ב״ה
Wellsprings Spring 2017/ Passover 5777
THE SALTED & PURIFIED REBUKE
PESACH MADE EASY
WHAT MAKES
YOU TICK?
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NOTE FROM THE RABBI
Wellsprings Magazine
Dear Friend,
Dedicated to the Love and Inspiration of the Lubavitcher Rebbe OB”M
Passover is here... the snow is gone, the weather is turning warmer and the birds are back from their trip to the south. Spring is in the air! In Judaism, the proximity of Passover to springtime is not coincidental. The Torah calls Passover “chag ha’aviv” the Holiday of Spring. In fact, every few years, the Jewish calendar which is lunar-based, is recalibrated to match the solar calendar, for one purpose: to ensure that Passover is in spring.
Wellsprings
Why spring? The reason is simple, yet profound. While Rosh Hashanah marks the beginning of the world’s creation, Passover commemorates the birth of the Jewish people. For 210 years, the Jewish people were in a womb-like state during the Egyptian servitude. Like a fetus that has all its limbs developed but is unable to control them, our ancestors were living in a suspended state, “a nation within a nation.” And on the 15th of Nissan, they were “born” into freedom. As we celebrate Passover amidst the chirping of the birds and the flowering of our gardens, we not only remember the birth of the Jewish people 3,300 years ago, but actually re-experience our own rebirth. We not only recall our ancestors’ flight to freedom, but also follow in their footsteps, embarking on our own path towards renewal, leaving the limitations and challenges of the past behind. P.S. Please be so kind as to help us bring the holiday of Passover and the meaning of freedom to all members of our community with your generous tax deductible donation in the enclosed envelope.
Editorial Rabbi Yaacov Halperin
Contributing Writers
Eliezer Steinman, Aryeh Weinstein, Dovid Zaklikowski, Mendy Herson, Rochel Spangenthal, Tzvi Freeman
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Rabbi Yaacov Halperin
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THEDANCING
Jews By Eliezer Steinman
Rabbi Israel Baal Shem Tov (1698-1760), the founder of the Chassidic movement, was once asked: “Why is it that Chassidim burst into song and dance at the slightest provocation? Is this the behavior of a healthy, sane individual?” The Baal Shem Tov responded with a story: Once, a musician came to town -- a musician of great but unknown talent. He stood on a street corner and began to play. Those who stopped to listen could not tear themselves away, and soon a large crowd stood enthralled by the glorious music whose equal they had never heard. Before long they were moving to its rhythm, and the entire street was transformed into a dancing mass of humanity.
A deaf man walking by wondered: Has the world gone mad? Why are the townspeople jumping up and down, waving their arms and turning in circles in middle of the street?
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A deaf man walking by wondered: Has the world gone mad? Why are the townspeople jumping up and down, waving their arms and turning in circles in middle of the street? “Chassidim,” concluded the Baal Shem Tov, “are moved by the melody that issues forth from every creature in G‑d’s creation. If this makes them appear mad to those with less sensitive ears, should they therefore cease to dance?”
PESACH HERE’S EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW
Easy
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PESACH DOESN’T HAVE TO BE A STRUGGLE
MADE
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THE STORY g WHAT IT’S ALL ABOUT
After many decades of slavery to the Egyptian pharaohs, during which time the Israelites were subjected to back‑ breaking labor and unbearable horrors, G‑d saw the peo‑ ple’s distress and sent Moses to Pharaoh with a message: “Send forth My people, so that they may serve Me.” But despite numerous warnings, Pharaoh refused to heed G‑d’s command. G‑d then sent upon Egypt ten dev‑ astating plagues, afflicting them and destroying ev‑ erything from their livestock to their crops. At the stroke of midnight of 15 Nissan in the year 2448 from creation (1313 BCE), G‑d vis‑ ited the last of the ten plagues on the Egyp‑ tians, killing all their firstborn. While doing so, G‑d spared the children of Israel, “pass‑ ing over” their homes—hence the name of the holiday. Pharaoh’s resistance was broken, and he virtually chased his for‑ mer slaves out of the land. The Israel‑ ites left in such a hurry, in fact, that the bread they baked as provisions for the way did not have time to rise. Six hundred thousand adult males, plus many more women and children, left Egypt on that day and began the trek to Mount Sinai and their birth as G‑d’s chosen peo‑ ple.
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SEARCH FOR The process of creating a chametz-free environment comes to its climax the night before Passover. We conduct a veritable “search and destroy” mission to find any remaining chametz in our home and eradicate it. The search is traditionally conducted with a beeswax candle, using a feather, wooden spoon, and a paper bag for collecting any chametz found. It is customary to place ten pieces of bread throughout the house to be “found” during the search. These should be wrapped in paper or some other flammable wrapping. On the evening before Passover, as soon as the sun is down, gather the household together, light the candle, and recite the following blessing: Bo-ruch A-toh Ado-noi E-lo-hei-nu Me-lech Ho-olom A-sher Ki-de-sha-nu Be-mitz-vo-sov Ve-tzi-vo-nu Al Bee-ur Cho-metz. Blessed are You, L-rd our G‑d, King of the universe, who has sanctif ied us by His commandments, and has commanded us concerning the removal of chametz.
