Exodus Magazine - April 2022

#234 | April 2022 • Nissan 5782

‫ב׳׳ה‬

Passover Holiday Guide

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Think about Passover and what it’s all about.

To pass over, to go beyond – beyond the normal limitations. Usually, when we start dreaming excessively, it’s coming from an immature, escapist, even negative place. It’s alluring, and a little inspiring. It’s good in doses — necessary to generate momentum, helps stay focused on the bigger picture and, ultimately, aligned with our higher calling. Inevitably, left unchecked it is a distraction from the step-by-step, an escape from existence that can feel monotonous at times. And so the best course of action is generally to not dwell on it too much. Milk the inspiration you can get, move on, and focus on what’s real.

Then comes Passover. Now the script is flipped. We’re supposed to indulge in the dreaming, in the impossible. Transcend limitations – both yours and the world’s.

There are no rules. We are pushed to forget the natural order, to skip the step-by-step.

Nothing is beyond reach.

Look at what the Israelites did when they left Egypt. A few days before, they announced that they are going to slaughter sheep. This was a huge insult to their powerful host nation, who worshipped sheep. They basically told them, “we’re going to slaughter your gods.” Doing it silently, carrying on a silent revolution, is daring enough. Doing it boldly, with blatant taunting in advance, is completely crazy. It’s like announcing exactly where you’re going to strike, and overtly challenging the powers that be to crack down.

Then, they actually did it. They slaughtered the Egyptian deities. But they didn’t try to cover it up. They did the opposite.

They flaunted it. They took the blood and smeared it on their doorposts, as if to say, “Yeah, you got a problem with this?

What are you going to do about it? Am I under arrest?”

This is madness. No sane revolutionary who actually wanted to succeed would ever conduct a revolt in this way. But that’s exactly what the Israelites did, empowered by the energy of Passover and a deep yearning to surrender.

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And that’s exactly what you and I can do with this energy right now. We can be insane dreamers, and worry about the practical manifestation of it later. During this week you are empowered to leap wherever you want to go instantly in your mind and in your heart.

And if you can get there in your mind and heart, fully and completely without any doubt or hesitation, then you’re there.

This leads us to the splitting of the sea, where the revelation was clear for all to see. The hidden mysteries of the universe and all the beauty of existence suddenly exploded onto the surface in what can only be described as a life-altering, Divinely-inspired, psychedelic experience. The entire nation basically became prophets right there and then. And with this spiritual bounty also came unbelievable material blessing and wealth in its wake. Are you ready?

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April 2022 • Nissan 5782

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6

| JEWISH SOUL

Jews and World Peace

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9

9

| JEWISH THOUGHT

Fighting for Freedom

The state of instability in the world is serious. International tension and friction escalate from day to day. Jews, too, have in some measure been drawn into this situation.

Passover, the Jewish festival of freedom that is the oldest continuouslyobserved religious ritual in the world, still has much to teach us about the nature of the fight for freedom.

— From the Rebbe's letters

— by Jonathan Sacks

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10 | JEWISH THOUGHT

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editorial jewish soul life on earth perspectives jewish thought ask the rabbi our community holiday guide

| LIFE ON EARTH

Pharaoh Syndrome

The Secret of Greatness

People knock pop-psychologists and their euphemisms, but I often wonder if we wouldn't be better off borrowing some of their political correctness when dealing with Torah issues.

Being able to balance seriousness and cheerfulness, intensity and buoyancy, realism and optimism, sadness and laughter, pain and joy, success and humility, is the secret to success and greatness.

— by Tzvi Freeman

— by Simon Jacobson

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16 | HOLIDAY GUIDE

| PERSPECTIVES

Mixed Feelings

memorials

Your Passover Companion

Is it possible to see some silver lining in this horrible, bitter nightmare? It may not only be appropriate, but necessary – if we believe that ultimately everything is for the good.

Insights and guidelines for a meaningful Passover holiday, including holiday customs, Passover Seder insights, Passover preparation guide, selling of chametz, and more.

— by Yoseph Jansowski

— by Exodus Staff

April 2022 / Nissan 5782

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jewish soul

Jews

and

World Peace

From the Rebbe's Letters

T

he state of instability in the world is serious. Nation quarrels with nation, and international tension and friction escalate from day to day. Jews, too, have in some measure been drawn into this situation.

Of particular concern is that recently Jews have not been acting properly among themselves. Instead of love and unity reigning amidst Jewry, the opposite is true.

Everything in the world revolves around and is dependent upon Jews and their conduct.

A Jew’s service to G‑d has tremendous repercussions, and therefore the appropriate response to the increasing trouble in the world is to increase service to G‑d. Our Sages note that, “The Holy One, blessed be He, says, ‘Whoever occupies himself with the study of Torah, and with deeds of loving kindness, and prays with the community, I account it to him as if he had redeemed Me and My children from among the nations of the world.’” As long as G‑d is in exile among the nations — they do not recognize His sovereignty — they do not act consonant to His will. When Jews, through an increase in their service, redeem G‑d from exile, the nations will automatically behave properly.

The most appropriate response is to add to our prayers, our requests to G‑d. Any good word uttered by a Jew has an effect; words of Torah and prayer certainly do, as our Sages note: “The voices of Torah and prayer that ascend above rend the heavens.”

In prayer itself, the additions should be associated with (a) the general idea of prayer; (b) with the above two areas that need correction: Love of one's fellow, and peace and quiet, the antithesis of war and quarrels.

The suggested additions are: (i) As a preface to the morning prayer, say “I hereby take upon myself to fulfill the mitzvah, ‘Love your fellow as yourself.’“ (ii) At the conclusion of prayers, say the verse, ”Indeed, the righteous will extol Your Name; the upright will dwell in Your presence.

How do These Phrases Fulfill the Above Criteria?

Prefacing prayers with a declaration of intent to love one’s fellow induces G‑d to fulfill the requests made in prayer. Just as a father is happy when all his children live

6

together in harmony and love, and hastens to fulfill their desires, so G‑d complies with our requests in prayers when His children — all Jews — live in peace and brotherly love.

Commentators explain the connection between prayer and the verse, “Indeed, the righteous will extol Your Name; the upright will dwell in Your presence,” according to a passage in the Talmud. The tractate Berachos states that from this verse we learn that “One who prays should wait an hour after his prayer.” The verse first states, “Indeed, the righteous will extol Your Name” — referring to prayer; then it states, “the upright will dwell in Your presence” — referring to a period of calm and contemplation after prayer.

The utterance of “I hereby take upon myself to fulfill the mitzvah, ‘Love your fellow as yourself” is obviously an expression of love and unity between Jews. In addition, because events in the world depend on Jews’ conduct (as noted above), an increase in love and unity between Jews can effect peace between the nations. Moreover, the exile was caused by hatred between Jews. When the cause is eliminated, the effect automatically follows. By loving all Jews the exile will come

to an end.

The word “dwell” in the phrase “the upright will dwell in Your presence,” connotes serenity and peace — as in the verse, “Ya’akov dwelt,” which Rashi interprets to mean “to dwell in peace.” Further, prayers today substitute for the services in the times of the Holy Temple. An increase in prayer serves as a preparation to the future redemption.

We will then witness the literal fulfillment of the verse “the upright will dwell in Your presence," with the pilgrimage to Jerusalem.

Prayer occupies a unique place in this.

Maimonides rules that “It is a positive commandment to pray... to ask for the needs that one requires.” New needs demand new, extra prayers.

May it be G‑d’s will that this proposal be adopted, and that its very adoption bring good results — as the Code of Jewish Law rules, that the resolution to undertake a good thing itself brings success in the desired effect. And then, may we very soon merit to appear before G‑d’s countenance in the Third Temple, with the coming of Moshiach and the true and complete redemption. EM

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April 2022 / Nissan 5782

life on earth

Pharaoh Syndrome Tzvi Freeman

P

eople knock pop-psychologists and their euphemisms, but I often wonder if we wouldn't be better off borrowing some of their political correctness when dealing with Torah issues.

