Vol. 5 Issue 128
March 27 - April 24, 2009
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“Let all those who are hungry, come and eat” – Passover Haggadah In the spirit of the Holiday, let’s work to stamp out hunger this Passover season. Purchase any
item and a portion of the proceed will be donated to the United Soup Kitchens in Israel. Applies to purchases made March 18 – April 21, 2009. Some exclusions and limitations may apply.
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Glida Vanilla Ice Cream Bars 6-pk.
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7
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AVAILABILITY: Each of these advertised items is readily available for sale at or below the advertised price at most Albertsons stores while supplies last. Some items may not be available at all stores. RAIN CHECK: We strive to have on hand sufficient stock of advertised merchandise. If for any reason we are out of stock, a RAIN CHECK will be issued enabling you to buy the item at the advertised price as soon as it becomes available.• We reserve the right to limit quantities. • No Sales to Dealers. • Savings may vary. Check price tag for details. ©2009 SUPERVALU INC. Albertsons, the Albertsons logo, Lucky, Good things are just around the corner, the 10 for $10 logo, the Blue Ribbon Beef logo, the Check the Price logo, the Sav•on logo, essensia, equaline, Culinary Circle and the Steakhouse Choice logo are trademarks of SUPERVALU INC. or its subsidiaries. Prices for limited hour or limited day sales are effective in-store only and are not available for online shopping.
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Features
March 27, 2009
community links • Volume 5 Issue 128
8
14 8
15 Ways To Invigorate Your Seder
20
The heart of the Seder, from beginning to end, is comprised of fifteen steps – each another stage in the process of personal and global redemption which is the essence of Passover – as defined in detail in The Fifteen Steps of the Seder.
12
Passover in the Age of Stimulous Each year, there is the ultimate divine comedy as Passover usually falls the week of April 15 and April 10, the dates income taxes, estimated taxes, property taxes, and retirement contributions are all due.
Identity Crisis Suddenly, our Chelmer genius discovered that his string was gone. He started panicking. This was a serious identity crisis. Then he saw that the fellow next door was sporting his red string. Whereupon, he ran over to him and shouted, "I know who you are, but who am I?" Rabbi Yossy Goldman
34
His Wife Was Right! They started to laugh, got up and began to dance around the Seder table. And at that very moment, the decree in Heaven against the Jews of their village was annulled," the Baal Shem Tov concluded. Rabbi Yossy Goldman
Dr. Robert Rome, PhD.
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15 WAYS TO
INVIGORATE
YOUR SEDER
P
assover, perhaps like no other holiday, captures the diverse spectrum of religious and spiritual experience, from one extreme to the next. For the most observant, the Passover Seder is a solemn time, heavily filled with rules and regulations, rich with layers of customs and meanings, to be followed to the tee with all the stringency of Passover law. For many the Seder is not quite as intense. Rather it is a nice, nostalgic experience. A time to get together with family and friends. A time to remember history and celebrate our heritage. For others the Seder is at best a nuisance and at worst an imposition. Some wonder what are all these traditions all about;
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others are skeptical as to their contemporary relevance; yet others are apathetic to the whole demonstration, which doesn't carry much significance in their lives; finally, there are those for whom the entire holiday experience is an unhealthy facade concealing an otherwise dysfunctional family life.
Seder comes around, communicate to the group the “personality type” you have chosen to portray.
For many others it's something in between: A night of tradition, which at times offers some inspiration, but at other times seems hollow and mechanical.
(If you have less than fifteen Seder attendees, each person can play more than one role. If you have more attendees, more than one person can play one personality type.)
But is there anything more than all the above that makes "this night different than all other nights of the year?"
1. Kadesh: The Sanctifier: Distinguishes between the holy and the mundane.
However you twist it, the Seder nowadays seems to be lacking a vitality that should make it indispensable to our lives. Even those that follow every nuance of the Seder tradition, can appear to be doing so by rote.
2. U'rchatz: The Cleaner: Cleanses the mind, body and heart of clutter and distractions in life.
After 3319 years since the initial exodus from Egypt, our greatest challenge today is to make the Passover Seder relevant to our lives. To address this compelling dilemma, this column has attempted to plumb the rich spiritual resources of Torah thought which personalize the Seder experience, rendering it into a powerful psychological/spiritual journey into our own hearts and souls – a Seder experience as it was always meant to be. The heart of the Seder, from beginning to end, is comprised of fifteen steps – each another stage in the process of personal and global redemption which is the essence of Passover – as defined in detail in The Fifteen Steps of the Seder. To make these 15 steps even more palatable, below is an exercise that can help bring the Passover Seder alive. Remember: Passover in one word is transcendence – the power to free ourselves from all forms of constraints that inhibit and constrict our lives. The fifteen steps of the Seder – which recreates the Exodus from slavery to freedom – teaches us that transcendence is achieved through fifteen stages, each reflecting a “personality type” which imparts one piece of the Passover transcendence story. Together, all fifteen parts weave a beautiful tapestry, leading us to personal freedom and universal emancipation. EXERCISE: Before the Seder begins, each attendee should choose one of the “personality types” listed below corresponding to the fifteen Seder steps. When your respective stage in the
Be creative and find ways to express your “personality” – role-play, tell a story, or act out the part. Engage the group and invite them to comment – and together, personalize the fifteen steps and bring the Seder alive.
3. Karpas: The Dipper: Dips and sublimates the material (vegetable) in the saltwater/tears that come from remembering a more spiritual state. 4. Yachatz: The Breaker: Breaks his subjective self to see a broader perspective. 5. Maggid: The Storyteller: Relates the story of life, in dialogue form. 6. Rachtzah: The Washer: Submerges the mind, body and soul, as a prelude to the next steps. 7. Motzi: The Earthy One: Blesses and recognizes that even things earthy (bread) are heavenly. 8. Matzah: The Selfless One: Does not allow the ego (dough) to rise and always remains selfless. 9. Maror: The Empathizer: Feels another's bitterness and pain. 10. Korech: The Binder: Sandwiches selflessness and empathy (steps 8-9) into one experience called life. 11. Shulchan Orech: The Implementer: Sets the table and ensures that that we have all the tools to eat the "meal" of life. 12. Tzafun: The Knower of Secrets: Reveals that which is hidden – the unconscious. 13. Beirach: The Gracious One: Blesses and acknowledges life’s gifts. 14. Hallel: The Praiser: Sings praise and places complete trust in G-d's hands. 15. Nirtzah: The Acceptor: Not action – but complete surrender to being accepted and received by G-d. •
Courtesy of meaningfullife.org
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P
assover is the most democratic of Jewish holidays. The main observances of Passover, including the preparation, the Sedarim, and the eating of the Passover foods and matzah, can be observed in any Jewish home. You do not need a rabbi as any head of household can serve as the Seder leader. You do not need a special building. Your family table serves as the festive altar. Despite the democratic nature of the festival, Passover is not a cheap holiday. There are the preparations. Preparing the counter-top granite for the holiday costs $315 alone this year from the leading company. There are hundreds more to clean the carpets. New spices must be purchased. New foods. It can easily cost $2000.00 or more for a small family to prepare and experience Pesach. Each year, there is the ultimate divine comedy as Passover usually falls the week of April 15 and April 10, the dates income taxes, estimated taxes, property taxes, and retirement contributions are all due. This unfortunate timing often creates hardship. But in this year of recession and stimulus, other pain is felt. This year is especially problematic financially. With 12% of the workforce in Los Angeles currently unemployed, and even more underemployed as incomes are down, a proper celebration of Passover may be out of reach for many Jews unless we all work together to make sure that the holiday can be celebrated by all in our community. Even for those who are employed, with the holidays occurring on weekdays, four days of holiday plus one day of preparation mean five days off of work in nine days. For those who earn money only for the hours worked, these families may have special additional needs this year because of the quirks of the calendar. Maot Chitin is the name of the special fund established at Passover for purposes of distributing matzah, food and wine for the Seder, and other items for throughout the festival. We need this year to do two things this year: We have to give more to the Maot Chitin funds in our shuls and organizations, and we have to make sure that those in
need are linked with these funds to get their needed Passover supplies. Toward the end of the Seder, we open the door and say, “Let all who are hungry come and eat.” This year, we need to open our doors in advance of the holiday, inviting those who need a Seder to our tables. No Jew should be left behind. Ask your rabbi about who may need a Seder. Families have a great deal of pride. People who have never been out of work before will not be interested in receiving handouts. Offering such charity in a direct manner may be the final blow for the family’s esteem. But, such families may have teenagers who could be hired to help you clean your house or set up for the Seder. Think of creative ways you may be able to help those in need without taking away their pride. There are many holiday meals with four days of Yom Tov and a Shabbat in the middle of the Chag this year. Share these meals with others. If you go to one or two homes for a couple of the meals and others come to you, economy of scale may permit all of you to save money while enlarging your celebrations. Also, if you find a deal for Passover foods or other items, pass the good news on to others. There are several stores this year that will give a 10% discount on everything in the store if you make your purchases one to two weeks before the holiday. A 10% discount may mean $100-200 in savings! This will certainly help We have survived and even been strengthened when we become united as a community to address our communal needs and concerns. This is the time we need to unite. We can ease the pain of others while enhancing our holiday celebration. Everyone will gain when work together in these ways. Chag Sameach V’Kasher. Have a joyous and kosher Passover, a holiday which will, G-d willing, include all. At other times in the year, we wish people “an easy” celebration (as in “have an easy fast” on Yom Kippur or another fast day). This year for Passover, we need to add, “Have an Easy Holiday!” •
Robert J. Rome, Ph.D., is a licensed psychologist in clinical practice in Encino, California. He can be reached at RJRome@aol.com.
