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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 April 2017 The Cute Song Had Gadya: What Does It Mean? We all get warm fuzzies even thinking about singing Had Gadya at the Passover seder. But where does it come from, and what does it mean? The song concerns: A single, adorable little goat that gets eaten by a cat. The cat then gets bitten by a dog. The dog then gets beaten by a stick. A fire comes and consumes the stick. Water arrives to quench the fire. An ox comes to drink the water. A ritual slaughterer arrival to slaughter the ox. The Angel of Death comes and slaughters the ox Finally, the Angel of Death comes and slaughters the Angel of Death, (the same verb slaughter is used in each of the final three stanzas). The song does not appear in any Haggadah until the end of the 16 th century. The Prague edition of 1527 is notable for not including Had Gadya (or Ehad Mi Yodei-a) in it. It actually first appears in the Prague edition of We can surmise, then, that this song was first written between those two dates, or at least it had become popular enough for its general inclusion at that time. Yitzhak Baer Levinsohn s 1837 book Effes Damim, claims that origin is the old German folk song Das Zeiglein. One variation of this song, Ein Mannlein Steht im Walde, was incorporated by Engelbert Humperdinck into his famous opera Hansel and Gretel (1893). Alternately, historian Chone Shmurek claimed a Yiddish original of the song. None of the early 15 th century versions of the song come in the context of Passover! In one, a mouse eats the goat. The cat s arrival is then more understandable. In either case, it is hard to imagine a mouse or a cat eating a goat! Such, however, is the mode of the German children s song. Indeed, most scholars feel the addition of Had Gadya was one of the songs added for the sake of retaining the interest and focus of children at the family seder. The song resembles The Farmer in the Dell, the French Alouette, and the British The House that Jack Built. When the song was incorporated into the Haggadah, some two centuries after it was written, it gained new life. As later pious readers sang the tune, they interpreted and invested the song with meaning. In doing so over time, more Hebrew was incorporated into it, so that it felt more pious and appropriate for the Seder. But what might be the interpretation of such a song? Rabbi Jonathan Eybeschutz, a famous if controversial 18 th c. scholar, saw the song as a hymn to Divine Providence. Israel (the goat) is redeemed by G!d from Egypt through Moses and Aaron (the two coins), but succumbs to a mightier empire which, in turn, is defeated by other empires, until G!d s rule of justice triumphs. Accordingly, the cat is Assyria; the dog, Babylonia; the stick, Persia; the water, continued

2 Rome; the slaughterer, the Muslims; the angel of death, the Christians. The Holy One will finally suppress all tyranny, no matter who commends it, and deliver all from oppression, reestablish the principle of justice, and bring about the era of peace for all communities. This explanation is beautiful, bringing great meaning to a seemingly simple song and great comfort to communities who suffered under unjust regimes. Nonetheless, this explanation does not hold up. If the had gadya the only goat is meant to represent the Jewish people, then we should have disappeared a long time ago, for in this song this one goat was slain by the cat. We Jews were supposed to disappear thousands of years ago. And yet, we haven t. The miracle of Jewish history is our survival. In celebrating the seder, we should ask ourselves, Are we proud of being Jewish and, if so, how do we show it? and What am I doing to help perpetuate the Jewish people? But, nu what then is the song about? One possibility is that it points to the endless chain of retribution that humans engage in, for whatever reasons. The sage Hillel (Pirkei Avot 2:7) watches a skull float downstream and comments, Because you have drowned others, others have drowned you; and in the end, those who drowned you will themselves be drowned. Chava Alberstein, the Israeli singer, recorded a version of Had Gadya, written in 1989 in response to the first intifada (Palestinian uprising). In it, she prods the listener: And why are you singing Had Gadya? Spring isn t here yet and Passover hasn t arrived. And what has changed for you, what has changed [ma hashtana] I have changed this year. For on all the nights, all the nights [sheb chol haleilot] I asked only four questions [arba kushiot], This night I have another question: 2 How long will the cycle of horror last the pursuer and the pursued the striker and the stricken When will this madness end? And what has changed for you, what has changed? She apparently struck a chord, for she received death threats, and governmentally-controlled radio stations barred the recording (yes there is censorship in Israel) until public pressure ultimately caused a lifting of the ban. Israeli film director Amos Gitai used Alberstein s Had Gadya as the book end for his movie Free Zone. The film depicts the complex relationship of three women an American, an Israeli, and a Palestinian who encounter each other in the tax-free zone between Jordan and Saudi Arabia. The movie opens with a 10-minute single shot of the Israeli-born star Natalie Portman as she cries while listening to Alberstein s Had Gadya. The song provides a fitting accompaniment to Gitai s raw depiction of the uneasy co-existence and tangled reality of the Middle East. The analysis can apply to the cycle of hate and recrimination in our own country. We, too, have had a complicated history that has included the genocide of Native American peoples; the subjugation of African-Americans; the demeaning of immigrant groups, including the Irish, the Chinese, the Jews, the Mexicans, the Muslims. Economic turndowns and economic manipulation (the 2007 recession, for example) have often brought intense waves of blaming and scapegoating in their wake. Had Gadya, then, reminds us, then, as we leave the Seder, that the Redemption we just celebrated was not merely a celebration of the past, but a motivation for us to create, with Divine help, a greater redemption, one which will end such cycles of mistrust and fear, and acts of hate and revenge. That day will be one where generosity of spirit overtakes our hearts, where compassion is commonplace, and where love prevails. Perhaps this year more of us will lead others out of our own Egypt, and jump into the waters of the Red Sea of intense feelings and multiple perspectives until we find our way forward to our own Promised Land, where we can again recreate the world on the foundation of kindness, decency, warmth, honor and respect. And may this new beginning never again have to be repeated. Kein y hi ratson May this come to be this year. Hag kasher v samei-ah, May you and yours have a healthy, sweet, meaningful, redemptive Passover holiday. Rabbi J.B. Sacks

3 Message from Brenda Rich 3 Greetings: Coming to you from Cathedral City. I m out here in the desert enjoying the beautiful warmth of the desert sun and getting much needed rest. March brought us once again the celebration of Purim. Services were well-attended and Rabbi Sacks and Fran provided lots of merriment. Of course a little alcohol helped a little bit. But besides the very enjoyable services, we once again had our Misloach Manot fund raiser. Much thanks goes to all who participated whether it was purchasing the items that went into the bags, helping to fill the bags with the items, delivering the bags where needed, making up all the letters that went into the bags and gave reasons to what they represented, printing flyers, purchasing bags for the congregation and/or individuals, it would not have been such a success without all of you. Todah Rabah. March also saw the 2 nd in our speaker series. Rebecca Costa gave a dynamic presentation on March 22 nd. Thanks you Ways and Means Vice President, Andrea Massion and all the members of your committee and volunteers who helped that evening. This successful evening was due to all of you. Our 3 rd and last speaker in this series is Ronni Sanlo. Ronnie will be speaking on Sunday, April 30 th at 2:30. Tickets in advance through Eventbrite our CAH will be $ Tickets will be $18.00 at the door. This program is geared for young adults as well as adults. Ronni will be discussing a fictional account of actual letters between her Mother, Lois Lebman and her Father, Sandy Lebman of blessed memory during WWII and the liberation of Dachau. You will not want to miss this. Tell all your friends and make this an afternoon outing. See flyer elsewhere in the Migdalor. One of the ways CAH will be celebrating Passover is with our community seder on Tuesday, April 11 th at 6 p.m. Please send in your reservations as soon as possible. What better way than to celebrate with your Am HaYam family. It will truly be an entertaining, musical and fun-filled evening. Cost is $40.00 per person. See flyer elsewhere in the Migdalor. Support Am HaYam. You will not regret it!! Coming up on May 21 st is a presentation by Fran Lande, Education Vice-President, of our Significant book club-the Six Day War. See more information elsewhere in the newsletter. Shalom, Brenda

