"LIVING WITH MOSHIACH,"
Your Passover Guide, 5759
Nissan 14-22, 5759
March 31 - April 8, 1999
TABLE OF CONTENTS:
NOTE:
The Table of Contents contains links to the text. Click on an entry
in the Table of Contents and you will move to the information selected.
"I BELIEVE WITH COMPLETE FAITH IN THE ARRIVAL OF THE MOSHIACH.
"AND THOUGH HE MAY TARRY, I SHALL WAIT EACH DAY, ANTICIPATING HIS
ARRIVAL."
Maimonides, Principles of the Faith, No. 12
THIS PUBLICATION IS DEDICATED
TO THE REBBE,
RABBI MENACHEM M. SCHNEERSON
OF LUBAVITCH
In honor of his 97th birthday,
11 Nissan, 5759
Click here, to see pictures
of the Rebbe
The Daily Sicha (in Real Audio)
- Listen to selected excerpts of the Rebbe's Sichos
[talks] which are relevant to the particular day.
We are pleased to present, to the visually impaired and the blind, our weekly
publication, Living With Moshiach.
*
In this week's issue, we focus on the laws of the upcoming 8-day festive
holiday of Pesach.
Therefore, we present here "Your Passover Guide,"* and other related material
about Pesach.
*
This Jewish year, is the year 5759 since Creation. The Hebrew letters are
Hei-Tav-Shin-Nun-Tes. Over a decade ago, in the year 5742, the Rebbe
stated that the Hebrew letters for that year were an acronym for "This should
be the year of the coming of Moshiach."
Since that time, the Rebbe has publicized a phrase describing the year according
to the acronym of its Hebrew letters. This year has been designated by the
Rebbe's followers as "Hoyo T'hei Shnas Niflaos Tovoh" meaning "It
surely will be a good year of wondrous miracles."
*
Our sincere appreciation to
L'Chaim weekly
publication, published by the Lubavitch Youth Organization, for allowing
us to use their material.
Also, many thanks to our copy editor, Reb
Mordechai
Staiman, for
his tireless efforts.
*
It is our fervent hope that our learning about Moshiach and the Redemption
will hasten the coming of Moshiach, NOW!
Rabbi Yosef Y. Shagalov,
Administrator,
Committee for the Blind
27 Adar, 5759
Brooklyn, New York
______________
*) Published by Prestige Litho.
Special thanks to Mr. Reuven Nadler for his help.
The festival of Pesach calls for early and elaborate preparations
to make the Jewish home fitting for the great festival. It is not physical
preparedness alone that is required of us, but also spiritual preparedness--for
in the life of the Jew the physical and spiritual are closely linked together,
especially in the celebration of our Sabbath and festivals.
On Pesach we celebrate the liberation of the Jewish people from Egyptian
slavery and, together with it, the liberation from, and negation of the ancient
Egyptian system and way of life, the "abominations of Egypt." Thus we celebrate
our physical liberation together with our spiritual freedom. Indeed, there
cannot be one without the other: There can be no real freedom without accepting
the precepts of our Torah guiding our daily life; pure and holy life eventually
leads to real freedom.
It is said, "In every generation each Jew should see himself as though he
personally had been liberated from Egypt." This is to say, that the lesson
of Pesach has always a timely message for the individual Jew.
The story of Pesach is the story of the special Divine Providence
which alone determines the fate of our people. What is happening in the outside
world need not affect us; we might be singled out for suffering, G-d forbid,
amid general prosperity, and likewise for safety amid a general plague or
catastrophe. The story of our enslavement and liberation of which
Pesach tells us gives ample illustration of this. For the fate of
our people is determined by its adherence to G-d and His Prophets.
This lesson is emphasized by the three principal symbols of the Seder,
concerning which our Sages said that unless the Jew explains their significance
he has not observed the Seder fittingly: Pesach, Matzah and
Morror. Using these symbols in their chronological order and in accordance
with their Haggadah explanation we may say: the Jew can avoid
Morror (bitterness of life) only through Pesach (G-d's special
care "passing over" and saving the Jewish homes even in the midst of the
greatest plague), and Matzah--then the very catastrophe and the enemies
of the Jews will work for the benefit of the Jews, driving them in great
haste out of "Mitzrayim," the place of perversion and darkness, and
placing them under the beam of light and holiness.