For example, the four sons (wise, wicked, simple and the one who does not know how to ask), might be better understood as the Gifted Child, the Difficult Child, the Well-Balanced Child and the Inquisitively Challenged Child.

“The Desecrators of the Holy Shabbat” might be more inclined towards meaningful dialogue if we modified our terminology to the Sabbatically Challenged.

Switching to “the Chassidically Challenged” could end much inter-sectarian strife, since it lands us all somewhere along the same spectrum. “The Halachically Challenged” may also be helpful for much the same reason.

There are also some major aspects of the Exodus story that could be better understood if we would just apply the right nomenclature.

Take the Red Sea event that occurred on the seventh day of Passover. It’s difficult to understand Pharaoh when you consider matters superficially. He sees an entire nation led by a pillar of fire over a dry bed between two pillars of water that stand as stone walls, yet like a madman rushes in with his entire army. And it wasn’t like he had no precedent to learn from.

One might be tempted to describe Pharaoh in this situation as a little lacking up there, to be polite. But here is a case where one of those pc terminologies proves to be useful. You see, Pharaoh was actually quite intellectually capable. It was just that he was monotheistically challenged.

To be more specific, Pharaoh belonged to a subset of the monotheistically challenged that have a fixation with a perceived natural order. It’s called "Ma'at" in Ancient Egyptian.

Similar to the Buddhist concept of kharma.

In modernese, "deterministic, materialist reductionism"—which some people still believe physics is all about.

The pathology works like this: When a conflict arises between the natural order and perceived reality (i.e. a miracle), the subject experiences anxiety. Whereas this anxiety could be easily resolved through the assumption of an Omnipotent Force behind and beyond nature, our subject prefers to simply ignore

April 2022 / Nissan 5782

the obvious reality before his eyes in favor of the world-concept of natural order that he has previously integrated into his perception and personality. This is known to result in violent death by drowning under the crashing waves of the Red Sea. As you can immediately recognize, now that I've provided a more sympathetic view of Pharaoh's personal difficulties, he becomes so much easier to relate to. After all, we all do the same thing all the time. It's called "worry."

Worry is a state where we ignore the obvious, perceived reality in favor of a warped, unsubstantiated view of how we imagine the natural order to be. We imagine our life as a struggle between our own competency and the laws of physics, commerce and social acceptance. And if that were the true reality, we really would have a lot to worry about.

The obvious reality is that our daily life is full of miracles straight from Above. We have very little control over where we end up and what we have to do there.

Physics doesn't have much say, either. That’s just the mode of transport. We only need to do our best with whatever we are given and have confidence in the Director Of It All that He knows what He's doing. And if we mess up, say sorry, have confidence that He’s good and cares for us, and get on with things.

But instead, we worry. Why do we worry?

Because we don't perceive the miracles. Why don't we perceive the miracles? Because we see this natural order going on all around us, and if there is a natural order, then miracles could not have happened, right? After all, don't miracles mean that nature’s laws are temporarily trashed, that life becomes totally weird, and G-d’s voice

is heard bellowing, "Tzvi Freeman, take note!

This is a miracle!"?

Wrong. That's just the Pharaoh inside us all over again. Perhaps somewhat more subtle, but Pharaoh nonetheless.

Monotheism means believing that the natural order is not an absolute set of rules to either play by or break by. Believing there is One Infinite Force behind all things means acknowledging that He can be found doing His thing anywhere—by the rules or not by the rules. Nothing stops Him from getting His way—no supervising committee, no appeal board, no shareholders, no mother-in-law, not even The Natural Order. That’s just a façade.

It’s really all just Him. The prognosis? According to the prophets, we eventually grow out of this.

That’s what the prophet Micah was hinting at when he said, "As the days when you left Egypt, so I will make you see miracles." Rabbi Menachem Mendel of Lubavitch explained, "As the days when you pointed at the Red Sea splitting and said, ‘This is my G-d doing this!’ —so then, in those times when we will leave this exile, I will let you see the even more wondrous miracles that are happening right now every day in your daily life." We can open our minds and try to start seeing reality that way right now. And stop worrying.. EM Rabbi Tzvi Freeman, a senior editor at Chabad.org, is the author of Bringing Heaven Down to Earth and more recently Wisdom to Heal the Earth. To subscribe to regular updates of Rabbi Freeman's writing or purchase his books, visit Chabad.org. Follow him on FaceBook @RabbiTzviFreeman.

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perspectives

Mixed Feelings Yoseph Janowski

T

he war in Ukraine is reason for sadness and tears, as bombs fall and people strive to survive. Young Russian men sent to fight, to die, after being fed lies (or nothing at all). Ukrainian civilians dying, fleeing for their lives. Is it possible to see some silver lining in this horrible, bitter nightmare?

It may not only be appropriate, but necessary – if we believe that ultimately everything is for the good, even if we can’t always see it or understand it.

So while we are definitely and rightfully horrified and disgusted by the war, if we can get past the darkness and the guilt of our detachment from the situation, what do we see happening? I don’t claim to be a seer or a prophet, and I certainly do not minimize the very real suffering of innocent people, but there are some logical deductions we can make.

For one thing, this could have been a nuclear confrontation, G-d forbid. But the US decided not to get involved in direct confrontation with Russia, thus averting a war between two nuclear powers.

Even in the midst of the war, corridors for evacuation have been agreed on, allowing many people to safely leave the war zone to other countries, where the refugees are being given support, including thousands of refugees being assisted by Chabad emissaries in bordering countries.

Israel has also taken center stage as a possible arbiter of the conflict. While the exact response to the crisis has been mixed and divided thus far due to Israel’s complex needs and interests vis-a-vis Russia, it is clear that Israel has, at least in potential, an important role to play on the world stage, emerging as a major force.

Not only does this enhance the standing of Israel and the Jewish people in the world, but, more importantly, it bolsters Israel’s security.

Inner conflict is a tricky thing to process. It is easy to get stuck in cyclical thinking, stuck in a loop that swings back and forth between two opposing views or feelings. If we can accept both as real and true, and submit to the higher power that unifies them both, then we can live with the inner conflict, accept it as part of our reality, and grow from its tension instead of avoiding it.

Even in the darkest moments, we can find something to be thankful for. It does not

8

diminish the appreciation of the darkness and suffering. It is part of the duality of human nature, a function of the human condition, to juggle the good and the bad, the ugly and the beautiful. It is an expression of our faith in the basic oneness and goodness of existence – our belief in one G-d who does everything for our ultimate benefit, even if we don't always understand it.

Indeed, Russia's actions seem to have been predicted 2,400 years ago, in chapter seven of the Book of Daniel, as a prelude to the coming of Moshiach and the emergence of a peaceful new world order. Daniel has a vision at night in which he sees four beasts. One of the beasts is described in verse five: "And behold another beast, similar to a bear. It stood to one side, three ribs were in its mouth between its teeth, and it was told to arise and devour much flesh." Later, Daniel has another vision in which someone is brought on clouds before G-d, and is given eternal dominion over all the nations. The commentator Rashi writes that this vision refers to Moshiach.

Russia is often referred to as “the Russian

bear.” These days it stands on one side, with almost the entire world on the other side, opposed to Russia's actions. Three parts of Ukraine (Crimea, Donetsk, Luhansk) were already “in its mouth between its teeth,” and it now rose up to devour all of Ukraine.

All this should strengthen our optimism and our belief that we will soon arrive at a time when there will be no more wars. A time when, as our prophets and sages tell us, there will be no tears of sadness, and our mouths will be filled with laughter, when the happiness of the world will be upon us.

As we approach Passover, the festival of freedom, we can recall the words of the prophet Micah: “Just like the days when you left Egypt, I will show you wonders."

