second night passover seder saturday, april 20th 6:00 pm ... · 5) finally, another clue to the...
TRANSCRIPT
CONGREGATION AGUDATH ACHIM Page 1 April, 2019
Hazzan Neil Schwartz Spiritual Leader (612) 999-5060
David E. Ginsburg President (318) 469-8503 [email protected] Website: agudathshreveport.com
The Shul Shpiel
Shabbat Services: Friday Evening at 8:00 p.m., Saturday Morning at 10:00 a.m.
Adar II - Nisan 5779 APRIL 2019
Congregation Agudath Achim Synagogue
9401 Village Green Drive, Shreveport, LA 71115
Phone: 318-797-6401
Second Night Passover Seder
Saturday, April 20th
6:00 pm to 8:50 pm
Pesach Services 9:45 am Sunday, April 21st
10:00 am Saturday with Yizkor, April 2
CONGREGATION AGUDATH ACHIM Page 2 April, 2019
Executive Board Message
Kari Dicken
This month we are celebrating Passover, the commemoration of our ancestor’s being freed from slavery in
Egypt. This is a joyous and spiritual time for Jews all over the world. It is a time to relive the telling of the
Passover story to the younger generations and to gather together as families and communities to remem-
ber the hardships and triumphs of our people. At the center of the Passover celebration is the Seder meal,
where we not only tell the Passover story, but we experience the story through the smells and tastes of all
the elements of the Seder plate. As I was looking at my Seder plate, I was trying to come up with a way to
make each element that represents the past, also have a purpose in our present and future. I want to
share what I have come up with.
I started with the shank bone (Zeroa), which is placed on the plate to symbolize the lamb that was sacri-
ficed before they were finally granted their freedom as slaves in Egypt. While animal sacrifices are no
longer part of modern Judaism, most meals center around a main dish of sorts, whether brisket, fish, or
vegetables. This shank bone could be viewed as the memory of meals and holidays celebrated, and
the friends and family whom we share them with.
Next was the Haroset, one of my favorites, this represented the clay or mortar that was used by the Jews
as slaves when constructing buildings for Pharaoh. I think this mortar can still be applied to our current
lives, in the sense of using clay or mortar to build and maintain the walls of the synagogue. Not necessarily
in the physical sense, but that these traditions and stories are told over and over to build upon our relation-
ships with our children and families and each other within the community. We as the members are the
haroset that holds the congregation together.
On the other side of that we have the bitter herbs (Maror). This item is all about the bitterness and mis-
treatment of the Jews when they were slaves in Egypt. Today we can view the bitter herb as times when
someone may have spoken offensively to you, or you personally failed or accomplished a task or goal.
The bitter herb represents all the hard times that arise in our life. And then when we make the sandwich
with bitter herb and haroset you can view it as the mortar of the community overpowering the bitterness
you are going through.
Then we have the Karpas dipped in salt water, which symbolized the Jews’ prosperity that was stifled by
Pharaoh when we were slaves. The karpas is the green and new beginning that represents this time of
year, but also the growing population of the Jewish people. These herbs can be thought of today in much
the same way, karpas would now represent the growing of our families and addition or new members to
our congregation. The salt water would still represent the tears as the loss of members from the
community, in any form. And though we always hope for a fruitful year we should not forget the
contributions of those who were here before us.
Lastly is the hard-boiled egg, this represents the cycle of life. It reminds us that there is always hope for a
new beginning. This I find most applicable to us this year, as we prepare for our own “new beginning”. As
you all know we are nearing the end of our time with Cantor Neil and are winding down the search for a
new spiritual leader. We are finishing one cycle and about to begin together on an entirely different one.
Whoever we bring into our congregation will be asked to learn some of our customs and practices. But we
will need to learn from them as well. It will be as if we are starting over again, which is not always easy, or
fun. However, if we can bring in all the different elements of the congregation working together, we can
successfully transition to our newest life-cycle.
I hope you all enjoy your Seder and think of different ways to apply the symbols of the Passover story to
our present situation so that we can move forward to the next transition unified and well fed.
Chag sameach!
CONGREGATION AGUDATH ACHIM Page 3 April, 2019
Hazzan’s Notes
Why Observe Passover?
It is no secret that while the Conservative Movement continues to uphold the Dietary Laws as a way to bring holiness into the mundane act of eating, many Conservative Jews agree with their Reform counterparts that Kashrut has little or no place in their personal lives. Even if a family "keeps Kosher" at home, few Conservative Jews are willing to observe the same level of dietary restrictions while eating outside the home.
However, when Passover arrives each year, many of these same Conservative Jews carefully put away all bread, cereal, pasta, and Scotch, and for eight days, most of us observe the commandment to eat Matzah and its "Pesadich" derivatives. While many may not regularly attend Shabbat services, most Conservative Jews participate in one or two Sederim every year, at home with family / relatives / friends, or at a synagogue.