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PARSHAS VAYIKRA
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T
his week the Torah tells us of a mitzvah that the Chofetz Chaim is alleged to have prayed never to have to perform. Difficult as it may be, it is a positive commandment.
But as the Chofetz Chaim wished, may we all be spared from it. The Torah tells us that if an individual succumbed and stole property, or deceitfully held an item entrusted to him, there is a mitzvah to make amends. "And he shall return the stolen object that he stole, the fraudulent gains that he defrauded, the pledge that was secured with him" (Leviticus 5:23). The redundancy is glaring. Of course the stolen item is what you stole. Surely the pledge was secured with you. And the fraudulent gains are those that you swindled. Why does the Torah repeat the action words, "that he stole, that he defrauded, that was secured with him" ? On a Talmudic level, the Gemarah derives from the extra words the technical laws that determine when monetary restitution takes precedence over reparations of real property. If a person steals a piece of wood, for example, and builds a boat with it, must he return the newly formed item to the original owner of the wood, or would monetary compensation suffice? After all, the wood in the thief's possession is no longer the "the stolen object that he stole." The man stole wood. It is now a boat. On those issues and ideas there are tomes of analysis that translate into centuries of Torah observance. I'd like to explain the illusory redundancies on a simple, homiletic level. Rabbi Moshe Sofer, beloved Rabbi of Pressburg and author of the noted work Chasam Sofer, was about to preside as a judge in a difficult lawsuit. A few days before trial was to begin he received a package from one of the litigants. It was a beautiful sterling kiddush cup. That Friday night the Chasam Sofer took the cup out of its velvet pouch, and raised it for his entire family to see. "Look how beautiful this becher is. Do you notice the intricate etchings? It must be worth a fortune!" The family looked on in horror. They knew that the gift was sent as a form of a bribe. They could not imagine why the Chasam Sofer had removed it and was seemingly admiring it. Abruptly, the Chasam Sofer stopped talking. His eyes became sternly focused on the cup. He began, once again, to speak. "But, my children, the Torah tells us we may not take a bribe! Therefore I will put this beautiful cup away and never use it. It must be returned to the sender immediately! He must be chastised for this terrible breach." Then he continued. "You must be wondering why I even looked at the cup. You certainly must be bewildered why I even admired it openly. I will explain. How often is it that I am offered a bribe? Never! I never felt the passion or desire to accept a bribe, as it was never offered! When I had the opportunity to observe the Torah's prohibition against corruption, I wanted to make sure that I did it from a vantage of passion. I wanted to realize what I was turning down. I wanted to value the Torah's command over an exquisite and ornate silver goblet. I felt that by working up our appetite for the item we surely would appreciate its refusal." Perhaps the Torah is hinting at the most proper aspect of restitution. There are two reasons to return a stolen item. First, you are in possession of an item that is not yours. Simple. But there is another reason. Every one of our actions helps mold us. By returning an item that we once desired enough to have stolen, we train ourselves to break the covetous constitution of our nature. We learn that even though we want something, we may not take it. That redemption is much more effective when the attachment for the item is still active. A stolen item that one may have forgotten about or lost desire for may be much easier to return. After all, ten years after you stole a bicycle you probably would be driving a car. The desire for the bike is no longer there. Maimonides teaches us that the greatest act of teshuva (repentance) is when the passion for the crime still exists. Repentance is always accepted, but if the item is still categorized in your mind with the expression "the stolen item that you stole, the fraudulent gains that you defrauded, the pledge that was secured with you," then the repentance is more meaningful. When desires conflict with conscience and conscience prevails -- that is true teshuvah. 50 years after a crime, there are those who may issue statements of apologies and excuses. However a lingering question remains. Are the "stolen items ones that they stole" or are they just relegated to black and white memories of an almost forgotten crime? The words "I am sorry" should not be sorry excuses, but rather true regret with a commitment never to sin again. That can best happen while the iron (or steal) is still hot. • by Rabbi Mordechai Kamenetzky www.torah.org • Rabbi Aaron Tendler, Ner Yisroel Baltimore
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t is not a glamorous job, but somebody has to do it. And so the Torah begins this week's portion by telling us the mitzvah of terumas hadeshen, removing the ashes that accumulate from the burnt-offerings upon the altar. The Torah teaches us: "The Kohen shall don his fitted linen tunic, and he shall don linen breeches on his flesh; he shall separate the ash of what the fire consumed of the elevation-offering on the Altar, and place it next to the Altar" (Leviticus 7:3). What is simply derived from the verse is that the service of ash-removal is done with the priestly tunic. What is noticeable to the Talmudic mind is the seemingly innocuous adjective "fitted." Rashi quotes the derivation that applies to all the priestly garments: they must be fitted. They can not be too long, nor can they be too short. They must be tailored to fit each individual Kohen according to his physical measurements. The question is simple. The sartorial details of the bigdei kehuna (priestly vestments) were discussed way back in the portion of Tezaveh, which we read five weeks ago. Shouln't the directive of precise-fitting garments have been mentioned in conjunction with the laws of tailoring? Further, if the Torah waits to teach us those requisites in conjunction with any service, why not choose a more distinguished act, such as an anointment or sacrifice? Why choose sweeping ashes? My dear friend, and the editor of the Parsha Parables series, Dr. Abby Mendelson, was, in a former life, a beat writer for the Pittsburgh Pirates baseball club. In the years that we learned Torah together, he would recount amusing anecdotes and baseball minutia. Some of his stories have retained an impact on me years after I heard them. This is one of them. Roberto Clemente was an amazing athlete who played the game of baseball with utmost dedication. One day, late in the 1968 season, he was playing outfield against the Houston team. The Pirates were no longer contenders, and the game had no statistical meaning. A ball was hit deep toward the outfield wall. As Clemente raced back, it seemed that the ball was going to hit the wall way over his head. With superhuman strength he propelled himself like a projectile toward the wall. Speeding at a forty-five degree angle he collided with the wall at the same
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Fitting Work time that the ball hit it, two feet above his head.