One other important thing we must remember: the celebration of the festival
of freedom must be connected with the commandment "You shall tell it to your
child." The formation and existence of the Jewish home, as of the Jewish
people as a whole, is dependent upon the upbringing of the young generation,
both boys and girls: the wise and the wicked (temporarily),
the simple and the one who knows not what to ask. Just as we
cannot shirk our responsibility towards our child by the excuse that "my
child is a wise one; he will find his own way in life; therefore no education
is necessary for him," so we must not despair by thinking "the child is a
wicked one; no education will help him." For, all Jewish children, boys and
girls, are "G-d's children," and it is our sacred duty to see to it that
they all live up to their above-mentioned title; and this we can achieve
only through a kosher Jewish education, in full adherence to G-d's
Torah. Then we all will merit the realization of our ardent hopes: "In the
next year may we be free; in the next year may we be in Jerusalem!"
Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson
The Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson of Lubavitch, issued a call that
"The time of our Redemption has arrived!" and "Moshiach is on his
way!"
The Rebbe stressed that he is saying this
as a
prophecy, and asks us all to prepare ourselves for the Redemption,
through increasing acts of goodness and kindness.
Let us all heed the Rebbe's call.
-
If you would like to attend a traditional family or communal Seder,
please call your local Chabad-Lubavitch Center.
YOUR PASSOVER GUIDE
Nissan 14-22, 5759
March 31 - April 8, 1999
What is Chometz?
Unique to Pesach is the eating of matzah, and the stringent
prohibition of eating or possessing chometz.
Chometz is a general term for all food and drink made from wheat,
barley, rye, oats, spelt or their derivatives, which is forbidden on
Pesach because it is leavened. Even a food that contains only a trace
of chometz is prohibited and must be removed from our homes.
-
Note: Matzah used all year round is not for Pesach use.
Only matzahs baked especially for Pesach may be used on
Pesach.
Getting Rid of
Chometz
Obvious chometz--both food and utensils used throughout the year (and
not "koshered" for Pesach)--should be stored in closets or
rooms that are not easily accessible (locked or taped shut). This
chometz should be sold to a non-Jew, as will be explained.
Clean the entire house thoroughly to remove all crumbs and small pieces of
food.
Also check for chometz in the car and office (desks and drawers, etc.),
clothes, pockets (especially the children's), pocketbooks and attache
cases. Vacuum cleaner bags should be discarded or cleaned.
While shopping for Pesach we must be careful that the foods we buy
are not only kosher but are also
kosher-for-Pesach--that is, chometz-free.
Starting 'from
Scratch'
All fresh fruits and vegetables as well as all kosher cuts of meat
and kosher fish are kosher-for-Pesach--provided they
have been prepared in accordance with Jewish law and have not come into contact
with chometz or chometz utensils.
The prevailing [Ashkenazic] custom is that on Pesach we do not eat
rice, millet, corn, mustard, legumes (beans, etc.) or foods made from one
of them.
Commercially Prepared
Products
Nowadays, there are many kosher-for-Pesach packaged foods
available. However, care must be used to purchase only those packaged foods
that have a reliable Rabbinical supervision that is valid for
Pesach.
Obviously, all leavened foods made from wheat, barley, rye, oats or spelt
are actual chometz and are prohibited on Pesach. Examples are
bread, cake, cereal, spaghetti, beer and whiskey.
Check that Medicine
Cabinet!
Many medicines, sprays and cosmetics contain chometz. Consult a competent
Rabbi as to which ones may be used on Pesach. The same applies to
pet food.
To prepare the kitchen for Pesach, we must "kosher" it from
chometz that has been cooked in it.
Dishes and Utensils
Have special sets of dishes, silverware, pots, pans and other utensils for
Pesach use only. (If necessary, certain year-round utensils
may be used provided they are "koshered" for Pesach.
To do so, consult a Rabbi.)
Stove
Thoroughly clean and scour every part of it. Heat the oven to the highest
temperature possible for 1-2 hours. Heat the grates and the iron parts of
the stove (and elements if electric) until they glow red-hot. It is suggested
that the oven and stove-top be covered afterwards with aluminum foil.
Microwave Ovens
Clean the oven thoroughly. Fill a completely clean container, that was not
used for 24 hours, with water. Turn on the microwave and let it steam heavily.
Turn it off and wipe out the inside. To use the microwave during
Pesach, use a flat piece of styrofoam or any other thick object as
a separation between the bottom of the oven and the cooking dish. When cooking,
the food should be covered on all sides.
