Chabad Times, April 2004

7" 0 3 VOL XII NO. 3 More than just an anti-semitic trigger, the Passion film is a spiritual onslaught. Passion is fueling the evangelical search for converts, Jews in particu-lar. Churches are mailing invitations to Jewish neighborhoods, urging us to find out how 'this man who changed the world can change your life." Some churches are buying up blocks of giveaway tickets for the unconverted, and training church mem-bers how to lead these attendees to their faith. \WA/hLa ti ?is our response?p by' G. Sanders Insipidly crying "anti-Semitism" just reinforces their view that Jews are obstinate ana intractable vis-a-vis turn-the-other-cheek forgiveness. The simple reply "Jews don't believe in him" is a curt dismissal to get them off your back and avoid long debates. But the most effective antidote is being a iroud and knowledgeable Jew who knows that s/he en ows the truth. Education is our best defense. Passionate about the Bible, Christians are highly profi-cient at citing chapter and verse. We should inspire our selves and our youth to learn the truth about these texts. The ignorant are vulnerable, and are at the mis-sionaries' mercy. Judaism is not based on emotional hype, blind faith, or superficial assumptions. Judaism rests solidly on the Revelation at Sinai to millions of eyewitnesses. We have intellectually grasped G-d's gift of the Law utiliz-ing an orderly anaanalytical Talmudic system of study and research. The average Jew must be better equipped to respond to "You must accept him as the messiah." The "Messiah" concept is not a Christian invention. "Moshiach" is originally promised in the Torah, and nis crite-ria are codified in the Talmud and Maimonides (Book of Judges, Kings chapters 1 1 and 12). Indeed, our belief in the coming of the Righteous Moshiach, may it be soon, is one of our basic Thirteen Principles of Faith. But dry facts are not enough; we must fight fire with fire. We need more Jewish passion I Judaism emphasizes Torah study, but we also have to improve our level of inspirational prayer and obser-vance. Deep into personal and collective prayer, Christians would regard our speedy prayers as an affront to the divine presence, and it is. They'd scan our faces for a hint of devotion and engrossed reflection, searching for a tear of repentance, a sigh of supplication, a nand-clap of rejoicing, and a collective voice of exaltation and find none. They use our Psalms to compose soul stir-ring choruses and melodies. Shouldn't we tap more into our own fountains and vast reser-voirs of Jewish energy? Evangelicals are deeply moved, heart, soul and wallet, to win the world to their faith. After the Passion fades from theaters it will continue circulating through church mailings, office and campus bible study classes, air-orts and bus stations, and door-to-door distribution, is is not going away easily. We need Jewish passion infused by Torah study and observance. We must fan the fires that radiate the warmth of Judaism. This film is a wake up call, not about classic anti-Semitism, but for our spiritual and communal existence. It presents an enormous challenge and opportunity to deepen ourselves, our convictions, our knowledge, our observance and our outreach. Let us utilize the energy being generated to boost our own wattage, so that tne light of Judaism will truly be the Light onto the Nations. Jewsweek Magazine Senior columnist Gavriel Aryeh Sanders was formerly an evangelical minister and missionary in Israel and Saudi Arabia. Learning Hebrew, he found serious flaws in Biblical mistranslations that led him to convert to Judaism. poi Thi Congregation Please Rise Dear Friends, During the services, there are times when we sit and times when we stand. In these difficult times, we must rise to the occasion, for "Those who stand for nothing, will fall for anything." (Alexander Hamilton) And to quote Albert Einstein: "The world is dangerous, not because of those who do evil, but because of those who look on and do nothing." We send you this educational and informative Passover issue, and hope it makes your holiday mor^ relevant and meaningful. Wishing you a very Happy and Kosher Passover, Rabbi Shea Hartig, Rabbi Yisroel Schanowitz, Rabbi Mendy Hartig, Rabbi Shmuel Attal Distribution: Direct mailed 5 times a year to over 3,000 homes in Las Vegas, NV What's Inside? Miriam's Tambourine 2 Missing the Seder 3 Chabad News 4 Half A Matzah 6 What's Wrong With Judaism 7 Chabad Services 8 Why Jewish Education 10 Passover Laws & Customs . . . .12-13 