Strictly adhering to the laws of nature, both Clemente and the baseball rebounded from the wall, the former's return to earth much less graceful than the latter's. While the white sphere gently bounced to the playing surface and rolled toward the infield, the much larger uniformed and spiked entity came crashing after it with a resounding thud. Bruised and embarrassed, Clemente clamored after the elusive orb and finally threw it to a less traumatized member of his team who completed the hapless mission. In the post-game interview an innocent reporter asked Clemente, "Roberto, your team is out of contention. There are three games left. Why in the world did you try so hard to make that play? Was it worth bruising yourself ?" Clemente was puzzled. In a few short sentences he explained his actions. "I am not paid to win pennants. My job is to catch the ball. I tried to catch the ball. I was trying to do my job." When the Torah tells us that the clothes have to fit perfectly for a particular service it is telling us that the job is exactly right for the man who is doing it. The ash-cleaner is not doing another Kohen's job, wearing an ill-fitted garment as if it were thrown upon him as he entered for the early morning shift. What seems to be the most trivial of jobs is the job that must be done! That is the job of the hour, and that is exactly what the Kohen is designated to do. And for the job or service that is tailor-made for the individual the clothes must also be tailor-made for the job as well! I once asked a high-level administrator of a major institution what was his job. He answered in all seriousness, "I do what ever has to be done to get the job done and that becomes my job." Whatever we do, and however we do it, we must realize that the end can only come through the menials. Whatever it takes to get to the goal is as integral as the goal itself. It requires devotion and commitment, and it requires selfsacrifice. If you dress with dignity to collect the ash, if you approach every task with both with sartorial and personal pride and grace, then you are certainly up to any task. •
by Rabbi Mordechai Kamenetzky www.torah.org Rabbi Aaron Tendler, Ner Yisroel Baltimore •• TT O O A AD DV V EE RR TT II SS EE PP LL EE A A SS EE C CA A LL LL 323-965-1544 323-965-1544 ••
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Identity Crisis 20
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Amnesia
is a frightening illness. Imagine forgetting who you are -suddenly you have no family, no history, and no identity. It can happen to an individual and it can happen to a people. There have been times in our history when we seemed to forget who we were and where we came from. And all too often, we seem uncertain about where we are going. In the opening chapters of Leviticus, we read the expression Nefesh ki techeta - "when a person will sin." The Torah goes on to describe the various atonement offerings necessary to absolve one from their trespasses. The Kabbalistic classic, Zohar, renders this phrase both literally and spiritually. Nefesh is interpreted as not merely a person but a soul, and the verse is punctuated by a question mark. In other words, the Torah is asking Nefesh ki techeta? Shall a soul sin? Can a Jewish soul, a yiddishe neshamah, a spark of divinity, really and truly stoop to commit a lowly sin? How is that possible? Indeed, the only way it can happen is when we forget who we are, when we are no longer in touch with our true spiritual identity, when we start to suffer from spiritual amnesia. Sadly, it does happen. In fact, it's not really that difficult. After all, we live in a secular society. The old ghetto walls are no longer there to insulate us. We are ex-
posed to the big wide world with all its seemingly tantalizing diversions. Even if we do marry within the faith, we become culturally assimilated. Slowly but surely, then, even a nefesh, a Jewish soul, starts forgetting who she is and can fall into the web of sin. Remember the "wise man" from Chelm and his problem? He worried that when he went to the public bathhouse where everyone is unclothed he wouldn't know who he was. Without his own personal set of clothing to distinguish him from others, he might suffer an identity crisis. So he devised a plan. He tied a red string around his big toe so that even in the bathhouse he would stand out from everyone else. Sadly, when he was in the shower, the water and soapsuds loosened the red string, and it slipped off his big toe. To make matters worse, the red string floated along to the next cubicle and twirled around the big toe of the fellow under the next shower. Suddenly, our Chelmer genius discovered that his string was gone. He started panicking. This was a serious identity crisis. Then he saw that the fellow next door was sporting his red string. Whereupon, he ran over to him and shouted, "I know who you are, but who am I?" Who are you? You are a Jew! You are a son of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, a daughter of Sarah, Rebecca, Rachel and Leah. You are a member of the "kingdom of priests and holy nation." You were freed from Egypt and stood at
Sinai. You have survived countless attempts on your life and your faith. You emerged from the ashes of Auschwitz only to live again. And you ask "Who am I?" This is a serious case of national amnesia. So the holy Zohar reminds us that we are not only "a person who may sin." We are a soul, and shall a soul sin? A soul is by definition part and parcel of the Divine. And for the G-dly soul within us, distancing ourselves from our very source is absolutely unthinkable. How else can we explain the phenomenon that after 70 years of Communist atheism, Jews in the Former Soviet Union are today fervently embracing the faith of their forefathers? Or that after decades of apathy, American Jews of all ages are desperately seeking spirituality? Or that the renaissance of Jewish life has become a reality around the globe? Yes, there are good people out there igniting sparks and fanning them into a fiery faith. But the sparks would not take if there was not a burning ember inside every Jewish soul, an ember that remains inextinguishable no matter what. So if you ever have doubts about who you are, remember the Zohar. You are a soul. And a soul never dies. By Yossy Goldman Rabbi Yossy Goldman is Senior Rabbi of the Sydenham Highlands North Shul since 1986, and Chairman of the South African Rabbinical Association.
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For Your Information By Chana Baila
N
ow that preparing for Pesach is ahead of us, I would like to share a few tried & truisms.
Rabbi Mordechai Schusterman, O"H, used to always say, "Dirt is not Chametz!" It's important to keep in mind what is getting rid of Chametz & what is "extra" or non-essential to the true requirements of the festival. Attending a review of the Laws of Pesach informs & clarifies & helps one stay focused on priorities. Spring cleaning at the same time of Pesach preparations is wonderful, but not always a possibility. You don't flunk at making Pesach if you didn't re-organize a sock drawer. Tackling a Chametz cabinet that you intend to use for Pesach & actually getting rid of real Chametz, is what you are supposed to do & is very rewarding! "Bluettes" rubber hand gloves are great for doing household chores & washing dishes. They are more substantial than other types of rubber gloves & one can use hotter water without "feeling" the heat. They are available at Smart & Final & other stores. J.C. Penney sells washable suits for boys, that are very affordable. The advantage here is that they are sold as separates (pants & jackets) so that those boys who wear different sizes above/below the waist are easily accommodated. They are available in black & navy. JCP.com often offers a free shipping promotion code. Having a "Pesach notebook" has been very helpful to me. Any size loose-leaf notebook with dividers is good. (I prefer the 9X7 size) I have sections for produce, meat/poultry/fish, household products, family favorites or new recipes, & one for "comments". In the first three sections, I jot down every item that I will need or will buy & the amount ordered -- I even include the year on the top of the page. Food & product preferences & amounts change from year to year, depending on the ages & the number of people joining you for Yom Tov. I also write notes in those sections if I had to re-stock over Chol HaMoed or for the last days of Pesach -- & the amounts. Doing this has
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helped me not overlook or forget to buy items or do a particular task. It's all right there in front of me on my lists. In the "comments" section, I note what needs to be replaced for the next year, or what I would find helpful -- like more serving trays or more Hebrew/English Haggadahs for guests, for example. The household products section will include everything from tin foil to facial tissues to an Havdalah candle, etc. Another section has "To-do lists" -- all the Pesach preparations, room by room. Another page has the to-do list once the kitchen is "turned over" & actual cooking & Seder preparations begin. I can't stress enough the importance of having good quality cooking & preparation tools -- knives, peelers, food processor, etc. If your Pesach cutting boards pre-date the newer versions with rubber bottoms (to prevent shifting while cutting), no worries. The next time you are at a Lowe's, Home Depot, or other good hardware store, get yourself some rubber disks with adhesive & voila! Those same rubber disks can be placed on the bottom of ceramic vases or cache pots to prevent scratching furniture. Depending on their ages, children can be very helpful with Erev Pesach preparations -- juicing lemons or oranges, cracking nuts, checking Romaine lettuce, peeling vegetables, tearing paper towels or tin foil, etc. Whatever you can do to entertain/fascinate/engage children at the Seder, the better! Songs, stories, explanations, "Pesach Makos Kits", puppets, little rubber toy frogs, prizes for the Ma Nishtana are just a few suggestions. Although Pesach is most definitely a work-intensive holiday, it's good to keep in mind how wonderful the feeling is when everything gets "changed over" & how royal & fresh everything will be, G-d willing. May we all enjoy a Kosher & Happy Pesach this year in Jerusalem!