Sink
Meticulously clean the sink. For 24 hours before "koshering" it, do
not pour hot water from chometz pots into it. Afterwards, boil water
in a clean pot that was not used for 24 hours, and pour it 3 times onto every
part of the sink, including the drain stopper. Afterwards, line the sink.
Refrigerator,
Freezer, Cupboards, Closets, Tables and Counters
Thoroughly clean and scrub them to remove any crumbs and residue. Afterwards,
cover those surfaces that come into contact with hot food or utensils with
a heavy covering.
Tablecloths and
Napkins
Launder without starch.
Since it is prohibited to possess chometz on Pesach, we need
to sell to a non-Jew all chometz that will not be eaten or burned
before Pesach and all chometz utensils that will not be thoroughly
cleaned by then. These are stored away in closets or rooms while preparing
for Pesach. Now we lock or tape-shut the closets or rooms, and they
are leased to the non-Jew at the time of the sale.
Since there are many legal intricacies in this sale, only a competent Rabbi
should be entrusted with its execution. The Rabbi acts as our agent both
to sell the chometz to the non-Jew on the morning before Pesach
starts and also to buy it back the evening after Pesach ends.
For a sale of chometz contract, contact your local Rabbi, or
Chabad-Lubavitch Center.
For a listing of the Centers in your area:
http://www.chabad.org/chabadir-access.html.
In the USA, call: 1-800-Lubavitch (1-800-582-2848).
For the text of a "Contract for Sale of Chometz":
http://www.chabad.org/gopher/texts/hagada.exp/contract.htm
-
Note: Those traveling eastward, must arrange (in time) the sale of
chometz there, according to their time zone!
On the evening before Pesach, Tuesday, March 30, make a formal search
of the home for chometz while holding a lit candle. It is customary
to distribute ten small, individually wrapped pieces of chometz throughout
the home before the search.
The Blessing
Recite the following blessing before the search:
Bo-ruch A-toh Ado-noi E-lo-hei-nu Me-lech Ho-olom
A-sher Ki-de-sho-nu Be-mitz-vo-sov Ve-tzi-vo-nu
Al Be-or Cho-metz.
Translation:
Blessed are you, L-rd our G-d, King of the universe,
who has sanctified us with His commandments,
and commanded us concerning the removal of leaven.
The Search
Afterwards, hold the lit candle and search for chometz in every room,
as well as any other area of the home that may have chometz, such
as the basement, attic, garage or car.
When the search is completed, recite the following:
All leaven or anything leavened that is in my possession,
which I have neither seen nor removed, and about which
I am unaware, shall be considered naught
and ownerless as the dust of the earth.
Then take all the chometz that was found in the search, cover it securely
and place it in a conspicuous spot, to be burned in the morning. Food intended
to be sold or eaten later should similarly be carefully put aside. The search
should also be conducted in one's place of business.
Burning the
Chometz
On the morning before Pesach, Wednesday, March 31, burn the
chometz that was found during the search, or that was left over from
breakfast and not stored with the chometz that will be sold to the
non-Jew. See the Pesach Calendar,
for the deadline for burning it.
After the chometz has been thrown into the fire, recite the
following:
All leaven or anything leavened that is in my possession,
whether I have seen it or not, whether I have observed
it or not, whether I have removed it or not, shall be
considered naught and ownerless as the dust of the earth.
"Abolish the evil. .
."
While burning the chometz on the morning before Pesach,
it is a custom in many communities to recite a special prayer that reveals
something of the deep significance of this mitzvah:
"May it be Your will . . . that just as I remove the chometz from
my house
and from my possession, so shall You . . . purge the spirit of impurity
from the earth, eradicate our evil inclination from within us, and grant
us a heart of flesh to serve You in truth . . . and abolish the rule of evil
from the earth . . . just as You annihilated Egypt and its idols, in those
days, at this time. Amen, Selah."
On Wednesday, March 31, chometz may be eaten only in the early hours
of the morning, until the time indicated on the
Pesach Calendar. After that
time only foods which are kosher-for-Pesach may be eaten.
However, we do not eat matzah until the Seder.
Fast of the Firstborn
When the Al-mighty slew the firstborn of Egypt, He spared the firstborn of
the Children of Israel. Therefore, all firstborn sons of Israel, or fathers
of firstborn sons under 13, fast on the day before Pesach, in gratitude
to the Al-mighty.
It has, however, been a custom for many centuries that this fast day is broken
by a festive meal in celebration of the conclusion of the study of a book
of the Talmud. This usually takes place in the synagogue. Contact your local
synagogue, or Chabad-Lubavitch Center for the exact time.
Burning the Chometz
See above Burning the Chometz
Eruv Tavshillin
See below The Eruv Tavshillin
Ceremony
Seder
Preparation
Before sunset, prepare the chicken neck, horseradish and charoset
for both Seder nights.
For the second Seder, set the table and prepare the meal
after the first day of Yom Tov ends. See the
Pesach Calendar, for the exact
time.
We do not eat any kind of roasted meat on either Seder night.
Ordinarily, we are permitted on Yom Tov to prepare only the foods
necessary for that same day. This year, however, the second day of Yom
Tov falls on Friday, and the Shabbat meals must, as always, be
prepared before Shabbat. Therefore, special action is required so
that we may prepare the Shabbat meals on Friday. The Eruv
Tavshillin ceremony, performed on Wednesday, March 31, before sundown,
renders this permissible.
How To Make An Eruv
Tavshillin
On Wednesday, March 31, by day (before sundown), the head
of the household takes a matzah that was prepared for Shabbat,
and well over one ounce of some cooked food, such as fish, meat, or hard-boiled
eggs.
He hands this to another adult, through whom he grants a share [of this
Eruv] to the entire community.
The one who makes the Eruv says:
I hereby grant a share in this Eruv to anyone who
wishes to participate in it and to depend upon it.
The one holding the food then raises it up 4 inches and gives it back
to the head of the household, who recites this blessing:
Bo-ruch A-toh Ado-noi E-lo-hei-nu Me-lech Ho-olom
A-sher Ki-de-sho-nu Be-mitz-vo-sov Ve-tzi-vo-nu
Al Mitz-vas Ei-ruv.
Translation:
Blessed are you, L-rd our G-d, King of the universe,
who has sanctified us with His commandments,
and commanded us concerning the Mitzvah of Eruv.
He then also says:
Through this it shall be permissible for us to bake,
to cook, to put away [a dish to preserve its heat], to kindle
a light, and to prepare and do on the Festival all that is
necessary for the Shabbat--for us and for all Israelites
who dwell in this city.
The food from the Eruv should be put aside to be eaten on
Shabbat. The best time to eat it is on Shabbat afternoon, at
the "Third Seudah (meal)."
JEWISH WOMEN AND GIRLS LIGHT YOM TOV & SHABBAT
CANDLES
For local candle lighting times:
consult your local Rabbi, Chabad-Lubavitch Center, or call: (718) 774-3000.
or:
http://www.knowledgengineers.com/Havienu/html/vestibule/hebcal.html
For a free candle lighting kit:
contact your local Chabad-Lubavitch Center.
For a listing of the Centers in your area:
http://www.chabad.org/chabadir-access.html.
In the USA, call: 1-800-Lubavitch (1-800-582-2848).
Times shown are for Metro NY - NJ
Tuesday, March 30:
-
Formal search for chometz. After 6:59 p.m.
Wednesday, March 31:
-
Stop eating chometz. Before 9:45 a.m.
-
Burn leftover chometz. Before 10:45 a.m.
-
Make an Eruv Tavshillin. Before 6:15 p.m.
-
Light Yom Tov Candles,(1) by 6:00 p.m. Say
blessings #1 & 2.
-
Start the Seder. Eat at least 1 oz. of Matzah within 4 minutes,
after Nightfall, after 7:00 p.m.
Thursday, April 1:
-
Light Yom Tov Candles,(2) after Nightfall, after
7:01 p.m. Say blessings #1 & 2.
-
Begin Counting of the Omer.
-
Start the Seder. Eat the Matzah again, after Nightfall,
after 7:01 p.m.
Friday, April 2:
-
Light Shabbat Candles,(3) by 6:01 p.m. Say blessing
#3.
Saturday, April 3:
-
Shabbat ends at Nightfall, at 7:04 p.m.
DAYLIGHT SAVING TIME
Tuesday, April 6:
-
Light Yom Tov Candles,(4) by 7:05 p.m. Say
blessing #1.
Wednesday, April 7:
-
Light Yom Tov Candles,(5) after Nightfall, after
8:08 p.m. Say blessing #1.
Thursday, April 8:
-
Yizkor memorial prayers.
-
Late afternoon, eat a Special Pesach Meal --
Moshiach's Seudah.
-
Pesach ends after Nightfall, after 8:09 p.m.
-
Wait one hour before eating chometz to allow time for
the Rabbi to buy it back for you.
-
Until that time no chometz should be bought or
eaten.
__________
1. If lighting after sunset, light only from a preexisting flame.
A preexisting flame is a flame burning continuously since the onset of the
festival, such as a pilot light, gas or candle flame.
2. Do not light before the time indicated. Light only from a preexisting
flame.
3. Do not light after sunset; and light only from a preexisting
flame.
The Shabbat candles must be lit 18 minutes
before sunset. It is prohibited and is a desecration
of the Shabbat to light the candles after sunset.
4. If lighting after sunset, light only from a preexisting flame.
5. Do not light before the time indicated. Light only from a preexisting
flame.
After lighting the candles, recite:
#1.
Bo-ruch A-toh Ado-noi E-lo-hei-nu Me-lech Ho-olom
A-sher Ki-de-sho-nu Be-mitz-vo-sov Ve-tzi-vo-nu Le-had-lik
Ner Shel Yom Tov.
Translation:
Blessed are you, L-rd our G-d, King of the universe,
who has sanctified us with His commandments, and
commanded us to kindle the Yom Tov light.
#2.
Bo-ruch A-toh Ado-noi E-lo-hei-nu Me-lech Ho-olom
She-heche-yo-nu Ve-ki-ye-mo-nu Ve-higi-o-nu
Liz-man Ha-zeh.
Translation:
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.
#3.
Bo-ruch A-toh Ado-noi E-lo-hei-nu Me-lech Ho-olom
A-sher Ki-de-sho-nu Be-mitz-vo-sov Ve-tzi-vo-nu
Le-had-lik Ner Shel Sha-bos Ko-desh.
Translation:
Blessed are you, L-rd our G-d, King of the universe,
who has sanctified us with His commandments, and
commanded us to kindle the light of the holy Shabbat.
The first two nights of Pesach, we conduct a Seder--a
festive yet solemn event. At a table royally set with our best crystal and
silver and the finest of kosher wines, we reenact the Exodus from
Egypt in ancient times. We also pray for the forthcoming Redemption speedily
in our days.
In our Forefathers Footsteps
At the Seder, each person considers himself as if he were going out
of Egypt. We begin with our ancestors, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob; we are with
our people as they descend into exile, and suffer cruel oppression and
persecution. We are with them when G-d sends the ten plagues to punish Pharaoh
and his nation, with them as they leave Egypt and with them at the crossing
of the Reed Sea. And we witness the miraculous hand of G-d as the waters
part, allowing the Israelites to pass, and then return, thundering over the
Egyptian legions.
We left Egypt in such haste that there was no time to wait for the dough
to rise, and we ate matzah, unleavened bread. With only this unleavened
food our ancestors faithfully relied on the Al-mighty to provide sustenance
for our entire nation of men, women and children. Each year to remember this,
we eat matzah the first two nights of Pesach and fulfill the
commandment of "Matzahs shall you eat . . ."
The Humblest of Foods
The matzah itself symbolizes faith. For in contrast to leavened food,
the matzah is not "enriched" with oil, honey, etc. It is rather
simple flour and water, which is not allowed to rise. Similarly, the
only "ingredients" for faith are humility and submission to G-d, which comes
from the realization of our "nothingness" and "intellectual poverty" in the
face of the infinite wisdom of the creator.
Shmurah means watched, and is an apt description of this matzah
(unleavened bread). The wheat used is carefully watched (protected) against
any contact with water from the moment of harvest, since water would cause
leavening, and thus disqualify the wheat for use on Pesach.
These matzahs are round in form, kneaded and shaped by hand, similar
to the matzahs baked by the Children of Israel on their way out of
Egypt. They are baked under strict Rabbinical supervision to avoid any
possibility of leavening during the baking process. Shmurah matzah
should be used on each of the two Seder nights for the three
matzahs of the Seder plate.
To enhance the observance and beauty of your Pesach Seder table, your
local Chabad-Lubavitch Center is making available, at cost price, tasty,
handmade shmurah matzah.
For a more meaningful and happy Pesach, have shmurah matzah
at your Seder table. Call your local Chabad-Lubavitch Center to order
shmurah matzah.
The Pesach Seder is not just to be observed symbolically. Each of
its physical "acts" has great significance and should be fulfilled properly
to make the Seder a meaningful and truly spiritual experience.
The Main
Mitzvot
The main mitzvot (commandments) of the Seder are:
1. To eat matzah.
2. To tell the story of the Exodus (the reciting of the main parts of the
Haggadah).
3. To drink four cups of wine.
4. To eat morror--bitter herbs.
5. To recite "Hallel"--praise to G-d (found towards the end of the
Haggadah).
The Matzah
On each of the two Seder nights shmurah matzah should be used.
Matzah is eaten 3 times during the Seder.
1. After telling the story of the Exodus from Egypt--Motzie Matzah--two
ounces of matzah are eaten.
2. For the "sandwich"--korech--one ounce of matzah is eaten.
3. As the Afikomen at the end of the meal--Tzofun--1-1/2 ounces
of matzah are eaten.
In each instance, the matzah should be eaten within 4 minutes.
How much is one ounce of matzah?
Half a piece of shmurah matzah is generally one ounce.
If other matzahs are used, the weight of the box of matzahs
divided by the number of pieces shows how much matzah equals 1 ounce.
The Wine
For each of the four cups at the Seder it is preferable to use undiluted
wine only. However, if needed, the wine may be diluted with grape juice.
Of course, someone who can not drink wine may use straight grape juice.
One drinks a cup of wine four times during the Seder:
1. At the conclusion of Kiddush.
2. After telling the story of the Exodus from Egypt, before eating the
matzah of Motzie Matzah.
3. At the conclusion of the Grace After Meals.
4. After reciting the "Hallel."
It is preferable to drink the entire cup each time. However, it is sufficient
to drink just the majority of each cup.
How large a cup should be used?
One containing at least 3-1/2 fluid ounces.
The Morror
The morror is eaten by itself after the matzah, and then together
with the matzah in the (korech) sandwich.
How much morror should be eaten?
3/4 ounce.
Any of two different types of morror may be used at the Seder,
individually or in combination:
1. Peeled and grated raw horseradish. 3/4 ounce has a volume of 1
fluid ounce.
2. Romaine lettuce. It is suggested that the stalks rather than the
leafy parts be used because of the difficulty in properly examining and ridding
the leafy parts of commonly present very small insects. 3/4 ounce of
stalks cover an area of 3" X 5".
The K'ahrah--the Seder Plate
Three matzahs are placed on the table, one on top of the other. They
are symbolic of the three types of Jews: Kohen, Levi and Yisroel.
They also commemorate the three measures of fine flour that Abraham told
Sarah to bake into matzahs when the three angels visited them. And
when we later break the middle matzah, we are still left with two
whole loaves for lehchem mishne, as on all Sabbaths and Festivals.
On a cloth spread over the three matzahs, or on a plate, the following
items are placed:
BAYTZAH |
|
Z'ROAH |
|
MORROR |
|
KARPAS |
|
CHAROSET |
|
CHAHZERET |
|
1. Z'roah--the roasted chicken neck.
Preparation: remove most of the meat from the neck of a chicken and roast
it on all sides.
It is symbolic of the pascal sacrifice brought at the Holy Temple in Jerusalem
on the afternoon before Pesach.
2. Baytzah--the hard boiled egg.
It is symbolic of the festival sacrifice brought at the Holy Temple, in addition
to the pascal lamb.
3. Morror--bitter herbs (Horseradish and/or Romaine lettuce
stalks).
It is symbolic of the bitter suffering of the Jews in Egypt.
4. Charoset--the mixture of chopped apples, pears, walnuts and
a small amount of wine (red, if possible).
The mixture resembles mortar, symbolic of the mortar used by the
Israelites to make bricks while enslaved in Egypt.
5. Karpas--the cooked potato or raw onion.
6. Chahzeret--more bitter herbs.
Used as morror in the sandwich (korech) later in the
Seder.
-
General Note: Whenever we eat or drink during one of the acts of
the Seder, the leader of the Seder should give to each person
present the required amount(s) of wine, matzah or bitter herbs.
Kadesh--the
Benediction
The Seder service begins with the recitation of Kiddush,
proclaiming the holiness of the holiday. This is done over a cup of wine,
and on this evening it is the first of four cups that we all drink, reclining,
at the Seder.
The Four Cups of Wine
Two of the explanations of the four cups:
Four expressions of freedom or deliverance are mentioned in the Torah in
connection with our liberation from Egypt (Ex. 6:6,7).
The Children of Israel, even while in Egyptian exile, had four great merits:
(1) they did not change their Hebrew names;
(2) they did not change their Hebrew language;
(3) they remained highly moral; and
(4) they remained loyal to one another.
Wine is used because it is a symbol of joy and happiness.
Why We Recline
When drinking the four cups, as during most of the acts of the Seder,
we lean on our left side to accentuate the fact that we are free people.
In ancient times only free people were allowed to recline while eating.
Ur'chatz--Purification
We wash our hands in the usual prescribed manner of washing before a meal,
but without the customary blessing.
The next step in the Seder, Karpas, requires dipping food into
water. Such an act calls for purification of the hands by washing, beforehand.
This observance is one of the first acts designed to arouse the child's
curiosity.
Karpas--the
Appetizer
A small piece of onion or boiled potato is dipped into salt water and eaten.
Before eating, the blessing over vegetables is recited.
The dipping of this appetizer in salt water is an act of pleasure and freedom
which further arouses the curiosity of the child.
The four-letter Hebrew word karpas when read backwards connotes that
the 600,000 Jews in Egypt (the Hebrew letter samech=60, times 10,000)
were forced to perform back-breaking labor (the other three Hebrew letters
spell perech--hard work.)
The salt water represents the tears of our ancestors in Egypt.
Yachatz--Breaking
the Matzah
The middle matzah of the three placed on the Seder plate is
broken in two. The larger part is put aside for use later as the
Afikomen. This unusual action not only attracts the child's special
attention once again, but also recalls G-d's breaking the Reed Sea asunder,
to make a path for the Children of Israel to cross on dry land. The smaller
part of the middle matzah is returned to the Seder plate. This
broken middle matzah symbolizes humility and will be eaten
later as the "bread of poverty."
Maggid--the
Haggadah
At this point the poor are invited to join the Seder; the Seder
tray is moved aside; a second cup of wine is poured; and the child, by
now bursting with curiosity, asks the time-honored question:
"Mah Nish-tah-no Hah-lailo Ha-zeh Me-kol Hah-leilot?" What makes this
night different from all other nights?
(1) On all nights we need not dip even once; on this night we do so twice!
(2) On all nights we eat chometz or matzah, and on this night
only matzah!
(3) On all nights we eat any kind of vegetables, and on this night
morror!
(4) On all nights we eat sitting upright or reclining, and on this night
we all recline!
The child's questioning triggers one of the most significant mitzvot
of Pesach and the highlight of the Seder ceremony: the
Haggadah, the telling of the story of the Exodus from Egypt. The answer
includes a brief review of history, a description of the suffering imposed
upon the Israelites, a listing of the plagues visited upon the Egyptians,
and an enumeration of the miracles performed by the Al-mighty for the formation
and redemption of His people.
Rochtzoh--Washing
before the Meal
After concluding the first part of the Haggadah with the drinking
of the second cup of wine (reclining), the hands are washed --this time with
the customary blessing, as usually done before eating bread.
Motzie
Matzah--Eating Matzah
Taking hold of the three matzahs, the broken one between the two whole
ones, recite the customary blessing before bread. Then, letting the bottom
matzah drop back on the plate, and holding the top whole matzah
with the broken middle one, recite the special blessing ". . . Al Ah-che-las
Matzah."
Then break at least one ounce from each matzah and eat the two pieces
together, reclining.
Morror--the
Bitter Herbs
Take at least 3/4 ounce of the bitter herbs. Dip it in the charoset,
then shake the latter off and make the blessing ". . . Al Ah-che-las
Morror."
Eat without reclining.
Korech--the
Sandwich
In keeping with the custom instituted by Hillel, a great talmudic Rabbi,
a sandwich of matzah and morror is eaten.
Break off two pieces of the bottom matzah, which together are at least
one ounce. Again take at least 3/4 ounce of bitter herbs and dip them in
charoset, then shake the latter off, and place them between the two
pieces of matzah, say: "Kein Ah-saw Hillel. . ." and eat the
sandwich reclining.
Shulchan
Oreich--the Feast
The holiday meal is now served. We begin the meal with a hard-boiled egg
dipped into salt water.
A Rabbi was once asked why Jews eat eggs on Pesach. "Because eggs
symbolize the Jew," the Rabbi answered. "The more an egg is burned and boiled,
the harder it gets."
-
Note: The chicken neck is not eaten at the Seder.
Tzofun--"Out
of Hiding"
After the meal, the half matzah that had been "hidden"--set aside
for the Afikomen-- "dessert," is taken out and eaten. It symbolizes
the pascal lamb that was eaten at the end of the meal.
Everyone should eat at least 1-1/2 ounces of matzah, reclining, before
midnight. After the Afikomen, we do not eat or drink anything except
for the two remaining cups of wine.
Bairach--Blessings
after the Meal
A third cup of wine is filled and the Grace after Meals is recited. After
reciting the Grace, we recite the blessing on wine and drink the third cup
while reclining.
Now we fill the cup of Elijah and our own cups with wine. We open the door
and recite the passage that symbolizes an invitation to the Prophet Elijah,
who is the harbinger of the coming of Moshiach, our righteous Messiah.
Hallel--Songs
of Praise
At this point, having recognized the Al-mighty, and His unique guidance of
His people Israel, we go still further and turn to sing His praises as L-rd
of the entire Universe.
After reciting the "Hallel," we again recite the blessing for wine
and drink the fourth cup, reclining.
Nirtzoh--Acceptance
Having carried out the Seder service properly, we are sure that it
has been well received by the Al-mighty. Then we say: "Leh-shah-na Hah-bah-ah
Be-ye-ru-sha-law-yim"--Next year in Jerusalem!
On the second night of Pesach, we begin S'firat Ha'omer, counting
forty-nine days between Pesach and Shavuot, the day when the
Torah was given to the Children of Israel. This is done every night following
the evening prayer leading up to the night before Shavuot.
-
Pesach is eight days long. The last two days of Pesach are
also Yom Tov.
-
The seventh day of Pesach commemorates the miracle of the "Splitting
of the Reed Sea," which completed the Redemption from Egypt.
-
On the eighth day of Pesach, Yizkor is recited after the Torah
reading.
-
Pesach ends after Nightfall on Thursday evening, April
8. The actual time is indicated on the
Pesach Calendar.
-
Wait one hour before eating chometz to allow time for
the Rabbi to buy it back for you.
-
Until that time no chometz should be bought or
eaten.
Moshiach's
Seudah
The Baal Shem Tov, the founder of Chassidism, instituted the custom of eating
a special third meal on the last day of Pesach late in the afternoon,
after Minchah, complete with matzah and wine.
This meal is known as the "Festive Meal of Moshiach," or Moshiach's
Seudah, for on this day the radiance of Moshiach is openly revealed.
Also, it is intended to deepen our awareness of the imminence of the final
Redemption.
On this day, he said, one can actually feel the approach of Moshiach.
"Behold," says the verse in Song of Songs, "he is standing behind
our wall, watching through the windows, peering through the crevices . .
."
*
Beginning in the year 5666/1906, it became customary in Lubavitch for the
students of the Lubavitcher yeshivah to eat their Pesach meals
together in the study hall. That year, the fifth Chabad-Lubavitch Rebbe,
Rabbi Sholom Dov Ber, known as the Rebbe Rashab, joined the students for
the third festive meal of the last day of Pesach, and directed that
each of them be given four cups of wine.
The Rebbe once commented, that this was obviously intended to become an annual
custom.
*
Moshiach's Seudah was instituted on the eighth day of Pesach,
as the number eight is connected to the Redemption (being one more than
seven--symbolic of the natural order) and the Haftorah read on the
eighth day of Pesach contains many of the Messianic prophecies.
One might ask, what is the point of eating an actual, physical meal that
relates to the subject of Moshiach? This festive meal causes the image and
the feeling of the future Redemption to penetrate not only all the faculties
of a person's soul, including his capacity for action, but his physical body
as well--by means of the physical food that becomes part of his very flesh
and blood. Partaking of this festive meal is intended to draw down the radiance
of Moshiach into every aspect of one's daily life throughout the year.
This simply means--as an anticipatory echo of how the world will appear after
the Redemption--that holiness should permeate all of a person's activities,
including his physical activities, to the point that he is prepared to sacrifice
the innermost core of his soul. This is the yechida within his soul,
the element of Moshiach in his soul.
The Rebbe once explained, "The four cups of wine on the Seder night
are the cups of Moses our teacher; the four cups of wine at Seudat
Moshiach on the last day of Pesach are the cups of our righteous
Moshiach."
* * *
Hundreds of Chabad-Lubavitch Centers around the world will be hosting the
traditional, mystical Moshiach's Seudah, on the last day of
Pesach.
To find out about a Moshiach's Seudah near you, call your local
Chabad-Lubavitch Center.
For a listing of the Centers in your area:
http://www.chabad.org/chabadir-access.html.
In the USA, call: 1-800-Lubavitch (1-800-582-2848). |