Wine's Soul & Spirit 14 Seeing the Blind 15 Misrepresentation 16-17 Passover's 15 Step Program . . .20-21 International Charoses 22 Stubborn Pharoah 22 Red, White and Blue Jew 23 Candle Lighting Times 24 NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID PERMIT NO. 447 LAS VEGAS, NV Chabad of Southern Nevada 1261 South Arville St. Las Vegas, NV 89102 (702)259-0770 www.chabadlv.org KIDS RULE! The Seder Revolves Around the Child They're Out to Get You! - The Missionary Masquerade PUBLISHED BY CHABAD OF SOUTHERN NEVADA What's a Nice Jewish Girl Doing In Bahrain? Adapted by Rabbi Yisroel Rubin from the Lubavitcher Rebbe's Teachings Art by Ron Sohn shows the development of Miriam's prophetic vision from Moses' birth to its joyous finale. Ron Sohn may be reached at e-mail: river100@aol.com A But why is Miriam mentioned by her special "prophetess" title only here, but not in otner places the Tor ah? And why does the Torah find it necessary to single out Miriam's song from the rest of Israel? Isn't she already included as part of all the Jewish people? To better appreci-ate Miriam's major contribution to the Exodus and the Redemption, let us review the details of Miriam's per-sonal background. The word 'Miriam' is derived from the Hebrew word meaning 'bit-ter,' relating to the bitter times when she was born and raised. Miriam's song, years later, was a power-ful vindication and triumph over many years of doom and gloom. Miriam rejoiced and was thankful that her prophecy was proven right. TAMBOURINES The Torah considers it noteworthy that Miriam and the women did not only sing orally, but that their singing was accompa-nied by tambourines. Where did these tam-bourines come from? An instrument of gaiety and celebration, tambourines seem out of place during those dark and gloomy years of Egyptian oppression. The Midrash states that the Jewish women had great vision and foresight, creating and designing tambourines as tney prepared for the Exodus. "The Jewish women of that generation were confident of Divine miracles, so they took along their tambourines from Egypt." Even during the darkest Exile, the righteous women knew that the Divine promise would be fulfilled, and they would eventually be redeemed. Moreover, those faith-ful women translated the hope in their hearts into action. Rather than vague wishful thinking, their belief in the Redemption was real and tangible, (as in the folksaying: "When pray-ing for rain, carry an umbrella!") Having strengthened and encouraged Israel's faith during the hard depressing times, these women deserved to herald the redemption, leaving Egypt with a song in their heart and tambourines in their hands. Miriam's song was indeed different and it therefore stands out in a class by itself! Miriam's song was not inspired after the fact, as was the singing by the rest of Israel. Rather than being a result and effect of the miracle, her song of faith was the cause and reason for the miracle and its very cause. When celebrating the holidays, we declare in our prayers: "In those days...in our time." May Miriam's song and her tambourine con-tinue to inspire us to this very day, and may it strengthen our faith as we look forward to the coming of Moshiach, very soon. Following the Song by Moses and the Children of Israel after Crossing the Red Sea, the Torah relates: "Miriam the Prophetess, the sister of Aaron, took the tambourine in her hand, and the women followed her with tambourines and cymbals. Miriam said to them: Sing to G-d, the Exalted..." [EXODUS 15:20] Why does the Torah refer to Miriam as a prophetess? The Talmud explains the historical back-ground, going back to the time when Miriam was the sister of (only) Aaron before Moses was born. Miriam had then boldly declared with prophetic vision, "My mother will give birth to a son who will redeem Israel..." Miriam's pronouncement of the forthcom-ing Redemption at first excited the Jews suf-fering in Egyptian bondage. When the son was born, "the house was filled with light." Moses was just a newborn baby, but Amram, his father, could already see the glimmer of prophecy in its infancy. But this great excitement was followed by great disappointment. Moses was placed in the river to avoid being caught by Pharaoh's soldiers who hunted down the Jewish baby boys. Was it all over now? Miriam's prophecy apparently went down the drain, and the Redemption was now impossible. All hope seemed lost as Moses, the intended redeemer of Israel was doomed. MIRIAM'S VISION But Miriam refused to change her