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Chana Baila Burston
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Passover
A to Z A quick overview of the Passover process
A month before Passover: A. Begin learning about Passover and studying its laws. B.Begin the house cleaning process. Methodically inspect and rid every part of your home of any traces of chametz. Be on the lookout for crumbs of all sorts, hidden stashes of crunchy chocolate, fermented drinks (nearly all are made with grain), etc. Make a list of all the rooms in your house, and cross off each one as you complete it. Enforce the pre-Passover house rules: No food may leave the kitchen. After eating, clothes must be brushed off and hands thoroughly washed. C.Set aside a special space or spaces to stash the chametz you will be selling for the duration of Passover (see next item). This can be a closet, a cabinet in the kitchen, or a room in the basement, as long as it can be locked and inaccessible to you for all of Passover. D.Arrange for the selling of your chametz. Fill out a form and bring it to your Rabbi, delegating to him the task of selling your chametz before Passover. You can also sell your chametz online. E.Buy the Passover essentials: purchase your Matzah and wine in advance, and store it in a place where it is absolutely safe from any contact with any chametz. A few days before Passover: F.Begin work on making your kitchen "Kosher for Passover." Put away all utensils that have been used yearround, and lock or seal those cabinets. Put away all nonkosher-for-Passover food, and seal those cabinets. Once your kitchen is completely clean, do the special procedure to kosher your kitchen and appliances for Passover. (Now that your kitchen is clean and all your non-kosherfor-Passover food put away, you will only be able to prepare and eat kosher-for-Passover foods there. If you're not ready to start eating only kosher-for-Passover food yet, you can buy ready-prepared food and eat it outside of the house, or in a place that will be "sold" for the duration of Passover.) G.Take stock of your Passover inventory. Take out any special-for-Passover dishes or silver from where they are stored. Polish the silver. Make sure you have Haggadahs for the seder. H.Do your Passover shopping. Buy the seder ingredi-
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ents, plus general food for Passover. Store these in your newly cleaned refrigerator and cabinets -- empty, of course, of any non-Passover food. You can now begin cooking for the holiday in your Kosher-for-Passover kitchen. I.Make sure that your holiday clothes and shoes are ready, ironed, and polished. Treat yourself to something new -- an outfit, shoes, or even just a tie. Tuesday night (24 hours before Passover): J.Do the ritual search for Chametz. Take a candle, a spoon, and a feather, and search the house for any remaining or forgotten chametz. Wednesday morning: K.If you are a first-born son, or the father of a firstborn son under the age of Bar Mitzvah, participate in a Siyyum or other mitzvah feast, in order to be absolved of the "fast of the firstborn." L.This morning we do the Birkat Hachamah ("Blessing on the Sun")--a once in 28 years mitzvah! M.The deadline for eating chametz is approximately two hours before midday. Past this point, no chametz is eaten until after the festival. The deadline for getting rid of chametz is approximately one hour before midday; By this time, all cabinets and areas containing chametz that will be sold should be sealed. Burn any leftover Chametz that is not being sold, including anything that was found Sunday night at the Search for the Chametz. Recite the "nullification statement," renouncing all ownership of any chametz that may still remain in your possession. Wednesday afternoon: N.Prepare for the Seder. Ready the items for the Seder plate, set the table, and do last minute things for the Seder meal. Since Shabbat occurs immediately following the festival, an "eruv tavshilin" is prepared prior to the festival, so that it should be permitted to prepare food for Shabbat during the festival. O.Recite the "Order of the Passover Offering," recalling and reliving the Korban Pesach which was offered in the Holy Temple at this time. P.Light the festival candles to usher in the holiday. (If lighting after sunset, do so from a pre-existing flame.)
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Wednesday night: Q.Go to the synagogue for the evening holiday services, which include the special addition of the Hallel prayer. R.Hold the first Passover Seder. Follow the 15 steps, recite the Haggadah, tell and relive the story of the Exodus, and enjoy the matzah, wine, and bitter herbs. Make sure to eat the Afikoman by midnight. Thursday morning: S.Go to the synagogue for the Passover prayer services (which include a special prayer for dew) and Torah reading. Thursday night: T.The Omer Count begins tonight. Outside the Holy Land, tonight begins a second day of Yom Tov (hallowed festival day) which is basically a repeat of the first. Light the festival candles from a pre-existing flame (as it is forbidden to create a new flame on Yom Tov) after nightfall. The entire Seder is repeated tonight. (This time, however, there's no midnight deadline; you can go on until morning.) The next day, Friday, is the second festival day; go to the synagogue for the special Passover prayers and Torah reading. (For details, see P through S above.) Friday night: U.We've now entered the four "intermediate days" of Passover. Before sunset, light the Shabbat candles, and enjoy a relaxing Shabbat with Passover food (that means no Challah of course -- use two matzahs instead). Shabbat evening: V.Perform the Havdalah ritual marking the close of Shabbat. Celebrate the remainder of the intermediate days with matzah, kosher-for-Passover cooking, family trips (in the newly cleaned car), and more retelling of the Exodus story. It's still Passover, so we don't eat, own, or derive en-
joyment from Chametz, but most activities prohibited the first and last two days are permitted. We also add special passages to our prayers: Hallel, Yaaleh Veyavo, and Musaf. Tuesday night: W.Tonight begin the final two festival days of Passover. Light candles at the specified time, and enjoy festive meals Tuesday night, Wednesday afternoon and night, and Thursday afternoon. There is a custom to stay awake Tuesday night (the night of the Splitting of the Sea) and study Torah through the night. Thursday morning: X.Yizkor, the memorial prayer for departed parents, is recited following the reading of the Torah during the morning prayer service. Thursday afternoon: Y.As the day wanes, spend the final hours of Passover with "Moshiach's Meal" -- a special feast in honor of the Redemption. We've spent eight days celebrating the exodus from Egypt. Now, as we leave Passover, we pray for the exodus from our present exile and a brighter tomorrow. Thursday night: Z.At nightfall, the Passover holiday comes to an end. Make Havdalah over your last cup of kosher-for-Passover wine. Put away the Passover dishes, Haggadahs, and all other Passover items, locking them away until next year. Then, ... you can once again enjoy chametz food and drinks, and feast on pizza, bread, beer -- anything kosher. (Just make sure it's not chametz that was in the possession of a Jew during Passover.) But as you do, don't forget the eight days of freedom you've just experienced, and remember that throughout the year, as you enjoy all your leavened food, you still carry a bit of the Matzah spirit with you! •
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His Wife Was Right By: The Baal Shem Tov
Pesach "Pharaoh commanded to all his people saying, 'Every son that will be born — into the river shall you throw him!'" (Shemot 1:22). *** Passover 1756
T
he Baal Shem Tov's followers were upset. They sensed that something was terribly wrong with their rebbe. He was not his usual buoyant self.