Chametz
Next, hold the lit candle and search for chametz in every room, as well as any other area of the home that may have chametz. Even once a house is thoroughly cleaned, there is often still a bagel crust or a Cheerio hiding in some overlooked cranny. When you’re done, take all the chametz that was found in the search, wrap and seal it securely, and place it in a conspicuous spot. This chametz will be joined with all remaining chametz in your home, and burned the next morning. When you’ve completed the search, and done your best to get rid of any possible chametz, gather the family back together and recite the “Kol Chamira” declaration, translated below, nullifying all unknown chametz. All leaven or anything leavened which is in my possession, which I have neither seen nor removed, and about which I am unaware, shall be considered nullified and ownerless as the dust of the earth.
WHAT IS CHAMETZ
CHAMETZ- Chametz is “leaven” -- any food that’s made of grain and water that
have been allowed to ferment and “rise.” Bread, cereal, cake, cookies, pizza, pasta, and beer are blatant examples of chametz; but any food that contains grain or grain derivatives can be, and often is, chametz. Practically speaking, any processed food that is not certified “Kosher for Passover” may potentially include chametz ingredients.
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BEITZAH (EGG)
A hard-boiled egg represents the pre-holiday offering (chagigah) that was brought in the days of the Holy Temple. The meat of this animal constituted the main part of the Passover meal. The Aramaic word for “egg” is bei’ah, which is similar to the Aramaic word for “desire,” expressing that this was the night when G‑d desired to redeem us.
CHAZERET (BITTER HERBS) Bitter herbs (maror) remind us of the bitterness of the slavery of our forefathers in Egypt. Fresh grated horseradish, and romaine lettuce (or endives), are the most common choices. The leaves of romaine lettuce are not bitter; but the stem, when left to grow in the ground, turns hard and bitter. So it was with our enslavement in Egypt. At first the deceitful approach of Pharaoh was soft and sensible, and the work was done voluntarily and even for pay. Gradually it evolved into forced and cruel labor.
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Many have the custom to use parsley, called karpas in Hebrew. This vegetable alludes to the backbreaking work of the Jews as slaves, as the Hebrew letters of karpas can be arranged to spell the word perech plus the letter samech. Perech means backbreaking work, and samech is numerically equivalent to 60, referring to 60 myriads, equaling 600,000, which was the number of Jewish males over 20 years of age who were enslaved in Egypt.
l
KARPAS (VEGETABLE)
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MAROR (BITTER HERBS)
We make the blessing of al achilat maror (“Blessed are You . . . who has commanded us regarding the eating of maror”). There is no need to say the blessing of ha’adamah, since we’ve already said it over the karpas (the veggies we dipped in salt water).
See Chazeret.
i
THE ZEROA (SHANKBONE) A piece of roasted meat represents the lamb that was the special paschal sacrifice on the eve of the exodus from Egypt, and annually on the afternoon before Passover in the Holy Temple. Some use a forearm of a lamb. Called the zeroa, it alludes to the verse which states, “I will redeem you with an outstretched arm (zeroa).” Since we don’t want to appear to offer the paschal sacrifice in the absence of the Holy Temple, others take care to use something that is relatively dissimilar to the actual offering. Accordingly, many communities have the custom to use a roasted chicken neck or the like.
CHAROSET (PASTE) A mixture of apples, pears, nuts and wine, which resembles the mortar and brick made by the Jews when they toiled for Pharaoh.
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The Seder is a marathon feast that includes reading, drinking wine, telling stories, eating special foods and singing. It is held after nightfall on the first night of Passover (and the second night if you live outside of Israel), the anniversary of our nation’s miraculous exodus from Egyptian slavery more than 3,000 years ago. This year’s Seder(s) will be on April 10 (and 11), 2017. KADESH—THE BENEDICTION The Seder service begins with the recitation of kiddush, proclaiming the holiness of the holiday. This is done over a cup of wine, the first of the four cups we will drink (while reclining) at the Seder.
URCHATZ—PURIFICATION
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We wash our hands in the usual, ritually prescribed manner as is done before a meal, but without the customary blessing.
The next step in the Seder, Karpas, requires dipping food into water, which in turn mandates, according to Jewish law, that either the food be eaten with a utensil or that one’s hands be purified by washing. On the Seder eve we choose the less common observance to arouse the child’s curiosity.
