A quarterly publication from Tifereth Israel
March - May 2024
Adar I - Lyar 5784
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The Rabbi's Study
Rabbi Raphael Kanter
“And so it shall be as a sign upon your hand and as a symbol on your forehead that with a mighty hand Adonai freed us from Egypt.” (Shemot 13:16)
What do Tefillin have to do with Passover, which is the holiday that celebrates our moving from a state of slavery to freedom? Tefillin are the boxes that we wear on the head and arm on weekday mornings, with parchment inside with references to the commandment to wear them “as sign upon your hand and frontlet between your eyes”. It is an extraordinary object with hidden compartments that contain these writings from the Torah.
And why do we use these most unusual objects every day? You would think we would wear them on Shabbat due to their special and powerful symbolism. Writes Rabbi Deborah Silver, “to remind that what we do every day really matters. It’s regularity that turns action into practice." What Rabbi Silver is pointing to about the Tefillin is that, they push us to the ordinary practices we try to do every day. It is the daily centering of ourselves, taking a deep breath and taking in the moment, are what have lasting significance to our lives.
Our tefillin are on our arms and heads. The arm is close to the heart, according the ancients, the place of knowledge; and the mind is the seat of emotion and the spirit. When the mind and heart combine together, the place of knowledge and the place of emotion, our souls grow and thrive. We experience a sense of peace with these unique ritual objects on our bodies. We understand that their uniqueness asks something extraordinary from us on a daily basis.
So again, what does this have to do with Passover? Passover is the special time to remember the daily spiritual practices must continue beyond peak moments. Just as freedom is not one moment but a series of moments that express freedom, the Tefillin remind us of the daily decisions that create a true spiritual moment.
So let’s think of Passover as an opportunity to supercharge our souls with a dose of super freedom to send out into the ordinary world to do the extra ordinary! Passover should send us out to work in a homeless shelter, take care of a foster child, feed the hungry with the Monday group. The Passover Seder, that unique dinner of all dinners, sends us out into the world supercharged to bring the message of freedom to the world every day. Tefillin, that most different and extraordinary object, is the engine to send us out into the world with a message of spiritual peace and transformation. In this way, the connection becomes evident.
Tefillin and Exodus bring together the two sides of our Jewish souls. We must live each day freeing ourselves from the mundane and petty concerns and seeking the spiritual through the Tefillin. Each one, this extraordinary holiday and this mysterious symbol wrap us, in the power of our God and people. Let this inspire us this Passover with its powerful message.
Happy Passover!!
Rabbi Raphael Kanter
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Notes from the Cantor
Cantor Nathaniel Schudrich
“One who exceeds in relating the Exodus is worthy of praise.”
This quote is found towards the beginning of our Seder service on Pesach. We are commanded to embellish the telling of the Passover story. It is incumbent upon us to ask questions about the Exodus as well as talk about the importance of freedom to us today. I have a few suggestions and questions that might be used to embellish your own Seder experience this year.
- The symbols of the Seder are on the table for a reason, to prompt questions and discussion. Ask the children what they notice that is different about the table.
- Have your guests bring items that they have used at their own Seder or anything from Passover. It could be a family Kiddush cup, a song sheet, a matzo cover, or anything relating to the holiday. Have them tell the story about what they brought.
- Make plague bags for the children. Find items that represent each plague. For example, borscht for blood, a frog for the second plague, a mask to wear for darkness. Have the children pick something and act out its significance in the Exodus story.
- Put on a play of the story of the Exodus. It can be impromptu or planned out in advance.
- Play charades involving different parts of the Exodus. For example: Moses being found in the basket, the parting of the Red Sea, one of the plagues, etc.
- Talk about the number four. Why does this number play such a significant role in the Seder? We have four cups of wine, the four sons, the four questions, and the four words that describe how G-d redeemed us from Egypt.
- There is little or no mention of women in the Haggadah. Expound on the importance of women in the Exodus and today. For example: Miriam and Pharaoh’s daughter who saved Moses, or Shifra and Puah, the Egyptian midwives who would not murder the Hebrew male babies. Talk about other great Jewish women in our history – Deborah, Esther, Golda Meir, the list is endless!
- Talk about the importance of freedom in the world today. What freedoms do we enjoy? What freedoms would we miss if we were slaves? What freedoms are endangered?
- And of course, sing fun songs! It is our family tradition to sing the final song of the night, Had Gadya, a little differently than the traditional tune. In the singing, we substitute sounds for each character. Each person at the Seder is given a different part and they have to sound out that character. For example, the one who has dog goes “woof”; the one who has fire makes a hissing sound, etc.
Remember, we are commanded to embellish and, I would like to add, have fun at the Seder. Enjoy!