After the search for chometz on the night before the Pesach Seder, the Baal Shem Tov told ten of his closest disciples to recite Tikkun Chatzot (a midnight prayer to commemorate the destruction of the Temple) with great concentration. While they were in the midst of reciting this prayer, Reb Tzvi (the Baal Shem Tov's scribe) came running into the room and yelled, "Lord of the Universe! The Rebbe fainted and fell on the floor." Everyone was upset, but no one would dare go into the study and disturb the Rebbe. The next morning before the Pesach Seder, the Baal Shem Tov prayed the morning prayers in a despondent mood. When he finished his prayers, he expounded about 'Trust in God.' He explained, "True and complete faith in God can only occur when a person can't see a way to overcome his problem and, at that very moment, believes without a doubt that God will save him. And most importantly, the person shows this trust and faith in God by being b'simchah
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(having a joyful attitude). Being b'simchah shows that the person has no doubt that they will soon, with God's help, overcome his problem." As soon as the Baal Shem Tov finished speaking, his mood changed. He seemed more at ease. The followers whispered among themselves, "The change in the Rebbe's mood is not because of a change in the spiritual decree about which he is no doubt concerned. No," everyone agreed, "the change in the Rebbe will change the Heavenly decree, God help us." In the afternoon of that same day, when the time came to bake the matzot (matzot made just before the Seder are considered the most precious), the Baal Shem Tov's mood had improved to such an extent that he seemed to be happy. That night, in the synagogue of the Baal Shem Tov, the special evening prayers for Pesach were chanted with great enthusiasm. After the prayers, the Baal Shem Tov's close disciples joined the Baal Shem Tov for the Seder. They sat at the Seder table eagerly waiting to hear the Rebbe's insights on the Haggadah. But this Pesach night was different because the Baal Shem Tov did not expound on the deep mystical meanings of the Haggadah. Instead, he just quietly read the text. The disciples were disappointed. Near the end of the Seder, the Baal Shem Tov closed his eyes. The disciples looked at each other and asked, "Is he in a state of deep meditation or did he 'almost' fall asleep?" The room was silent. Suddenly, the Baal Shem Tov started laughing so hard that he could barely sit still in his chair. "Mazel Tov!" he exclaimed, "Thanks to God who has chosen the Torah, Moshe (Moses) our teacher and Israel. You should know that even the simplest Jew has the power to change a Heavenly edict." The disciples sat speechless as the Baal Shem Tov began to explain, "Yesterday morning, a terrible edict was decreed in Heaven against the Jews of a nearby village. The nonJewish peasants in that village were planning to attack the Jews on the first night of the Pesach. "I prayed with all my strength, and I even had you help me. But we couldn't overcome the Heavenly decree. I finally gave up and put my trust in God that the decree would be rescinded. Right then I started to feel b'simchah. When we sat down to the Seder, the hour for the decree had arrived. I didn't see any hope for those Jews living in that village. But in a single instant, thank God, everything changed. "A childless couple who are among my followers and live
in that village sat down to their Seder. Although they are simple, unlearned Jews, they are exceptionally kind, devout and full of good deeds. When they reached the section of the Haggadah that discusses the Egyptians throwing the new born baby boys into the Nile, the wife began crying. Her husband tried to comfort her, 'My sweet wife, don't be sad, after all the Jewish people were finally taken out of Egypt.' "The wife replied, 'If God had blessed me with a son, I would have protected him and not let anyone hurt him. And I certainly would not have let anyone treat my son the way God let us be treated by the Egyptians.' "The husband stood up for God saying, 'God is righteous in all that He does. It's only that we can't see or understand why it is good for us.' "But the wife answered back, 'Why isn't God more compassionate? How could He have treated us like that? Even if we do sin, we are still His children.' "And so the argument went back and forth as they worked their way through the Haggadah." The Baal Shem Tov continued, "During this time, the case against the Jews of their village was being argued before the Heavenly Court. The defending angels were more persuasive when the wife presented her arguments and the accusing angels were more persuasive when the husband presented his rebuttals. I really couldn't tell what the outcome would be. "Finally, after completing the fourth cup of wine near the end of the Seder, the husband couldn't think of another answer to his wife's arguments against God's behavior. So he conceded, 'My wife, you're right. God should have treated his children better.' "They started to laugh, got up and began to dance around the Seder table. And at that very moment, the decree in Heaven against the Jews of their village was annulled," the Baal Shem Tov concluded. The disciples were mesmerized with the story. Then, the Baal Shem Tov instructed them to place their hands on the shoulders of the person sitting on either side. When the Baal Shem Tov placed his hands on the shoulders of the person sitting on either side of him, the disciples all saw a vision of the husband and wife dancing together around their Seder table celebrating the liberation of the Jewish people from Egypt. The Baal Shem Tov said with a little chuckle, "They should only know that they are also celebrating the liberation of the Jewish people of their own village."•
Courtesy of Breslov.co.il and www.baalshemtov.com
35
March 13 - March 27
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Passo a veer to new heights this yyear ear e T akakeke Passover holiday at the with a rrelaxing, elaxing, enriching e Running Springs Retreat Kiryas R u unning S prings R eetreat Center at K iiryas Schneerson. Our O ur spectacular 70-acre 7 70-acr re campus in the Bernardino National S. Ber rn narrdino d N atiional Forest Fo orreest combines modern moder rn facilities with w timeless natural beauty to create crreeate a spiritual sp piritual oasis. During During Pesach our family-oriented f il i d P eesach h experience, enjoy lectures, yyou’ll ou o ’ll enjo oy inspiringg lectur rees, fun outdoor events, ev veents, and deliciouss kosher meals.
CO OMFORTABLE MFORTABLE AC CCOMMODATIONS COMMODATIONS Our contemporary Our contemporary cabin c lodging is fully carpeted, with air conditioning and heating, g furnished common coommon areas, areas, and indoor bathr bathrooms ooms with w private private showers. showers. Hotel-style available. H otel-style suites are are also av ailable.
CELEBRATE CEL LEBRA ATE
PESACH P ESACH ESA CH at the
RUNNING R UNN NING SSPRINGS PRINGSS RE TREA R AT CEN TER R RETREAT CENTER e f
FIINE NE DIINING NING Our chef prepares Our prepares fresh, frresh, wholesome kosher meals meaals each day, dayy, and the fully stocked tea room rooom stays open around around the clock. cloock. You Yoou may request request a private priv ate Seder, Seder, or join n our Retreat Retreat F Family amily Seder. Seder. maintained: The highest standards standards d of Kashrus Kashrus will be mainta ained: All dining is Glatt Matzah G latt Kosher, Koosher, non-Gebrokts, non-G Gebrokts,, Cholov Cholov Yisroel, Yisroel,, Shmura Shmura h Matzah and Kehilah under strict rabbinical rabbiniccal supervision supervision under K ehila e ah Kashrus. Kashrus.
36
March 1 23 7 - M A pa rr icl h2 42 7
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The R Th unning S Running rreation eation oppor fish hing, boating fishing, inc clude The Gre Gre include Children Children
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TXXYD
H
N UN ER
PRINGS RETREA ING S TC
AT K I RU N
IN NDOOR DOOR FA ACILITIES CILITIES Relax R elax e in our rrustic ustic main lodg lodge, ge, which featur features es a fireside fi eside social hall, library, fir library, and an nd reading reading room. room. Havve fun in our popular game room, room, or explore explore Have new ideas i in our confer ence rrooms. oom ms. A Mikvah Mikvah is new conference available by by special speciaal appointment. available
EXXCITING CITING KIIDS DS PR ROGRAM OGRAM
Our O ur friendly frien ndly staff offers a fun, educational d i l chi hiildr ild en’s program program with ih children’s full super vision n. B abysitters ar supervision. Babysitters aree also av ailable on rrequest. equest. available
EN
TE R
Enjoy E njoy our solar heated Olympic Olympic siz sized ed swimming pool, basketball bas sketball court, court, soccer field, tennis teennis courts, courts, vvolleyball olleyball courts, Wee hav havee hiking co ourts, and squash/handball courts. c ts. W cour trails, a ropes ropes coursee and an archery archery range.
T
ATTHLETIC HLETIC FA ACILITIES CILITIES
RYAS SC H N EE RS O N
NING S
P R I N G S, C A L I F O R
NIA
Open to the p public! Enjjooy a fu En f n Chol Hamoed with you yo urr familyy in the Mou nt ain s!! R Roop opeess Course - A Arrch c er ery ry - SSw wi wim mming BBQ - Hiikinngg - Sk Ski kiin ing - T Tuub ubiinngg Enntter En ertainment for Child ren r een! SU SUNDAY AY AN AND MONDAY AY AP APRI R IL 12 13 Come for the da d y or stay ov overn erniigh ght!
APPRIL RIL 8 - 17, 1 2009 NIISSAN SSAN 14 - 23, 5769 GRREAT EAT RA ATES TES!
NEEARBY AR ARBY AT TTRACTIONS TRACTIONS
SSprings prings commu community unity offers guests a range off outdoor recrecrtunities, rtunities, including: inclu uding: camping, hiking, mountain mou untain biking, , and hang gliding, glid ding, and skiing. Nearby Nearby pla places aces of interest interest en Valley Valley a Lake Lake;; The Baldwin Baldwin Lake Stables; Stables; The National National n n’s’s F Forest; orest; and The Th M Mountain ountain SSkies kies Astr Astronomical onoomical Village. Village. i
For F or mor moree informa information ation or to make a rreservation, eservation, please call (310) 208-7511 208-7 7511 x 261 email: or em mail: IN NFO FO@ @RS RSRRETREATS ETREATS.C COM OM RSRRETREATS ETREATS.C COM OM WWW WWW..RS A pr project oject of Chab Chabad bad of California and the Panikoff Panikoff Center of Lo Love ve and Kindness at Kiryas Kiryas Schneerson Scchneerson
37
March 1 23 7 - M A pa rr icl h2 42 7
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6100 W. Pico Bl. Los Angeles, CA 90035 S P E C I A L I Z I N G
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MEATING PLAC E E TH
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March 27 - April 24
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39
March 27 - April 24
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March 27 - April 24
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March 27 - April 24
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We offer counseling for: Parenting Classes Individual/Family/Marriage Counseling Teen Counseling Eating Disorders Women Support Groups
THE COMMUNITY LINKS
Monitored Visitation /Child Exchange Domestic Violence/Anger Management Groups Drug/Alcohol Education, Assessments & Testing Sexual Addictions
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DNA/Paternity Testing Non Profit Organization Dennis Brown
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42
March 27 - April 24
A Happy & Kosher Pesach!
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SPECIAL PASSOVER CLEANING RATES ON CARPETS / RUGS
10% Off with minimum
seven piece dry cleaning exp. 04/30/09 pre paid-cash only Valid with coupon
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43
March 27 - April 24
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March 27 - April 24
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March 27 - April 24
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MARRIAGE SEMINAR FOR JEWISH MEN ONLY! How to Bring Peace into Your Relationship with Your Spouse. Informative classes that will allow you to make a major paradigm shift in your thinking so you can ensure that your marriage will be peaceful! You will change your marriage around to what you always wanted it to be! Join this group & create peace in your home once and forever!
Led by Rabbi and Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist
Call 310-772-2842
46
March 27 - April 24
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Start here.²
These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, prevent or cure any disease.
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47
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1.800.895.9555 Leaders in Nutritional Science March 27 - April 24
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48
March 13 - March 27
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Calfornia Kosher Kitchen
Charoset Yemenite Haroset
Ingredients
Ashkenazic Apple-Nut Haroset
Ingredients 6 peeled apples, coarsely chopped 2/3 cup chopped almonds 3 tablespoon sugar, or to taste 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon grated rind of 1 lemon 4 tablespoon sweet red wine
1 pound fresh dates 1 pound raisins 3/4 pound almonds 1/2 pound walnuts 3 pomegranates, peeled and seeded 1 tablespoon mixed spices (equal parts cinnamon, pepper, cumin, cardamom, cloves & ginger)*
Directions In a food processor, chop all the fruits, including the pomegranate seeds and juice and the nuts. Add the spices, adjusting each to your taste.
Directions
Combine all, mixing thoroughly. Add wine as needed. Blend to desired texture -- some like it coarse and crunchy, others prefer it ground to a paste. Chill.
Makes 7 cups. *Please be sure all ingredients are Kosher for Passover
Makes 3 cups. FRIDAY, MARCH 27, 2009 Light Candles at: 6:52 pm ••• FRIDAY, APRIL 3, 2009 Light Candles at: 6:57 pm ••• WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8, 2009
Egyptian Haroset
Ingredients 1 pound raisins 8 ounces pitted dates 2 cup water 1/4 cup sugar 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
EVE OF FIRST DAY PASSOVER Light Candles at: 7:01 pm THURSDAY, APRIL 9, 2009
EVE OF SECOND DAY PASSOVER Light Candles after: 7:58 pm ••• FRIDAY, APRIL 10, 2009 Light Candles at: 7:03 pm ••• TUESDAY, APRIL 14, 2009
Directions
Cover raisins and dates with water; let stand 1 hr. Add the sugar and blend or food-process until roughly chopped. Transfer to a heavy saucepan and simmer 20 min or until fruits are cooked and water is absorbed. When cool, stir in chopped nuts.
EVE OF SEVENTH DAY PASSOVER Light Candles at: 7:06 pm WEDNESDAY, APRIL 15, 2009
EVE OF EIGHTH DAY PASSOVER Light Candles after: 8:03 pm
Makes 4 cups. 49
March 27 - April 24
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50
March 27 - April 24
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51
March 27 - April 24
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Afshan Restaurant
RCC
106 W. 9th St. LA, (213) 622-1010
Falafel Express
Bonjour
5577 Reseda Blvd. Tarzana, 91356 (818) 345-5660 Kehila
16550 Ventura, Encino, 91436 (818) 783-2727
Bocca Steakhouse
Chabad
Bramis Pizza
RCC
17736 ShermanWay,Reseda,91326 (818) 342-0611
Café Elite
RCC
7115 Beverly Blvd. LA, 90036 (323) 936-2861
7308 Beverly Blvd. LA, 90036 (323) 965-1287
9025 Wilshire Blvd. BH, 90211 (310) 247-1239
Kehila
7226 Beverly Blvd. LA, 90036 (323) 930-1303
La Glatt
12013 Wilshire Blvd. LA, 90025 (310) 479-1800
446 Fairfax Ave. LA, 90036 (323) 658-7730
9618 W. Pico Blvd. 90035 (310) 860-1182
La Pizza
Kehila
RCC
Rabbi Furst
12515 Burbank Blvd. N.H, 91607 (818) 760-8198
22935 Pacific Coast Highway (310) 456-8585 RCC
12450 Burbank Blvd. N.H, 91607 (818) 769-0085
9301 West Pico Blvd. LA, 90035 (310) 274-5595
9303 W. Pico Blvd. 90035 (310) 246-1900
Chinese and Kabob
Golan
RCC
13075 Victory Blvd. N. H, 91606 (818) 763-5344
9180 Pico Blvd. LA, 90035 (310) 274-4007 RCC
Got Kosher?
433 N. Fairfax Avenue, LA, 90036 323-653-1941
8914 W. Pico Blvd. 90035 (310) 858-1920
Cohen’s Restaurant
Habayit
RCC
316 E Pico Blvd # F LA, CA 90015 (213) 742-8888
Cow Jumped Over The Moon
RCC
12510 Burbank Blvd. 91607 (818)752-ASIA (2742)
Metro Glatt
Kehila
Circa
12524 Burbank Blvd N.H. 91607 (818) 763-6600
Mashu Mashu RCC
Kehila
RCC
421 N Rodeo Drive, B.H. 90210 (310) 274-4269 Kehila
Ben Zaken
Kehila
8581 W. Pico Blvd. LA, 90035 (310) 289-1702
9108 W. Pico Blvd. LA, 90035 (310) 859-0004
Nagilla Pizza
Nagilla Meating Place
Hill Street Pizza
Kehila
Kehila
RCC
Kehila
17942 Ventura Blvd. Encino, CA 91316 (818) 758-9595
9407 West Pico Blvd. LA, 90035 (310) 788-0119
Nana Cafe
RCC
1509 S Robertson Blvd. (310) 407-0404
Orange Delight
Kehila
13628 Ventura Blvd. SO, 91423 (818) 788-9896
Ben Zaken
Jeffs Gourmet
Kehila
9411 West Pico Blvd. LA, 90035 (310) 788-0111
8717 W. Pico Blvd. LA, 90035 (310) 888-7700
Jerusalem Pizza & The Sushi
RCC
8837 West Pico Blvd LA, 90035 (310) 858-8850
Milky Way Buxbaum
11921 W. Pico Blvd. LA, 90064 (310) 479-5444
Haifa
RCC
8975 W. Pico Blvd. 90035 (310) 275-4420
Milk N Honey RCC
456 S Hill St. Los Angeles, 90013 (213) 627-9990
8583 W. Pico Blvd. LA, 90035 (310) 289-6556
9340 W. Pico Blvd. LA, 90035
OK
Fish Grill
Glatt Hut
Delice Bistro
La Brea Bagel
Le Sushi
12526 Burbank Blvd. N.H. 91607 (818) 487-8171
Delice
12422 Burbank. N.H, 91607 (818) 508-5557
La Gondola
Fish In The Village
Café Del Mar Dairy/Meat Kehila
Chic N Chow
RCC
5611 Kanan R. Agoura Hills, 91301 (818) 991-8799 RCC
16610 Ventura. Encino, 91436 (818) 905-5855
March 27 - April 24
Buxbaum
Falafel Grill
8930 W. Pico Blvd. LA, 90035 (310) 858-8590
Kiki’s Grill
Kehila
8928 W. Pico Blvd. LA, 90035 (310) 246-1788
Elat Burger
RCC
7119 Beverly Blvd. LA, 90036 (323) 930-1303
Bibis Warmstone
52
(310) 278-4692
Elite Cuisine
Kehila
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(310) 786-8282
(310) 289-6556
Pats
Kehila
Sassis
9233 W. Pico Blvd. LA, 90035 (310) 205-8705
Pico Cafe
15622 Ventura, Encino, 91436 (818) 986-5345
SushiKo
RCC
9340 West Pico Blvd. LA, 90035 (310) 274-3474
Kehila
Shalom Pizza
8944 W Pico Blvd. LA, 90035 310-385-9592
Pico Kosher Deli
RCC
8826 West Pico Blvd. LA, 90035 (310) 273-9381
Pizza Maven
RCC
Shanghai
The Meating Place
Kehila
9401 W. Pico Blvd. LA, 90035 (310) 553-0998 Kehila
8939 W. Pico Blvd. LA, 90035 (310) 858-1652
Kehila
8965 W. Pico Blvd. LA, 90035(310) 276-8708
