4839 Market Street, Unit C, Ventura, Ca Phone (805) Fax (805) Website: From The Rabbi s Study March 2013

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1 1 HAMIGDALOR CONGREGATION AM HAYAM 4839 Market Street, Unit C, Ventura, Ca Phone (805) Fax (805) Website: From The Rabbi s Study March 2013 Why Matzah? How improbable that the central symbol of the seminal event in Jewish history is a cracker! So we must probe: Why matzah? When told to "hurry up," Ralph Waldo Emerson's remarkable aunt and inspiration, Mary Moody Emerson, responded, "Hurry up is for slaves." Time is the most precious human commodity. If we cannot control our own time, we are not free. While all of us will have obligations, only a slave has no control over his or her own time. Matzah represents the forced hurrying of the slave. Our tradition took this symbol of hurry, of slavery, intentionally overturned this symbolism subverted it, if you will, and made the bread of affliction the symbol of Passover freedom. Israeli scholar Israel Yuval writes, "In the ancient world, the rising and leavening of dough represented the power of civilization, human activity, and interference in nature, while the matzah...was the symbol of simplicity and primitivism, the bread of the unsettled nomad, the bread of affliction that lasts a long time." The bustle and forced activity of Egypt was bread; the long impoverished but emancipated wandering was matzah. Pesach is a bracing meditation on time and freedom. In leaving Egypt there was no time to bake bread. The humble symbol of matzah, product of necessity, becomes a stirring symbol of liberation. The fleeing Israelites transformed the "Hurry, slave!" message of matzah into a declaration of freedom for all humanity. Chag kasher v samei-ach! May you and yours have an unhurried, healthy, joyful and liberating Passover! (I hope to see all of you at our community seder on Tuesday night, March 26! See elsewhere in this issue for details!) Rabbi J.B. Sacks

2 2 Greetings: Message from Brenda Rich This has been a sad month in our Am HaYam family as we lost 3 members. Our hearts, love, friendship go out to Lois Lebman on the loss of her beloved husband, Sandy; Martha Zoloth on the loss of her beloved husband, George; and to Murray Kaufman on the loss of his beloved wife, Bunny. All of them will be greatly missed. May their memories always be for a blessing. But we also had some joy in February with the celebration of Purim on Saturday night, February 23 rd and Sunday morning, February 24 th. Rabbi Sacks introduced a new reading of the story of Esther with lots of mostly familiar melodies to the prayers. Most were dressed in costumes and it was a most enjoyable celebration. Many pictures were taken but you will have to wait until the April Migdalor to see them as this issue is chuck full of information for Pesach. Speaking of Passover. Please send in your reservations to attend our community seder on Tuesday, March 26 th. You will find the flyer elsewhere is the Migdalor. Again we will have reading from our special Haggadot, singing, and a delicious Seder meal. Come and make this a truly family event with your Am HaYam family. Upcoming events that you must put on your calendars today are: Sunday, April 28 th Jewish Heritage Day 10:30 a.m. 3:30 p.m. Sunday, May 5 th Sunday, June 2 nd Gold & Silver Sale Party and Tea Party 2 p.m 4 p.m. Gourmet Progressive Brunch 10:30 a.m. 3:30 p.m. Also you will want to place your orders for scrip. See all the suppliers elsewhere in the Migdalor. You will be able to pick up scrip at any of these events. Chaig kasher v samei-ach! MONDAYS WITH MORT During the month of March there will be no sessions of Mondays With Mort at CAH at 10:30 AM due to a family activity and medical appointments that happen to fall on Mondays during March. Everyone is invited to attend in April as we continue the Book of Vayikra (Leviticus). Roz and I wish everyone a Kosher Pesach! Question of the Month: What is sung after the Megillah reading on Purim? The answer can be found at Also be sure to check out the entire Mondays with Mort web site at and the CAH web site at Mort

3 3 Date: Tuesday, March 26, 2013 Time 6:00 PM Cost: $25 per person Children: $9 6& Under No charge Checks Payable to CAH Please remit to: Congregation Am HaYam 4839 Market Street, Unit C Ventura, CA RSVP BY 3/20/13

4 4 GUIDE TO PASSOVER FOODS and KASHERING Conservative Movement s Committee on Jewish Law and Standards [NOTE: The Rabbinical Assembly Pesach Guide presented here was approved on January 10, 2012 by the Committee on Jewish Law and Standards by a vote of Rabbi Sacks has adapted it to render it more user-friendly.] The Torah prohibits chametz (leaven) during Pesach. For more on what is and is not considered chametz, please see the article Passover Lore elsewhere in this Migdalor, in the section on Chametz. The prohibition on chametz during Pesach includes ownership. Therefore, people traditionally arrange for the Rabbi to sell their chametz. For more on this, see the article Mechirat Chametz The Selling of Chametz elsewhere in this Migdalor. When we think of Pesach, we first and foremost think of not eating chametz, which the Torah clearly prohibits. This may be trickier than it seems, for many common foods contain some admixture of chametz. The following guidance is provided with a view towards shopping and otherwise doing one s Pesach preparations. During the eight days of Pesach, chametz cannot lose its identity in an admixture. Therefore, the minutest amount of chametz renders the whole admixture chametz and its use on Pesach prohibited. However, during the rest of the year, chametz follows the normal rules of admixture, i.e. it loses its identity in an admixture of one part chametz and sixty parts of non-chametz (batel be-shishim). This affords us the opportunity to differentiate between foods purchased before Pesach and those purchased subsequent to the onset of Pesach. Kosher le-pesach labels which do not bear the name of a rabbi, or do not bear one of the recognized symbols of rabbinic supervision, or which are not integral to the package, should, in general, not be used. Prohibited foods no matter when they are bought include the following: leavened bread, cakes, biscuits, crackers, cereal, coffees containing cereal derivatives, wheat, barley, oats, spelt, rye, and all liquids containing ingredients or flavors made from grain alcohol. Most Ashkenazi authorities have added the following foods (kitniyot) to the above list: rice, corn, millet, legumes (beans, including soy, and peas; however, string beans are permitted). Some Ashkenazi authorities permit, while others forbid, the use of legumes in a form other than their natural state, for example, corn sweeteners, corn oil, and soy oil. Sephardic authorities permit the use of all of the above. Follow your family tradition or consult Rabbi Sacks. Israeli products are often marked contains kitniyot and thus Ashkenazi Jews who do not use ( ( kitniyotקטניות need to be vigilant when purchasing Israeli products for