stance. "She remains firm and strengthens herself in her prophecy." She knew that she didn't fab-ricate this prediction. These were Divine and holy words, and she faithfully clung to her prophecy: "My mother will give birth to a son who will save Israel." Imagine Miriam's predicament in those trying times. The young girl was surely the target of angry questions and doubts, teased and taunted, "where is your prophecy now?" Miriam knew with certainty, that regard-less of now unrealistic the prospects for Redemption may have looked at the time, the Exodus was actu-ally "right around the corner." Miriam and the women were fully ready and prepared for this great and auspicious moment. Pressured by Pharoah's decree to kill all firstborn boys, Jewish families began to break apart, and Miriam's own parents Amram and Yocheved divorced. Amid all this despair and hope-lessness, Miriam announced a Divine prophecy: "My mother will give birth to a son who will save Israel." Inspired by their daughter's prophecy, Amram and Yocheved remarried. When the baby was born, the house was filled with light, and Amram kissed Miriam on the head, exclaiming: "My daughter! Your prophecy has come true!" But three months later, when little Moses had to be hidden in the river among the reeds, her father tapped her on the head, demanding; "My daughter! Where is your prophecy?!" This is why Miriam stood among the reeds "from afar to know." Watching and looking forward to the realization of G-d's promise, she remained firm in the veracity of her prophecy..." (Midrash) Missing the Seder /"Ttossover is just around the corner, J_ and a stranger, unfamiliar with Jewish holidays wishing to pur-chase a ticket out of Israel is bound to be disappointed. All flights are usually booked, and Israel's international air-port will see record numbers of outgo-ing flights. This exodus of people wishing to cross the sea has nothing to do with religious symbolism and is not a re-enactment of Moses parting the waters for the Israelites. In fact, this act resembles the bibli-cal story in one respect only - it is an escape from family oppression. This time of year all Jewish people must answer one simple question: can we or can't we sit through one more Seder with the family, or will we be better off staying in a hotel, and making believe Passover never happened. Personally, I always liked Passover, and it never bothered me that every-one had to do what my aunt said, or else. This was the one day in the year when my aunt took complete control over the family, and need-less to say, not all family members appreciated being ordered around like school children. My aunt insisted on reading every word in the Haggadah, and no skipping of irrele-vant paragraphs, usually suggested by the younger members of the family, was tolerated. My aunt disregarded jokes, special requests, pleads for reduced sentences, and all cries of hunger. We read it all, sang it all, ate everything we were told, drank it all, two cups as instructed, and finally, at long last, were rewarded with dinner. Of course by then nobody was very hungry, but everyone ate anyway. Overstuffing yourself on Passover is part of the tradition. For most families the second part of the Haggadah remains a mystery. After the coffee and cake most family members retire to the couch, and spend the rest of the evening chatting and catching up on family news, occa-sionally stopping to take a deep breath and sigh, "I ate too much." Negotiations over the price of the afikoman are only a formality, since no one intends to actually read the rest of the story. But not in our family. After dinner my aunt allowed every-one fifteen minutes to recuperate, and then insisted we all come back to the table and continue reading. People By Ron it Sarig begged for a break, promised they would follow the Haggadah from their place on the couch, said they were tired, explained they ate too much. Occasionally a new family mem-ber, someone who married into the family and was ignorant of the powers that be, tried to convince my aunt to give it up. This act of bravery was acknowledged by all and secretly sup-ported, but it was doomed for failure, as we all knew. Eventually, among grunts and complaints, we all returned to the table and as before, did it all, to my aunt's great satisfaction and happiness. Some years, depend-ing on the mood and the participants, we would finish singing the songs in the Hagadah, and continue singing other songs for quite a while, and for once we would all feel like a family that belonged together. Nowadays things are different. My uncle died last year on Passover, and my aunt hasn't been the same since. She seems to have lost all interest, and this year, for the first time in twenty years, did not have the Seder at her house, but went to her son. The family itself is not the same either. Talk of divorce, hard feelings between the sisters and illness, have altered the delicate balance that allowed for a reasonably pleasant get together. As for me, for the past ten years I have been living in Los Angeles, and the last family Seder I participated in was three years ago, at a time when things were more or less as they always were. This was when my girls were still in preschool, before I went back to school. I was still free to choose when I wanted to fly out to Israel, and I chose Passover. Nowadays, even if I could pull my daughters out of school for three weeks, there would be no point. Last year we were lucky to have my sister in law, her husband and her three children visit us from Israel, so we had a family Seder. Other years we got together with friends, and while it was always nice and pleasant, it was never quite the same. Sometimes I want to stand in Israel's international airport with a big sign saying, "stay for the Seder," but even if I did, I doubt anyone would pay attention. People get impatient with their family, they get tired of the same old discussions, the same old jokes, they think, "so what if we miss one seder?" I guess one Seder wouldn't make much of a difference, but people need to realize their family will not always be the same. People die, people leave, people get sick, they get old, and what a family once had, and what was taken for granted, may become only memo-ries the following year. For me, after ten years in Los Angeles, the most difficult times are still the holidays, when I miss having a family and the sense of belonging. Women's Circle Chabad of Summerlin's Women's Circle is a monthly group that provides an opportunity to bring women with divergent points of view, back-grounds and affiliations together in an atmosphere of friendship and fun. Recently Chabad of Summerlin's women's circle enjoyed an evening together in preparation for Chanuka. Rebbetzin Shternie Schanowitz spoke of how we can uncov-er the hidden jug of oil within each of us. The women then created beautiful decorative oil jars. To find out how you can enjoy a warm evening full of fun, laughter great insights and discussion, call Chabad of Summerlin at 243-3623. i i THREE EXCITING PROGRAMS ADD ENRICHMENT TO DTA ACCELERATED READING PROGRAM Desert Torah Academy is happy to announce that it is implementing the "Accelerated Reading Program" as part of its scholastic curriculum. Rabbi Rodman, the school principal, commented, "One of my primary concerns is to make sure that we meet the needs of all of all of our students. One group of students that might get overlooked are those students that excel and are ready to learn at a faster pace. Therefore, I am very happy that the "Accelerated Reading Program" is coming to Desert Torah Academy. Children participate in the pro-gram by reading books and taking quizzes on a computer about the books they've read. The books are geared and rated to all different read-ing levels. Therefore, a child who is in 3rd grade (for example), but is able to read on a 5th grade level, will now be able to do so. The program can also be used, of course, to help children who are behind in their reading abili-ties. Desert Torah Academy would also like to thank Patsy Saas of the Title One office for her help with this proj-ect. She has helped the school to obtain a grant to purchase its first 200 "Accelerated Reading" books. She as also arranged for two of DTA's w staff members to join a local pub- /U lie school for training on how to implement the program. Mrs. Elaine Rinheimer, the a school's computer teacher, and Mrs. Pesha Rodman, the school librarian are the two staff members who are doing the training. CLUBS ADD EXCITEMENT AT DESERT TORAH ACADEMY Desert Torah Academy students are very excited about their new club activities. Rabbi Rodman, principal of Desert Torah Academy, explained, "During the school day, we are very focused on academics. We do offer computers, P.E. and art as part of our regular program, but we felt that our students needed more opportunities to express their individual talents. Our new clubs allow our students to have fun while building skills in areas they enjoy." On Tuesdays, Desert Torah Academy offers 