KARPAS—THE “APPETIZER” A small piece of onion or boiled potato is dipped into saltwater and eaten (after reciting the blessing over vegetables).The saltwater represents the tears of our ancestors in Egypt.
YACHATZ—BREAKING THE MATZAH
A Note From the Sages
At the Seder, every person should feel as if he or she were going out of Egypt. We begin with the story of our patriarchs, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, and recount the Jewish people’s descent into Egypt, recalling their suffering and persecution. We are with them as G‑d sends the ten plagues to punish Pharaoh and his nation, and follow along as they leave Egypt and cross the Sea of Reeds. We witness the miraculous hand of G‑d as the waters part, allowing the Israelites to pass, then return to inundate the Egyptian legions.
The middle matzah on the Seder plate is broken in two. The larger part is put aside for later use as the afikoman. This unusual action not only attracts the child’s attention once again, but also recalls G‑d’s splitting of the Sea of Reeds to allow the Children of Israel to cross on dry land. The smaller part of the middle matzah is returned to the Seder plate. This broken middle matzah symbolizes humility, and will be eaten later as the “bread of poverty.”
MAGGID—THE HAGGADAH At this point, the poor are invited to join the Seder. The Seder tray is
As we eat bitter foods of affliction and poverty, the Exodus becomes a reality—as real as the festive meal and celebratory toasts that follow. 09 WEL L SP R ING S
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moved aside, a second cup of wine is poured, and the child, who by now is bursting with curiosity, asks the timehonored question: “Mah nishtanah ha-lailah hazeh mikol ha-leilot? Why is this night different from all other nights?” Why only matzah? Why the dipping? Why the bitter herbs? Why are we relaxing and leaning on cushions as if we were kings?
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The child’s questioning triggers one of the most significant mitzvot of Passover, which is the highlight of the Seder ceremony: the haggadah, telling the story of the Exodus from Egypt. The answer includes a brief review of history, a description of the suffering imposed upon the Israelites, a listing of the plagues visited on the Egyptians, and an enumeration of the miracles performed by the Almighty for the redemption of His people.
We then say “Leshanah haba’ah bee-rushalayim— Next year in Jerusalem.”
least one ounce of bitter herbs and dip them in the charoset. Place this between the two pieces of matzah, say “kein asah Hillel . . .” and eat the sandwich while reclining.
SHULCHAN ORECH—THE FEAST The holiday meal is now served. We begin the meal with a hard-boiled egg dipped into saltwater.
ROCHTZAH—WASHING BEFORE THE MEAL
TZAFUN—OUT OF HIDING
After concluding the first part of the haggadah by drinking the second cup of wine (while reclining), the hands are washed again, this time with the customary blessings, as is usually done before eating bread.
After the meal, the half-matzah which had been “hidden,” set aside for the afikoman (“dessert”), is taken out and eaten. It symbolizes the Paschal lamb, which was eaten at the end of the meal.
MOTZI MATZAH—WE EAT THE MATZAH
Everyone should eat at least 1½ ounces of matzah, reclining, before midnight. After eating the afikoman, we do not eat or drink anything except for the two remaining cups of wine.
Taking hold of the three matzot (with the broken one between the two whole ones), recite the customary blessing before bread. Then, letting the bottom matzah drop back onto the plate, and holding the top whole matzah with the broken middle one, recite the special blessing “al achilat matzah.” Then break at least one ounce from each matzah and eat the two pieces together, while reclining.
MAROR—THE BITTER HERBS
BERACH—BLESSINGS AFTER THE MEAL A third cup of wine is filled and Grace is recited. After the Grace we recite the blessing over wine and drink the third cup while reclining.Now we fill the cup of Elijah and our own cups with wine. We open the door and recite the passage which is an invitation to the Prophet Elijah, the harbinger of the coming of Moshiach, our righteous Messiah.
Take at least one ounce of the bitter herbs. Dip it in the charoset, then shake the latter off and make the blessing “al achilat maror.” Eat without reclining.
KORECH—THE SANDWICH In keeping with the custom instituted by Hillel, the great Talmudic sage, a sandwich of matzah and maror is eaten. Break off two pieces of the bottom matzah, which together should be at least one ounce. Again, take at
A rabbi was once asked why Jews eat eggs on Passover. “Because eggs symbolize the Jew,” the rabbi answered. “The more an egg is burned or boiled, the harder it gets.”
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HALLEL—SONGS OF PRAISE At this point, having recognized the Almighty and His unique guidance of the Jewish people, we go still further and sing His praises as L‑rd of the entire universe. After reciting the Hallel, we again recite the blessing over wine and drink the fourth cup, reclining.
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NIRTZAH—ACCEPTANCE Having carried out the Seder service properly, we are sure that it has been well received by the Almighty. We then say “Leshanah haba’ah bee-rushalayim—Next year in Jerusalem.”we do not
See Page 37
eat or drink anything except for the two remaining cups of wine.
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u
Freedom
O
By Aryeh Weinstein
n February 11th, 1986, in an historic event, the “refusenik,” Natan Sharansky, was finally given his freedom by communist Russia. The KGB brought him to the Glienicke bridge in East Berlin, which he was to cross to reach the American’s KGB counterparts. When they finally took their hands off of him, he was given his last instructions. He was to walk across the bridge to the CIA in a straight line. So what did Natan Sharansky do? What he always did. He demonstrated that no one owns him. He zig-zagged deliberately across that bridge, defying orders, risking everything. This act by Natan Sharansky powerfully symbolizes the two forms of freedom, which we often confuse. One is freedom from, and the other is freedom to. Usually, when we speak about freedom, we imply freedom from. When Natan Sharansky was being let go by the KGB, he was attaining freedom from a people who were oppressing him. Yet, simply leaving their clutches did not determine that he would live freely. There are many constraints that limit us. It is only when we know what we are living for and we dedicate ourselves to it, that we are experiencing true independence. And that is what we call freedom to. I am not free simply because no one controls me. I am free when I define the purpose for my living.
“One is freedom from, and the other is freedom to. Usually, when we speak about freedom, we imply freedom from.” Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks uses this differentiation in translating two Hebrew words that loosely mean freedom. The word Chofesh is very often used for vacation. Well, what is a vacation? It’s getting away from work. We call that freedom from. Charut, mentioned in the Exodus from Egypt, is freedom to. In the national anthem of the United States of America, we sing, ‘the land of the free and the home of the brave,’ which are, arguably, two very different places. The first is a land of democracy where one can experience freedom of expression and freedom of religion. A land can only offer you freedom from. If you really want your spirit to be liberated and driven toward bigger values, you need the home of the brave. It takes courage to attain freedom to. The difference is that freedom from is external. It’s whether outside elements are controlling me or FR E E DOM
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finding true inner liberty. In many respects, that is the conflict between a soul exiled within a body. It longs to be liberated, so it can override the body’s material and physical indulgence, to let us experience true freedom. What do we really to act. But then there is “The eight-day workshop of Passover is mean when we describe a person as open, getting to know myself, for discovering not only how to leave exwhat my mission and free-spirited? That is ternal restraints..” actually someone who responsibilities are, and had the guts to ask, “What has G-d made me to be,” finding the courage to devote myself to them. to find the answer within, and to pledge their life to it. The association between the Exodus from Egypt and the giving of the Torah is also about two freedoms. In The eight-day workshop of Passover is for discoverthe Torah G-d explicitly tells Moses,”I am liberating ing not only how to leave external restraints, but more the Jewish people so that they shall serve me at Mount importantly, how to find out who we truly are, how to Sinai.” There, the Jewish people receive Torah. One can dedicate ourselves to the mission that Gd outlined for very easily wonder, did the Jews really experience liber- our path in life. ation? They got out of Egypt only to find themselves enslaved to G-d. Aryeh Weinstein is a recognized expert in the science of Jewish spirituality. He is the host and creator of the Yet, that is what true freedom is. G-d is taking us out of Beginning Within podcast and beginningwithin.com. the external clutches of Egypt, but that doesn’t suffice. He’s then giving us a purpose for living to commit to, not. In freedom to, I acquire the liberty from within. It’s an ability to discover who I truly am and to dedicate my life to it. Of course, I need freedom from the outside to give me the power
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SALTED REBUKE PURIFIED
AND
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By Dovid Zaklikowski
W
hat is a culture, an art and, many will claim, a talent?
The passion of rebuke.
salt-water. Then we take the middle of our three thin matzahs and break it in half, known as Yachatz. The smaller half of the matzah is returned to the Seder plate, while the larger half is hidden until the end of the night, when it is eaten prior to the Grace after Meals.
We all have something to say about what everyone else is up to. We are quick to criticize and rebuke our friends, One of the reasons for breaking the matzah is because neighbors, educators, and leaders. matzah also commemorates the bread of the poor—thin cracker bread. As slaves in Egypt, the Israelites would eat There is a huge industry, in fact, surrounding the phe- this broken and cheap bread. nomenon of discussing what other people are doing:
“We all have something to say about what everyone else is up to” Talk Radio. The New York Times recently reported that opinion-based news shows on stations such as FOX and MSNBC trump the old fashioned news on CNN. Most of these conversations center on public officials’ actions, their policies, and gaffes.
Yet the order of the Seder is peculiar. Why don’t we break the matzah earlier, prior to the washing of the hands and the dipping of the vegetable? Shouldn’t the entire Seder be over this broken matzah, which holds so much meaning for the Passover experience?
The Torah teaches us to rebuke our fellows for their wrongdoings, as stated in Leviticus (19:17), “You shall surely rebuke your fellow.” Discrete rebuke, with the intention of bringing about change in the rebuked individual, has always been part of Jewish practice. The Passover meal celebrated in Jewish homes across the globe, known as the Seder, is divided into fifteen steps. The order of these steps contains many lessons for our daily lives. One of these lessons involves the appropriate way to rebuke our fellows. Towards the beginning of the Seder are some interesting, and seemingly bizarre, customs. We ritually wash our hands, referred to as “purification,” or Urchatz in Hebrew. We then have a piece of a vegetable, known as Karpas, dipped in PUR IFIE D
RE B U K E 16
The broken spirit represented by the broken matzah could refer to any individual who is down because of a mistake or wrongdoing. The breaking of the matzah is also a sym-
We then need to dip that satisfaction we might’ve received, symbolized by the good vegetable, in saltwater, to remove, to erode, the egotistic layers which cause us to put
As individuals, we sometimes silently enjoy putting down the other so that we could be elevated at their expense bol for rebuking—the breaking of the spirit.
down others. The salt reveals the essence of good in us, the kinder source in our hearts.
As individuals, we sometimes silently enjoy putting down the other so that we could be elevated at their expense. Only then, when there is no other reason beside goodly Our intention, in these cases, is not G‑dly; nor will it intention, should one rebuke. make a difference in the person we are rebuking. When rebuke is given in this way, coming from the heart, When coming to rebuke another, we must first wash our from the depth of good, it will surely enter the heart of the hands. We need to purify ourselves spiritually, thus remov- other, and bring about meaningful improvement. ing any personal agendas which would result in damaging Adapted from the written notes of Passover commentary of rebuke. Dovid Zaklikowski’s grandfather, the venerated scholar and teacher Rabbi Chaim Meir Bukiet, of blessed memory.
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WHAT MAKES
You TICK?
By Mendy Herson
Step one is to identify our personal “Egypts” — the external distractions, pleasures, fears, etc., that trap and control us. Freedom comes through transcending our Egypts, to freely live our lives according to our own deeper vision.
T
he answer may appear ob- security, etc. And for that, Jim vious, but there may be needs money. deeper meaning beneath the And for that, Jim needs a job. surface. Let’s consider “Jim.” He is pounding the pavement looking for a job. The search is consuming him, so that’s what drives him now. Or is it? After all, is work his deepest desire?
Jim might have honestly answered our original question with “the job search.” But it’s obviously much deeper. His deepest need may actually be self-preservation, self-respect, familial-validation, etc. But he’ll only find that when he pierces through his layers.
Actually, it’s not a job he’s after, In many ways, we are Jim, as we struggle for inner freedom. but… money. Jim needs a job in order to generate money. His primary need is funding, not a job per se.
Jim’s process is actually step two of our Passover “freedom train.”
Step one is to identify our perBut why? Does he want money sonal “Egypts”—the external distractions, pleasures, fears, for money’s sake? etc., that trap and control us. No. Jim actually wants comfort, Freedom comes through tranWH AT
MAKE S
YOU
TIC K
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scending our Egypts, to freely live our lives according to our own deeper vision. Soon we celebrate the Jews’ crossing of the sea. But leaving Egypt isn’t really possible until you know Make it count. where you want to go. I can’t freely live as myself until Rabbi Mendy Herson is director of the Chabad Jewish I’ve identified myself. Center in Basking Ridge, New Jersey. What is my deeper vision?
The Jews’ ultimate disengagement from Egypt came through crossing the Sea. G‑d’s splitting the sea symbolizes exposing our inner “dry land,” by pushing aside the layers of personality that obscure our deepest selves, as the waters cover the sea. By identifying our deepest selves, through our own efforts and through the power of Passover, we can find – and perhaps reconfigure – our own deepest principles. Crossing your personal sea puts you on the path to true freedom: A meaningful life.
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New New Programming Programming && Activities Activities We’ve restyled our activities to fit every camper! With daily options to fit you! With Outdoor and Indoor Options, Campers will have opportunities like never before in Science · Sports · Art · Team Work
Trips We offer amazing weekly field trips such as: Dutch Springs, Kids Quest, Laser Tag, Martin Guitars, Roller Skating, Shakespeare Festival, & More!
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Session 1
June 26 - July 7th $450
DatesSession& 2Rates BONUS Week July 10th- July 21st $450
July 24th- July 28th $225
5% Discount if Registered By April 25th! *Scholarships Available Through the Camp Gan Israel Scholarship Fund
Extras
Transportation Available
Register Now!
