The Brisbane Synagogue

Archive for April, 2021

As we prepare for Shabbat and the liberating festival of Pesach – Passover, the universal outpouring of the Jewish spirit we always witness within our own community this time of year is always so uplifting and overwhelming, as so many Jews demonstrate their willingness to participate in the Pesach Seders and traditions.

It is intriguing that, among all the Jewish festivals, Pesach seems to be the one that most deeply awakens within so many of us to identify with our Jewishness and observe the traditions. Ironically despite, and perhaps because of, the hard work involved in preparing for the Festival, and the many hands-on traditions associated with its observance. As with any aspect of life, the more we invest our time, energy and recourses into an activity or a project, the more appreciation and connection we feel towards it.

This past week has been an exhilarating one for us both, as we have been privileged to participate in the Model Seders, which were conducted by the children of our community, at Sinai College and the UBHE Cheder. It was such a nachas (Jewish pleasure) to witness and hear the children, with their parents and grandparents, singing the traditional songs together, sharing insights, and passing on the golden link of living Judaism from generation to generation.

The Pesach Seder and traditions are centered around the children and constitute one long continuous educational experience. Among the preparations for the festival, was the formal search for the Chametz – leaven, which took place last night. This is traditionally conducted with a candle, a wooden spoon and a feather, which are used as a “brush and pan” to sweep up the Chametz. These items are bundled together, along with the Chametz, found during the search this morning, so that all the items which have come into contact with the Chametz may be easily destroyed in preparation for Pesach. A famous sage once asked why we burn the candle, as it does not come into contact with the Chametz rather, it is merely used to for the search. His response is a powerful Pesach life-lesson namely, that something or someone who becomes an instrument for looking for negativity in others, also becomes Chametz, and this is a character trait which must be eliminated along with the Chametz, which represents ego and arrogance.                            

Due to the Mitzvah of eating Challah on Shabbat, we will commence the Shabbat morning service this week at 7am, in order to provide ample time for those attending the service to return home and consume the Challah prior to 9.52am. Please note that the rest of the Shabbat meals should be prepared and eaten as Pesach meals and the Challah should be carefully eaten in a manner that all residue challah and crumbs may be disposed of, ideally by flushing them down the toilet.

This Shabbat is known as Shabbat Hagadol, the “Great Shabbat”. Among the reasons for this, is to recall the great miracle that occurred prior to the exodus of Egypt. Upon hearing of the impending plague of the death of the firstborns, the Egyptian firstborns appealed to Pharaoh, and their fellow Egyptians to release the Jews and, upon Pharaoh’s refusal to acquiesce a civil war broke out, causing many the death of many of our enemies.

On Sunday evening, we commence counting the Omer, in the lead up to the Festival of Shavuot. This Mitzvah reminds us to, not only count our days, but rather to ensure that our days are accounted for and that we make the most of the time that we have been granted on earth.

We extend our warm welcome to Yeshivah students, Levi Paltiel, Mendel Dubrowski, Yosef Lesches, Levi Stern, and Berel Cyrulnik, who have come to Brisbane for Pesach to assist with leading the services and conducting the Communal Sedarim.

We extend our warmest wishes for a Shabbat Shalom and Happy and Kosher Pesach to you and your family.

Levi and Dvorah Jaffe