Cantor Nathaniel Schudrich
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Executive Director's Corner
Kate Rose, Executive Director
As we continue on our journey as a community together, I want to express my gratitude for your ongoing commitment and support. Some things about the Jewish tradition that I’ve grown to appreciate more and more are the importance of community, dialogue, and resilience, especially in times of change. As we regain our momentum after the Covid pandemic and look toward the future, we must draw upon our shared values to guide us forward.
Every voice matters! I have met or spoken with many congregants, and will continue to do so. If you have suggestions, questions, concerns, or just want to chat, I encourage you to reach out. By working together, we can ensure that our synagogue is welcoming and inclusive space for all.
As we approach the upcoming Passover season, I’ve been reflecting on the themes of liberation, renewal, and unity. Just as our ancestors found strength in their journey from bondage to freedom, may we find strength in our collective journey towards a vibrant and flourishing future for Tifereth Israel.
Thank you again for being such a wonderful community. Together, let us embrace the future with open hearts and a commitment to our shared values.
Warm regards,
Kate
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Educationally Speaking
Melynda Schudrich, Education Director
Passover is an exciting and engaging time in the Jewish calendar and with our families. It’s a time to share recipes and share stories, and to teach our children, both young and old. What can we do to make this celebration an engaging and memorable adventure for our children?
At the heart of Passover lies the Seder, a special gathering where families come together to retell the story of the Exodus and celebrate freedom. For young children, the Seder is a magical experience filled with captivating rituals and delicious foods. The ordinary becomes extraordinary, and the dining table transforms into a stage for an enchanting tale. For our older children, this is a time when they can be active participants in the family Seder, whether it’s with cooking, helping setting the table, or in the seder itself.
To make the Seder accessible and enjoyable for our littlest ones, consider creating a child-friendly Haggadah. Simplify the language, add colorful illustrations, and include interactive elements that allow them to actively participate in the storytelling. Have your children draw pictures to add to the Haggadah. This not only captures their attention, but also instills a sense of joy and wonder as they become part of the Passover narrative.
The Seder plate, adorned with symbolic items like matzah, maror (bitter herbs), and charoset, becomes a source of curiosity for young minds. Take the opportunity to involve your children in the preparation of these symbolic foods, turning it into a fun and educational activity. Let them feel the textures, smell the aromas, and, of course, taste the unique flavors. I grow our own horseradish, and it’s always fun to go out to the garden and grab a root or two with my kids. This hands-on approach not only enhances their understanding of the Passover story but also creates lasting memories.
As we engage in the traditions of Passover, it's essential to weave in a sense of joy and playfulness. Encourage your children to ask questions, share their thoughts, and even act out parts of the Exodus story. Incorporate games and activities that align with the Passover theme, turning the Seder into an interactive and entertaining experience for the whole family. When my kids were younger, we would bring out the Legos and they would create the 10 plagues, whose identities we would then have to guess.
Passover is not just about the story of our ancestors; it's an opportunity to create our own family traditions. Consider introducing personalized elements to the Seder that resonate with your children. This could include crafting special decorations, creating a family Passover playlist, or even inventing a unique family Seder tradition. By infusing creativity and flexibility into your celebration, you not only make Passover more engaging for young minds, but also lay the foundation for cherished family memories. A tradition we started in my family is the pajama Seder - wearing pajamas, sitting in a circle on the floor, completely relaxed. If this is not a sign of freedom, then I don’t know what is!
The Seder table becomes a stage for storytelling, and as parents, we are the narrators of this magical tale. To captivate young imaginations, infuse energy and enthusiasm into the storytelling. Use expressive gestures, create character voices, and encourage your children to join in the storytelling fun. By making the Exodus narrative come alive, we not only share the values of freedom and justice but also create an atmosphere that leaves a lasting impression on your little ones.
Passover is not just confined to the Seder night; it's a week-long celebration filled with opportunities for exploration. Take your children on a Passover adventure by organizing a family-friendly matzah scavenger hunt or planning a Passover-themed arts and crafts day. These activities not only keep the excitement alive throughout the holiday but also reinforce the importance of Passover in an engaging and enjoyable way.
Each year, Passover is a time for celebration, storytelling, and creating lasting memories.
Melynda Schudrich, Educator....
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A Presidential Greeting
Martin Levin, President
Spring is Bookended by the Holidays of Purim and Passover. Both have lessons for all of us. The Story of Purim is recounted in the Book of Esther. Queen Esther foils the plot of Haman (BOO) to destroy the Persian Jewish community. As a result the Jews "turn the tables" on their enemies, who are punished instead of their intended victims. This story gives the Jewish people, who often live as minorities in a sometimes hostile majority culture, hope for the future.
During Pesach we gather with Family and Friends at both the Seder table and in the Synagogue, to commemorate our Exodus from Egypt. This story also teaches us that freedom is precious, and it must always be cherished. We cannot allow the eternal light of freedom to be extinguished.
Chag Sameach
Martin Levin
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Tifereth Israel Congregation
145 Brownell Ave.
New Bedford, MA 02740
(508) 997-3171
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