We can look forward, despite the challenges, darkness and suffering we see and experience, to the imminent arrival of Moshiach and the complete Redemption, which will bring peace and blessing to all humanity. EM

Yoseph Janowski lives in Toronto, Canada.

April 2022 / Nissan 5782

jewish thought

Fighting

for

Freedom

Jonathan Sacks

P

assover, the Jewish festival of freedom, is the oldest continuously-observed religious ritual in the world. Still, it has a lot to teach us about the nature of the fight for freedom. Across the centuries Passover has never lost its power to inspire the imagination of successive generations of Jews with its annually reenacted drama of slavery and liberation.

It is vivid, replete with direct experiences like eating matzah, the unleavened bread of affliction, and tasting maror, the bitter herbs of oppression.

It is a ritual performed not in the synagogue but at home, in the midst of the family, reminding us that, in Alexis de Tocqueville’s words, “As long as family feeling is kept alive, the opponent of oppression is never alone.” Perhaps its single most striking innovation is that from beginning to end, it is designed to engage and enthral the mind of a child.

The rabbis who developed the ritual were guided by the Bible itself and the highly counterintuitive narrative it tells in the twelfth and thirteenth chapters of Exodus. Here is the scene: Moses has assembled the people to tell them they are about to go free. Exiled, enslaved, threatened by a Pharaoh who has commanded that every male Israelite child shall be killed, the people have witnessed a series of wonders performed on their behalf. Moses is now about to tell them that soon they will leave and begin their long walk to freedom.

I sometimes ask people what they would speak about if they were in Moses’ shoes? Some say they would talk about freedom, others focus on the destination that lay ahead, the ‘land flowing with milk and honey.’ Yet others, made of sterner stuff, propose talking about the arduous journey that lay ahead, the march across the wilderness with all its hazards.

Any of these would have been a great speech by a great leader. Moses did none of these things. That is what made him a unique leader.

If you examine the text in Exodus carefully, you will see that three times he reverted to the same theme: children, education and the distant future. “And when your children ask you, What does this ceremony mean to you? . . .” (12:26). “On that day tell your son, I do this because of what the Lord did for me when I came out of Egypt” (13:8). “In days to come, when your son asks you, What does this mean? . . .” (Ex. 13:14).

April 2022 / Nissan 5782

Moses spoke not about freedom but about education. He fixed his vision not on the immediate but on the distant future, and not on adults but children. In so doing he was making a fundamental point: It may be hard to escape from tyranny but it is harder still to build and sustain a free society.

In the long run there is only one way of doing so — to defend a country you need an army, but to defend a civilization you need education. That is why Moses, according to Rousseau the world’s greatest architect of a free society, spoke about the duty of parents in every generation to educate their children about why freedom matters and how it was achieved.

Freedom is not won by merely overthrowing a tyrannical ruler or an oppressive regime. That is usually only the prelude to a new tyranny and a new oppression. The faces change, but not the script. True freedom requires the rule of law and justice, and a judicial system in which the rights of some are not secured by the denial of rights to others.

Freedom begins with what we teach our children. That is why Jews became a people

whose passion is education, whose heroes are teachers and whose citadels are schools.

Nowhere is this more evident than on Passover, when the entire ritual of handing over our story to the next generation is set in motion by the questions asked by a child. In every generation we need to re-cultivate the habits of the heart that Tocqueville called “the apprenticeship of liberty.”

The message of Passover remains as powerful as ever. Freedom is won not on the battlefield but in the classroom and the home.

Teach your children the history of freedom if you want them never to lose it. EM

Rabbi Dr. Sir Jonathan Sacks, of blessed memory, was the former Chief Rabbi of the UK and the Commonwealth and a member of the House of Lords. He was a leading academic and respected world expert on Judaism. He was the author of several books and thousands of articles, appeared regularly on television and radio, and spoke at engagements around the world.

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jewish thought

The Secret

of

Greatness

Simon Jacobson

W

hat defines greatness? A closer look at the significance of Shabbat HaGadol (lit. the great Shabbat) – the traditional name for the Shabbat preceding Passover – can perhaps shed some light on the meaning of greatness. And also give us a laugh or two – hey who can’t use a bit of humor?…

If you thought that long, drawn-out Rabbinic sermons are a modern phenomenon, think again. None other than the great 11th century scholar and commentator, Rashi, writes in his Sefer ha’Pardes (p. 343), in the name of a Rabbi Yitzchak Yuskuntu that the customary lengthy Shabbat HaGadol speech makes the Shabbat feel long and drawn out.

Hence they called the day Shabbat HaGadol, gadol as in long and protracted – the long Shabbat. “When people do not move around, but stay in one place for an extended time and don’t have what to do, they customarily will say: ‘what a long day…’”

I tried researching the identity of Rabbi Yitzchak Yuskuntu that Rashi cites, but with no success. All Rashi writes is that he was a “katzin” (which usually means a prominent individual, a magistrate), and that he was from Hungary (“eretz hagar”). If anyone has any more information on this Rabbi, I would appreciate you letting let me know.

Just in case you think that this was an anomaly only present in Rashi’s town (and in the vicinity of the above-cited Rabbi Yitzchak), this reason for Shabbat haGadol is brought down by quite a few other Torah authorities, like the 13th century scholar, R’ Tzidkiyahu ben Avraham in his Shibolei Haleket, R’ Yechiel in Tanya Rabsi and others.

I guess the difference between the Synagogue sermons in the Middle Ages and today is that people then stuck around even if the sermons dragged on and the day turned long and drawn out. While today most congregants would simply leave and not hang around too long… Was it the sermon or the people?

Probably both: The sermons were better and the people were more committed. Today, on the other hand… – you can fill in the blanks.

Before drawing any bizarre conclusions that the Shabbat before Passover is so named (The Long Shabbat) simply due to people’s feelings about the lengthy sermons, we must

10

qualify this statement with a very clear and loud declaration that our sages, including Rashi himself, offer other reasons for this Shabbat being called Shabbat HaGadol.

Primary among these reasons is the one given by the legal (halachik) authorities, namely the Tur, Shulchan Oruch (code of Jewish law) and the Alter Rebbe in his Shulchan Oruch (Orech Chaim sec. 430) – that a great miracle happened on this Shabbat a few days preceding the Egyptian Exodus. There are various opinions as to the nature of this great miracle. Here is a summary of them: 1) The Jewish people were commanded

by Moses to take a lamb and tie it to their bedposts on Shabbat, the 10th day of Nissan, five days before they were to leave Egypt.

When the Egyptians inquired by the Jews why they were buying lambs en masse, they were told that these lambs were intended for the Paschal Offering, which would be sacrificed in preparation of the Plague of the Firstborn.

For some reason, this information rattled the Egyptian firstborn, who immediately insisted that Pharaoh grant the Jews the liberty they demanded. When Pharaoh refused their request, the Egyptian firstborn waged war with Pharaoh’s army, and many Egyptians who were guilty of atrocities against the Jews were killed on that day. This is the meaning

of the verse (Psalms 136:10): “Who struck Egypt through its first born; for His kindness is eternal” (Alter Rebbe’s Shulchan Aruch, from Tosafot Shabbat 87b).

1. On this day it was demonstrated that the Egyptians were powerless against the Jews.

They were very disturbed by the fact that the Jews were planning to slaughter lambs, an Egyptian deity – but were incapable of doing anything to hamper their plans (Tur. Levush).

2. The Egyptians wanted to kill the Jews for slaughtering their deity, and G-d miraculously spared them (Rabboseinu Baalei haTosafos Bo 12:3. Rashi in Sefer HaPardes cited above, as well as in Sefer haOrah and Siddur Rashi).

Despite these reasons, it still seems kind of puzzling that a sage on the caliber of Rashi should cite the above-mentioned reason that people felt that the sermon made the day seem so long. Why would it be important to tell us this? And why would anyone suggest such a satirical name to a day so special like the Shabbat before Passover?!