What is going on here? What elements have elevated the observance of Passover dietary laws and the Seder for Conservative Jews almost to the level of lighting the Hanukkah candles and attending High Holy Days services? There is most probably some mix of reasons, and this Bulletin article will explore a few of the possibilities.
1) At the time of Passover, the season is changing, even in parts of North America where there are not huge variations in weather throughout the year. Apparently there may be something "hard-wired" into our human psyche that attempts to recognize the onset of Spring through religious festivals, because every religion combines ceremonies at this time of year with some sort of special foods.
2) Even though most North American Jews are not involved "hands-on" with farming and ranching, our own home gardens come to life at this time of year, and our pets may be more likely to give birth in the Spring. Also, we are not so far removed from the lives of our Israelite ancestors and our American farmers that their farming life makes no sense to us. We understand that various crops grow in different seasons.
3) The formative experience of the Israelite Exodus from Egyptian servitude is attached to the Passover Festival. This powerful narrative is echoed by liberation movements throughout history, including the American experience with Civil Rights. Scholars tell us that there was an ancient "Chag HaMatzot", a "Festival of Unleavened Bread" that occurred in Spring, and "Chag HaPesach" was added to commemorate the Exodus.
4) One strength of Judaism is the undeniable fact that most of our holidays are full of "hands-on" rituals, usually accompanied by special foods. Passover is an excellent example of this; Jewish cooks who do not have time to make matzah balls for weekly soup on Shabbat will find the time to do so for Pesach. Families enjoy the challenge of being creative eating only matzah products for a week rather their usual starches.
5) Finally, another clue to the popularity of Passover might be the Seder itself. There is no denying that the Exodus is a great narrative, and the Haggadah uses lots of ways to communicate this narrative that are appropriate for various age-groups. Maybe a reason that most Jews stock up on matzah and wine for Pesach is simply that Seder would not seem "Kosher" if there were bread / pasta products at the table!
Please use the form on page 9 to appoint me as your agent for "Selling Chametz" this month. If you choose to donate to the "Ma'ot Chittim" Fund, your donation will be used to help needy community members with Seder costs and with buying Passover food.
Thank You!
Hazzan Neil Schwartz
CONGREGATION AGUDATH ACHIM Page 4 April, 2019
Havdalah took place at the home of David and Susan Gross, Saturday, March 16th. All who attended agreed that it was a touching and meaningful ceremony, one of many highlights of a truly memorable weekend.
Lovely Havdalah Ceremony led by Rabbinical Candidate Sydni Adler and Her Fiancé Rabbi Feivel Rubinstein.
LATE BREAKING NEWS: Rabbi Sydni has accepted our offer to be our next spiritual leader. She and Rabbi Rubinstein will be joining us on June 17th. The Executive Board thanks all those who helped make Rabbis Sydni’s and Feivel’s visit to Shreveport special! See below as we share the Havdalah at Dr. David & Susan Gross’ home.
CONGREGATION AGUDATH ACHIM Page 5 April, 2019
Rubenstein Giftshop
Stunning Jewelry at the Rubenstein Gift Shop
Check out the new lower prices on our 14K gold and sterling silver pendants--some are as low as $10! We have bracelets and chains too.
A big thank-you to our in-house jeweler, David Ginsburg, who recently helped with getting the pricing just right!
CONGREGATION AGUDATH ACHIM Page 6 April, 2019
Please join us on Wednesday, April 24th, 7:00 pm
Topic: “What is Sefirat HaOmer”?
Family Service
Friday, April 26th
8:00 pm
With story and songs
Board Meeting
Sisterhood
Adult Education
Sisterhood Dues for 5779, 2018-19
$36.00 are due. Please send your check to Sara Zweig or drop off at
the synagogue office Monday - Friday, 9am-2pm.
AA Board Meeting
Monday,
April 15th
7:00 pm
Men’s Club
Also, please continue to save and drop off your labels for Education, Box Tops
for St. Judes. Thank you for your donations of toiletries which are now being
donated to Project Celebration , Inc. which provides shelter and services for
domestic violence survivors .
Men’s Club is pleased to have sponsored
another wonderful kiddush luncheon, this
time in honor of visiting rabbis Sydni Adler
and Feivel Rubenstein on March 16th. A
crowd of nearly 40 showed up for this
important occasion as our congregation
continued its search for a new spiritual
leader.
CONGREGATION AGUDATH ACHIM Page 7 April, 2019
Birthdays in April
If you are interested in being a Host or would like more information concerning Oneg or Kiddush
refreshments, please contact the synagogue office at 797-6401, or Sandra Ginsburg at 865-2218.
If there are any errors or omissions, please be assured it was unintentional. Please contact office with corrections.