5 5 Passover. The Committee on Jewish Law and Standards has ruled unanimously that peanuts, peanut oil, and string beans are permissible provided that such products have proper year-round kosher certification and do not contain any chametz. Permitted Foods: A. The following foods require no kosher le-pesach label if purchased prior to the onset of Pesach: pure white sugar (no additives); non-iodized salt (not iodized); frozen fruit (no additives); all pure fruit juices; white milk; unsalted Grade A butter; filleted fish, and quinoa (with nothing mixed in, particularly Bolivian or Peruvian quinoa). B. The following foods require no kosher le-pesah label if purchased before or during Pesah: Fresh fruits and vegetables (for legumes see above), eggs, fresh or frozen kosher meat (other than chopped meat, fresh fruits and vegetables, pure black, green, or white tea leaves, unflavored tea bags, Nestea (regular and decaffeinated), unflavored regular coffee, olive oil (extra-virgin only), whole or gutted fresh fish, whole or half pecans (not pieces), whole ( unground) spices and nuts, baking soda, and bicarbonate of soda. [Note: Frozen, uncooked vegetables may be processed on shared equipment that uses chametz. It is preferable to purchase those with a kosher l Pesach label. One may, however, buy bags of frozen non-hechshered vegetables before Pesach provided that one can either determine that no shared equipment was used or one is careful to inspect the contents before Pesach and discard any pieces of chametz. Indeed, even without inspection, if one removes pieces of chametz found in the package on Pesach itself, the vegetables themselves are permissible. What one should do, then, might well depend upon how strict one wishes to be when it comes to such matters.) C. The following foods require a kosher le-pesah label if purchased before or during Pesah (that is, they ALWAYS require a reliable kosher l Pesach certification: All baked products (matzah, cakes, matzah flour, farfel, matzah meal, and any products containing matzah); canned tuna; wine; vinegar; liquor; oils; dried fruits; candy; chocolate flavored milk; ice cream; herbal tea; decaf tea; decaf coffee; dried fruits yogurt; non-grade A butter, chocolate milk, cheeses, soda; and all frozen processed foods. For concerns about baby food, please ask Rabbi Sacks. NON-FOOD ITEMS: Detergents, cleaners, etc., which are not a food stuff and which are not eaten, may be used for Pesach with no hechshered supervision. This would include: aluminum products, ammonia, baby oil, bleach, candles, contact paper, charcoal, coffee filters, fabric softener, isopropyl alcohol, laundry and dish detergent, oven cleaner, paper bags, paper plates (with no starch coating), plastic cutlery, plastic wrap, polish, powder and ointment, sanitizers, scouring pads, stain remover, water with no additives, and was paper. MEDICINE: Prescription medicines are permitted. Non-prescription pills and capsules are permitted; for liquids, please consult a rabbi.

6 6 KASHERING OF UTENSILS: The process of kashering utensils depends on how the utensils are used. According to Halachah, leaven can be purged from a utensil by the same process in which it was absorbed in the utensil (ke-voleo kakh poleto). Therefore, utensils used in cooking are kashered by boiling, those used in broiling are kashered by fire and heat, and those used only for cold food are kashered by rinsing. A. EARTHENWARE (china, pottery, etc.) may not be kashered. However, fine china which was put away clean and has not been used for over one Jewish calendar year may be used after thorough detergent and hot water washing. It is then considered pareve, and may be designated for meat or milk. B. METAL. To kasher pots, silverware, and utensils wholly of metal not used for baking, thoroughly clean the item with soap and water, then, following a strict 24 hour waiting period during which they are not used, immerse the item in water that is at a rolling boil )הגעלה hag alah). For pots and pans, clean handles thoroughly. If the handle can be removed, do so for an even more thorough cleaning. To effect (,( hag alahהגעלה the item must be completely exposed to the boiling water. Pots and pans are either immersed in a larger pot of boiling water (may be done one section at a time) or filled with water brought to a rolling boil and then a heated stone is dropped into the pot such that the boiling water overflows to cover the sides of the pot. A safer alternative might be let the water boil over the sides of the pot. In the case of silverware every part of each piece must be exposed to the water at a rolling boil. Following this process, each utensil is rinsed in cold water For metal bakeware, contact Rabbi Sacks. C. OVENS AND RANGES: Every part that comes in contact with food must be thoroughly cleaned. Then, oven and range should be heated at maximum heat for one hour; range tops until the elements turn red and glow. Then parts of the range top around the elements that can be covered should be covered (usually with aluminum foil). Self-cleaning ovens should be scrubbed and cleaned and then put through the self-cleaning cycle while empty. Following this process, the oven should be again cleaned to remove any ash. If the oven was very dirty to start, two cycles may be needed to assure a thorough cleaning. D. MICROWAVE OVENS, which do not cook the food by means of heat, should be cleaned, and then a cup of water (8 oz.) should be placed inside. Then the oven should be turned on until the water almost disappears (at least 6 oz. is gone.). A microwave oven that has a browning element cannot be kashered for Pesah. E. GLASSWARE: Authorities disagree as to the method for kashering drinking utensils. One opinion requires soaking in water for three days, changing the water every 24 hours. The other opinion requires only a thorough scrubbing before Pesah, or putting them through a dishwasher. 1. Glass Cookware: There is a difference of opinion as to whether it is to be kashered. One opinion is that it must be kashered. After a thorough cleansing, there should be water boiled in them which will overflow the rim. The other opinion is that only a thorough cleansing is required. 2. Glass Bakeware, like metal bakeware, is more complex. Contact - Rabbi Sacks is you have a concern. F. DISHWASHER: After not using the machine for a period of 24 hours, a full cycle with detergent should be run.. G. ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES: If the parts that come into contact with hametz are removable, they can be kashered in the appropriate way (if metal, follow the rules for metal utensils). If the parts are not removable, the appliance cannot be kashered. (All exposed parts should be thoroughly cleaned.) H. TABLES, CLOSETS AND COUNTERS: If used with hametz, they should be thoroughly cleaned and covered, and then they may be used. I. KITCHEN SINK: A metal sink can be kashered by thoroughly cleaning and then pouring boiling water over it. A porcelain sink should be cleaned and a sink rack used. If, however, dishes are to be soaked in a porcelain sink, a dish basin must be used. J. CHAMETZ AND NON-PASSOVER UTENSILS: Non-Passover dishes, pots and hametz whose ownership has been transferred, should be separated, locked up or covered, and marked in order to prevent accidental use.

7 7 MECHIRAT CHAMETZ: THE SELLING OF CHAMETZ One must not have any chametz (leaven) in his or her legal possession during Pesach. After doing a complete and thorough cleaning of your home, you should throw away any opened packages of chametz, thereby beginning Pesach in a chametz-free environment. Consider donating new and closed chametz items to a local food pantry. The remainder of your chametz should be stored in a place where you will not inadvertently use it. Document of Permission Sh tar Harsha'ah This sale is usually executed by appointing someone knowledgeable as your agent by completing a sh tar harsha'ah, or Document of Permission. The agent then sells your chametz by writing a sh tar m chirah, or Document of Sale. Rabbi Sacks is honored to serve as your agent for this purpose. For up-to-date information on prohibited and permitted foods, check out the Rabbinical Assembly Web site at You should sell your chametz even if you will be away for the duration of the holiday. In order to make your home fully kosher for Pesach you should: 1. Fill out the form below and mail to Rabbi Sacks so that it arrives to him by March 21, Otherwise, call him with the information by March 20, Search your home (b dikat hametz) on the evening of Sunday, March 24, 2013 (you can find details at the beginning of most haggadot. See elsewhere in this Migdalor for more of an explanation (Under Passover Lore ) 3. On Monday, March 25, 2013, remove and burn all chametz by 11:30 am (see a haggadah for the text). Your home should be completely kosher for Pesach at this time. Document of Permission I,, hereby designate Rabbi J.B. Sacks as my agent to sell all my chametz, including but not limited to any leavened food, dishes, pots, pans and utensils, which may be in my possession. I understand that the sale will be in effect before noon on Monday, March 25, 2013 until after sundown Tuesday, April 2, Name: Address: City: State: Zip Code: Signature:

8 8 PASSOVER LORE DO YOU KNOW? Rabbi J.B. Sacks NAMES OF THE FESTIVAL Chag Ha-Matzot ( Festival of the Unleavened Bread ), reflects the centrality of matzah in the celebration of Pesach. Chag Ha-Pesach ( Festival of the Paschal Lamb Offering ), recalls the offering that was brought to the Beit HaMikdash (Holy Temple) in Jerusalem in former times, even as the word Pesach (from the Hebrew, "to protect" or "to pass over") links us to the biblical account of the tenth plague when our ancestors homes were "protected" when the Angel of Death by-passed (i.e. "passed over") them. Chag He-Aviv ( Festival of the Semi-ripe Barley ; in later Hebrew this name connotes "Festival of Spring ), reminds us of the agricultural dimensions and seasonal significance of the Festival. Zeman Cheruteinu ( Season of Our Freedom ), marks the attainment of freedom from bondage by our ancestors. It is this name that is used in every Amidah (central prayer) and Birkat HaMazon (Blessing of Nourishment, or Grace after Meals) throughout Passover. MA-OT CHITTIM ("Wheat Money") Especially for Passover, care must be taken to provide for the poor, as the costs for Passover observance are greater than usual. The less fortunate, with all Jews, should be able to celebrate free of worry on the Festival of Freedom. The practice of distribution ma-ot chittim (also known as kimcha d Pischa, literally "Passover flour") was instituted so that the needs of the indigent might be met. This custom has given rise to the creation of special Passover funds in local communities. The money for selling one s chametz (see below) is generally channeled into such a fund. CHAMETZ Any product that is fermented or that can cause fermentation may not be eaten. Only five grains are considered as included in this prohibition: wheat, rye, barley, oats and spelt. Any food or drink made from one of these grains, or which contains one of these grains, even a most miniscule amount, is considered chametz. Obviously, matzah is made from one of these five grains, although careful tending has ensured that no leavening has occurred.

