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RABBI'S PASSOVER MESSAGE


MARCH 2021
Adar – Nisan 5781
Special Passover Message

“Passover takes place in the home rather than the synagogue and centers around an epic meal - the seder - so you remember Passover as storytelling, you remember it in food, and you remember it in the family.”*

Pesach—Passover—has always been my favorite holiday. I associate it with family, food and friends. It seems that I am not alone as Passover is one of the most observed of the Jewish holidays. Why is this? Perhaps because we are emerging from the cold of winter hibernation into the sunshine. Another possibility for the widespread observance of Passover is that many Jews actually know the how and why of the rituals involved so they do them. This tells us that as we become more in-formed, we have more choices and feel comfortable performing rituals with meaning.

According to USA Today, over 70% of Jews take part in some aspect of Passover: most attending a seder. This year, most of us will still be taking part in virtual seders. Forgive the chumitzdik analogy, but “better half a loaf, then none.”

And speaking of that “half a loaf,” my family and I would like to invite you to join us in several mitzvoth: taking care of the poor, the orphan and the widow, loving one’s friend as oneself and acts of loving-kindness.

Pre-Covid we invited as many folks as possible to our first night seder. They were wonderful evenings of great food, hilarity, memories and joy. Last year, we prepared “Kosher l’Pesach Seders to go” in our own kitchen for about 30 families. It was a mammoth undertaking, to say the least. (Contrary to popular belief, we are not professional caterers!).

On Sunday, March 21st, from 10:00am-5:00pm, my family and I will be cooking and packaging meals at CBS for approximately 40 people. (If you are in need and I don’t know it, please contact me privately.)

In order to do so safely, some people will be seated in the social hall to peel, chop & mix; some in the kitchen at different counters and some to put together the orders. If you’d like to sign up for a 2 hour shift, we’d be most grateful. Masks will be required. We will provide gloves.

Please see the form below to volunteer. E-mail me directly or please contact the office.

My family and I wish you and yours a sweet and kosher Pesach.

L’shalom u’vracha,

[In peace and blessing,]

Rabbi Melody & Edwin