5/6 Howard & Charli Silberman
in honor of Bridgie & Lindy’s Conversion
12/13 Oneg Committee
19/20 1st Seder
26/27 Jerry & Carolyn Sheehan in honor of their
40th Wedding Anniversary
April - Oneg Shabbat / Kiddush
Andrew Austin April 2
Ezra Henderson April 2
Laurie Ann Fox April 3
Pam B. Sacharin April 14
Rachel Gross Lawent April 14
Ariel Silberman April 15
Steven K. Fox April 16
Joan Lurie April 16
Goldy Marrus April 16
Elizabeth Judd April 19
Steven Lurie April 20
Brian Rubenstein April 20
Seth Aaron Barrow April 23
Dr. Howard Lippton April 23
Dr. Sanford Katz April 26
Howard Silberman April 26
Bernard & Dorothy Lobel
April 14th
62nd Anniversary
CONGREGATION AGUDATH ACHIM Page 8 April, 2019
Congregation Agudath Achim Second Night Passover Seder
Saturday, April 20th, 2019 6:00 p.m. to 8:50 p.m.
Reservation deadline is Wednesday, April 10th
We would appreciate your timely reservation so that sufficient Passover supplies can be
ordered for our Seder. Those who reserve after April 10th will pay a higher rate.
Members: Non-members:
$25 for age 13 – adults $30 for age 13 – adults
$15 for ages 7 – 12 $20 for ages 8 – 12
age 6 and under Free $10 ages 5 – 7
$90 Family Maximum age 4 and under Free
Turkey Dinner: ____ # of Adults ____ # of Youths ____ # of Children
Food Allergies: _______________________________________________________
Name(s): ____________________________________________________________
E-mail(s): ____________________________________________________________
Phone(s): ____________________________________________________________
To RESERVE: Please send this completed form with your check to Agudath Achim.
For information, please call the office at (318) 797-6401 or call Cantor Neil at (612) 999–5060.
Checks are payable to Cong. Agudath Achim; please write "Seder" in the Memo area.
OR………..You may also pay via credit card in the office or by phone.
Your payment is your reservation. Reservations after the deadline will pay a higher rate.
Note: Havdalah will be made during our Seder at the appropriate time, and candles for
the Second Night of Passover will be publicly lit during our Seder after Havdalah.
Passover
CONGREGATION AGUDATH ACHIM Page 9 April, 2019
M’chirat Chametz – Selling Chametz / Leavened Foods before Passover
I hereby appoint Hazzan Neil Schwartz to act as my agent for the selling of all Chametz
(foods and beverages containing leavening, and traditionally not consumed on Passover);
located at the premises of my home, car, place of business, and elsewhere, whether in my
possession knowingly or unknowingly, in accordance with Jewish Law. I understand that
Hazzan Schwartz will sell my Chametz to a non-Jewish person on the morning of Friday,
April 19th, 2019, and that all of these Chametz foods and beverages will not be available
for my use until two hours after sunset at the end of Passover, on Saturday, April 27th.
In consideration of Hazzan Schwartz acting as my agent for the sale of my Chametz, I
would like to make a non-obligatory donation of $ _________ to a Ma'ot Chittim Fund, for
the purpose of helping purchase Passover foods for those in need. This charitable
Fund will be managed through the Cantor's Discretionary Fund in a confidential manner,
so as to not embarrass any recipients of anonymous financial help for Passover food.
I understand that this signed form will be mailed or brought to Hazzan Neil Schwartz
at Agudath Achim Synagogue during the month of April, no later than mid-morning on
Monday, April 15th
(along with any voluntary donation to a Ma'ot Chittim Fund), and that
I will be included in the Contract of Sale which will be finalized on Friday, April 19th, 2018.
I also understand that my sending or bringing in this form (and any voluntary donation) in
a timely manner will help with purchasing Passover food for the needy before Pesach.
Signed: ______________________________________________________________
Printed Name(s): _______________________________________________________
Address: _________________________________________ Zip Code: ___________
Phone Number(s): ______________________________________________________
Date this document is signed: _____________________________________________
Office Use
Received by: __________________________________________________________
Date / Time: __________________________________________________________
Check # / amount or Cash amount: ________________________________________
All voluntary contributions will be deposited into the Cantor's Discretionary Fund, to
be used for the purchase of Passover food for the needy, in a confidential manner.
Passover
CONGREGATION AGUDATH ACHIM Page 10 April, 2019
It is the custom of Agudath Achim to commemorate the Yahrzeit by reading the name the Sabbath before.
Donations In memory of: By For Recovery of: By:
In honor of: By:
YAHRZEITS
If there are any omissions or errors in the list
above, please be assured it was unintentional.
You may notify the office with any corrections.