Pizza World
Kehila
365 Fairfax Ave. LA, 90036
Smokin’
RCC
Kehila
8948 W Pico Blvd. LA, 90035 (310) 274-1222
Sunrise
The Pita Way
RCC
8532 Pico Blvd. LA, 90035 (310) 652-5236
12514 Burbank Blvd. N.H, 91607 (818) 752-6866
Subway
KCA
30313 Canwood St. AH, 91301 (818) 706-1255
Rabbi Ami Markel
Pizza Station
Kehila
17547 Ventura B. Encino, 91316 (818) 995-4700
Shilohs
30313 Canwood St. A.H. 91301 (818) 991-3000
Temptation Grill
8715 West Pico Blvd. LA, 90035 (310) 271-2255
Kehila
140 North La Brea Blvd. 90036 (323) 857-0353
Pizza Nosh
Kehila
RCC
Tierra Sur at Herzog Wineryou 3201 Camino DelSol Oxnard (805) 983-1560
Unique Cafe
Rabbi Aron Simkin
18381 Ventura Blvd. Tarzana (818) 757-3100
9216 W. Pico Blvd. LA, 90035
CAFE NANA REVIEW
I love this new joint. The food is always fresh and the atmosphere really does remind you of the coffee shops on Ben Yehuda Street in Jerusalem. With lovely brick and wood designs, it is very inviting and comfortable. The first time I tried this place, I could not decide what to order, their menu contains so many different options and it took me about 20 minutes just to decide on what I wanted to drink. I went with their staple, the LemonNana. It’s a great drink to have on a hot summer day, it contains cane sugar, lemon and nana leaves blended to perfection. I started off with their bread which was extremely fresh, newly baked and they gave quite a lot of it For an appetizer I ordered the mozzarella cheese sticks (yum) they were really good and came with what tasted like tartar sauce and pizza sauce with pesto mixed in. I also had the Macaroni cheese bites which were really good as well.
53
March 27 - April 24
For an entree, I had the Chilean Sea Bass which was coated in a mushroom cream sauce and mashed potatoes on the side. I am not exaggerating when I say that this was probably one of the best pieces of fish I have ever had. The sauce was not too heavy and the fish was grilled to perfection. Right then and there I knew I was sold on this place. When it was time for dessert I decided on the chocolate mud pie with vanilla ice cream. No words. I then asked the waitress which coffee she would recommend and she had me try the Nana Dream. Let me try to explain what this drink is: On the bottom of the glass there is steamed milk with a bar of mekupelet milk chocolate, then a layer of coffee and then the best milchigs whip cream in the city. I have been going back to Nana for lunch about once a week since this extraordinary meal, and I have not been disappointed. My other favorites are the wild mushroom pasta (order it with a little feta), the grilled salmon wrap (a little spicy but so worth it), and the beet salad (feta cheese and pears over greens is genius). I urge you to try Nana, you will not be disappointed! Cafe Nana 1509 S Robertson Blvd. (310) 407-0404
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54
March 27 - April 24
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The Tzedakah Tzeda ak ah of the Gedolei G Hador
So That They Will Have
Food F Fo o oo od o d
for Yom Y Yo om om Tov T To o ov
CALL CA ALL OU OUR 24 HOUR TZEDAKAH TZE TZ DA DA AK K AH HOT KA OT LINE NE
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For or all inf information formation rmation 1-800-233-218 1 1-800-233-2188 800 233 2188 Our O r office in Israel: 972-3-671-6994 972 2 3 671 6994 2-3-671-6994
Send your donations to: to: Home H of Hagaon Shmuel Berenbaum Berrenbaum Zt"l 1795 East 7th h Street, Brooklyn, N.Y. N.YY. 11223 3 Please mak make ke checks payable to: to o: American F Friends riends r of Kupat K Ha'ir
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March 27 - April 24
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Going to Israel? Call the U.S. from Israel for less than 10¢ a minute! Our New packages are Amazing; a great service that Saves You Money You get a pool of IsraelPhones Minutes to anywhere in the USA, Canada, Israel & text messages in Israel.
Save on Shipping! Convenient Pick-up and Drop-off at: Brenco Judaica 7182 Beverly Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90036 888-BRENCO-6 or 323-930-2222
For online orders and cell phone delivery to your home or office:
www.israelphones.com Or call us toll free at:
U.S.: 1-866-8-ISRAEL Israel: 1-800-721-111 E:mail: info@israelphones.com 56
March 27 - April 24
www.israelphones.com
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1/2 OFF
Cheese baguette Buy 1 & receive 2nd 1/2 off! exp. 4/24/09
CREPES
Only $4.95 Choose from our wide selection of flavors! exp. 4/24/09
Greek Salad Only
$5.95 exp. 4/24/09
$ per
24
99
Bedroom
(up to 150 sq. ft.)
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Book with your
neighbor &
Save
$
20
each
Upholstery Starting at only
$
19
• T O A D V E R T I S E P L E A S E C A L L 323-965-1544 •
99 Special Discoun t for Shuls, Scho ols & Commercial Buildings
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A PERFECT SETTING Great gifts for all occasions- invited out for a Shabbos meal? We have the perfect gift....have a list from here till....of all the people you owe gifts? Just come in and we will take care of the baby gifts you've been meaning to give....the Bas Mitzvah girl you can't possibly figure out what would be right for her...the couple you're embarresed to greet ...its been soooo long since their wedding....the house warming gift for your friend who just moved into a new home...don't put it off..come in today and go out relieved. Call for a special appointment 323-938-8222 or 323-620-3618 ask for Rochel. -692-
SUMMER DANCE AND ARTS CAMP girls ages 5-12, June 29-August 7 Davening, Learning, Art, Baking, Ballet, Jazz, Gymnastics, Acting, Singing, Swimming, exciting TRIPS & more! A TIME FOR DANCE (323) 404-0827 -1182-
room, rull granite top kitchen, centrally located in the La Brea/Beverly area. Private entrance, totally detached, A/C & Heating, all utilities incl., walking distance to shuls & stores. Please all: (310)735-3310 -1476 -
Guest House (Hanckock Park) Furnished, 1 bedroom, full kosher kitchen, walking distance to shuls, independent entrance Shabbos, Weekly, Monthly, etc. Please call Kayla 323-934-2380 Two bedroom guesthouse available for rent. Full Shower & bath, fully furnished with fridge. Looking for Shomer Shabbos Female. Please call:(310) 274-9758 -1428.-
Seeking roommate asap. Single, Jewish female. Non smoking, responsible and friendly and clean. Seeks the same to share a lovely one bedroom one bath living dining room area full kitchen apartment also share utilities, AC, quiet building near Fairfax. Please be pet friendly I have one loving kitty. References please. No short term. Please call 323-608-8164. -1458-
BABY SITTER AVAILABLE Orthodox woman available to watch your children full time or part time hours, at your location. Excellent references. call: 323-651-9389.