4 4 PASSOVER LORE DO YOU KNOW? NAMES OF THE FESTIVAL Chag Ha-Matzot ( Festival of the Unleavened Bread ), reflects the centrality of matzah in the celebration of Pesach. Chag Ha-Pesah ( 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 Pesah (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") or protected 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. Z man 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. continued

5 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. 5 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 (CJLS) 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, in 2015, the CJLS published two separate Jewish legal opinions considering it permissible for Ashkenazi Jews to eating rice, corn, peanuts, et al, as our Sephardic brothers and sisters do. This is not a requirement, but a possibility. You may wish to refer to the two specific papers on this that are noted in the Rabbinical Assembly s 2017 Passover Guide, at the following link: pdf Whether one follows Sephardic or Ashkenazic tradition, one is keeping kosher for Passover. There should be no demeaning the considered, meaningful practice of someone else. For those who choose to follow the Sephardic practice, please note that there are a number of caveats that must be followed. For those who are Ashkenazic, please note that eating off the kosher-for-passover plates that have had items like corn on them do not in any way adversely affect your own keeping of Passover. In addition, Ashkenazic Jews are fully able to eat derivatives of rice, peanuts, et al, such as peanut oil, as the prohibition never affected derivatives. Please contact me with any specific questions. 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. continued

6 6 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 nowpermitted 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 Friday, April 7 or mail the form elsewhere in this Migdalor to him so that it arrives to him by Saturday, April 8 at: Rabbi J.B. Sacks, 6871 Valley Circle Blvd., Unit 2, West Hills, CA 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, April 10. Thus this year the search for chametz takes place on Sunday evening, April 9 with the burning of chametz on Monday morning. continued

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 April 8.. Otherwise, call him and give him the information, also by April Search your home (b dikat hametz) on the evening of Sunday, April 9 (you can find details at the beginning of most haggadot. See elsewhere in this Migdalor for more of an explanation (Under Passover 2017 ). 3. On Monday, April 10, remove and burn all chametz by 11:30 am (see a haggadah for the text). Your home should be completely kosher fo 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, April 10, 2017 until after sundown Tuesday, April 18, Name: Address: City: State: Zip Code: Signature:

8 8 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. "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. Nonetheless, many of us enhance our own s darim (plural of seder) with matzah sh murah. 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 April 8, 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. Some 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, April 10, continues until after sundown that evening. continued

9 9 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, April 11), 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 18-19) 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). 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. continued

10 10 ON KASHERING YOUR HOME and BUYER S GUIDE For information on koshering your kitchen and home, and for information on buying for Pesach, I invite you to cut and paste the following link into your browser: sites/default/files/public/jewish-law/holidays/pesah/pesah-guide-5777.pdf This link will take you to the site of the Conservative Movement s Rabbinical Assembly, specifically to this year s Passover Guide, approved by our Movement s Committee on Jewish Law and Standards. Of course, for all specific questions you have, please contact Rabbi Sacks.

11 11 PASSOVER 2017 From the Ritual Committee We hope the following information is useful to you. We have placed a lot more information on our website, including: The Different Names of Passover What Is Ma ot Chittim What Actually Constitutes Chametz What Is Matzah Sh murah What Is Ta anit B chorim (Fast of the Firstborn) What Is Maimuna? More Passover Recipes 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 Friday, April 7, 2017 or mail the form elsewhere in this Migdalor to him so that it arrives to him by April 8 at: Rabbi J.B. Sacks, 6871 Valley Circle Blvd., Unit 2, West Hills, CA 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) or cut-and-paste the following into your browser: 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, April 10 with the burning of chametz on Tuesday morning.

12 12 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 (Saturday, April 4), 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. ON KASHERING YOUR HOME and BUYER S GUIDE For information on koshering your kitchen and home, and for information on buying for Pesach, I invite you to cut and paste the following link into your browser: pesah-guide-5777.pdf This link will take you to the site of the Conservative Movement s Rabbinical Assembly, specifically to this year s Passover Guide, approved by our Movement s Committee on Jewish Law and Standards. Of course, for all specific questions you have, please contact Rabbi Sacks.