9 9 In addition, all utensils that came into contact with chametz may not be used during Pesach or even on the day preceding it. These and any non-pesach foods we are saving are stored where we won t see them or get into them. (The prohibition includes not seeing chametz in one s domain.) The surfaces upon which we prepare food, cook food and eat food are scoured and usually covered for the duration of the Festival. The refrigerator is likewise cleaned to remove any trace of chametz. Many utensils may be kashered for Passover, that is, they might be rendered usable for the holy day by following the traditions for doing so. Ashkenazi Jews have followed the minhag (custom) of treating rice, corn, peanuts or members of the pea family, as chametz because these products swell when cooked and so resemble a leavening process. According to the strictest application of this minhag, neither the grains nor any of the flours or oils made from them may be used. Some Ashkenazi commentators do allow the use of these products when in certain forms, such as oil. Sephardic tradition allows these products, in any form, to be eaten. No, one cannot declare oneself a Sephardic Jew for eight days a year! The Committee on Jewish Law and Standards of the Conservative Movement has ruled unanimously in separate rulings that peanuts and string beans are not members of the pea family and hence should not fall under this minhag (and are hence fully acceptable for Passover use in all forms). In addition to a prohibition on eating chametz, one cannot get any advantage from it. So, for example, Jewish bakeries often close during the week of Passover to not make money from chametz during the holy day. MECHIRAT CHAMETZ (Selling Chametz) Since one must now own any chametz during Pesach, any chametz stored is sold (to a non-jew) for the duration of Pesach and then repurchased. The transaction is technically an actual sale: People sign a document appointing the Rabbi as their legal agent for this purpose. Food that is sold must be placed out of the way and covered, along with the year-round ("chametz-dik") dishes, so that one does not encounter the chametz during Pesach itself. At the end of the holiday, the agent (the rabbi) arranges for the reversion of ownership of the now-permitted chametz. Some who do not change dishes nevertheless should consider selling their actual chametz. Those needing or desiring Rabbi Sacks help to accomplish this mitzvah should contact him by March 20, 2013 or mail the form elsewhere in this Migdalor to him so that it arrives to him by March 21, 2013 at: Rabbi J.B. Sacks, 5910 Elba Place, Woodland Hills, CA

10 10 BEDIKAT CHAMETZ/BI-UR CHAMETZ (Search for/burning of Chametz) After thoroughly cleaning one s home, a search for leaven takes place on the evening before Pesach. So as not to make this search in vain, a few crumbs or pieces of chametz are conspicuously placed, searched for by candlelight and when "found," swept onto a wooden spoon with a feather. (Obviously, it is helpful to count how many pieces of bread/candy/whatever you have conveniently placed throughout the house so that no chametz remains!) Children (of all ages) delight in this tradition. One does not have to have a wooden spoon and/or feather to conduct the search. The following morning before 10:00 a.m. or so (consult the Rabbi if more specificity is required), these last crumbs/pieces are burned (in some places, flushed or thrown in the outside garbage can). A short declaration is recited both evening and morning, which can be found in most haggadot (plural of haggadah, the seder booklet). Any other chametz found in the house is then considered to be mere dust and not food (and hence, the household is still considered to be fully kosher for Pesach for the family that worked so hard to clean. A humane remedy if there ever was one!!!) Many modern young families have now incorporated this Ritual in whole or in part as a feature of their family s preparation for Pesach even in homes which will not be traditionally kosher for Pesach. This year the first seder takes place on Monday night. Thus this year the search for chametz takes place on Sunday evening, March 24 with the burning of chametz on Monday morning. ON MATZAH and MATZAH SH MURAH ("Watched Matzah") One may eat matzah at any time during Passover (and during the year), but the mitzvah ("commandment") regarding matzah applies only to the seder on the first night and even then one only needs to eat matzah immediately following the recitation of the blessing for matzah recited as part of the seder. One finds many types of matzah. Most common is the plain square or rectangular matzah, packaged in boxes. Egg matzah, yokeless or regular, because it is not pure but an admixture, is popular, but NOT acceptable for making the special blessing of al achilat matzah during the seder ritual. Sorry, but for this purpose, regular matzah, should be used. The requirement of supervision of matzah is sh murah mish at t china,

11 "supervised from the time the grain is milled (into flour)." From that point on, it is to be stored in cool conditions and kept away from water or moisture until the time for baking it into matzah. Some have the custom, especially for seder evenings, of applying a stricter level of supervision called sh murah mish at k tzirah, "supervised from the time of reaping." The grain for this matzah is thus watched from the time it is harvested to ensure that no moisture has affected it. Such a stricture is apparently post-talmudic. Chassidim use only this matzah sh murah for all of Pesach. Most of us are not this strict; however, many of us enhance our own s darim (plural of seder) with it. Matzah sh murah usually comes in large round cakes, with a different taste and texture. It probably comes much closer to what our ancestors actually ate in haste when they were leaving Egypt. Although one can also find this matzah in the square or rectangular prepackaged format like the more common plain matzah as well, we prefer the round, handmade kind specifically to better recall the original Exodus experience. Anyone who wishes matzah sh murah should contact Rabbi Sacks before March 18, and we will obtain some for you at his cost. He will bring it to the Community Seder. If you are not joining us for the Community Seder, please make arrangements for someone to pick it up for you. TA ANIT B CHORIM (Fast of the Firstborn) Firstborn Jews fast from sunrise the day before Passover, i.e. the morning preceding the first seder according to custom. This fast, Ta anit B chorim, commemorates the miracle that the firstborn Jews were spared from the tenth plague that killed every firstborn Egyptian. While in many quarters the mitzvah applied to males only, in some places firstborn women were encouraged to fast as well, since their birth spared a life and thus contributed to the survival of our people. And although in general a female never acquires the status of firstborn in Jewish law, we in the Conservative Movement promote equality of women and men, and hence we adopt the approach that all firstborns should fast. Many who observe this fast use a Jewish legal principle pertaining to the importance of Talmud Torah (Torah study) to supersede and cut short a fast. A siyyum ("conclusion") is the study of the final lines of a body of study one is completing. Usually held immediately after shacharit (morning) services, a siyyum is followed by a se udat mitzvah, a mandatory "feast" to celebrate the completion of significant learning by someone. This brings any fast observed up to that point to an abrupt end for all who are present. 11

12 12 Many firstborn, however, choose to absent themselves from this study session because they prefer to fast not only to connect with this piece of history and tradition, but in order to heighten the taste, both gastronomic and spiritual, of the seder or, alternatively, to commemorate the three-day fast in the time of Queen Esther which took place at Passover time (and not at Purim!). This year Ta anit B chorim starts at sunrise on Monday, March 25, continues until the after sundown that evening. S FIRAT HA-OMER ("Counting of the Omer") The Torah commands us to count seven full weeks from the time we bring the omer. On the fiftieth day we are to bring an offering of new grain to the Holy One (Leviticus 23;15-16). An omer was a sheaf or a dry measure of barley from the new spring harvest that was brought to the Temple on the second day of Passover. We still count these seven weeks. The purpose of the counting, according to the Kabbalists (mystics), is to join Passover, the festival of physical redemption and emancipation, with Shavuot, the festival when the Israelites entered into the brit, the covenant with God (and receiving the Torah), making it the festival of spiritual freedom. In this understanding, the purpose of the Exodus was to get to Mount Sinai. While it is true that without Pesach, there would not have been Shavuot, it is equally clear that without the goal of Shavuot, Pesach would be divested of much of its significance. Thus the days between the two festivals are anxiously and expectantly counted, just as one awaits a close friend by counting the days until her or his arrival. Starting on the second night of Passover (Tuesday, March 26), during the second seder, until the evening of Shavuot, we count the omer by reciting a special benediction concerning the counting of the Omer and then enumerate what day of the omer period we are in. We do so using two methods: by the exact number of days (e.g. the twenty-third day) and by the number of weeks (three weeks and two days). Enumerating in both methods helps avoid any confusion. MAIMUNA Among North African and Turkish Jews, Passover is somewhat extended by celebrating the day after Pesach (evening and next day, April 2-3) as Maimuna. According to tradition it is the yahrzeit (anniversary of death) of Maimon ben Joseph, the father of Maimonides (Rabbi Moses ben Maimon or (by using the boldfaced initials) Rambam, twelfth century).

13 13 Coins, candy and grass are thrown to the children upon returning from synagogue. The coins and candy represent the wealth and food that the Israelites brought out of Egypt on their way to freedom, and the grass symbolizes the reeds of the Red Sea. (The Red Sea will again part: However, in this case someone must sweep up the grass!) The table is set with various types of good luck symbols: pitchers of milk, garlands of leaves and flowers, branches of fig tress, ears of wheat, a plate of fresh flour with a coin, a jar of honey, various greens and a fish bowl complete with (raw, fresh) fish, the latter an obvious and common symbol of fertility. The menu consists of an array of sweets, including coconut macaroons, marzipan stuffed dates and walnut pancakes known as muflita. (Since the sweets were prepared during Chol ha-moed, the intermediate days of Pesach, they are prepared with attention to the laws of Pesach food preparation.) Traditionally, Maimuna is the time for matchmaking among the young. In Israel, Maimuna takes place outdoors in a picnic-like atmosphere characterized by (what else?) much eating, drinking and singing. Exactly how this festival originated and its connection with Maimon are obscure though interestingly, Maimuna reflects an immediate transition to the agricultural themes and dairy foods of the Omer period and Shavuot respectively. NEED a PLACE for SEDER? HAVE ROOM at your SEDER? We at Am HaYam care about our members. We know that not everyone has family living nearby, and that not everyone can make Pesach or host a seder every year. We want to help. If you find yourself in need of a place to go for the First Seder, Friday, April 6, please contact Rabbi Sacks via at rabbijb@aol.com. Please let him know how many in your household, what dietary concerns (kosher and general) you have, and how traditional a seder you are hoping for this year. Rabbi Sacks will do his best to try to match you up with a Am HaYam household. You must include a phone number so that the Rabbi can call you back. If you have space at your seder for any extra persons, please Rabbi Sacks and let him know, if you can, how many person or persons you might be able to include, if your seder is kosher or not, and how traditional a seder you run. For Second Seder, please make a reservation to join your Am HaYam family for an interesting, interactive, joyous, meaningful experience on Tuesday night, March 26. Information can be found elsewhere in this Migdalor. Look forward to seeing you there.