Before & After Care 8am - 5pm Visit Us Online to See Our Full Summer Sechedule!
www.GanIsraelPA.com - ganisrael@chabadlehighvalley.com - 610.351.6511
Why Gan Izzy? Camp Gan Israel provides a unique environment that is stimulating, exciting, safe, and fun! No one puts more care into the care of your child. This atmosphere insipires self conďŹ dence, a love for Judaism, and friendships that can last a lifetime. What sets our camp apart is that each child is treated as a unique individual, and at the same time part of an amazing group.
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Northampton County’s Premier Provider of Subacute Care Cardiac • Orthopedic • Pulmonary • Neuro Recovery
Following a million-dollar renovation project, New Eastwood Healthcare & Rehabilitation Center now features an ALL-NEW INTERIOR & EXTERIOR that provides patients with a STATE-OF-THE-ART RECOVERY EXPERIENCE. • • • • • • •
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2125 Fairview Avenue, Easton, PA 18042 • Ph: 610-258-2801 • Fax: 610-258-2167 NewEastwoodRehab.com
ME? ARE YOU LOOKING AT By Rochel Spangenthal
Yesterday one o’clock in the morning found me dragging my feet up twelve flights of stairs to my dorm room after an intense workout. As I progressed, I reflected on how unpleasing I probably was to all five senses, and silently prayed that I would not cross paths with anyone on my way up. But seeing as G‑d likes a good laugh as much as anyone, I met a girl who was sitting in the stairwell. I stared at her intently as I drew closer and waited to see how she would react. Suddenly, the girl looked up, noticed my gaze, and put her hand up to her cheek, “I know, my face is really dirty, isn’t it?”
Yes, that is a true story.
Present company excluded, people tend to focus on themselves, don’t they? I mean, how can one expect otherwise? Is it really fair to ask me to be selfless and to think of others? We are intimately tied to our own experiences, our subjective perceptions of what occurs around us, our interactions with others. Sometimes it strikes me, when I am traveling in an airport, that everyone in that airport has a totally individual
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life in which I don’t even exist. And yet, it is perfectly logical that I am so wrapped up in my own life. Additionally, I am told to believe that “the whole world was created for me” (Sanhedrin 4:5). If the whole world was created for me, it makes sense that I should be self-centered! Tanya (ch. 41) describes the meditation necessary to bring
“IT’S TRUE, YOU ARE THE CENTER OF THE WORLD” a fear of heaven. Paraphrased: “One should contemplate how G‑d fills and transcends all the worlds, but he specifically chooses to be a King over you. Proof ? Each person must say ‘for my sake, the whole world was created.’” At first glance, it appears that this meditation would serve only to feed my ego. According to psychology (Elkind), there are four stages of egocentrism. Foremost is Adolescent Egocentrism, which is when a teen (or the teen inside of you) has an imaginary audience and lives with a personal fable. Meaning: he believes that he is utterly “special” and “unique” in his experiences and feelings, and as a result, he imagines an audience scrutinizing him wherever he goes.
This seems to be fitting with what Tanya says. G‑d created the world for me, so everyone else is created for me too! But, ironically, when it comes to the job of fixing up the world and making it into a better place, most people show their humble side. “I’ll let someone else do the work.” However, if the whole world is yours, the problems in it are also up to you to fix. Maimonides writes, “In order for the Holy Temple to be built, every single Jew must partake in the building.” But what difference will it make if one person does not throw in a brick? To the guy walking through the airport, it would not matter, but to G‑d and the entire fiber of creation, it makes all the difference in the world. The Holy Temple needs you. And this is why Adolescent Egocentrism is actually a good thing. It’s true, you are the center of the world. That for some reason, G‑d leaves his high and holy realms to create you. That as much as everyone is part of a divine
mosaic in the plan of the world, you are not just another dab of paint on a portrait. You are the most essential part of the painting. To G‑d, the whole world was created for you. So go ahead . . . continue thinking that everyone is looking at that spot on your face. Because you are important, and G‑d’s kingship is on you individually. But that also means that you’ve got a lot to accomplish.
Rochel Spangenthal recently acquired a BA in psychology and biology from Yeshiva University. A native North Carolinian, Rochel is now a freelance writer, photographer and world traveler.
Your Lehigh Valley BubbleMania was a hit performance!
It was an absolutely incredible Purim this year! The Chabad Hebrew School students were busy preparing for the events by making hamatashen and starring in their own Purim video. We were thrilled to see all of our friends at the first Megillah reading while the Friendship Circle volunteers had a limo ride to an exciting and well deserved night out at Revolutions. Up next there was a mesmerizing performance by BubbleMania at our Purim Under the Sea party. Thank you to all who participated, we can’t wait until next year! 21 WEL L SP R ING S
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Time to make Hamatashen at Gan Yeladim & Chabad Hebrew School!
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More great fun with the girls at our Bat Mitzvah Club! Every club meeting is not only spent in great companiy, but in learning and personal growth through crafts and hands-on activities.
Students gathered for one of the most anticipated events of the year hosted by Chabad at Lehigh, Shabbat 300, for an unforgettable Shabbat!
All Ready!
Your Lehigh Valley On Campus
Chabad Serving Muhlenberg is making great strides and offering a wealth of activities to be enjoyed by students including Super Bowl Parties, Havdallah services, and warm Shabbat dinners.
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10 Ti ps the Parenting Boo k s
W o n ’t T ell You The good news is that they are cute and little. The bad news is that you’re going to have to grow up. The parenting books don’t tell you how to do that. But don’t sweat it. Here’s everything they left out, in ten simple points:
Grow Up To be a parent, you need to become an adult. Who will teach you to be an adult? Your parents failed. Your teachers failed. Your manager failed. But your child can do it.
Me d it ate When the kids are bouncing off the walls, sit still and do nothing. Close your eyes, calm down and relax. Open your eyes, and all the kids have calmed down as well. Okay, maybe they haven’t. But you’ll be in better condition to deal with the situation. Works better than chocolate (which you can now save for your grumpy hunger attack, later). Where did I get this from? None other than the Baal Shem Tov. Kids, he taught, are tuned into your thoughts. If you’re having problems with your kids, fix up your thoughts. 33 WEL L SP R ING S
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Your child, after all, made you a parent - just by being born. Pay real close attention, and you’ll hear how she’s trying to make you into an adult as well. As Rabbi Chanina confessed, “Most of what I know, I got from my students.” Same with your kid- but much, much more.
Be There For Th em When the teacher calls to complain that your kid is doing lousy and needs help with homework, take the kid out and play catch. He has enough enemies already. He needs a friend. And when the principal calls you with that “I know you really don’t want to hear this” voice, explain that we’re both on the same sidethe side of your kid. You are your child’s only advocate in the world. Think of Jacob who called his sons his brothers. I’m sure they treated him like a king, but he thought of them as brothers- because he was there at their side to help them. And so they were at his side, at his time of need, to help him.
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Always carry a snack. Not for the kids- for yourself. Hungry parents make lousy parents.
Good parents talk a lot to their kids. Great parents mostly listen. Especially to the ones that don’t say anything. They need the most listening to.
One piece of kosher chocolate can do wonders for your parenting skills.
Bu n ge e Ropes of Love When your kids morph into meshugana teenagers, hold tight to the bungee ropes. If they know you love them no matter what, they won’t want to do things that will hurt you. And if they do, eventually they’ll bounce back up. In Tanya, the basic book of chassidic thought, those ropes are called “thick cords of love.” They’re the only way to pull someone back.
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important than this time now. Enjoy each other’s company. Be happy to be with your kids.
“Basically, they’re the biggest investment you’ll make in life..”
Want a family? Eat food together.
Each day, find some story or interesting fact to say at the table. Each week, save stories and neat Torah facts to say at the Shabbat meal. Friday night meals (and Saturday, as well) are your main tools for creating a family.
Shut off the TV. Make a big deal of turning off your cell phone. Set a place where all devices will stay put for the half-hour of dinner time. Including yours. No exceptions- nothing is more
Never come to the Friday night table exhausted. The holy Rebbe of Rimanov often wondered why taking a nap on Friday afternoon was not one of the Ten Commandments.
Eat Toget h er
Nac has Make family trips. Squeeze into the car together. Take pictures. Okay, so you won’t get out until 3 in the afternoon. Okay, you’ll spend more time packing, making sandwiches, loading the van, unpacking, etc., than you will spend having fun. But you’ll be a family, the kids will have good memories, and when they have their own families, they’ll take you along on their own family trips.
Mode l in g Everything you disliked about your parents, you ended up imitating. Guaranteed, the same will happen with your kids. It’s an instinct. Maybe they’re not imitating you now, but in ten years, twenty years- at some point they will, whether they like it or not. So keep doing the good stuff, even when they don’t like it. And whatever you don’t want your child to do, don’t do it yourself. Want your kids to speak politely? Speak politely to them. Don’t want them to yell? Don’t yell at them. Want them to be good Jews? Do Jewish things. Whatever it is- imagine what you want them to be, and act that way yourself. And if you fail, admit your failure and make amends. They’ll imitate that too.
Nac has Nachas is the Jewish word for enjoyment, satisfaction and pride— all bundled together. If you like ice cream, the feeling of nachas is like your entire innards becoming one big vanilla fudge ice cream sundae. If you want nachas from your kids, the best way to get it is by getting nachas from your kids. That means letting slide the stupid little things that kids do, and getting a kick out of the cute, smart and beautiful little things they do. Let them see your smile. For every “No!” there’s got to be at least five hugs, kisses, pats on the back, cheek-pinching, and just plain loving smiles. Kids thrive on your enjoyment of them. As Ashley Montagu pointed out, no culture provides attention and affection to their kids as do Jews. In English, we don’t even have a word for nachas!