13 13 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. Some 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, April 10, continues until 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, April 11), 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.

14 14 From the Rabbi s Kitchen PASSOVER RECIPES: Let My People Enjoy! Apple Horseradish [Why not try to make a more interesting horseradish option!] 1 c. freshly grated horseradish Juice of 2 lemons 2 Granny Smith apple, peeled, cored and grated ½ c. minced chives Mix together and voila! [Yield: Approximately 2 ½ c. This dish can be used for either dairy or meat meals.] Brussel Sprouts and Carrots, with Almonds [A nice side dish!] ¼ c. sliced almonds 1 ½ c. julienned carrots (unpeeled) Kosher salt to taste 2 T. butter/margarine 3 c. trimmed brussels sprouts (about ¾ lb.) Black pepper to taste (consider freshly ground for the holiday) 1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees and bring both a large and a medium pot of generously salted water to a boil. 2.Spread almonds evenly on a baking sheet and toast in oven until lightly golden--about 3-5 minutes. Remove from oven and set aside. 3. Add brussels sprouts to large pot and cook until slightly tender but still crisp, about 5 minutes. Drain, and when cool enough to touch, cut them into quarters and dry well on a tea towel. Set aside. 4. Add carrots to medium pot and cook until slightly tender, about 1 minute. Drain. 5. In a large saute pan over medium-high heat melt butter. Add almonds and saute until just slightly darker, about 1 minute. 6. Increase heat to high, add brussels sprouts and carrots and cook, stirring constantly, until vegetables are warmed through and browned on the edges, about 5 minutes. 7. Season with salt and pepper. Serve. [Yield: 4 servings. For meat meals, use margarine; otherwise this dish is dairy.] Cauliflower-Apple Puree [A surprise combination!] 2 Golden Delicious apples 3 lb. cauliflower, trimmed and 2 t. Olive oil cut into large chunks Sea salt (preferably coarse), to taste 5 T. butter/margarine (more if desired) 1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. 2. Slash apples in several spots and place in a small-medium baking dish. Sprinkle oil on top. Bake until apple is very tender and wilted, minutes. Cool. 3. Cool, peel and core apple. Reserve the flesh. 4. Fill a large pot with water, seasoning generously with salt and bring to a boil. Add cauliflower and cook until very tender, 5-7 minutes. Drain and transfer to a food processor. 5. Add half the apple and the butter/margarine to the cauliflower in the food processor. Process 3-4 minutes, occasionally scraping down the sides with a spatula. (The puree should get smoother and silkier the longer it processes.) 6. Adjust seasoning, adding more apple, butter/margarine and/or salt as desired; there should be just a hint of sweetness from the apple. 7. Transfer to a serving dish and serve hot. [Yield: 8 side servings. For meat meals, use margarine; otherwise, this dish is dairy.]