5 clubs. These are: computer, drama, yearbook, martial arts and basketball. On Thursdays, Desert Torah Academy offers an aero-bics program and Mishmar class. Mrs. Rinehimer, Desert Torah Academy's computer specialist, leads the computer club. Members of the computer club work with software that is not used during the regular school program. Yaakov Fuller, a school parent who holds a black belt in karate, leads the martial arts pro-gram. Mr. Fuller has expressed tremendous satisfaction at the amaz-ing progress his charges are making. The drama group is led by three of Desert Torah Academy's younger and most energetic teachers, Chanie Grauman, Shaindy Brownstein and Esther Goldblatt. The young thespi-ans have already staged one perform-ance and are excitedly preparing for their second performance. While the first three clubs that meet on Tuesday are open to all stu-dents, yearbook is limited to 7th and 8th graders and basketball to mem-bers of the school basketball team. Yearbook club's adult supervi-sors are school parents Shawn Goldblatt and Shani Segelstein. Coach Ira leads the , basketball club. On Thursdays, school parent Kim Bricker leads an energetic aerobics class and volunteer Odom Brandman teaches a Mishmar group. The Mishmar class is learning special sec-tions of Sefer Ha Mitzvoth's, which was written by Maimonides. Rabbi Rodman concluded, "We are really pleased with our club pro-gram and we really appreciate the help of all the coordinators." To learn more about these and other exciting programs at Desert Torah Academy, please call the school office at 259-0777. RABBI LAIBL WOLFF FEATURED AT LOCAL CHABAD CENTERS Chabad of Southern Nevada and Chabad of Summerlin hosted a com-munity wide Shabbaton and Melave Malkah with Australian Mystic, Rabbi Laibl Wolf. Rabbi Wolf is a dynamic and world-acclaimed "life coach" and cel-ebrated author and lecturer. His best-selling book Practical Kabbalah, intro-duces readers to the ancient teachings of Jewish spirituality. Rabbi Wolf is a skillful expo-nent of the prac-tical application of Kabbalah to c o n t e m p o r a r y life challenges. He is a lawyer and psycholo-gist who con-ducts retreats and seminars worldwide. F r i d a y evening, February 20th, Chabad of Summerlin hosted Rabbi Wolf for a special Friday night experience that included services, traditional Shabbos food and a lecture on the topic: Don't bare your body, bare your soul: Commitment and exploration in rela-tionships. Saturday evening February 21st, Chabad of Southern Nevada held a melve malka featuring Rabbi Wolf. The program included a dinner with a workshop lecture on "Mind Yoga: A journey through practical Kabbalah" Uin his presentation Rabbi Wolff demonstrated how we can employ new skills of lateral thinking, problem solving and emotional balance, (with a visual Power-Point presentation). Both of Rabbi Wollf's lectures were inspiring and thought provok-ing for all who attended. The week-end provided a unique and extraordi-nary experience that awakened parts of the participants that they did not know existed before. DESERT TORAH ACADEMY HONORS STAR STUDENTS On Monday, December 8, 2003, Desert Torah Academy held a special assembly to honor students selected for the Dean's List, Principal's List and Honor Roll. Students selected for the Dean's List must earn straight A's while students selected for the Principal's List must have at least a B in every subject. Students are chosen for the Honor Roll for showing out-standing effort and improvement in academic performance. Those chosen for the Dean's List for this trimester were: Gitai Gazala, Mendy Harlig, Mendy Schanowitz, Karen Shalev, Michael Jaget, Jessica Lally, Josh Weiner, Shuey Wyne, Rafi Segelstein, Fifth Grade, Ariel Israel. Those chosen for the Principal's List for this trimester were: Shoshana Armstrong, Aiden Braner, Hannah Bricker, Amanda Murzyn, Julian Ohayon, Natasha Shahar, Liel Asulin, Bailey Braner, C.J. Christensen, Talia Gavish, Ariella Segelstein, Molly Morer, Tory Rhodes, Tali Wyne, Binie Harlig, Bryna Segelstein, Zvi Alkon, Debbie Gruner. The only student chosen for Honor Roll this semester was Lior Facher. Besides being awarded beau-tiful certificates, the Dean's List stu-dents were brought to Adar Pizza for a special celebration on Tuesday, December 9, 2003. Principal List and Honor Roll students had a Pizza Party in School on Wednesday, December 10, 2003. Dina Harlig, Director of Desert Torah Academy noted, "We are really proud of our honorees. Desert Torah Academy recognizes and