ROOMATE WANTED Orthodox man seeks same to share 2 bedroom duplex near La Brea/Beverly. $900 per month + utilities. Fully furnished. Must be non-smoker, strictly Shomer Shabbos, neat and clean. Call Moshe: 323-9333340. If no answer please leave message. -1478-
FOR RENT Master bedroom for rent. jacuzzi, refrigerator, microwave, fully furnished, separate entrance, big closet. In the Pico-Doheny area. Please call Julie 310-289-8620 Newly renovated large guest house/office with fully tiled bath-
Apartment Available in the Pico Area: Remodeled 3 Bedroom 2 Bath Apartment available on the first floor of a 6 unit building. Hardwood floors, garbage disposal, diswasher and stove included. Laundry room on premises. Walking distance to Shuls, Shopping, and Restaurants. Public transportation close and near the 10 and 405 freeways. Please call Nana at (310)621-1819 to make an appointment to view the unit.
FOR SALE Dream home 6 Bedrooms, 6 Bathrooms in Prime location: Spacious 2story home on 539 N. Vista St., just north of Beverly Blvd. Amazing value & location gourmet kitchen, marble baths & jetted tubs, pool, skylights & much more: www.539vista.com. For more info please call Lilly Shayan (310) 7790000 or Shokoh Nasab (310) 6287773.
REAL ESTATE FOR SALE Bev. Hills, N. of Wilshire: Newly built 4300 sq ft. Recorded Info 1-800-417-7489 ID# 7005. www.BeverlyHillsInfo.net Bev Hills, 462 S. Swall: Sale /Lease: 2 story+ Guest House. Recorded Info 1-800-417-7489 ID# 8005. www.BevHillsHome.com COMING SOON Prime Hancock Park: 5000+sq ft, pool. La Brea, So. of Beverly: Lovely 4 bdrm, Pool, Guest House. DISTRESS SALE/Foreclosures. Free hotlist. Recorded Info. 1-800417-7489 ID#7042 For More Info call Margalit (310) 210-3038, Marjorie@MillerRealEstateSales.com -1456-
MUSIC MusicbyMendel.com Weddings, Bar-Mitzvahs, Special Occasions. Contact now for availability and rates 3 1 0 - 5 9 5 - 5 4 9 0 mendels@gmail.com -1438-
HEADLINES / EUROPEAN WIGS • Wash & Set • Hair Accessories • Jewelry • Ear Piercing Call Chaya Suri @ 323-930-1389 -1425-
GRAPHIC DESIGN LH DESIGN & PRINTING You name it we design it! Business Cards, Postcards, Posters, Flyers, Stickers, CD/DVD Covers, Websites, Wedding and Bar/Bat Mitzvah Invitations, Scrapbook Albums, Digital Books, Tshirts, & More... Please Call: 818-802-2625 Email:Lmrhmr1@aol.com -1452-
LOST AND FOUND Lost a bracelet - bangle with dia-
ADVERTISE WITH THE COMMUNITY LINKS PHONE: 323-965-1544 FAX: 323-927-1596 60
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monds on the Shabbos of the Klein and Shamie Bar Mitzvahs. if anyone found it Please Call(323) 939-1716 ===================== Someone lost a digital camera at the Purim concert at Kanner Hall. If it's yours, I have it. 323-243-6710
NEW KEHILLA Tehachapi Torah Center(ed Community): Suited for families, individuals, and existing Torah organizations. Healthy, Serene, Affordable, Child Friendly. Register interest now for coming year: Summer Camp: TorahNature-Sports Boys Camp, Ages 1013. Day School, or Home School Lemudei Kodesh Co-op. Yeshiva High School for regional and out of town boys. Beis Medrash with online degree option. Sundays 11:00 AM Monthly Speaker, Brunch, Tour, Hike, Bike, House Hunt. Thursdays 1:30 PM Weekly Parsha Preview. Minyan Pending Participants, RSVP to confirm. Tehachapi Ca. 93561, 90 miles/minutes from route 14 at 5 Twice the Home for Half the Money. Priced from: Lease: Apartments $450, Houses $900.Purchase: Houses $100k, Lots 40k. Learn More! Contact: Roger M. housing and outreach committee at kernkehilla@att.net or call 310-9485137 www.pearlmancta.com/kerncountykehilla.htm
NOTARY
-1231-
TRAVELING NOTARY Yosef Y. Shagalov: Traveling Notary Public & Home Signing Agent. Cell:(323)934-7095 email: -1459yys770@aol.com
POSITIONS AVAILABLE Small Yeshiva High School, WASC accredited, is looking for general studies teachers for the coming year, end of August 2009 through end of June 2010. This is an afternoon position beginning 2 p.m. or later until 6:30 p.m. It is an excellent additional income for an experienced male teacher from public schools or other employment. Sensitivity to an Orthodox Yeshiva system is required. Shomer Shabbat not required, but teaching experience preferred. Various teaching positions may be available (science, math, English, or history). Please send resume: Email to YBlumenstein@yoec.edu, or fax to Mr. Blumenstein at 323-937-9456. We need an educational aide for our 20 year old son with special needs who is attending Valley College part time. Patient, reliable male, legally able to work in the U.S. Training and ongoing support will be provided. Please call 818-424-4612 Looking for an education aide who is warm, responsible, to work in a Jewish day school in North Hollywood for an 8 year old boy. Special education experience preferred and or teaching experience. 11am -3 pm approx. Please call 818-251-0046 or 818-776-9552 -1446-
SEEKING JOBS Orthodox woman available to watch your children full time or part time hours, at your location. Excellent references. Please call: 323-651-9389. Nice, reliable and hard working
Engagements Chana Bernstein & Max Pinkerson Chani Klahr & Shneur Greenes Ari Moskowitz & Batsheva Naiman Chevi Glatt & Beni Malkin Danny Talkins & Sarah Allison Batsheva Naiman & Aron Moskovitz
Shomer Shabbos lady seeking secretarial/office position. I live in the S Clarita area so preferably in the valley or my area, however I can also work at home. I have a laptop computer and have experience in the following: Phones, fundraising, computer and internet, typing and word processing, letter composition, faxing, and all general office duties. Let me make your business shine! You can contact Devorah at 661 8084871 REAL ESTATES OPPORTUNITIES
1) On Bedford street located between Whitworth and Olympic Blvd . Unit mix is 2 three bedrooms and 2 two bedrooms. 2) On Oakhurst located between Pico and Whitworth. Unit mix is 4 two bedroom over 1000 square feet each unit size. 3) On North Sycamore Near LaBrea and beverly Blvd. Unit mix 4 two bedroom over 1200 square feet each unit size. We have storage spaces for rent for various and all storage purposes from small to big size units in heart of Beverly Hills with great discount prices. We have a few pocket listing of gas station with convenient stores. A Beverly Hills house north of Santa Monica (Flat) on Crescent Street built on 17000 square feet land. We have a client who is looking for a warehouse in the Fashion District of downtown Los Angeles. We know of a great condo opportunity in Wilshire Corridor For further information contact Daniel Dayani, Realtor Associate at 310-279-2991
Weddings Ahrele Teleshevsky & Mushka Hecht Shmulik Friedman & Tzippy Levy Dassie Braun & Yaakov Bess Births - Girls Yisroel and Rina Jaeger (Fogel) Births - Boys David & Gitel Rubin
Email us your Mazel Tovs!!
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Schneerson Square (corner of Pico & Wetherly) Wednesday, April 8 at 8:00am Followed by a Siyum This Mitzva is for Men, Women and Children. A project of: Beis Betzalel · 8850 W Pico Blvd. · 310-282-0444 Chabad Israeli Center. · 1520 S Robertson Blvd. · 310-271-6193 · www.chabadla.org Chabad Jewish Learning Academy · 9581 W Pico Blvd. · 310-282-8286 · www.jlaonline.org Chabad of Century City · 310-860-1260 · www.jewishcenturycity.com Chabad of SOLA. · 1610 S La Cienega Blvd. · 310-739-1890 · www.chabadsola.com Chabad on Olympic · 5623 W Olympic Blvd. · 323-965-1111 · www.maalot.org Chabad of Downtown LA · 219 W 7th St. Suite 206 · 213-488-1543 · www.downtownjcc.com Chabad Persian Youth · 9022 W Pico Blvd. · 310-777-0358 · www.cpycenter.org Chabad. The Beverlywood Shul. · 1952 S Robertson Blvd. · 310-836-6770 · www.chabadofbeverlywood.com
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