A year has passed since last Passover and each of us has changed. Some in our Shul have lost loved ones and have suffered emotionally, others have undergone surgeries and experienced illness and still others have witnessed births and marriages. In large and small ways, all of us are different than we were last Passover.
As Passover approaches, consider doing something just a bit differently than in prior years. Take a moment to reflect upon what you are thankful for this year and share that thought at the beginning of Seder.When eating the bitter herbs,if comfortable, share an episode or experience that embittered your life since last year and recognize the importance of leaving it behind. Journey away from that moment of bitterness in your own personal life towards the third and fourth cups of wine which are emblematic of increasing levels of redemption.
As we remove 10 drops of wine from our wine cups and call to mind the suffering of the Egyptians reflect upon the suffering of others, near and far, and meditate upon how you may make a difference in the lives of others.
Try a new kind of Charoset (see two attached recipes). Perhaps ask one or two guests to bring one or two of the ingredients, arriving just a bit early to combine the ingredients together; thus making Passover a shared preparation experience.
You are invited to a special study session on Friday, April 3 (8:00 8:30 a.m.)at shul to mentally prepare for Pesach by studying a short passage o fBible in association with remembering the death of the Egyptian First-borns. How incredible –that we Jews prepare for our holiday of freedom by thinking of and remembering our oppressors! It is a lesson in collective empathy.
Please mark your calendars for a short study session on Sunday April 5 (Noon- 1p.m.)in honor of the 2nd day of Yomtov.
Don’t forget that we mark Yizkor for our loved ones on Saturday April 11 during morning services.
Make the last day of Pesach different by memorializing our loved ones in the company of others.
Happy Pesach to you and all of your loved ones!
May you and your loved ones celebrate this year in health and joy!
Chag Sameach (Happy Holiday of Passover)!
Rabbi Steven Silberman
Persian Charoset Recipe / Iranian Charoset Recipe
1 unpeeledpear, cored and finely chopped
1 unpeeledapple, cored and finely chopped
1 cup finelychopped walnuts
1 cup finelychopped almonds
1 cupfinely chopped hazelnuts
1 cup finelychopped pistachio nuts
1 cupchopped pitted dates
1 cupchopped raisins
2 teaspoonsground cinnamon
2 teaspoonsgrated ginger root
1 tablespoonapple cider vinegar
Sweet wine
Instructions for the Persian Charoset recipe/ Iranian Charoset recipe:
Combine pear, apple, walnuts, almonds, hazelnuts, pistachio nuts, dates and raisins in a large bowl, and blend well, being careful not to chop the mixture into a paste. Add cinnamon, ginger root, cider vinegar and enough wine to bind.
Place on a platter and shape into a pyramid. Cover and refrigerate.
Moroccan Charoset Balls Recipe
500 gramshazelnuts
250 gramsalmonds
250 gramsdates
250 gramsgolden raisins
Note: 500grams = 1 pound + 1.65 ounces; 250 grams = 8.825 ounces.
Instructions for the Moroccan Charoset Balls recipe
Using a food processor, grind the nuts together coarsely.
Add dates and raisins and process until consistency is smooth but still has some texture.
Prepare balls of the mixture about 2 centimeters in diameter (about 0.79 inches in diameter).
Can also be served as a dessert during Pesach.
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