14 14 From the Rabbi s Kitchen MOCK CHOPPED LIVER SPREAD This recipe is so geshmak (delicious). Alle meine sonim All my enemies should never get to taste this! Meanwhile, it makes about 1 cup. Depending upon how many come to the seder, I usually double, triple or quadruple the recipe. If any is left over, save in the fridge in an airtight container and spread on matzah or matzah crackers, or celery/other veggies all week long! 3 T. oil 1 c. chopped walnuts ½ lb. mushrooms, chopped Pepper & Salt, to taste 1 small onion, chopped 1 TB water 1. Saute mushrooms and onions for 8 minutes. 2. Pour into blender or food processor, adding walnuts, seasonings and water. 3. Blend until smooth. 4. I usually refrigerate this for several hours and serve chilled. SEPHARDIC CHAROSET (that Ashkenazim will love) ½ c. grated coconut ½ c. ground walnuts ¼ c. sugar 4 c. (be generous!) mixed dried fruit raisins, apricots, apples, prunes, etc.) 12-oz. jar cherry preserves 2 t. cinnamon 1/3 c. sweet wine (I use Malaga) 1. Insert metal blade processor. Combine coconut, walnuts, sugar and cinnamon with 2-3 pulses. 2. Add dried fruits and chop with 3-4 pulses, until mixture is in medium-sized pieces. 3. Place in a 4-quart pot, adding water to cover. Simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally with a wooden spoon, for approximately 1 hour. 4. When mixture begins to thicken and come together, stir in cherry preserves. Remove from heat, add wine and let cool. I usually make a double dose and use it throughout the week as a matzah spread.

15 15 GREEK CHAROSET 2 oranges, unpeeled, but remove seeds 1 c. sweet red wine 1 c. raisins 2 t. ground ginger 1 c. pitted dates 2 pinches of cayenne 1 c. cherry preserves 4 T pine nuts 1. In a food processor, chop orange coarsely (several pulses should do!). 2. Add raisins and dates and process until finely chopped. 3. Transfer to a medium-sized saucepan and stir in preserves, wine, ginger, and cayenne. Bring to a simmer. Cover and cook over lowest heat for 8-10 minutes until thick, stirring often to prevent sticking. 4. Stir in pine nuts. Makes 2 ½ cups. Make be kept in refrigerator for up to 1 week. CARROT-APPLE PUDDING 5 lage carrots, grated ¼ c. sweet Passover wine 2 medium apples, peeled, cored & grated ¼ c. packed brown sugar 1/3 c. raisins 1 t. cinnamon 3 egg whites, lightly beaten ¼ t. each: ground allspice, 2 T. oil nutmeg and ginger 1. Preheat the oven to Combine all the ingredients in a mixing bowl. Pour into an oiled 9- by 5- by 3-inch loaf pan. 3. Cover and bake for 45 minutes. 4. Uncover and bake another minutes or until the top is nicely browned and crusty. 5. Let cool. Slice and serve warm or at room temperature. Truthfully, if more of life were this easy, then life would be easier. What can I say? Nothing, other than to report that this recipe has no cholesterol, has about 3 g fat, 136 calories, 21 g. carbohydrates and 2 g protein, which if I can quote from the beginning of this recipe is not so terrible.

16 RHUBARB COMPOTE 16 This is not only a great side dish, but can also serve as a spread on matzah or a topping for other dishes!. 1 lb. rhubarb, cut into 1 pieces ½-1 c. sugar 1 lb. tart apples, peeled, cored pinch of ground cardamom (optional) and cut into 1 pieces 1/8 t. almond extract ½ pint strawberries, stemmed and left whole 1. Place the rhubarb, apples and strawberries in a large saucepan. 2. Add the sugar, cardamom (if using), and the almond extract. 3. Cover and over medium-high heat bring the fruit to a slow boil. 4. Reduce the heat to low and simmer, uncovered, for minutes or until the fruit is soft. Serve at room temperature. The dish will thicken as it cools. Makes 6-8 nservings. You can easily double this recipe. FASTER-THAN-PASTA TOMATO-FARFEL BAKE This is an easy dish for anytime during Pesach. In fact, I have brought it as the main dish for vegetarians (and vegans) at a meat seder. It can easily be doubled. 2 ½ c. crushed unsalted canned tomatoes 1 T. sugar ¼ c. chopped onion ½ t. salt 1 ½ c. matzah farfel ¼ c. oil ¼ t. pepper 1. Preheat oven to 375. Meanwhile, prepare a 1-qut baking dish with oil, butter or Passover cooking spray. 2. Combine tomoatoes, onion, salt, pepper, and sugar in a medium bowl. 3. Mix farfel and oil separately. 4. Place layer of farfel mixture in the bottom. Add a layer of tomatoes. 5. Repeat layers, ending with the farfel mixture. 6. Bake for 30 minutes or until lightly browned. Serves 6.

17 MOCHA NUT BARS 17 Kids of all ages will enjoy these. Use pareve margarine for a meat meal. Use any nuts you wish. I grind them fine, but any consistency is good. 2 oz. semi-sweet chocolate ¼ t. salt ½ c. margarine or butter 1 tsp. instant coffee 2 eggs ½ c. matzah cake meal 1 c. sugar ½ c. chopped nuts 1. Melt butter and chocolate and cool. 2. Beat eggs and sugar together. 3. Blend in salt, chocolate and butter. 4. Gradually stir in the coffer and the cake meal. 5. Turn into 2 well-greased (or sprayed) 9 square pans (or 1 13 x9 or larger pan). 6. Bake approximately minutes. 7. Cut when warm. (CHOCO-)BANANA NUT FARFEL PUDDING 2 c. matzah farfel 3 T. oil (can use margarine or butter) 2 eggs 1 large banana, sliced ½ t. salt ¼ c. walnuts, chopped 1/3 c. sugar chocolate morsels, if desire 1. Pour cold water over farfel in a colander. Drain quickly, leaving farfel moist but not soggy. Transfer to a mixing bowl. 2. Beat eggs and blend into farfel. 3. Add salt, sugar and oil. Stir well. 4. Add banana and nuts (and chocolate, if using). Mix and pour into a greased or sprayed casserole dish. 5. Bake in a moderate over (350) until brown about ½ hour. I usually double this it s delicious. I hope you do have a zissen (sweet), tasty, meaningful Passover! Chag kasher v samei-ach, Rabbi Sacks