celebrates high aca- Pantel, Ariel Sally, Alexis Scheinman, Yasmine demic achievement. Congratulations to our winners. CHABAD TO HOST COMMUNITY SEDERS FOR PASSOVER Is the thought of preparing and hosting a Passover seder a little overwhelming? This year you can enjoy a traditional Passover Seder, filled with meaning and lots of new insights into all of the laws and customs of this unique holi-day. The Seders will be held on Monday, April 5, 8:00 pm and Tuesday, April 6, 8:30 pm at our four Chabad locations: .Chabad Central, 1261 S. Arville St., 259- 0770, Chabad of Summerlin, 2620 Regatta Dr. #117,243-3623, Chabad of Green Valley, 10870 S. Eastern, #104, 617-0770 and the Chabad Hebrew Center, 1254 Vista Dr., 271- 8025. Space is limited and reserva-tions are required, so be sure to call your local center for more informa-tion today! You can also order "Shmura" (round, handmade) Matzah, baked especially for the seder night, by placing your order with Chabad. Order now by calling Rachel at 259-0770.^' PURIM AT CHABAD Chabad of Southern Nevada, Chabad of Summerlin and Chabad of Green Valley held joyous cele-brations on Purim. The program included a Megillah reading with multi slide presentation, costume contests, food and fun! The fes-tivities contin-ued on Purim Day with a community wide Purim Bash and Carnival at Desert Torah Academy. After the Megillah reading, the car-nival opened, featuring rides, games, arts and crafts, food and a costume contest. To end off Purim with a bang, a grand Purim Seudah (meal) was held a Palace Station Hotel. This year all four local Chabad centers combined their efforts to host an event that was extra fun and extra delicious. Comedian and musician Shalom Sherman kept participants laugh-ing as the Master of Ceremonies. With all the food, entertainment, dancing and schmoozing, a grand time was had by all. Purim - a time of joy and cele-bration was truly fulfilled here in Las Vegas. JEWISH LEARNING INSTITUTE PREPARES FOR NEW SESSION SEASONS OF THE SOUL: THE JEWISH LIFE CYCLE Chabad's Jewish Learning Institute is gearing up for its spring session. The Jewish Learning Institute is an international revolution in adult Jewish education. Professional and creative, informative and exciting, our acclaimed courses help students of all backgrounds gain a true apprecia-tion of Jewish heritage, thought and practice in the most stimulating and accessible format available. The topic for this year's spring semester is: Seasons of the Soul: The Jewish Life Cycle. The eight week series will explore the drams and joys of the soul on its journey through Jewish life. The courses have a uni-versity style curriculum, and have been designed and prepared by recog-nized authorities in the field of adult education and traditional Jewish teachings, yet it is interactive and accessible to all. According to Chabad's JLI accredited teacher, Rabbi Shea Harlig, "The JL1 is more than a series of classes. If s a journey. It will provide students with a memorable learning experience." The classes will be held for eight consecutive weeks at two locations: Chabad of Green Valley, 10870 S. Eastern Ave. beginning Wednesday, April 28 and at Chabad of Southern Nevada, 1261 S. Arville, beginning Tuesday, April 27. The course fee is $79.00 and includes textbooks and refresh-ments. To register or for more information please call 259-0770. CHABAD HEBREW CENTER HOSTS RABBI DOVID BANON On January 26, 2004, close to 100 people gathered at the Chabad Hebrew Center to honor the 20th Yahrzeit of the Baba Sali. The Baba Sali was born in 1890 (5650) in the city of Tafillalt, Morocco, to a family of great Kabbalists. He became known as 'Baba Sali," (our praying father) because of the prayers that he would invoke on behalf of those who sought out his guidance. In 1964 CE when Baba Sali noted that much of Moroccan Jewry had emi-grated to Eretz Yisroel, he followed them to fulfill his dream of settling there. Baba Sali chose Yavne as his home because many of his follow-ers had settled there. In 1970 he moved to Netivot where he was steadily visited by Chassidim, Ashkenazim and Sephardim who sought his unique counsel. He stressed emunah (faith), humility, ahavat Yisrael and kiyum hamitzvos. His phenome-nal memory allowed him to access information at will, whether it dealt with law, Talmud, Kabbalah, etc. Baba Sali was very close to other great Torah scholars, especial-ly the Lubavitcher Rebbe, whom he referred to as "the Great Eagle in the Heavens." He strong-ly encouraged the Rebbe's Mitzvah