Especially considering that there are many other very positive reasons for calling this day Shabbat HaGadol – reasons that reflect the special and great miracles that transpired on that day! In addition to the reasons cited above, many scholars over the generations have posited different beautiful insights into

April 2022 / Nissan 5782

this name (like the Avudraham and the Pri Chadash. – Many are gathered in Rabbi Menachem Kasher’s Hagoda Shelemah. See also Bnei Yissachar and Shaar Yissachar, among others).

Another oddity about Shabbat HaGadol is the fact that this name is not mentioned in any Biblical or Talmudic literature.* The first time we find it mentioned is in the writings of Rashi (cited above) and his contemporaries, like R’ Simcha ben Samuel of Vitry in his Machzor Vitri (section 259). And they both write that the name is shrouded in mystery: “The Shabbat prior to Passover people are accustomed to call Shabbat HaGadol. And they don’t know why it’s called Shabbat Hagadol, [why it is distinguished as being] greater than the other Sabbaths of the year.”

And yet, they continue to provide the reason for this name due to the great miracle that happened on that Shabbat in Egypt!

Since Rashi and the other sages know and are giving us the reason, why are they emphasizing the ignorance of the people in their time who call it by that name without knowing why?! And why is it that people at the time were not aware of the reason? Clearly the name of the Shabbat was quite popular, suggesting that it was passed on by word-of-mouth from generation to generation. Yet, the reason was not passed on except to a select few. The question remains: Where did this name originate?

How far back?

The history of Shabbat HaGadol and its name seems to be muddled, almost intentionally, in obscurity. Not to say that Jewish law is unclear about the matter; the Shulchan Aruch is very lucid about the great miracle that happened on that Shabbat, and how we honor that every year on this Shabbat HaGadol. Many eloquent thoughts and yes, sermons, have been delivered over the years explaining the moral and spiritual lessons from these miracles. And yet, when we go back and explore the past, the origins of the name seem to fade in the annals of history.

I will not attempt to unravel the mysteries of Shabbat HaGadol. Instead, allow me to just point out that perhaps it highlights a full-blown manifestation of the paradoxes

and absurdities of life, which is acutely reflected in Jewish life.

On one hand, Shabbat HaGadol celebrates the great miracles that preceded the Exodus.

After years of oppression at the hands of the Egyptians, the oppressors finally got their due, as they turned on each other and witnessed their gods being destroyed, helpless to do anything about it. Year after year on this Shabbat throughout the millennia, sermons upon sermons were delivered, educating, inspiring, motivating, cajoling the people to honor these miracles, improve their lives and heighten their consciousness.

On the other hand, the Jewish people, though free at last, are never allowed to gloat and succumb to pride and self-importance.

To remind us of that fact, we don’t really know when and where the “Great Shabbat” got its name. Furthermore, in an almost tongue-in-cheek way – quite refreshing if you ask me – we are reminded that some of these sermons (even back then) may have gone too long; or if that sounds too harsh, that the long sermons made the people feel that the day was very, very long… “What a long day?”

They say that there is a very thin line between comedy and tragedy, as well as between intensity and lightness of being.

Sometimes the only way to survive and not be trampled by existential loneliness and the contradictions of life is with a bit of humor and self-deprecation; not to take yourself too seriously. Not becoming smug in the face of success; and not to be depressed in the face of (perceived) failure.

Balancing the two – seriousness and cheerfulness, intensity and buoyancy, realism and optimism, sadness and laughter, pain and joy, success and humility – is the secret to resilience and success; the power to withstand all challenges and endure. The mystery of immortality.

And in some strange way, this is the secret of greatness. The mystique behind the Great Shabbat. EM Rabbi Simon Jacobson is the author of Toward a Meaningful Life: The Wisdom of the Rebbe and the director of the Meaningful Life Center (meaningfullife.com).

future tense

MOSHIACH MUSINGS

The narrative of the Splitting of the Red Sea teaches an­ other important lesson about the extent of our commit­ ment to the service of G‑d. The miracle at the Red Sea was a direct response to the actions of the Jewish people.

The Torah relates that when the Jews found themselves trapped between the Egyptian army and the Red Sea, they “became greatly frightened” and “cried out to G‑d.” G‑d responded by telling Moses: “Why do you cry out to Me? Tell the Children of Israel to go forward!”

Our Sages explain that after Moses relayed this message, Nachshon ben Aminadav, the Nasi (leader) of the Tribe of Yehudah, plunged into the Red Sea, followed by his tribe and then by the entire Jewish people. They pressed onward until the water reached their nostrils. Only then did the sea split. Like Nachshon, we have been given a mission — to prepare the world for the coming of Moshiach.

Nachshon’s steadfast commitment brought about a mi­raculous salvation for the Jewish people. Emulating his commitment will likewise prepare us for the miracles of the Era of the Redemption, which will include a parallel to the miracle of the Splitting of the Sea. As the Haftorah recited on the Eighth Day of Passover relates, “G‑d... will raise His hand over the river (Euphrates) with His mighty wind and smite it into seven streams.” May this prophecy be fulfilled speedily, in our days.

ask the rabbi

What Does Kosher Passover Mean?

for

Rabbi Yoseph Y. Zaltzman

Q

What exactly does it mean when food is certified as "kosher for Passover?" If I buy kosher food that doesn't contain any ingredients that are leavened, isn't that good enough?

During Passover (also known as Pesach), Jewish people avoid anything that contains grain that has risen or fermented—including breads, pastas, beers, liquors and more.

In order for something to be kosher for Passover, even the minutest amount of the forbidden substance, known as chametz, is a problem. Dishes must be scoured and purged from any trace of non-Passover food before food that is kosher for Passover can be produced on them.

Many products that were produced and packaged in a chametz-free environment are labeled as kosher for Passover, meaning that they are OK for Jewish consumption (and ownership) on Passover. Most major kosher certifying agencies place a “P” next to their seal on such products. The kosher for Passover symbol indicates that the item is kosher for Passover.

The only grain product that is ever kosher for Passover is matzah, and it must be certified as such. Raw, kosher meat, fish and chicken, fruit and vegetables and other such produce are essentially kosher for Passover and need not be labeled as such, provided that they did not come into close contact with chametz. All processed foods, however, must be labeled kosher for Passover by a reputable rabbinical organization.

The kosher for Passover laws differ from the ordinary kosher laws in two major ways: 1. Even the slightest trace of chametz is a problem. This is not like ordinary non-kosher substances, which may at times become neutralized by the 1/60 rule.

2. It is generally permissible to own nonkosher goods, provided that they are not eaten (there are exceptions to this rule).

However, on Passover one may not even have chametz in one’s possession.

12

In addition, while observant Jews keep strictly kosher kitchens, not many have kosher-forPassover kitchens. Instead, they scrub, scour, boil and burn until their kitchens have been purged of every bit of chametz and are ready for kosher-for-Passover cooking.

Some pots and pans may be purged through cleaning and applying heat, as can some other utensils. However, many people prefer to have a set of kosher-for-Passover dishes stored away just for Passover use. And since one may not even own chametz on Passover, we check the entire house to make sure that it is chametz free.

Why do we make such a big deal about chametz on Passover? After all, chametz and matzah are almost the same substance, containing the same ingredients of flour and water. And we eat chametz all year, except for Passover. The one key difference is that while chametz bread rises, filling itself with hot air, the matzah stays flat and humble.

Thus, chametz represents that swelling of ego that enslaves the soul more than any external prison. It is for this reason that once a year on Passover, when we celebrate our freedom from slavery and our birth as a nation unto G‑d, we are extremely careful to eradicate any chametz that we may have.

The flat, unpretentious matzah represents the humility, self-effacement and commitment that are the ultimate liberators, enabling us to connect to G‑d without our egos getting in the way. And that is why eating matzah on Passover is so fundamental to our faith. EM

В связи с тем, что сейчас происходит между двумя соседними странами, еврейство всего мира беспокоится о судьбах евреев Украины и России. Что нам нужно делать, чтобы помочь своим братьям и сестрам?

- В соответствии с еврейской традицией, когда кто-то испытывает нужду, переживает боль или находится перед лицом опасности, человек должен стараться помочь. И это дополнительно к той помощи, которую он оказывает в мирное время, когда вокруг все хорошо и спокойно. Для этого на благотворительность каждый должен тратить как минимум 10% от своих доходов. Кому прежде всего должна оказываться помощь? Оказание помощи своенй семье стоит на первом месте в сравнении со всеми остальными людьми. Близкие люди – вот, кому мы должны помогать в первую очередь. Поэтому мы, находясь в своих странах, где жизнь налажена и спокойна, должны молиться и просить Б-га за жизнь своих близких - евреев Украины. Помня о том, что чтение Псалмов царя Давида в самые опасные и трагичные времена нашей истории пробуждает Небеса к милосердию, мы должны взять на себя обязательство читать хотя бы один Псалм ежедневно за евреев Украины. При зажигании свечей в пятницу вечером – во время, когда Вс-вышний благосклонно принимает наши молитвы, женщины могут просить Б-га, о прекращении конфликта, чтобы люди могли жить в мире и спокойствии...

The article above is excerpted from the Russian edition of Exodus Magazine. To subscribe, please visit exodusmagazine.org or call 416.222.7105.

Rabbi Yoseph Y. Zaltzman is the Senior Rabbi of the Jewish Russian Community Centre of Ontario. You can Ask the Rabbi at jrcc.org or fax to 416.222.7812. To meet with Rabbi Zaltzman in person, feel free to call 416.222.7105 to book an appointment.

Appointments are generally available on Wednesday evenings after 7pm.

Rebbitzin Chiena Zaltzman is also available for private consultations by appointment on Wednesday evenings from 9 to 10pm by calling 416.222.7105.

April 2022 / Nissan 5782

‫ב”ה‬ ‫ב''ה‬

Our

APRIL 2022 | NISSAN 5782 COMMUNITY CALENDAR

APRIL2022 APRIL

PRE-PESACH KIDS PROGRAMS

APRIL

11 NISSAN FARBRENGEN

06-11 11

APRIL

15-23

PESACH

APRIL

COMMUNITY PESACH SEDER

APRIL

MOSHIACH FEAST

APRIL

WOMENS PIRKEI AVOT BEGINS

15-16 23

30

(1) Blessed are You, L-rd our G-d, King of the universe, who has sanctified us with His commandments and commanded us to light the candle of the Holy Shabbat.

Ba-ruch A-tah Ado-nai Elo-hei-nu Me-lech Ha-olam Asher Ki-de-sha-nu Be-mitz-vo-tav Ve-tzi-va-nu Le-had-lik Ner Shel Shabbat Kodesh.

(2) Blessed are You, L-rd our G-d, King of the universe, who has sanctified us with His commandments and commanded us to light the candle of the Shabbat and of the holiday.

Ba-ruch A-tah Ado-nai Elo-hei-nu Me-lech Ha-olam A-sher Ki-de-sha-nu Be-mitz-vo-tav Ve-tzi-va-nu Le-had-lik Ner Shel Shabbat Ve-shel Yom Tov! (3) Blessed are You, L-rd our G-d, King of the universe, who has sanctified us with His commandments and commanded us to light the candle of the holiday.

Ba-ruch A-tah Ado-nai Elo-hei-nu Me-lech Ha-olam A-sher Ki-de-sha-nu Be-mitz-vo-tav Ve-tzi-va-nu Le-had-lik Ner Shel Yom Tov. (4) Blessed are You, L-rd our G-d, King of the universe, who has granted us life, sustained us and enabled us to reach this occasion.

Ba-ruch A-tah Ado-nai Elo-hei-nu Me-lech Ha-olam She-he-che-ya-nu Ve-kiy’ma-nu Ve-higi-a-nu Liz-man Ha-zeh.

CANDLE LIGHTING TIMES Friday, Apr 1, 2022

7:26 PM (1)

Friday, Apr 8, 2022

7:35 PM (1)

Friday, Apr 15, 2022

7:43 PM (2; 4)

Shabbat, Apr 16, 2022*

after 8:47 PM (3; 4)

Thursday, Apr 21, 2022

7:50 PM (3)

Friday, Apr 22, 2022*

7:51 PM (2)

Friday, Apr 29, 2022

8:00 PM (1)

Community T H E M O N T H I N R E V I E W. U P C O M I N G E V E N T S & P R O G R A M S .

PURIM EVENTS FOR KIDS

During the course of the week leading up to Purim, the JRCC and its branches hosted Events for children and teens. Some highlights include Hamentash Bake-Off events hosted at the JRCC East Thornhill, South Thornhill, S. Richmond Hill and Concord, a Purim Masquerade Show at the JRCC West Thornhill, and Purim related celebrations at the JRCC Hebrew Schools, the JRCC Preschool and Daycare and Teen Clubs.

COMMUNITY PURIM CELEBRATIONS AND BANQUETS This year, after a long hiatus, Purim was finally back to being mostly in-person. On Wednesday evening, March 16, the all JRCC branches hosted Purim Celebrations featuring Megillah readings, entertainment and fun for the whole family in eight locations in the GTA. For those who preferred to celebrate at home with their families, the JRCC also organized a Purim Wonderland Virtual Program via Zoom. In addition to the live online entertainment and interactive activities, participants who registered in advance received a package delivered that included supplies for crafts and other Purim fun.

SUPPORT FOR UKRAINE

The JRCC community came together to show support for our brothers and sisters in Ukraine.

Efforts include a fundraising campaign that raised tens of thousands of dollars within a few days to finance a truckload of food and relief supplies that was sent to Kharakov. An evening of solidarity and prayer was also held, led by JRCC and community rabbis, as well as former Ontario Senator Jerry Grafstein. The evening featured prayers in the form of Psalms, words of Torah inspiration, the priestly blessing, resolutions for good deeds and charity, and concluded with a soulful song and prayer. In addition, the JRCC Social Services department is mobilizing to prepare for the influx of Ukrainian Jewish immigrants that will be arriving here. Stay tuned to fund out how you can help. Donations can be made at www.jrcc.org/Ukraine.

* Light from a pre-existing flame.

April 2022 / Nissan 5782

13

PRE-PESACH

Photo of the Month

FOR KIDS East Thornhill:

Wednesday, April 6 5:00pm TRIP TO MATZAH BAKERY

S. Richmond Hill: Sunday, April 10 PESACH ADVENTURE

Concord:

Monday, April 11, 5:00pm MOCK SEDER

Visit www.jrcc.org/Pesach for more information

Volunteers preparing thousands of Purim packages to be distrubted to members of the Jewish-Russian community.

11 Nissan

FARBRENGEN MONDAY, APRIL 11 8:00PM JRCC Concord 411 Confederation Pkwy., Unit 14

11 Nissan Farbrengen Celebrating the 120th birthday of the Lubavither Rebbe

YIZKOR:

Shabbat, April 23 At the JRCC Location near you.

MOSHIACH SEUDAH SHABBAT, APRIL 23

Initiated by the Baal Shem Tov, it is customary to end Passover with a feast dedicated to the imminent redemption.

At your local JRCC branch.

For times and locations visit

www.jrcc.org/Pesach

TO DO TODAY! BUY YOUR

The coolest Jewish Club for young teens

SELL YOUR

MATZAH CHAMETZ

Get delicious, authentic, hand-made Shmura matzah for Passover.

Before Passover, eliminate all leavened foods by April 14.

