8 Sivan
24
11 2 Sivan
Light Candles at: 7:48 PM OMER 47 motHer’s Day
4
24 Iyar
18 9 Sivan
Shabbat Ends: 9:01 PM
BEHAALOTECHA
25 16 Sivan
Shabbat Ends: 9:09 PM
31 22 Sivan
Light Candles at: 8:07 PM Chabad of the Lehigh Valley 4457 Crackersport Rd | Allentown, Pa. 18104 | 610.351.6511 | chabadlehighvalley.com | ganisraelpa.com
Sivan Molad: Friday, May 10, 2013, 7:49AM +16 chalakim
SIVAN–TAMMUZ THE NIGUN Nigun: (ni-gun) n., plural: nigunim, a song of the Kabbalistic/ Chassidic tradition, generally without words. Considered a path to higher consciousness and transformation of being. “If words are the pen of the heart,” taught Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi, “then song is the pen of the soul.” The soul’s pen, however, writes in the opposite direction from the heart’s. While words carry light downwards from the Primal Consciousness to the minds of sages and the lips of prophets to inscribe them upon human hearts, song carries the soul upwards to be absorbed within the Infinite Light. That is why nigunim generally have no words. Words limit and define, but the nigun tears the soul beyond all bounds. Beyond words. The parts of a nigun are called “gates”—entrances from one spiritual world to a higher one. Each “gate” demands not only new breath but a new state of consciousness. The fifth Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Sholom Dovber, taught, “Each gate must be repeated twice. The first time only traces a form, the second time carves deep into the soul.” That is why a nigun must never be rushed. The pace, the silence, the mindfulness—all must be preserved in order that the nigun reach deep inside.
TRAVELLING ARK
BY BEN AVRAM WWW. AVIRAMART.COM
June 2013
Sivan/Tammuz 5773
SUNDAY
MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY SHLACH
Register your child for the summer of a lifetime!
Camp Gan Israel
(610) 351-6511
|
1
23 Sivan
ganisraelpa.com Shabbat Ends: 9:15 PM
2
3
24 Sivan
4
25 Sivan
26 Sivan
5
27 Sivan
6
28 Sivan
7
KORACH ROSH CHODESH TAMMUZ
29 Sivan
30 Sivan
Light Candles at: 8:12 PM
ROSH CHODESH TAMMUZ
9
10
1 Tammuz
FatHer’s Day
2 Tammuz
16
15 Tammuz
22 Tammuz
18
9 Tammuz
First Day oF camp Gan israeL
24
16 Tammuz
11
3 Tammuz
17
8 Tammuz
23 30
rebbe’s yaHrtzeit
10 Tammuz
FAST DAY
25
17 Tammuz
Fast Begins: 3:44 AM Fast ends: 9:10 PM
Chabad of the Lehigh Valley 4457 Crackersport Rd | Allentown, Pa. 18104 | 610.351.6511 | chabadlehighvalley.com | ganisraelpa.com
12
4 Tammuz
19
11 Tammuz
26
18 Tammuz
13
5 Tammuz
20
12 Tammuz
27
19 Tammuz
14
8
Shabbat Ends: 9:21 PM
CHUKAT
15
6 Tammuz
7 Tammuz
Light Candles at: 8:16 PM
Shabbat Ends: 9:25 PM
21
BALAK
22
13 Tammuz
14 Tammuz
Light Candles at: 8:18 PM
Shabbat Ends: 9:27 PM
28
PINCHAS
29
20 Tammuz
21 Tammuz
Light Candles at: 8:19 PM
Shabbat Ends: 9:27 PM
Tammuz Molad: Shabbat, June 8, 2013, 8:33PM +17 chalakim
TAMMUZ–AV THE THREE WEEKS: June 25–July 16 These three weeks mark a period of national mourning for the destruction of the two Temples. This is a very sad period during which many of our people’s calamities occurred. During this time we do not celebrate weddings or hold festivities. The “Three Weeks” begin with a fast on the 17th of Tammuz (June 25), and conclude with a 25 hour fast on Tisha B’Av, (July 16).
TISHA B’AV: July 16 Tisha B’Av, the 9th day of Av, is the saddest day of the year. From the beginning of our nation’s history, through the destruction of our two temples in Jerusalem, to the most recent Holocaust, this date appears as a pivotal point in time. Tisha B’Av has been set aside as the national day of mourning for all of our nation’s tragedies. But, within our sadness shines a beacon of hope which will ultimately carry us through. In addition to remembering the tragic events, this day is used as a day of prayer to the Al-mighty. We pray for Him to bring us the final redemption through our righteous Mashiach and the rebuilding of the Third Temple.
INGATHERING
BY BEN AVRAM WWW. AVIRAMARTS.COM
July 2013 SUNDAY
Tammuz/Menachem Av 5773 MONDAY
TUESDAY
1
2
23 Tammuz
7
29 Tammuz
ROSH CHODESH AV
WEDNESDAY
24 Tammuz
8
9
1 Av
2 Av
3
25 Tammuz
10 3 Av
THURSDAY inDepenDence Day no camp
4
26 Tammuz
11 4 Av
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
5
MATOT-MASEI
28 Tammuz
Light Candles at: 8:18 PM
Shabbat Ends: 9:26 PM
12
DEVARIM
5 Av
14 7 Av
15 8 Av
Fast Begins: 8:32 PM
21 14 Av
22 15 Av
16 9 Av
17 10 Av
18 11 Av
Fast Ends: 9:03 PM
23 16 Av
19
21 Av
29 22 Av
30 23 Av
Chabad of the Lehigh Valley 4457 Crackersport Rd | Allentown, Pa. 18104 | 610.351.6511 | chabadlehighvalley.com | ganisraelpa.com
VA’ETCHANAN
12 Av
17 Av
25 18 Av
26 19 Av
Light Candles at: 8:06 PM
28
Shabbat Ends: 9:22 PM
20 13 Av
Light Candles at: 8:12 PM
24
13 6 Av
Light Candles at: 8:16 PM
TISHA B’AV FAST DAY
6
27 Tammuz
Shabbat Ends: 9:17 PM
EIKEV
27 20 Av
Shabbat Ends: 9:10 PM
31 24 Av
Av Molad: Monday, July 8, 2013, 9:18AM
MENACHEM AV–ELUL MONTH OF ELUL: Divine Grace When a king returns to his palace, he passes through outlying fields. Anyone may approach him, and he greets all with a shining countenance. Chassidic masters compare the month of Elul to when the “King is in the field”: G-d is available to whomever turns to Him; He graciously accepts all requests. Elul is an appropriate time to reflect on the past year, turn a new page and come into the new year with a refreshed perspective and renewed heart. Some of the observances during Elul: • From the beginning of Elul and throughout the High Holiday season, we include the blessing “May you be inscribed and sealed for a good year” in letters and greetings to one another. • We give extra charity and devote more time to studying our tradition and Torah. • In preparation for Rosh Hashanah, we SHABBAT CANDLES
BY BEN AVRAM WWW. AVIRAMART.COM
hear the sounding of the ram’s horn shofar each weekday. • Psalm 27 is recited at the end of the morning and afternoon prayers from the first day of Elul through Hoshanah Rabbah - Tishrei 21. • The Baal Shem Tov instituted the custom of reciting three additional chapters of Psalms each day until Yom Kippur. On Yom Kippur the remaining 36 chapters are recited, thereby completing the entire book of Psalms. • Elul is the time to have one’s tefillin and mezuzot checked by an accredited scribe to ensure that they are in good condition and fit for use.
SELICHOT With the imminent approach of the New Year and the Days of Awe, preparations move into highest gear. Before Rosh Hashanah we recite the Selichot, a weeklong series of penitential prayers.
August 2013
Menachem Av/Elul 5773
SUNDAY MONDAY Looking for a great program for your young one?
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
1
Register your Child for Gan Yeladim
25 Av
Call (610) 351-6511
4
28 Av
5
29 Av
FRIDAY
SATURDAY RE’EH
2
27 Av
Light Candles at: 7:59 PM
ROSH CHODESH ELUL
6
ROSH CHODESH ELUL
30 Av
7
1 Elul
8
2 Elul
Shabbat Ends: 9:02 PM
SHOFTIM
9
5 Elul
12 6 Elul
13 7 Elul
14 8 Elul
15 9 Elul
4 Elul
16
Shabbat Ends: 8:52 PM
KI TEITZEI
12 Elul
19 13 Elul
20 14 Elul
21 15 Elul
22 16 Elul
23
11 Elul
19 Elul
26 20 Elul
27 21 Elul
28 22 Elul
29 23 Elul
30 24 Elul
Light Candles at: 7:21 PM Chabad of the Lehigh Valley 4457 Crackersport Rd | Allentown, Pa. 18104 | 610.351.6511 | chabadlehighvalley.com | ganisraelpa.com
Shabbat Ends: 8:42 PM
KI TAVO
24
17 Elul
Light Candles at: 7:32 PM
25
17
10 Elul
Light Candles at: 7:42 PM
18
10
3 Elul
Light Candles at: 7:51 PM
11
3
26 Av
18 Elul
Shabbat Ends: 8:31 PM
NITZAVIM-VAYELECH
31 25 Elul
Shabbat Ends: 8:19 PM
Elul Molad: Tuesday, August 6, 2013, 10:02PM +1 chelek
ELUL–TISHREI ROSH HASHANAH: September 5–6 Rosh Hashanah celebrates the beginning of creation, when G-d gave breath to human beings. On this day, G-d charged Adam with the responsibility of helping the world reach perfection. Rosh Hashanah, therefore, is a time for us to reflect on the purpose of creation and resolve to make our lives more meaningful by contributing to all of creation.
FAST OF GEDALIA: September 8 This fast day commemorates the tragic assassination of Gedalia, the Jewish Governor of Judea who was installed over the country after Nebuchadnezzar’s invasion of Israel (and the subsequent Babylonian exile).
YOM KIPPUR: September 14 Yom Kippur is a 25-hour fast beginning at sunset on September 13th, and continuing
through nightfall the following night. Although Yom Kippur is a solemn day on which we fast, it is not a sad day. In fact, in a subtle way, it is one of the happiest days of the year, for on Yom Kippur we receive one of G-d’s most precious gifts—forgiveness.
SUKKOT: September 19–25 The overarching mitzva of Sukkot is joy. When our Holy Temple stood in Jerusalem, there was continuous celebration for seven days. Men and women, young and old would join in music, dancing, juggling, and other entertainments.
SHEMINI ATZERET/ SIMCHAT TORAH: September 26–27 On the evening of Simchat Torah and on Simchat Torah day (and in some communities, on the eve of Shemini Atzeret as well) great celebrations take place in the synagogue focusing on the Jew’s connection to the holy Torah.
JERUSALEM IN THE FALL
BY BEN AVRAM
BOSCOV’S DEPARTMENT STORES
WWW. AVIRAMART.COM
STEPHEN BONNER Director Food Service 4600 PERRIOMEN AVE READING, PA 19606 TELEPHONE 610 3703718
September 2013 SUNDAY
Elul 5773/Tishrei 5774
MONDAY
1
Labor Day
26 Elul
TUESDAY
2
WEDNESDAY
3
27 Elul
EREV ROSH HASHANAH
4
28 Elul
THURSDAY ROSH HASHANAH: 1ST DAY
29 Elul
8
9
4 Tishrei
10
5 Tishrei
Light Candles after: 8:11 PM
11
6 Tishrei
12
7 Tishrei
16
11 Tishrei
17
12 Tishrei
EREV SUKKOT
18
13 Tishrei
SUKKOT: 1ST DAY
14 Tishrei
SUKKOT: 3RD INTERMEDIATE DAY
23
19 Tishrei
SUKKOT: 4TH INTERMEDIATE DAY
24
SUKKOT: 5TH INTERMEDIATE DAY HOSHANA RABBAH
20 Tishrei
25
Light Candles after: 7:46 PM
SHEMINI ATZERET YIZKOR
21 Tishrei
Light Candles at: 6:38 PM
29
25 Tishrei
30
26 Tishrei
19 26
22 Tishrei
Light Candles after: 7:34 PM
7
3 Tishrei
Shabbat Ends: 8:07 PM
Light Candles before: 7:09 PM
EREV YOM KIPPUR
13
YOM KIPPUR YIZKOR
14
9 Tishrei
SUKKOT: 2ND DAY
15 Tishrei
Light Candles at: 6:49 PM
18 Tishrei
6
HA’AZINU
10 Tishrei
Light Candles at: 6:58 PM
15 22
SATURDAY
2 Tishrei
8 Tishrei
Fast Begins: 5:13 AM Fast Ends: 7:52 PM
SUKKOT: 2ND INTERMEDIATE DAY
ROSH HASHANAH: 2ND DAY
1 Tishrei
Light Candles at: 7:13 PM
FAST OF GEDALIA
5
FRIDAY
20
Shabbat Ends: 7:55 PM
SUKKOT: 1ST INTERMEDIATE DAY
16 Tishrei
17 Tishrei
Light Candles before: 6:46 PM
SIMCHAT TORAH
27
23 Tishrei
Light Candles before: 6:34 PM
21
Shabbat Ends: 7:43 PM
BEREISHIT
28
24 Tishrei
Shabbat Ends: 7:31 PM
Shake things up at Chabad! Get your own
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To order, please call (610) 351-6511 Chabad of the Lehigh Valley 4457 Crackersport Rd | Allentown, Pa. 18104 | 610.351.6511 | chabadlehighvalley.com | ganisraelpa.com
Tishrei Molad: Thursday, September 5, 2013, 10:46AM + 2 chalakim
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Guideline Services Chabad Lubavitch of the Lehigh Valley 4457 Crackersport Rd. Allentown Pa. 18104
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Jewish Art Calendar is published by Chabad Of Lehigh Valley And is sent free to all members and freinds of Chabad of Lehigh valley infrequently througout the year, issue #11 347