campaigns, especially urging young girls to light candles for Shabbos and Yom Tov. Baba Sali was laid to rest on the 4th of Shevat, 5744 (1984). Still today his grave is a place visited everyday. Rabbi Dovid Banon, the Sephardic Dayin (Rabbinic Judge) of Montreal, Canada spoke about the Baba Sali and the importance of staying connected with our Jewish roots. There were special "Brochos" (blessings), candles and pictures of the Baba Sali for sale and there was a light buffet served. If you are interested in more programs from the Chabad Hebrew Center, please call Rabbi Shmuel Attal at 271-8025. FLASHBACK ON CHABADi OF GREEN VALLEY. Ladies and (ahem) ladies, get out those mops and brooms because Pesach is here!!! Can you believe how the year has flown by??? Lots of exciting, fantastic things have happened here in Chabad of Green Valley, with much more in store. There was our great Chanukah carni-val, with many booths, games, prizes, and food & fun. Over 175 people attend-ed and we are not sure who had a better time, the kids or the adults? January at our Hebrew school brought more partying with our monthly family workshop. A "big birthday bash" was thrown to celebrate the kids' Jewish birthdays. We had cake, nosh, stories and singing. Each child received a certificate with their Jewish name and birthday as a momento. What a memorable event! In February, Rabbi Tuvia Singer, world renowned talk show host, and founder of the organization of outreach Judaism, addressed an overflowing crowd at the Chabad of Green Valley. He spoke on the dangers of missionaries lur-ing our children into their hands. He stressed upon the importance of a Jewish education in order to combat this prob-lem. If your child is not currently in Desert Torah Academy - sign him/her up!! Or join your local Chabad Hebrew School, nourish your soul, knowledge makes a world of difference! Speaking of nourishing your soul, we at Chabad of Green Valley like to make sure you can drop in and do that any-time. We offer classes daily, on top-ics ranging from the weekly torah portion, to the JLI course, to the mystical insights of kab balah. Once a month we host a Friday night Shabbaton where, dynamic guest speak-ers are in attendance. The next one will be held on, Friday evening, March 19, on the topic "Israel, our G-d given birthright." of course while we are nourishing your soul there's always plenty of body nourishing with deli-cious Shabbos delicacies. Fresh home baked challah, gefilte fish, matzah ball soup, delectable desserts and more. Don't miss out on these great opportu-nities. Whenever you are in need, body or soul, you know where we are. We hope to see you very soon at the next Chabad of Green Valley event. Call 702-617-0770 for more info, or stop into: 10870 S. Eastern Ave. Suite 104 W f c y <jo w e i n t e n t i o i n a t t y b r e a k the centerpiece t e ^ I n n l n ^ o f t h e S e d e r ? This unusual 'breaking of bread' recalls our slavery in Egypt, where our ancestors rationed their crumbs and morsels, eating little bits to save the rest for later. But that was back in ancient Egypt. How do we relate to broken Matzah in our abundance today? 0 * * T h e B r e a k d o w n As a circular graph of the Jewish community, assimilation takes out a huge bite, so we're only half of what we were. Knowing the problem is half the solution. Half a century ago, a general "Jewish" feeling united us with a minimum of observance. But it takes more than bagels & lox to remain Jewish, and Fiddler-on-the-Roof nostalgia is too precarious to sustain tradition. A half-hearted involvement can't withstand the temptations of an open society. We are further divided between the Halves and the Halve-nots. The Halves think of themselves as the whole, looking inward to save only their own. Let's rather be Halve-nots who know we're lacking. We're all part of the whole and must care for all our brethren, affiliated or not. Rather than view the Matzah as half empty, the Matzah is half full, for "each person is a whole world!" (Talmud) Wholesome Mitzvah involvement assures continuity, and prevents our Matzah from crumbling. Let's search for the hidden Afikoman to find our love for a fellow Jew and the full Redemption! ? 2004 Rabbi Yisroel Rubin S H A L E V Senior Solutions Placement and Referral Services for the elderly. We councel and guide all our customers to make informed and educated decisions regarding appropriate care and placement for seniors. Reduce your stress by consulting with an advisor TODAY! Toll Free: (888) SHALEV-5 Fax: