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Torah Portion: Parshas Tzav

		Parshas Tzav By: Rabbi Osher Jungreis

The holiday of Pesach is a celebration of our nationhood - and our strength as a people is contingent upon our unity and our willingness to band together as one. SHABBOS HAGADOL Shabbos HaGadol is called "The Great Sabbath." Some of the reasons for this are: 1) There is an ancient custom that on this Sabbath the Rabbi delivers a lengthy sermon dealing with the intricate laws of Pesach. 2) The Haftorah for this Shabbos states: "Behold, I will send Elijah the Prophet to you before that great and awesome day" 3) It was on this Sabbath that our forefathers in Egypt set aside the pascal lamb for the first Pesach. Since the lamb was the deity of the Egyptians, it was miraculous that the Egyptians did not attack the Jews (who had merited G-d`s protection through their great courage and loyalty in fulfilling His command). 4) Finally, on this Sabbath, it is a minhag (custom) to read part of the Hagaddah. SEDER GEMS As we begin our Seder, we extend hospitality to those who are in need, to those who are hungry, and to those who are emotionally and spiritually deprived. Hospitality - an open door is one of the pillars of the Jewish home, bequeathed to us by our Father Abraham. It is in that spirit that the chuppah - marriage canopy, is open, symbolically inviting guests from every direction.. Our mitzvahs, our commandments however, have cosmic dimensions as well. Whatever G-d commands us to do, He Himself performs (albeit on a different level). Thus, on Seder night, Hashem opens all the heavenly gates and invites us to enter. It`s all in our hands. If we will it, our Seder can become a great spiritual journey through which we may realize our mission in life as Jews - so don`t allow this opportunity to pass by -seize the moment and make this Seder a great spiritual moment in your life. Maror - Bitter Herbs: Maror reminds us of the terrible suffering of our ancestors in Egypt. But as we recall that bitterness, we must also remember that, before partaking of the maror, we must dip it into charoses, a sweet substance. - teaching us that there is good to be accrued from all pain if we know how to respond to the challenge. The maror of Seder night instructs us to search for the good in every "bitter" experience, and if we do so, we will discover the hidden treasures and blessings to be found therein. So, instead of being angry when stressful, dark days come upon us, let us have faith in G-d and search for the charoses, the sweetness. It is there if we are willing to look for it. Shabbat Shalom and Chag Kasher V`sameach - a Joyous and kosher Pesach. Rabbi Osher Parshas Tzav 11 Nisan 5764 Candle Lighting Time, Fri. April 2nd , 6:03 P.M. Shabbos ends, Sat. April 3rd, 7:17 PM Pesach Candle Lighting Time Monday, April 5th Erev Pesach Last Time to eat Chametz, 10:25 AM Candle Lighting 7:07 PM Tuesday evening, April 6th Candle Lighting, 8:38 PM Friday evening April 9th Shabbos Kodesh Candle Lighting 7:11 PM Shabbos ends April 10th 8:24 PM Sunday evening April 11th 7th day of Pesach Candle Lighting 7:13 PM Monday evening April 12th Candle Lighting 8:44 PM Tuesday April 13th Yizkor Pesach ends Tuesday evening 8:30 PM ____________________________ On Passover, we are not permitted to have any leaven in our possession. Therefore, we must enter into a contractual agreement through which we sell our chometz to our Rabbi for the duration of the Passover holiday. Attached is a contract form. Please fill it out and return it with your kind donation made out to the Hineni Rabbi’s Fund, 232 West End Avenue, New York, NY 10023. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Delegation of Power of Attorney For Sale of Chometz KNOW YE that I, the undersigned, fully empower and permit Rabbi Osher Jungreis to act in my place and stead, and in my behalf to sell all Chometz possessed by me (knowingly and unknowingly) as defined by the Torah and Rabbinic Law (e.g. Chometz, doubt of Chometz and all kinds of Chometz mixtures). Also Chometz that tends to harden and to adhere to the inside surface of pots, pans, or cooking and unusable utensils, and all kinds of live animals that have been eating Chometz or mixtures thereof. And to lease all places wherein the Chometz owned by me may be found, especially in the premises located at ________________________________ (your address) and elsewhere. Rabbi Osher Jungreis has the full right to sell and to lease by transactions, as he deems fit and proper for such time which he believes necessary in accordance with all detailed terms and detailed forms as explained in the general authorization contracts which have been given this year to Rabbi Osher Jungreis to sell the Chometz. This general authorization is made a part of this agreement. Also do I hereby give the said Rabbi Osher Jungreis full power and authority to appoint a substitute in his stead with full power to sell and to lease as provided herein. The above given power is in conformity with all Torah and Rabbinical regulations and laws, and also in accordance with the laws of the State of New York and the United States of America. And to this I hereby affix my signature on this ______day of ______in the year 2004, corresponding to __________ 5764. Name_________________________________ Address________________________________ Signature ______________________________ Please Fax to Hineni 212-496-1908 Please send your donation to Hineni Rabbi`s Fund at Hineni Heritage Center, 232 West End Avenue, New York, NY 10023