Times: Pesach starts tomorrow night, Friday 19th April. Light Shabbat and Yom Tov candles at 5:31 pm. On Saturday night, light holiday candles after 6:27 pm from a pre-existing flame. Yom Tov ends on Sunday night at 6.31pm.
For the second days, light Yom Yov candles at 5.24pm on Thursday 25th, then Shabbat and Yom Tov candles at 5.23pm on Friday 26th. Pesach ends on Saturday night at 6.23pm. Don’t forget Eruv Tavshillin.
Mincha in the CBD: Mincha today at 1.00 pm. Next week, Chol hamo’ed, mincha continues at 1.00 pm on Tuesday and Wednesday using the SMS reminder system.
Study: Special Pesach shiur on Wednesday (Chol Hamoe’ed) at about 1.15 pm after mincha.
Thought of the Week with thanks to Ezra May. The commentator Chida explains three ways to fulfil the Mitzva of telling the Exodus story.
The first is to conduct a question and answer format throughout the Seder. The Gemorah derives from the Torah’s description of Matza as “Lechem Oni” – also translated as the bread over which one answers.
The second level is to tell the story even if nobody at the Seder asks. This is from the verse “and you shall tell your son on that day.” You should tell him, even if he doesn’t ask.
The third level is even if a person is alone, he still has an obligation to speak about the Exodus. This is what Rabban Gamliel teaches. He says that one must say at least 3 statements, to fulfil the Mitzva.
The Chida adds that when introducing the fourth son, the Haggadah uses the word “and.” If you have other sons or guests that fit into the first 3 categories, pay attention to the one who doesn’t know how to ask. Explain the concept of Pesach to everyone present. To those with no knowledge or expertise, tell them the story of Pesach at their level.