Olam Tikvah Pesach

B'dikat Chametz kits (searching for the chametz kits) are available at the main office.

Leave your sale of chametz forms in the envelope just outside the main office. The form must be returned to the synagogue before Monday April 18, 9:15am, 9:15am. It is customary to make a donation when arranging for the sale of chametz. Please make out your check to Olam Tikvah.

Pesach Seder Hospitality. To help facilitate opportunities for everyone to enjoy a home-based Seder, we are looking for families or individuals who have room and would like to welcome a couple more people around their Seder table. At the same time, please let us know if you would like to attend a Seder, as a family or as an individual. Please fill out the Seder Hospitality Form and return it the office by Friday, April 8, or e-mail the information to Priscilla in the office, at pcollier@olamtikvah.org. We will make the matches and call everyone involved. For questions, contact Shelly, (703) 425-1880, x105, rpalley@olamtikvah.org.

Try Quinoa! Though not technically a grain, quinoa can substitute for nearly any grain in cooking. Actually the seed of a leafy plant, quinoa's relatives include spinach, beets and Swiss chard. Due to its delicate taste and rich amounts of protein, iron, potassium and other vitamins and minerals, it is quite popular. It is also a good source of dietary fiber and is easily digested. Quinoa is an ancient crop that grows in poor soil, dry climates and even mountain altitudes. It is native to the Andes, but is also grown in South America and the Colorado Rocky Mountains. Although it can grow in arid conditions, it thrives best in well-drained soil. You should be able to find quinoa in health food stores and larger supermarkets. Purchased before the holiday, quinoa may be used on Passover.

Pesach Service Schedule

Monday, April 18, 7:00am: Service & Siyyum, First Born Breakfast; 6:00pm: Service; 7:30pm: Candles

Tuesday, April 19, 9:30am: Shacharit, followed directly by mincha with no evening service

Planning For Pesach

By Rabbi DAVID KALENDER

I don’t want you to panic, but Pesach is coming. As our physical and emotional preparations begin, let’s look at a few ways we can use our planning time.

First, consider the Seder. Was there a particular discussion connected to the theme of slavery and freedom that inspired a passionate conversation? Was there a Haggadah you once used or simply saw that made you pause and spend time reading it? Do you have a favorite song?

Second, think about the meal. Do you associate special foods with the holiday? Is it something prepared by a grandparent, an aunt or a friend? Maybe it tasted like Pesach; maybe it was memorable because it did not taste like Pesach. Either way, it stands out in your memory.

Third, think about people. Are there individuals—family or friends—who have sat around your table and added to the special nights? They may have come once, or they may be with you every year.

Fourth, what is it that extends Pesach beyond the walls of your home? What have you done to affect others in our world in the spirit of this holiday?

Please use this month leading up to Pesach to make sure you conserve and embrace those important traditions. Don’t just assume the holiday will be everything it can be without planning.

Finally, for this year, look to extend each of these categories.

Purchase a new Haggadah. You don’t need a copy for everyone, but read it before the Seder and share its ideas with others so everyone’s experience will grow.
Think of the blessings of freedom and commit some time at your Seder for a discussion (no matter how short) of how that must be enhanced in our world.
Brisket is great, but go on the web, look in a cookbook or ask a friend for a suggestion and serve a new dish at your Seder. Keep the tradition, but don’t be afraid to add to it.
Invite the cousin you haven’t seen in years and make sure the person you sit with on Shabbat morning has a place for a Seder. This is the ultimate home holiday—make sure others share it with you.
And finally, think of the bounty on our tables and the warmth in our homes. Make sure others, regardless of whether this is their holiday, enjoy those blessings as well. Donate your time and
resources in the spirit of this holiday so that others can enjoy the season.

May each of us put in the effort to make this Pesach the best one yet.

Seder Plates and More at Judaica Shop

Pesach is fast approaching and the Judaica shop is stocked with Miriam's cups, Elijah's cups, seder plates, children's gifts and more. For more information, see the Judaica Shop page.

Pesach Seder Hospitality

OT wants to help everyone enjoy a home-based seder. Let the office know if you would like to attend a seder, whether you are an individual or a family. Have room around your table for a few more people? Contact the office if you would like to welcome others to it. Please call or email Priscilla in the office at pcollier@olamtikvah.org by Friday, April 8.

Pesach Food Drive

Don’t know what to do with your chametz as you clean for Passover? We will collect unopened canned and boxed food from Friday, April 1 through Friday, April 15. There will be a box in the lobby near the Youth Wing to drop off your food.

More Pesach Information and Ideas

See the USCJ Pesach page for more information, ideas, songs, and resources related to Pesach.

Pesach

15-22 Nisan 5771 April 18-26, 2011

Pesach Guide (HTML) Pesach Guide (PDF)

Sale of Chametz Form (PDF) Seder Hospitality Form (PDF)