Known in English as “Passover”, Pesach commemorates the Jewish people’s Exodus from Egypt in the 13th century BCE. The holiday is ritually observed via a special home service called a seder, and a festive meal, as well as the prohibition of chametz (leaven), and the eating instead of matzah (unleavened bread).
Second Night Seder at TBI
6.15pm – 6 April
Flavours of Pesach
Tuesday 21 March – 7pm
Join Jocelyn Robuck in a culinary conversation examining the role of food during Passover, and help make (and taste!) eight different varieties of charoset from around the world, as well as some delicious granola and chocolate toffee matzah.
Register: [email protected]
Lunch and Learn – Pesach by Powerpoint
Friday 24 March 12-1
$12.50 for lunch
This month, join Rabbi Gary for his original presentation, Pesach by Powerpoint; a fun, colourful and instructional exploration of the upcoming festival. Consider how our ancestors got into this mess in the first place, review the laws and customs of Pesach, hear from some off-beat personalities and reflect on insights written by the estimable, Rabbi Jonathan Sacks z’l. Beware: probability of singing – HIGH.
Register: [email protected]
Create your own personal joy and increase meaning in the Seder…
KADESH: Invite each person to bring an item to add to the Seder table that helps them find meaning and joy in the Seder. Take a moment before each cup of wine or grape juice for a few people to share why these items are meaningful.
MAGID: Retell the story to freedom in your own way, using your own words, props, costumes, or songs. Allow all present to take part in this retelling.
ASK (MORE) QUESTIONS: What freedoms are we celebrating this year? How can the joy we celebrate at Pesach enhance our lives and actions throughout the year?
HALLEL: Embellish the Hallel with additional songs that spark joy.
Since the 1980s, many Jews have been including an orange on the Seder plate as a symbol of inclusion, particularly of Gay, Lesbian, trans and gender non-conforming Jews.
The splitting of the orange is to show that although we may be made of up of many different people, we are whole. The spitting out of the orange pips symbolises the repudiation of homophobia and transphobia by those at the seder.
Olives and olive branches have been a symbol of peace for generations. Olives remind us that as Jews we wish to make peace where there is war.
Chocolate is placed on the Seder plate to remind us that as we celebrate our freedom from slavery, slavery still exists around the world.
Miriam’s Cup is filled with water and placed next to Elijah’s cup to symbolise the long and fruitful contributions to Judaism by women, which have been overlooked in our tradition.
Blessed are you,
Adonai our God.
Sovereign of the world,
who sanctified us with mitzvot
and commanded us to count the Omer.
Baruch atah Adonai,
Eloheinu Melech ha’Olam
asher kid’shanu b’mitzvotav
v’tizivanu al sefirat ha’omer.
After the blessing, one recites the appropriate day of the count. For example:
Hayom yom echad la’omer
Today is the first day of the omer.
After the first six days, one also includes the number of weeks that one has counted. For example:
Hayom sh’losha asar yom, she’hem shavuah echad v’shisha yamim la’omer
Dear friends,
As Pesach approaches, we at Temple Beth Israel are reminded of the significance of this holiday and its message of freedom and liberation.
However, we also acknowledge that there are many in our community who are not free from the burdens of financial hardship and uncertainty.
That’s why we are reaching out to you today with an appeal for your support. With your help, we can continue to provide critical resources and programs for those in need.
Your contribution can make a real difference in the lives of those who rely on us for support, especially during these challenging times.
Your generosity can help us ensure that our community remains strong and vibrant for generations to come.
Please consider making a donation to our Pesach Appeal today.
Together, we can create a brighter future for all. Thank you for your continued support.
Rabbi Gary, Cantor Laloum, and the Board of Temple Beth Israel.