This year, Jews celebrate the first two nights of Passover on the 8th and 9th of April with a joyous family event: the Seder. We relive the experience of our ancestors as they were exiled and enslaved in Egypt until they were liberated by G-d over 3,300 years ago. We recount the miracles of the Exodus and pray that the future redemption comes very soon.
The Seder includes Haggadah, the story of the enslavement and Exodus; matzah, specially-prepared, unleavened bread; wine (four cups) at certain points and maror, bitter herbs to remind us of the bitter enslavement.
Chametz
No leavened products may be eaten for the entire holiday of Passover. Our homes are cleansed and inspected before Passover. Leavened products contain wheat, barley, oat, rye or spelt. This is called chametz and is forbidden on Passover. We empty our pockets of chametz and use separate sets of dishes for Passover. Be careful to purchase only Kosher for Passover products. All fruits and vegetables are Kosher for Passover.
Before Passover, we sell our chametz to a Non-Jew through the Rabbi of the congregation. There is a legal form which you will sign to transfer ownership of your chametz for the duration of Passover.
The Seder
The Passover Seder is celebrated with family and friends. It is imperative that our beautiful, 3,300-year-old heritage be transmitted to our children. How else can we ensure the survival of the Jewish people? That is why our Seder revolves around our children (and grandchildren) and their “four questions.” The Haggadah, in answer to their questions, gives them a synopsis of our early history up to the miracles of the Exodus. This is quality time spent with our kids — the future of our nation — as we teach them what being Jewish is all about.
Egypt is not just a place on the map; it’s a state of mind. Mitzrayim, the Hebrew name for Egypt, derives from a word meaning “limitations.” Re-enacting the Exodus every year expresses our rising above the personal limitations imposed on us by our nature or environment which hinder our boundless potential to accomplish more in every aspect of life.
The Fifth Son
The Haggadah discusses “four sons:” four kinds of children and the questions they ask. These four are fortunate to be at the Seder to ask their questions, but there is also a fifth son. He is the one who doesn’t come to the Seder, because he (or she) doesn’t know of its importance. We should all try to bring these “fifth sons,” young or old, to the Seder, inviting them to our own or arranging for them to spend it with other Jews.
Children First
The Exodus came to a climax at the Red Sea when the Egyptian army pursued the Jewish people. They escaped as God parted the sea before them, but when the Egyptians followed, the sea flowed back, drowning them all. The song of thanksgiving our people sung includes the words, “This is my G-d, and I will beautify him.” This, say our Sages, was said by the children — the first to recognize G-d’s hand in the miracle. As intended victims of Pharaoh, they were already familiar with G-d, whose miracles had kept them alive.
Today, our youth should get an education that gives them a deeper perspective about their Jewish heritage — one that creates an awareness of their privileges and responsibilities as Jews towards themselves, their family and society.
Wishing you and yours a happy and Kosher Passover! Leshana Haba’ah B’Yerushalayim!
Candle-lighting times in New York area:
Wednesday, April 8 at 7:10 p.m.
Thursday, April 9 after 8:11 p.m.
Tuesday, April 14 at 7:17 p.m.
Wednesday, April 15 after 8:18 p.m.
Rabbi David Laine
Director of Chabad Vocational Schools
Phone: 718-773-5670
Fax: 718-493-8692