15 15 Sweet-Potato Souffle [A nice dairy entree.] 3 lb. sweet potatoes ¼ t. nutmeg ⅔ c. heavy cream 4 t. brown sugar 6 egg yolks 2 t. butter (for greasing dish) 8 egg whites, beaten until stiff 1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. 2. Prick the sweet potatoes and place in a baking dish. Bake until soft, about minutes. Remove from oven, slice in half and scoop flesh into a bowl. 3. Using a wire whisk or electric mixer, whip until smooth. Measure 3 ½ c. Reserve any remaining potatoes for another use! 4. Lower oven temperature to 350 degrees. 5. In a bowl blend the sweet potatoes and cream. Add the egg yolks, nutmeg and brown sugar, mixing well. Fold in the beaten egg whites. 7. Place the mixture in a buttered 2-quart souffle or baking dish. Bake for minutes, or until a knife inserted into the center comes out clean. [Yield: 8 servings.] r the apples and place in a saucepan. Add water to cover, along with the cloves, cinnamon, lemon juice and sugar. Simmer until tender. 2. Put through a sieve or food mill. Return to boil. 3. Add the wine and milk, stirring constantly. Remove from the heat. 4. Blend the cream with the flour and stir into the soup. 5. Return the soup to a boil and simmer 5 minutes. 6. Chill. Egyptian-Matzah Confection [Do desserts get better?] For the sugar syrup: 1 ¼ c. water Few drops lemon juice 1 c. sugar 1 t. Cinnamon 1. Simmer the water, sugar and lemon for 10 minutes. 2. Add cinnamon and cool. For the Matzot (plural of Matzah): 8 sheets plain matzah 1 c. vegetable oil 3 eggs Sugar and cinnamon mixture (optional) 1. Break each matzah sheet into 6 equal pieces. If matzah crumbles, put a damp cloth on it to soften. 2. Heat oil in pan. 3. Beat eggs thoroughly. Dip matzah into eggs and fry in hot oil until golden brown. Drain on paper towels. 4. Dip hot matzot in cold syrup and sprinkle, if desired, with a mixture of sugar and cinnamon. [Yield: 48 pieces. This dessert can be served with either a dairy or meat meal.] Hag kasher v samei-ah! A delicious Passover to all! Rabbi Sacks

16 16 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, Monday, April 10, 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 (with area code) 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, April 11. Information can be found elsewhere in this Migdalor. Look forward to seeing you there.

17 17

18 18 Our 4 th Annual Mishloach Manot Program Purim is one of those special holidays where in addition to enjoying Rabbi s beautiful and fun services, new traditions can be created. This was our fourth year of members receiving mishloach manot and a CAH tradition has definitely been established. Since 2014 it has grown each year as more families participate. We hope as you open your bag each year we create a little smile and you enjoy the goodies. As with any program it doesn t just happen. We also want to thank Fil Barton, Ruth Resnick, Brenda Rich and Mark Rich for helping deliver them. Fran Lande for assembling the enclosed letters and Bev Rosen for her printing expertise. A program is only a success if it is supported and whether you bought 1 bag or sponsored the congregation, the money adds up to make this annual program a great fund raiser for CAH. These people all helped to bring in after expenses approximately $ 3,000. Ruth Atlas, Fil Barton, Bob Berman, the Bratspis Family, Sydell and Bernie Bubman, Stephen Goch, Stan Golab, Marc Goldman, Donna Gustafson, Elaine Hanig, Ann and Irv Jacobs, Alan Kirschbaum, Lois Lebman, Eva Lowe, Miriam and Darryl Mack, Judy Margolis, Andrea Massion, Myra Matlin, Judye and Rick Newberger, Roz and Mort Resnick, Ruth Resnick, Brenda and Arnie Rich, Dianna and Rick Rice, Yulma Rodarte, Bev and Fred Rosen, Lee and Milt Rothschild, Rabbi JB and Steven Karash, Esther Taxon, Norma Van Riper, Myra Winer and Jerry Cordova. On behalf of Andrea Massion our Ways and Means VP and our committee which is Brenda Rich, Fran Lande and myself we appreciate and thank all of you who participated. Love, Ruthy Resnick

19 19 Dear Congregation and Friends, Our final of three lectures is on Sunday, April 30, 2017 at 2:30 pm with Dr. Ronni Sanlo. Since Ronni will be talking about her new book, a time-traveling fictional account of the liberation of Dachau through the eyes of a teenager, we encourage ALL TEENAGERS and READERS of young adult fiction to attend. Refreshments will follow to celebrate the lecture series completion. Our speakers were engaging, amazing and powerful. Please join us for our last event with Ronni Sanlo. A flier is here in the Migdalor. Happy Pesach from the Ways and Means Committee Remember!!!!!! SCRIP = GIFT CARDS Purchasing scrip means buying gift cards!! CAH can meet all your needs: Markets; Restaurants; Dept. Stores; Entertainment; Gas Cards; Brent s Deli; Ventura Kosher Market and more Contact Brenda Rich at brenda.bashful16@gmail.com

20 20 Join activist, educator and author Dr. Ronni Sanlo when she presents the story of the story of her new book The Soldier, the Avatar and the Holocaust: WWII Germany, Jan.-May1945. Seventeen-year old computer nerd Beth timetravels back to 1945 to accompany her 19-year-old Jewish great-grandfather Sandy through the last five months of WWII. Beth discovers the reasons why young U.S. soldiers went to war and how the war affected them. She meets up with other avatars as they engage German teenage girls who suffered at the hands of every army, and she watches with intense, painful horror as Sandy and his men enter the gates of hell, Dachau concentration camp. Beth discovers both the insidiousness of hate and the power of love. Ronni will speak about her historical fiction and it is important today. When: April 30, 2017, 2:30 pm Where: Congregation Am Hayam, 4839 C Market St., Ventura, CA $15 in advance, $18 at the door. Reservations may be made in advance at brenda.bashful16@gmail.com. An Event for Adults and Teens

21 21 Tree Planted In Israel April 2017 To Charlotte Levine and Family In memory of Irwin Levine Husband, Father, Grandfather, Great Grandfather and Mensch From: Brenda and Arnie Rich Elaine Hanig To Bernice and Jack Ullom In memory of Josephine Colombana From: Kenny Halpern To Eva Lowe For your kindness From: Ruthy Resnick To: Teresa Cordova In memory of Craig Cordova From Myrna Winer To: Jerry Cordova In memory of Son, Brother, Uncle Craig Cordova From Brenda and Arnie Rich Lois Lebman To Roger Reiner Speedy recovery From Brenda and Arnie Rich

22 ADULT EDUCATION PRESENTS SIGNIFICANT BOOK CLUB On Sunday February 19, we met at the home of Brenda and Arnie Rich to discuss the book The Kidnapping of Edgardo Mortara by David L. Kertzer. It was an important discussion about the history of the Vatican and Catholcism and the Jewish community. As we explored the various historical perspectives of this important but not reported event, It was shown how this one event effected the history of the Jewish community,the Vatican and the family itself. While each entity had historical documents providing perspectives on the kidnapping and the aftermath, Kertzer created an examination of all recorded documents to give the reader a more holistic and at times, terrifying account of history leading to significant historical changes. Steven Spielberg is making a movie of this important time in history. The next book we will be reading is Six Days of War: June 1967 and the Making of the Modern Middle East by Michael Oren. This year will be the 50 th anniversary of the Six Day War so this book and discussion will be a timely topic. Oren explores the historical imporatnace of this conflict which some believe that every war or conflict in the Middle East since stems from these six days. It is an internationally acclaimed best seller that is the first account of this epoch making event. Six Days of War by Michael Oren Though it lasted for only six tense days in June, the 1967 Arab-Israeli war never really ended. Every crisis that has ripped through this region in the ensuing decades, from the Yom Kippur War of 1973 to the ongoing intifada, is a direct consequence of those six days of fighting. Michael B. Oren s magnificent Six Days of War, an internationally acclaimed bestseller, is the first comprehensive account of this epoch-making event. Writing with a novelist s command of narrative and a historian s grasp of fact and motive, Oren reconstructs both the lightning-fast action on the battlefields and the political shocks that electrified the world. Extraordinary personalities Moshe Dayan and Gamal Abdul Nasser, Lyndon Johnson and Alexei Kosygin rose and toppled from power as a result of this war; borders were redrawn; daring strategies brilliantly succeeded or disastrously failed in a matter of hours. And the balance of power changed in the Middle East and in the world. A towering work of history and an enthralling human narrative, Six Days of War is the most important book on the Middle East conflict to appear in a generation. In My Brother's Image by Eugene Pogany is the extraordinary story of Eugene Pogany's father and uncle-identical twin brothers born in Hungary of Jewish parents but raised as devout Catholic converts until the Second World War unraveled their family. In eloquent prose, Pogany portrays how the Holocaust destroyed the brothers' close childhood bond: his father, a survivor of a Nazi internment camp, denounced Christianity and returned to the Judaism of his birth, while his uncle, who found shelter in an Italian monastic community during the war, became a Catholic priest. Even after emigrating to America the brothers remained estranged, each believing the other a traitor to their family's faith. This tragic memoir is a rich, moving family portrait as well as an objective historical account of the rupture between Jews and Catholics. The discussion will take place on Sunday May 21, 2017, so all will have plenty of time to read this important and timely book. The book can be purchased at most retailers and remember Amazon Smile to benefit CAH. For questions or more information, please contact Fran Lande, Adult Education Vice President at fblande@gmail.com 22

23 23 CHAVURAH INTEREST The Membership Committee is sending you this form to discover if you have an interest in joining a Chavurah. A Chavurah is a small group of families, couples or individuals who share common interests and desires. These groups meet together, usually monthly, to study, socialize, cook, camp, or participate in any other activities. Each group sets their own schedule and plans their own activities. A Chavurah is a wonderful way to build and nurture strong friendships within our Congregation Am HaYam family extending beyond the schedule of community services and events After receiving back this questionnaire, an organizational meeting will be set to get everyone together to make further plans. Name(s) Address Phone # Name and age of other members in your household Please circle age group you prefer: Over 60 Please circle the situation that best applies to you and your family: Single Adult Adults Only Family (events with children) Other What type of events do you expect from a Chavurah (e.g. Judaic Studies; Social Activities; Sporting events; Discussion groups; Jewish cooking; Book groups; Theater groups, other Interests?) Please fill out this form and return it to: Brenda Rich; 4030 Nice Court; Oxnard, CA FORM AVAILABLE DIGITALLY AT

24 24 Mondays with Mort During the month of April there will be sessions of Mondays With Mort at CAH at 10:30 AM only on April 3rd. Everyone is welcome to attend as start the book of Leviticus (VaYikra). Question of the Month: Which prayer, recited 3 times a day was composed by a hero and a thief? 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

25 25 In Memory Of Bob Berman IMO Stella Berman Judy Kupperman IMO Leo Jacobs Judy Margolis IMO Ruth Green Judy Margolis IMO Max Margolis Borah Perlmutter IMO Clara Perlmutter Ruth Resnick IMO Esther Finkel Ruth Resnick IMO Glen VanValkenburg In Honor Of The Kozak Family IHO Rabbi s Discretionary Fund Doris Sacks IHO Brenda & Arnie Rich Tribute Cards Bob Berman IHO Mort Resnick

26 26 April Birthdays Evan Karash 7 Lois Lebman 8 Fred Rosen 18 Betty Abramson 21 April Anniversaries NO ANNIVERSARIES If your birthday or anniversary is not acknowledged please me at bfrosen@gmail.com

27 27 Food Share Collection Food Share The Good News and the BETTER News The good news is Food Share came and emptied an entire barrel of non-perishable food donated by members of CAH. The BETTER news is that the barrel is again empty, sitting in the lobby, and waiting for more of your donations! Please take a paper bag and return it full of non-perishable foodstuffs to help the one in six people of Ventura County who are food insecure. Let this be your first Mitzvah of the New Year! A Community of Caring We are a family, and sometimes our members need to know there are people who are concerned about them. If you or someone you know in the CAH family is ill, bereaved or in need of consolation, condolence or acknowledgement of a happy event, please contact Brenda Rich so she can alert our volunteers who will reach out to offer a caring voice or helping hand.

28 28 Get Well Ann Jacobs Norma Van Riper Rachel Kozak Mort Resnick Dianne Ruthman Fred Rosen Ann Sperber Herb Stein Kenny Halpern Roz Resnick Lee Rothschild Beth Morales Betty Abramson Jill Ackart Rabbi JB Sacks Evan Karash Bob Packer Sheila Myles Fran Lande Gail Packer Miriam Rubinstein Irv Jacobs Dawn Kennedy Elaine Hanig Jerry Davis Maurice Kozak Arnie Rich Nancy Stein Donna Gustafson Jerry Cordova Judith Jacobson ATTENTION ALL JEWISH WAR VETERANS MEMBERS JWV Post 602 meets in the Veterans Administration Clinic, Recreation Building 22, Plummer Street, North Hills, CA. They meet the 1st Sunday of each month, at 10:00 am and all Jewish Veterans are welcome to attend. Please join us there.

29 YAHRZEIT 29 April 7 Esther Becker, Mother of Irwin Becker Emanuel Levy, Father of Arlene Bergman Mark Dimant, Husband of Cookie Dimant Rose Friedman, Mother of Harold Friedman Celia Jacobs, Mother of Irwin Jacobs Max Jacobs, Father of Irwin Jacobs Sol Sabath, Father of Gail Packer Leonard Rothschild, Son of Lee & MiltRothschild Edward Berman, Father of Jackie Saltz Zalman Pugach, Grandfather of Leonid Skuratovsky David Wiener, Father of Norma Van Riper April 21 *Lew Fenick, Stepfather of Elaine Hanig Bertha Resnick, Mother of Ann Jacobs *Regina Sporn, Mother-In-Law of Judy Margolis Douglas Klein, Father of Lee Rothschild Bella Pugach, Grandmother of Leonid Skuratovsky Edith Fuerst, Sister of Norma Van Riper *Inscribed on Memorial Wall

30 April 2017 Nissan/Iyar 5777 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 30 1 Shabbat ends 7:56 pm Mondays With Mort 10:30 am Ways & Means Meeting 6:30 pm Light Candles 7:05 pm Services 8 p m Happy Birthday Evan Karash Services 10 am Shabbat ends 8:01 pm Happy Birthday Lois Lebman Erev Pesach Light candles 7:07 pm Finish eating Chametz before 10:48 am Sell and burn Chametz before 11:53 am NO Mondays With Mort 1st day Passover Services 10 am Community Seder 6 pm Light candles 8:04 pm 2nd day Passover Services 10 am 3rd day Passover 4th day Passover Light Candles 7:10 pm 5th day Passover Shabbat Ends 8:07 pm 6th day Passover Light Candles 7:12 pm Ritual Meeting 10 am Board Meeting 11 am th day Passover Services 10 am Light Candles 8:09 pm NO Mondays With Mort 8th day Passover Services 10 am Yizkor Service Holiday ends 8:10 pm Happy Birthday Fred Rosen Services 8 pm Light candles 7:15 pm Happy Birthday Betty Abramson Services 10 am Shabbat Ends 8:13 pm NO Mondays With Mort Light candles 7:21 pm Shabbat Ends 8:19 pm 30 Ronni Sanlo Lecture 2:30 pm

31 31 PAST PRESIDENTS Mort Resnick Arnie Fingerhut Jerry Ruthman z'l Peter Shack z'l Brenda Rich OUR VOLUNTEERS Kiddushim - Brenda Rich Oneg Shabbat -Fil Barton Librarian -- Programming Tributes Telephone Purchasing Yahrzeits Migdalor Sunshine Webmaster Publicity Donna Gustafson Lois Lebman Ruth Resnick Bev Rosen Bev Rosen Rabbi J. B. Sacks rabbijb@aol.com phone# BOARD OF DIRECTORS PRESIDENT Brenda Rich brenda.bashful16@gmail.com phone# VICE-PRESIDENT TREASURER - Lois Lebman SECRETARY - Donna Gustafson CORRESPONDING SECRETARY-Ruth Resnick WAYS & MEANS VP - Andrea Massion MEMBERSHIP VP - Miriam Mack RITUAL VP - Roz Resnick RITUAL VP Emeritus Milt Rothschild HOUSING VP - Neal Abramson IMMEDIATE PAST PRES - Brenda Rich ADULT EDUCATION VP - Fran Lande DIRECTORS Marc Goldman,, Elaine Hanig, Janice Aharon-Ezer, Rick Newberger