18 18 February 1 st, 2013 To Whom It May Concern: We are a small non-profit organization (ID # ) and depend on help from outside our community as well as locally to meet our financial obligations in order to provide services to both the Jewish and non-jewish members of our community. We greatly appreciate your support that will help us to reach our goals this year. Congregation Am HaYam will be holding a Barbeque, song and dance day, informative speakers on Sunday, April 28 th for Israel Heritage Day. In conjunction with that we will be having a silent auction. A donation of your choosing that we could auction off would assist this project. Your name will be listed in our program. The Internal Revenue Code requires us to acknowledge your contribution in writing and to state that in consideration of your gift we did not provide you with any goods or services. This letter is your receipt for your donation and is an acknowledgment of the above. Please retain it for your records. Very truly yours, Brenda Rich Congregation Am HaYam 4839 Market Street Unit C Ventura, CA Tel: Web Site: Affiliated with The United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism

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25 25 CONGREGATION AM HAYAM 4839 MARKET STREET UNIT C (IN REAR) VENTURA, CA KOSHER FOOD: HOT DOGS, HAMBURGERS, VEGGIE BURGERS, COLE SLAW, BOTTLED WATER, CHIPS AND 1 RAFFLE TICKET - $12 PER PERSON CHILDREN UNDER 7 FREE SODA, COFFEE, TEA AVAILABLE VENDORS Entertainment Speaker Silent Auction and Raffle FUN FOR ENTIRE FAMILY RSVP: MAKE CHECKS PAYABLE TO CONGREGATION AM HAYAM MAIL TO: 4839 MARKET STREET UNIT C VENTURA, CA ATTENDING ADULTS CHILDREN TOTAL Event is being subsidized by Jewish Federation of Ventura County

26 26 In Memory Of IMO Sandy Lebman David Minkin Cookie & Mark Dimant, Kelly Watson Jane & Douglas Payne Len & Carole Lebman Jane & Douglas Payne Jack & Sylvia Schonfield Ann and Jack Sperber Jack & Sylvia Schonfield Felice Klein Marge & David Compton Larry & Margo Cools Dr. Ronni Sanlo Sherry & Barry Horwitz Bill & Gretchen Schmidt Arthur Zweig Bruce & Barbra Miner The Kozak Family IMO Abram Israel Kozak Earl Greinetz IMO Herman Laff and Ruth Greinetz Ruth Resnick IMO Esther Finkel Brenda & Arnie Rich IMO Esther Finkel Judy Kupperman IMO her Father, Leo Jacobs Mort & Judy Margolis IMO Max Margolis, Beatrice Margolis, Barnard Silberman Ray Mautner IMO his Father, Eugene Mautner Dawn Van Valkenburg IMO her Husband, Glen Van Valkenburg In Honor Of CAH Eva Lowe Norma Van Riper Lois Lebman for Sandy's beautiful memorial Service The Kozak Family

27 27 Rabbi J. B. Sacks, The Board of Directors and Membership of Congregation Am HaYam extend our deepest condolences to Lois Lebman and family on the passing of Sandy Lebman and Martha Zoloth and family on the passing of George Zoloth Murray Kaufman and family on the passing of Bunny Kaufman May Their Memories Be for a Blessing Congregation Am HaYam A Leaf Has Been Engraved in Honor Of Judith Deborah Massarano Daniel H. Rubinstein David Elijah Rubinstein. Simon Leo Rubinstein Jonah Gabriel Rubinstein Maya Phillipa Rubinstein Zohar Baruch Rubinstein Rivka Dahlia Weiss Yael B'ruria Weiss Menachem Yonah Weiss Betzalel Massarano Sa'adia Massarno From: Miriam Rubinstein

28 28 Tributes Judy an Mort Margolis to Jack Sperber in memory of brother Fred Myrna Winer and Jerry Cordova to Jack Sperber in memory of brother.fred Myrna Winer and Jerry Cordova to Norma Riper in memory of husband Donald. Alma Golden to Lois Lebman in memory of husband Sandy. Ann and Irv Jacobs to Lois Lebman in memory of husband Sandy. Judy and Mort Margolis to Lois Lebman in memory of husband Sandy. Ann and Jack Sperber to Lois Lebman in memory of husband Sandy Judy and Mort Margolis Eva Lowe To Lee & Milt Rothschild in Honor Of 60th Anniversary

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30 30 Tree Planted In Israel March 2013 TO LEE AND MILT ROTHSCHILD IN HONOR OF YOUR 60TH WEDDING ANNIVERSARY FROM: BRENDA AND ARNIE RICH MYRNA WINER AND JERRY CORDOVA TO: ANN SPERBER COMPLETE AND SPEEDY RECOVERY FROM BRENDA AND ARNIE RICH TO LOIS LEBMAN AND FAMILY IN LOVING MEMORY OF SANDY LEBMAN HUSBAND FATHER GRANDFATHER GREAT GRANDFATHER FROM BRENDA AND ARNIE RICH NEILL AND ARNIE FINGERHUT KENNY HALPERN MYRNA WINER AND JERRY CORDOVA TO COOKIE EICHNER AND FAMILY IN LOVING MEMORY OF BOB EICHNER BELOVED HUSBAND FATHER GRANDFATHER AND WONDERFUL FRIEND FROM BRENDA AND ARNIE RICH TO MARTHA ZOLOTH IN MEMORY OF HUSBAND GEORGE ZOLOTH FROM BRENDA AND ARNIE RICH

31 31 Thank You We want to thank Rabbi Sacks and the Am Ha Yam Congregation for helping us to celebrate our 60th Wedding Anniversary on Shabbat Yitro. The Tributes, cards, Trees in Israel and hugs were greatly appreciated. The Kiddish prepared by Elaine and Brenda was outstanding. The decorated sheet cake was a thing of beauty and tasted great. Thank You All, Lee & Milt Thank You Lois Lebman and her children would like to thank everyone for all their kind words, telephone calls, Tributes, beautiful cards, attendance at the memorial service and Memorial donations in Sandys' honor. Each and every one was very meaningful to the family and they are all very much appreciated

32 32 Get Well Seymour Barr Mort Margolis Bob Packer Dianne Ruthman Vivian Barr Milt Rothschild Murray Kaufman Jinx Gates Elaine Allen Stella Berman Sheila Myles Fred Rosen Ann Jacobs Gail Packer Mort Resnick Ann Sperber Jerry Cordova Jack Sperber Myrna Winer March Birthdays Dianne Ruthman 8 Fran Lande 11 Arnie Fingerhut 13 Rick Newberger 15 Irv Jacobs 23 Steven Karash 23 Nancy Stein 27 Ruth Resnick 31 March Anniversaries Cantor Maurice & Joanne Glick 26 If your birthday or anniversary is not acknowledged please me at beverly.rosen@verizon.net

33 YAHRZEIT 33 March 1, Albert George Kattan, Father of Fil Barton William Fingerhut, Father of Aaron Fingerhut Lila Lewis, Mother of Jinx Gates David Rosenthal, Nephew of Alma Golden Esther Sinay, Sister of Irwin Jacobs Toby Lauber, sister of Jack Katz *Bess Jacobs, Mother of Judy Kupperman Beatrice Margolis, Sister of Morton Margolis *Barnet Silberman, Father of Judy Margolis *Dean Rich, Son of Arnold & Brenda Rich, nephew of Roz & Mort Resnick Max Knell, Father of Dianne Ruthman *Sophie Seidenberg, Mother of Mark Seidenberg Tillie Treitman, Mother of Paul Treitman Sarah Goldfeder, Grandmother of Eileen Walker March 15, Etta Allen, Mother of Bob Allen Sarah Barr, Mother of Seymour E. Barr Esther Becker, Mother of Irwin Becker Emanuel Levy, Father of Arlene Bergman Florence Elis, Mother of David Ellis Rose Friedman, Mother of Harold Friedman *Morris Rosenthal, Father of Alma Golden Irwin Koster, Father of Arlene Horwitz Celia Jacobs, Mother of Irwin Jacobs Max Jacobs, Father of Irwin Jacobs *George Kunstadt, Husband of Hilda Kunstadt Celia Mautner, Mother of Raymond Mautner Sol Sabath, Father of Gail Packer *Frances Witkowsky Pierson, Mother of Muriel Posner Leonard Rothschild, Son of Lee & Milt Rothschild *Inscribed on Memorial Wall

34 March 2013 Adar/Nisan Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat EREV SHABBAT SERVICE 8:00 PM 1 2 SHABBAT SERVICE 10:00AM Candle Lighting 5:35PM Shabbat Ends 6:31PM NO MONDAYS WITH MORT Happy Birthday Dianne Ruthman Shabbat Ends 6:36PM DAYLIGHT SAVING TIME BEGINS Ritual Meeting 9:30 AM Board Meeting 10:30 AM Candle Lighting 5:41PM Happy Birthday Fran Lande NO MONDAYS WITH MORT Ways & Means Membership Meeting 4:30PM Happy Birthday Arnie Fingerhut Happy Birthday Rick Newberger EREV SHABBAT SERVICE 8:00 PM Candle Lighting 6:46PM SHABBAT SERVICE 10:00AM Shabbat Ends 7:42PM NO MONDAYS WITH MORT Candle Lighting 6:52PM Happy Birthday Irv Jacobs and Steven Karash Shabbat Ends 7:48PM NO MONDAYS WITH MORT Passover 1st night 1st Day Passover Service 10:00 AM Community Seder 6:00 Happy Birthday Nancy Stein 2nd Day Passover Service 10:00 AM 3rd Day Passover 4th Day Passover Candle Lighting 6:57PM 5th Day Passover Shabbat Ends 7:53PM 6th Day Passover 31 Happy Birthday Ruth Resnick

35 35 Rabbi J. B. Sacks phone# BOARD OF DIRECTORS PRESIDENT Brenda Rich phone# VICE-PRESIDENT TREASURER - Lois Lebman SECRETARY - Donna Gustafson WAYS & MEANS VP - MEMBERSHIP VP - RITUAL VP - Milt Rothschild Ilana Wolfson HOUSING VP - Arnie Rich IMMEDIATE PAST PRES - Brenda Rich DIRECTORS ONE YEAR Janice Aharon-Ezer Sandy Lebman DIRECTORS TWO YEARS Eva Lowe PAST PRESIDENTS Mort Resnick Arnie Fingerhut Jerry Ruthman Peter Shack Brenda Rich OUR VOLUNTEERS Kiddushim Oneg Shabbat Librarian Programming Tributes Telephone Purchasing Yahrzeits Migdalor Sunshine Webmaster Publicity Elaine Hanig Gail Packer Fil Barton Donna Gustafson Ann Jacobs Lee Rothschild Jack Sperber Bev Rosen Ann Sperber Mort Resnick