But, nevertheless, make sure to have time to take out each child alone. Even if it’s just to run an errand, grab a kid- but just one kid—and throw him or her in the back seat. It’s just the two of you, and that’s what counts. The Baal Shem Tov taught that G‑d treats each of us as an only child. Our kids deserve the same.
Parenting is not a hobby, and children are not the collateral damage of marriage. These are people’s lives you are dealing with, a Divine mission. hey’re the biggest investment you’ll make in life- the only one that’s for perpetuity. Invest all you got. You’ll reap the dividends now, and when you need it the most, you’ll cash in big-time, with grandchildren who think you’re the greatest grandparents in the world. What greater wealth could there be?
Rabbi Tzvi Freeman is a senior editor at Chabad.org. He is the author of Bringing Heaven Down to Earth. 1 0
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pasSover CalendaR
BleSsinGs Blessing #1
Sunday, April 9, 2017 Formal search for chametz after nightfall - 8:00 pm
Tuesday, April 18, 2017
Monday, April 10, 2017
Morning Services: 10:00 am Yizkor Memorial Service at 11:30 am Passover ends at 8:28 pm
Finish eating chametz before 10:51 am Sell and Burn chametz before 11:57 am Light candles at 7:18 pm Say blessings 1 & 2 Community Seder: 7:30 pm
Note: Candle lighting times are for zipcode, 18104 For other areas, visit: www.chabadlehighvalley.com.
Fast of the First Born
Tuesday, April 11, 2017
ָ ָ ֶ ֶ ּ ֵֹ ֶ ָ ַ ִ ְ ַ ְ ְִָ ָ ְ ִ ְ ָ ְ ִ ֶ ֵ
Blessing #2
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Baruch Atah Ado-noi Elo-hei-nu Melech Ha-olam She-heh-chi-yah-nu Ve-ki-ye-mahnu Ve-hi-gi-ahnu Liz-man Ha-zeh.
* Light only from a pre-existing flame.
Morning Services: 10:00 am Light candles* after 8:20 pm Say blessings 1 & 2
Blessed are You, Lord our G-d, King of the universe, who has granted us life, sustained us, and enabled us to reach this occasion.
Wednesday, April 12, 2017 Morning Services: 10:00 am Holiday ends at 8:21 pm
Friday, April 14, 2017
Light Shabbat candles at 7:23 pm Say blessing 3
Saturday, April 15, 2017 Morning Services: 10:00 am Shabbat ends at 8:24 pm
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Sunday, April 16, 2017
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Light candles at 7:25 pm Say blessing 1
Monday, April 17, 2017 Morning Services: 10:00 am Light candles* after 8:26 pm Say blessing 1
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Baruch Atah Ado-noi, Elo-hei-nu Melech Ha-olam, Asher Ki-de-sha-nu Be-mitz-vo-sav, Ve-tzi-vanu Le-had-lik Ner Shel Shabbat Kodesh.
Blessed are You, Lord our G-d, d, King of the universe, who has sanctified us with His commandments, and commanded us to kindle the holy Shabbat light.
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Delegation of Power For Sale of Chometz I fully empower and permit Rabbi Yaacov Halperin to act on my behalf to sell all Chometz owned by me (knowingly or unknowingly) as defined by the Torah and Rabbinic Law (e.g., Chometz, possible Chometz, and all kinds of Chometz mixtures), and also Chometz that tends to harden and to adhere to inside surfaces of pans pots or cooking and usable utensils, and all kinds of live animals that have been eating Chometz or mixtures thereof, and to lease all places wherein the Chometz owned by me may be found, especially in the premises located at these addresses, the addresses listed on the reverse, and elsewhere. Rabbi Halperin has the full right to sell and to lease by transactions as he deems fit and proper, and for such time which he believes necessary. Also I give Rabbi Halperin full power and authority to appoint a substitute in his stead with full power to sell and to lease as provided herein. First Name
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Return completed form by mail or drop off by Thursday , April 6, 2017. Responsibility cannot be accepted for forms received later. Chabad of Lehigh Valley 4457 Crackersport Rd Allentown pa 18104 Phone: 610-351-6511 contact@chabadlehighvalley.com
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Guideline Services
Chabad of the Lehigh Valley 4457 Crackersport Road Allentown, PA 18104 www.chabadlehighvalley.com
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Relive the Exodus from Egypt in an easy to follow service. Discover the eternal meaning of the Haggadah.
$25 Adult / $18 Child ----$360 sponsor / $540 gold sponsor www.chabadlehighvalley.com
Enjoy a community Seder complete with hand-baked Shmurah Matzah, wine, and a wonderful dinner spiced with unique traditional customs.
April 10th 7:30 pm