Week of Week of Week of
March 30 - April 5 April 6 - 12 April 13 - 19
Week of Week of
April 20 - 26 April 27 - May 3
Hedva Rosenfeld Sade
Abe Gilbert
David Brandt
Louis Rosen
Herman Yellen
Samuel Edward Strain Sr.
Gertrud Wiener
Abram Ginsburg
Freada Wolchansky
Rose Vogel
Isreal Murov
Hashe-Baile Abramson
Ida F. Goodman
Esther Meisel
Nathan Carroll
Salome Gardsbane
Bennie Rubenstein
Louis Wolchansky
Harry Soffer
Benjamin Witriol
Felix L. Alcus
Jeanette Katz
Ann E. Gardsbane
Moshe Lurie
Issie Gelfand
Ben Frumer
Ronald Aldin
Barbara Alcus
Nathan Yellen
Edwin Coltin
Helen Arnold Faye Tobin
Sara Lee Levinson Faye Tobin
Goldie Sternberg Faye Tobin
Harry Sternberg Faye Tobin
Abram Ginsburg David & Sandra Ginsburg
Ron & Diane Aldin David & Sandra Ginsburg
Pearl Toys Peggy Evensky
Barbara A. Threefoot Dr. Ike & Berte Muslow
Felix L. Alcus Dr. Ike & Berte Muslow
Rose G. Lincove Vogel Jan & Warren Epstein
Jerome Chapman‘s Dr. Marshall &
Birthday Charlett Frumin
Cantor Neil Schwartz Alan Organick &
Ellen Soffer
Bob Gordon David & Sandra
Ginsburg
General Donation: By:
Donation Dr. Sam Silverblatt
CONGREGATION AGUDATH ACHIM Page 11 April, 2019
Did Jew know?
The 2019 Earth Day theme is “Protect our Species”
…..Specifically the endangered & threatened species: bees,
coral reefs, elephants, giraffes, whales and insects.
A few suggestions are: to avoid pesticides, plant bee
friendly plants, use sunscreens that are oxybenzone -free, end plastic
pollution, and support and practice sustainable fishing and tourism.
Greenfaith.org lists numerous different religious teachings
re: safeguarding our environment.
The 3fold perspectives of science, faith & activism
bless us with knowledge, moral grounding and practical
action that can make a difference.
Per Hazon, the Jewish Lab for sustainability (hazon.org)
“Passover offers a perfect opportunity to combine the wisdom of a traditional Jewish
holiday with our contemporary desire to live with our health and sustainability in mind.
Sources:
Earthday.org
Truah.org
Tikun Olam!!!
CONGREGATION AGUDATH ACHIM Page 12 April, 2019
Passover Services
Friday, April 19 = No evening Services (First Seder of Passover).
Saturday, April 20 = 10:00 a.m. = Services for First Day of Pesach.
6:00 p.m. = 2nd night Congregational Seder.
Sunday, April 21 = 9:45 a.m. = Services for 2nd Day of Pesach.
Friday, April 26 = 8:00 p.m. = Family Service; songs and a story.
Saturday, April 27 = 10:00 a.m. = Services for Last Day of Pesach,
with Yizkor Memorial Prayers.
CONGREGATION AGUDATH ACHIM Page 13 April, 2019
25 Adar II 1 26 Adar II 2 27 Adar II
3
28 Adar II 4 29 Adar II
5
8:00 pm
Services
7:19 pm
1 Nisan 6
Tazria
10:00 am
Services
Shabbat
Hachodesh
2 Nisan 7 3 Nisan 8 4 Nisan 9 5 Nisan 10 6 Nisan 11 7 Nisan 12
8:00 pm
Services
7:24 pm
8 Nisan 13 Metzora
10:00 am
Services
Shabbat
Hagadol
9 Nisan 14 10 Nisan 15
7:00 pm
Board Mtg.
11 Nisan 16 12 Nisan 17 13 Nisan 18
Search for
Chametz
14 Nisan 19
Eve of
Pesach
No Service
1st Seder
7:29 pm
15 Nisan 20 1st day of
Pesach
10:00 am
Services
6:00 pm
2nd Night
AA Seder
16 Nisan 21
2nd day of
Pesach
9:45 am
Festival
Service
17 Nisan 22
Earth
Day
18 Nisan 23 19 Nisan 24
7:00 pm
Adult
Education
20 Nisan 25 21 Nisan 26 7th Day of
Pesach
8:00 pm
Family
Services
7:34 pm
22 Nisan 27
8th day of
Pesach
10:00 am
Services
Yizkor
23 Nisan 28 24 Nisan 29 25 Nisan 30 26 Nisan 1
MAY
27 Nisan 2
MAY
28 Nisan 3
MAY
8:00 pm
Services
29 Nisan 4
MAY 10:00 am
Services
April 2019
Adar II - Nisan 5779
Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat