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Burn chametz today before 11:23am. Shabbat starts on Friday at 5:40pm and ends on Saturday at 6:37pm. The weekly Torah portion is Tzav and it’s Shabbat HaGadol. On Shabbat, finish eating chametz before 10:29am, dispose of chametz before 11:23am.
Pesach begins on Saturday night (12/4). Candle lighting after 6:37pm, then on Sunday night (13/4) light candles after 6:35pm. Yom Tov ends on Monday night (14/4) at 6:34pm.
Second Days of Pesach begin on Friday (18/4) with candle lighting at 5:31pm. Then on Saturday night (19/4) light candles after 6:27pm. Pesach ends Sunday night (20/4) at 6:26pm.
Mincha continues at 1pm at A-P GF/459 Collins on Tue-Thu using the WhatsApp group to confirm numbers.
Weekly sushi & shiur is in recess next week and resumes on Wed 23/4 at 1.10pm (after mincha) at A-P GF/459 Collins – and via zoom. Current topic: fencing law. Details here and on the WhatsApp group.
Thought of the Week with thanks to Rafi Goodman.
The weekly portion of Tzav opens with the korban olah, a sacrifice entirely burned on the altar—symbolizing complete selfless devotion. The Lubavitcher Rebbe explains that the olah reflects the soul’s deepest desire: to rise above ego and reconnect with its Divine source. This offering is burned overnight, hinting that even in moments of darkness, our inner fire—our soul’s flame—still burns.
As we prepare for Pesach, the theme of inner liberation becomes central. Just as the olah rises upward, Pesach is about elevation—leaving behind our personal Mitzrayim (lit. Egypt, but meaning limitations) and stepping into freedom.
But true freedom isn’t just about leaving something behind; it’s about rising toward purpose.
The Rebbe often taught that the spiritual work of Pesach begins now—by reigniting our inner fire and recommitting to growth. Like the olah, our journey must be wholehearted, generous, and constant.
This year, may we leave Mitzrayim with passion, purpose, and unwavering light.
Chag Kasher v’Sameach.