Wednesday, April 27 | 6:30-8pm

Loaves of Love Bake challah to enjoy and share

In person: 5987 Bathurst St., #3

14

By phone: 416.222.7105

Online: jrcc.org/Pesach

JRCC S. Richmond Hill & Maple, 9699 Bathurst St. RSVP at JRCC.org/jgirls

April 2022 / Nissan 5782

Faces of the Community Joseph Gelfand Please tell us a little about your profession.

I am an electrical engineer by profession, at least in terms of the very beginning of my career. Later, fate directed me to commerce, and not from a good life: as you know, life dictates conditions. I worked in a car repair warehouse, and then then moved into the service industry. When the time came for perestroika, my partners and I organized a cooperative - we provided a variety of services, from household to the sale of car parts. Despite having a decent income, the future still seemed uncertain for our family. So we packed our bags and left for Canada.

PRE-PESACH

WORKSHOPS for Women West Thornhill MONDAY, APRIL 4 - 8:00 PM

East Thornhill SUNDAY, APRIL 10 - 8:00 PM Visit WWW.JRCC.ORG/PESACH for more information

o v s e r s a P os t

P ALLAH CH

E K BA

THURSDAY, APRIL 28 Woodbridge, 12 Muscadel Rd.

S. Richmond Hill & Maple, 9699 Bathurst St. Concord, 411 Confederation Pkwy., Unit 14

West Thornhill, 1136 Centre St., Unit 2 East Thornhill, 7608 Yonge St., Unit 3

South Thornhill, 28 Townsgate Dr. Rockford, 18 Rockford Rd.,

Willowdale, 17 Church Ave.

What year was this?

In the 1990s. I had to feed my family, and I could not afford to be selective in terms of the type of work I did – from the production of windows to repair work. Some of my work was connected with the design and manufacture of furniture. I also do interior renovation work in apartments and basements.

Where does your family come from?

My maternal grandfather, Leib Iosifovich, came from the city of Soroca in Bessarabia (Moldova). He said that the rules of the Torah were always observed in their family.

Even under the Romanians, my grandfather owned a small kosher butcher shop.

In 1927, during the NEP, his brother and sister fled from Soviet power abroad and, after long wanderings in different countries, settled in Argentina. My grandfather corresponded with them in Yiddish, since they did not know Russian. In 1969, after 42 years of separation, my grandfather received an invitation to visit them.

On June 28, 1940, the Soviet authorities came to Bessarabia, and they saw my grandfather as an accomplice of the Romanian army, since he sold meat, including to the Romanians. With this sentence, his family, including my mother, who was twelve at the time, was exiled to northern Kazakhstan. My mother worked in hard labor, carrying a cauldron (large stone blocks), which undermined her health and left her somewhat handicapped. After the end of the war, hoping for a better life, they returned to Moldova.

In 1949, my mother married Yitzhak Gelfand, originally from Bendery. My father was the eldest son in the family, and at the age of 11 he helped his parents in the evacuation, watching over his younger sisters. His father, since the time of the NEP, was engaged in private activities: he made soap and produced sparkling water. After the war, he wanted to leave for Palestine, for which he collected money for bribes for years. With this money, he went on a cart to give a bribe for permission to leave, but he was attacked by bandits with axes. In 1978, he and the families of his children eventually left for Israel.

One night in 1950, NKVD soldiers came and took away my mother (and at that time she was pregnant), putting her in a Bendery prison for leaving the place of exile and for being the daughter of a collaborator. Her first child was born in prison. With a nursing baby, she was thrown into a freight wagon and exiled to Siberia, where she traveled for a whole month. G-d helped that all this happened in May, when it was not so cold. My mother ended up in a settlement for prisoners, with the river on one side and the frozen taiga forest on the other. My father left Bendery and went to Siberia to his wife and child. My second brother was born in a dugout. My father bought furs from hunters and processed them for sale. Prisoners were strictly forbidden to move, but since my father was a free settler, he was allowed to leave the settlement.

Therefore, he could carry fur skins across the river and sell them. In this way, we managed to save some money. After Stalin's death, they finally left the exile, and I was born in Novokuznetsk as the first free child in the family, and even became the owner of my own stroller.

If you could meet anyone in history, who would it be, and why?

I would like to meet with Emmanuil Semyonovich Roizman, who was the deputy manager of the Gossnab (State Supplies of the USSR), where I worked after the army. This amazing person was my second father and teacher of life - in relationships, in demeanor, in etiquette, in commerce. Gossnab is an organization that supplied the republic with everything necessary. There, everything rested on the talent and efficiency of Emmanuil Semenovich, but, of course, he always remained on the sidelines. Our all-powerful organization had two bases on the sea. And so, in order to provide yourself with convenience and luxuries, it was necessary to “write off” new good things, as already dilapidated - bed linens, carpets, furniture. It was Emmanuil Semenovich who brought the documents for the write-offs.

Do you have any hobbies?

My hobby is to spend my free time with my family and grandchildren.

Details at www.jrcc.org/ChallahBake April 2022 / Nissan 5782

What are your plans for the future?

In this difficult time, I want peace everywhere, so that our children and grandchildren live happily.

15

Exodus Magazine Holiday Companion

PASSOVER

‫ב׳׳ה‬

Friday, April 15 to Saturday, April 23, 2022

Jewish Russian Community Centre of Ontario

All times displayed in this guide are for the Greater Toronto Area.

What is Passover?

Passover (Pesach in Hebrew) commemorates the emancipation of the Israelites from slavery in ancient Egypt. It is observed by avoiding bread and other leavened foods and highlighted by the Seder meals that include four cups of wine, eating matzah and bitter herbs, and retelling the story of the Exodus. The name comes from the fact that the houses of the Israelites were “passed over” during the plague of the firstborn, and also reflects the notion that the Exodus is connected with the supernatural.

Pre-Holid

ay to-do

list

• Clean the h any bread ouse for Passover, es crumbs an d non Ko pecially the kitche • Shop fo n sher-forr the holid Pesach pro , from ay needs • Cook t d ucts he Seder a nd Holida • Buy Ma y foods tzah and wine • Sell yo ur Chame tz before • Make Y April 14 izkor plan s • Eiruv T avshilin o n April 21

Mitzvah as Connection

Passover Resources

What is a Mitzvah? The word mitzvah is usually translated as “commandment,” but the Hebrew word also means “connection.” A mitzvah is an opportunity to connect – to our roots, to our ancestors, to the Divine, and to one another. Each mitzvah embodies one aspect or dimension of this connection. The rituals and observances associated with the mitzvah provide the method for forming the connection.

JRCC Website: Enjoy dozens of articles and videos on the JRCC Passover minisite at jrcc.org/Passover.

Content for children at jrcc.org/Kids JRCC Haggadah: A comprehensive guide and walk-through of Passover preparations (cleaning, selling chametz etc.) in three languages (Hebrew-Russian-English). To receive a copy, contact our office or visit jrccbookstore.org.

Shabbat and Holiday Candle Lighting Shabbat and Holiday candles are lit by women and girls – see JRCC calendar or page 13 for candlelighting times.

On the second evening of consecutive holy days, light from a pre-existing flame.

Light a 48-hour candle before the onset of Shabbat to be used for this purpose.

Eruv Tavshilin on Thursday, April 21 In order to permit the preparation of food for Shabbat during the festival when Shabbat immediately follows a festival, an “eruv tavshilin” must be prepared prior to the festival. Consult your siddur (prayerbook) or visit jrcc.org for details.

16

We’re here to help The JRCC is here to assist with all your Passover needs. See the back page for a variety of JRCC Passover services being offered, including fully prepared Seder Plates and dinners to go. For assistance in making your Passover plans or any other assistance, visit jrcc.org/Pesach or contact the JRCC.

April 2022 / Nissan 5782

The Passover Seder Chametz vs. Matzah Why is eating Matzah on Passover so fundamental? Chametz and Matzah are almost the same substance, containing the same ingredients of flour and water. The one key difference is that while Chametz bread rises, filling itself with hot air, the Matzah stays flat and humble. Chametz represents that swelling of ego, is the greatest form of enslavement. When we celebrate the Festival of Freedom, as Passover is also known, we disavow Chametz as a vehicle for eradicating ego. Because the only way to truly and freely connect to our Creator and to one another is with humility, to ensure our egos don’t get in the way.

When:

Friday, April 15 and Saturday April 16, after dark.

How:

Follow your Haggadah step-by-step and have a great time!

i The JRCC Haggada has a very informative introduction

with clear explanations and instructions about the Seder. To prepare, you can also visit jrcc.org/Seder before the holiday for fascinating articles, useful information, and practical tutorials.

No Chametz

The Seder in Short

The Torah forbids us to own or possess any Chametz throughout the week of Passover. Here are the basic steps to getting rid of Chametz:

The Passover Seder contains the observance of many biblical and rabbinical mitzvot, including: eating matzah, eating maror (bitter herbs), drinking four cups of wine, relating the story of the Exodus to our children, and reclining as a symbol of freedom.

CLEAN IT When: In the weeks preceding Passover Thoroughly check and clean any place in your home, office or car that might possibly contain traces of food.

SELL IT When: by Thursday, April 14 The non-perishable Chametz products you want to store and keep for after Passover should be sold so they are not technically in your possession for the duration of the holiday. Use the form or visit jrcc.org/sellchametz.

SEARCH FOR IT When: Thursday, April 14, after dark Search for crumbs and remnants of Chametz that may have escaped your clean-up operation. A special blessing is recited before the search, you can find it in your Haggadah (JRCC Haggadah page 2).

STOP EATING IT When: Friday, April 15, before 11:02am After this time, you can no longer eat any Chametz. Any Chametz left over should be disposed of.

BURN IT When: Friday, April 15, before 12:09pm Burn the Chametz you found during the search.

NULLIFY IT When: Friday, April 15, before 12:09pm Nullify any Chametz in your property that may have been overlooked by reciting a unique passage, which can be found in your Haggadah (JRCC Haggada page 3).

i Learn more about the prohibition of possessing Chametz and lots of resources for all the above at jrcc.org/chametz.

The most essential parts of the Passover Seder are: 1.

Telling the Story of the Exodus

2.

Eating the Matzah (27 grams)

3.

Eating the Marror bitter herd (18 grams)

4. Drinking the Four Cups of Wine 5.

Feeling Free – reclining consuming the wine and Matza

6. Celebration and gratitude to G-d

The Seder Plate The Seder table is home to a group of items not usually found in the same place at the same time. These symbolisms are ways of remembering and commemorating the Egyptian Exile and Exodus. On their own they don’t seem to contain any personal relevance to our lives today. The great Kabbalist Rabbi Isaac Lurya (known as the Arizal) explains that the ten items of the Seder Plate reflect the structure of human consciousness, which is composed of ten dimensions – three intellectual faculties and seven emotional ones. Just as a plate is a vessel for what it holds, the Seder Plate is the channel through which we can personalize and internalize the depth of the Passover Seder and the message of freedom into the different parts of our being.

© 2022 Exodus Magazine, a project of Jewish Russian Community Center of Ontario.

416.222.7105 | jrcc@jrcc.org | www.jrcc.org. For more holiday information and content visit jrcc.org/Holidays.

April 2022 / Nissan 5782

17

Passover Seder Insights

Follow your Haggadah for the detailed step-by-step. Below are some insights and inspiration.

From Chaos to Order

The phrase “Passover Seder” is actually an oxymoron: The word “Passover” means to skip, to pass over. The word “Seder” means order.

So the Passover Seder is actually about bringing chaos into order.

The supernatural nature of the Passover energy, reflected in the astounding miracles that accompanied the Exodus, seems somewhat out of reach, disconnected from our lives today. The fifteen steps that comprise the order of the Passover Seder are designed to bring that lofty energy down to earth so that we can assimilate it into our minds, hearts and lives as we are today – empowering us to live a life that is both supernatural and grounded at the same time.

Why be Bitter?

The bitterness of Egypt is brought to the table with Maror, the bitter herb – usually a mixture of horseradish and romaine lettuce. The lettuce is not actually bitter, but has a bitter aftertaste. The initial stages of exile and enslavement are often benign and even pleasant.

Eventually, the lack of freedom and the injustices of life in shackles become overwhelming. In the end we realize that the purpose of hardship is to imbue us with greater strength and depth.

The 4 Cups as 4 Steps of Freedom

Like every meaningful journey in life, the journey to freedom is comprised of different stages, levels and dimensions. The Four Cups of wine consumed during the Seder celebrate the stages of our Exodus and Redemption, and are connected with the four phrases of redemption mentioned in the Torah regarding the exodus from Egypt.

The First Cup: “I will release you.” The physical removal from servitude. The first step is to get away from the source of oppression.

The Second Cup: “I will save you.” The freedom from intellectual and spiritual slavery. After you get yourself away from oppressive force, you need to remove the oppression from within you.

The Third Cup: “I will liberate you.” The creation of a people in a permanent state of freedom. After eradicating the oppressive force, you can now work on becoming immune from it altogether, erasing even the possibility of it taking hold.

The Fourth Cup: “I will take you unto Me as a nation.” After mastering the first three stages to get to a state of “freedom from,” it is now time to define life on your terms, to be true to yourself, your true self, and live up to your inner calling and spiritual destiny.

Sale of Chametz Form SUBMIT BY: THURSDY, APRIL 14, 2022 AT 9PM

Go Matzah!

Matzah is the most basic icon of the festival of Passover, which is actually called “The Festival of Matzahs” in the Torah. The Sages give it different names, which can even seem in conflict with one another: “The Bread of Affliction,” “The Bread of Poverty,” “The Bread of Humility,” “The Bread of Instruction,” “The Bread of Faith,” “The Bread of Healing.” The element that ties all of these together is faith – the faith to persevere through adversity, the faith to experience gratitude for the goodness that comes after, and the deep faith to recognize the benefits that emanate from the challenge itself.

Sell your chametz online at jrcc.org/sellchametz I (We): _______________________________________________________________ FULL NAME(S)

[Head(s) of the Household] Hereby authorize Rabbi Yoseph Y. Zaltzman to dispose of all chametz that may be in my (our) possession wherever it may be — at home, at my (our) place of business, or elsewhere — in accordance with the requirements of Jewish Law as incorporated in the special contract for the sale of chametz.

Three Reasons for Three Matzahs: 1.

The three intellectual faculties: Combine intellectual and emotional slavery with Divinely inspired faith, and you have the spiritual recipe for freedom.

_______________________________________________________________ HOME ADDRESS

2.

The three tribal categories of the Jewish people: Kohens, Levites and Israelites. The greatest strength comes from unity, and encapsulates freedom when it also appreciates diversity.

_______________________________________________________________ BUSINESS ADDRESS

3.

The three Patriarchs: Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, and their respective divine attributes of kindness, discipline and harmony.

i Online Hagaddah at jrcc.org/Haggadah 18

_______________________________ SIGNATURE

_________________ DATE

_______________________________ SIGNATURE

_________________ DATE

April 2022 / Nissan 5782

The Intermediate Days When: Monday, April 18 to Thursday, April 21 Chol Hamoed (literally, “the weekday of the holiday”) refers to the “intermediate period” of the festivals between the beginning and ending holy days. These days are a fusion of the mundane (“chol) and the sacred (“moed”). These are not holy days like Shabbat and Yom Tov during which work is prohibited, yet they are still festival days that are observed with limited work restrictions.

The general idea is to minimize work so as to maximize the holiday celebration – a time to reflect, connect, and celebrate. Be Merry – it’s a week‑long festival! Try to drink wine and eat Matzah each day.

Counting the Omer When: Each evening after dark, for 49 days, starting Sat, April 16 The counting of the Omer leads up to the holiday of Shavuot and the giving of the Torah on the fiftieth day. The 49 days embody the 49 steps of self‑improvement. i Learn more about this Mitzva at jrcc.org/omer

i Learn more about Chol Hamoed at jrcc.org/CholHamoed

Yizkor When: Shabbat, April 23 Yizkor is the remembrance prayer for departed loved ones, where we implore G‑d to remember the souls of our relatives and friends that have passed on. The main component of Yizkor is our private pledge to give charity following the holiday in honor of the deceased.

By giving charity, we are performing a positive physical deed in this world, something that the departed can no longer do, especially if our goods deeds emulate theirs. Yizkor renews and strengthens the connection between us and our loved one, brings merit to the departed souls, and elevates them in their celestial homes.

All Night Learning When: Thursday night, April 21 - the 7th night of Pesach It is customary to remain awake all night until dawn, studying Torah, in commemoration of the great miracle of the Splitting of the Sea, which occurred at dawn on the Seventh Day of Passover.

The Feast of Moshiach When: Shabbat, April 23, in the afternoon

Yizkor Card q Yes, I want the name(s) of my relatives / friends to be mentioned during the Yizkor Service and for the card to be places on the wall during services. Please, fill in clearly and submit by April 14, 2022: NAMES OF THE DECEASED Name: __________________ Mother’s Name: __________________ Name: __________________ Mother’s Name: __________________

On this final day of Passover we strive for the highest level of freedom, and focus on the Final Redemption. Following the Baal Shem Tov’s custom, we end Passover with “Moshiach’s Feast” — a festive meal complete with matzah and four cups of wine, during which we celebrate the imminent arrival of Moshiach. This unique experience begins before sunset and continues until after nightfall.

i Learn more at jrcc.org/MoshiachFeast From Exodus to Exodus

_______________________________________________________________ NAME

The eighth day of Pesach is traditionally associated with our hopes for the coming of Moshiach, and the Feast of Moshiach is intended to deepen our awareness of Moshiach and enable us to integrate it into our thinking processes. The idea of Moshiach may sometimes seem unfathomable. The same was true for our ancestors who were enslaved physically and mentally in Egypt. They were stuck.

And just as the miraculous events of the Exodus awakened them into freedom, so too we will be awakened by miracles. One way to get there is to internalize the idea, to learn about it, visualize and make it real. As the Rebbe teaches, when we open our eyes in this way, our awareness itself makes it real. i Learn more at jrcc.org/Moshiach

___________________________ __________________________________ PHONE EMAIL

Next Year in Jerusalem!

Name: __________________ Mother’s Name: __________________ Name: __________________ Mother’s Name: __________________ In memory of my family / friend I make the following donation: q$18 q$25 q$36 q$54 q$100 q$180 qOther:$_________ YOUR INFORMATION

_______________________________________________________________ ADDRESS qCheque enclosed or qPlease charge my credit card: 1Visa 1Master Card 1AmEx Card No: ___________________________ Exp. Date: ________________

April 2022 / Nissan 5782

Signature: ____________________

The question is obvious: Why next year? Why not this year in Jerusalem? The intent is not that we should wait until next year to be in Jerusalem. At the conclusion of the Passover Seder we are asking to be immediately redeemed, right now, so that next year we can celebrate Passover in the Holy Temple in Jerusalem.

Passover concludes at 8:57pm on Saturday, April 23.

Wait one hour before using Chometz.

19

SHARE THE JOY! the ex odus ma g azine s im cha sectio n

Celebrate your Jewish birthday!

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To learn more on when and how to celebrate your Jewish birthday visit

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Wishing you much health, happiness and nachas, from the rabbis of the JRCC Rabbi Yoseph Y. Zaltzman (Senior Rabbi)

Happy Holidays!

Rabbi Avrohom Yusewitz, Rabbi Avrohom Zaltzman, Rabbi Levi Mishulovin, Rabbi Chaim Hildeshaim, Rabbi Levi Jacobson, Rabbi Mendel Zaltzman, Rabbi Levi Blau, Rabbi Shmuel Neft, Rabbi David Davidov, Rabbi Yisroel Zaltzman

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April 2022 / Nissan 5782

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April 2022 / Nissan 5782

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Sponsored by:

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Our Deepest Sympathies to the families of: Frank Sofia Guberman Lilia Kanevski Vladimir Kishinevsky Irine Irit Levner Ada Chana Likhovetski Meir Yakov Magidman Gesia Gnesha Mingov Rochel Morgenshtgern Lawrence Lazar Samsonov Dina Shahas Naum Nachum Shechtman Tova Gitel Shichman Alexander Shnitzer George Hirsh Shraiber Alexander Sultanovich Garry Weiner Raisa Yoffe Sima Zingman Ilya Eliyahu From the rabbis of the Jewish Russian Community Centre Rabbi Yoseph Y. Zaltzman (Senior Rabbi) Rabbi Avrohom Yusewitz Rabbi Avrohom Zaltzman Rabbi Levi Mishulovin Rabbi Chaim Hildeshaim Rabbi Levi Jacobson For all yourRabbi familyMendel bereavement needs (funeral, Zaltzman unveiling, kaddish services, shiva, yahrzeit and Rabbi Levi Blau memorial plaques) the JRCC rabbis are here to Rabbi Shmuel Neft assist you, 24 hours a day. Services available Rabbi David Davidov in Russian, Hebrew, English and Yiddish.

Rabbi Yisroel Zaltzman 416.222.7105 x221

24

April 2022 / Nissan 5782

the

JRCC Ukraine Relief Fund

the

has raised over $250,000 for support, food and emergency supplies to Jewish communities in Ukraine, including Financial Support to our partners around Ukraine.

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We helped with costs of evacuation from eleven cities across Ukraine, evacuation of two orphanages from Zhitomir and Odessa.

The setup of a refugee camp in Poland and other projects.

Food & Supplies to communities in Kherson, Zhitomer and various small communities in central and western Ukraine.

is now gearing up to welcome and support those joining our communities in Ontario.

Jewish refugees from Ukraine can apply for assistance at

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www.jrcc.org/Ukraine April 2022 / Nissan 5782

25

Wishes the entire Jewish Community a Happy Holidays!

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April 2022 / Nissan 5782

STAN CHO MPP – Willowdale

HAPPY PASSOVER! CHAG SAMEACH

Wishing all my friends celebrating Passover in Willowdale happiness, peace and prosperity!

CONSTITUENCY OFFICE 111 Sheppard Ave. West • Toronto, ON M2N 1M7 Tel: 416-733-7878 • Stan.Cho@pc.ola.org www.stanchompp.ca

Community

PESACH SEDERS April 15–16

Woodbridge, 12 Muscadel Rd.

East Thornhill, 7608 Yonge St., Unit 3

S. Richmond Hill & Maple, 9699 Bathurst St.

South Thornhill, 28 Townsgate Dr.

Concord, 411 Confederation Pkwy., Unit 14

Rockford, 18 Rockford Rd.,

West Thornhill, 1136 Centre St., Unit 2

Willowdale, 17 Church Ave.

PLEASE RSVP BEFORE APRIL 11 FOR TICKETS AND INFORMATION:

JRCC.ORG/PESACH | 416.222.7105

The JRCC Communal Passover Seders are subsidized for members of the Jewish Russian community.

Others are welcome to attend by covering our cost of $45 per adult, $30 for children.

Financial participation to help offset our costs is greatly appreciated. Please consider sponsoring a family for $180.

Also Available:

"Seder to Go" PM 40062996 RETURN UNDELIVERABLE ITEMS TO: JEWISH RUSSIAN COMMUNITY CENTRE OF ONTARIO 5987 BATHURST ST., UNIT 3, TORONTO, ON M2R1Z3

Order your Seder-To-Go package along with detailed instructions how to hold your own proper and inspirational Seder at

JRCC.ORG/SEDERTOGO