From: root@kesher.UUCP (Aaron_Schmiedel)
Newsgroups: soc.culture.jewish
Subject: Pesach Shiur
Keywords: CHABAD LUBAVITCH PESACH PASSOVER
Date: 13 Apr 92 23:53:02 GMT
Organization: KESHERnet International - Dallas, Tx

Sorry, folks that this is so late, but between a bad back and trying to 
catch up on two weeks of not being able to work effectively, I didn't
really have time to do this stuff eariler.  So, please forgive the tardiness
and don't beat me, call me bad names, or send flames in my general (or
specific, for that matter) direction.  I is jest a po' workin' stiff tryin'
ta balance my life between starvation and HaShem.  A kosher and freilech Pesach
to all!     THESE TIMES ARE FOR DALLAS ONLY!!! PLEASE MAKE THE PROPER ADJUSTMENT
for your area.  Tink yu!


                        YOUR PASSOVER GUIDE

              Nissan 14-22, 5752      April 17-25, 1992

*****************************************************************
  Published by Lubavitch Youth Organization, Brooklyn, New York
                Revised by Chabad of Dallas
*****************************************************************

Contents:

*  How To Prepare For Pesach

*  Shopping For Pesach

*  Sale of Chometz

*  The Pesach Calendar

*  Shmurah Matzah

*  How To Prepare For The Seder

*  The Seder Guide


HOW TO PREPARE THE HOME:

What is Chometz?

    Unique to Pesach is the eating of matzah, and the stringent
prohibition of eating or possessing chometz.

    Chometz is a general term for all food and drink made from
wheat, barley, rye, oats, spelt or their derivatives, which is
forbidden on Pesach because it is leavened.  Even a food that
contains only a trace of chometz is prohibited and must be removed
from our homes.

NOTE:  Matzah used all year round is not for Pesach use.  Only
matzahs baked especially for Pesach may be used on Pesach.

Getting Rid Of Chometz:

    Obvious chometz--both food and utensils used throughout the
year (and not koshered for Pesach)--should be stored in closets or
rooms which are not easily accessible (locked or taped shut).  This
chometz should be sold to a non-Jew, as will be explained.

    Clean the entire house thoroughly to remove all crumbs and
small pieces of food.

    Also check for chometz in the car and office (desks and
drawers, etc.), clothes, pockets (especially the children's),
pocketbooks and attache cases.  Vacuum cleaner bags should be
discarded or cleaned.

SHOPPING FOR PESACH:

    While shopping for Pesach we must be careful that the foods we
buy are not only kosher, but are also kosher-for-Pesach--that is,
chometz-free.

Starting From Scratch

    All fresh fruits and vegetables as well as kosher cuts of
meats and kosher fish are kosher for Pesach--provided they have
been prepared in accordance with Jewish law and have not come into
contact with chometz or chometz utensils.

    The prevailing custom is that on Pesach we do not eat rice,
millet, corn, mustard, buckwheat (kasha), legumes (beans, etc.), or
foods made from one of them.

Commercially Prepared Products

    Nowadays, there are many kosher-for-Pesach packaged foods
available.  However, care must be used to purchase only those
packaged foods that have **reliable Rabbinical supervision which is
valid for Pesach**.

    Obviously, all leavened foods made from wheat, barley, rye,
oats or spelt are actual chometz and are prohibited on Pesach.
Examples are bread, cake, cereal, spaghetti, beer and whiskey.

Check That Medicine Cabinet

    Many medicines, sprays and cosmetics contain chometz.
Consult a competent rabbi as to which ones may be used on Pesach.
The same applies to pet food.

HOW TO PREPARE THE KITCHEN:

    To prepare the kitchen for Pesach, we must kosher it from
chometz that has been cooked in it.

Dishes And Utensils

    Have special sets of dishes, silverware, pots, pans and other
utensils for Pesach **only**.  If necessary, certain "year-round"
utensils may be used provided they are koshered for Pesach.  To do
so, consult a rabbi.

Stove

    Thoroughly clean and scour every part of it.  Heat the oven
to the highest temperature possible for 1-2 hours.  Heat the grates
and the iron parts of the stove (and elements if electric) until
they glow red-hot.  It is suggested that the oven and stove-top
should be covered afterwards with aluminum foil.

Microwave Ovens

    Clean the oven thoroughly.  Fill a completely clean container,
that was not used for 24 hours, with water.  Turn on the microwave
and let it steam heavily.  Turn it off and wipe out the inside.  To
use the microwave during Pesach, use a flat piece of styrofoam or
any other thick object as a separation between the bottom of the
oven and the cooking dish.  When cooking, the food should be
covered on all sides.

Sink

    Meticulously clean the sink.  For 24 hours before koshering
it, do not pour hot water from chometz pots into it.  Afterwards,
boil water in a clean pot which was not used for 24 hours, and pour
it three times onto every part of the sink, including the drain
stopper.  Afterwards, line the sink.

Refrigerator, Freezer, Cupboards, Closets, Tables and Counters

    Thoroughly clean and scrub them to remove any crumbs and
residue.  Afterwards, cover those surfaces that come into contact
with hot food or utensils with a heavy covering.

Tablecloths And Napkins

    Launder without starch.

HOW TO SEARCH FOR CHOMETZ AND BURN IT:

    On the evening before Pesach, Thursday, April 16, 1992, make
a formal search of the home for chometz while holding a lit candle.
It is customary to distribute 10 small, individually wrapped
pieces of chometz throughout the home before the search.

The blessing

    Recite the following blessing before the search:

     Bo-ruch A-toh Ado-noi E-lo-hei-nu Me-lech Ho-olom A-sher Ki-
     de-sha-nu Be-mitz-vo-sov Vi-tzi-vo-nu Al Be-or Cho-metz.

     Blessed are You, L-rd our G-d, King of the universe Who has
     sanctified us with His commandments and commanded us
     concerning the removal of chometz.

The Search

     Afterwards, hold the lit candle and search for chometz in
every room, as well as any other area of the home that may have
chometz, such as the basement, attic, garage or car.

    When the search is completed, recite the following:

    "kol ha-me-rah va-cha-me-ah d'e-cah ve-r'shu-cee d'lah cha-me
     -say u-d'lah ve-ar-tay u-d'lah y'da-nah lay le-bah-tayl v'leh
     -heh-vay heph-kayr c'af-rah d'ar-ah"

    "All leaven or anything leavened which is in my possession,
     which I have neither seen or removed, and about which I am
     unaware, shall be considered nothing and ownerless as the dust
     of the earth."

    Then, take all the chometz that was found in the search, cover
it securely and place it in a conspicuous spot, to be burned in the
morning.  Food intended to be sold or eaten later should similarly
be carefully put aside.  The search should also be conducted in
one's place of business.

Burning The Chometz

    On the morning before Pesach, Friday, April 17, burn the
chometz that was found during the search, or that was left over
from breakfast and not stored with the chometz which will be sold
to the non-Jew.  See the Pesach Calendar for the deadline for
burning it.

    After the chometz has been thrown into the fire, recite the
following:

     "kol ha-me-rah va-cha-me-ah d'e-cah ve-r'shu-cee dah-cha-zee
     -tay u-d'lah cha-zee-tay da-cha-me-tay u-d'lah cha-me-tay
     d've-ar-tay u-d'lah ve-ahr-tay le-bah-tayl v'leh-heh-vay heph
     -kayr c'af-rah d'ar-ah"

    "All leaven or anything leavened which is in my possession,
     which I have seen it or not, whether I have observed it or not
     whether I have removed it or not  shall be considered nothing
     and ownerless as the dust of the earth."


THE EIGHT DAYS OF PESACH:

The Morning Before Pesach

    On Friday, April 17, 1992, chometz may be eaten only in the
early hours of the morning, until the time indicated on the Pesach
Calendar.  After that time only foods which are kosher for Pesach
may be eaten.  However, we do not eat matzah until the Seder.

Fast of The First-Born

    It has, however, been a custom for many centuries that this
fast day is broken by a festive meal in celebration of the
conclusion of the study of a book of the Talmud.  This usually
takes place in the synagogue.  Contact your synagogue for the exact
time.


[From "Laws And Customs Of Pesach According To The Traditions Of
Chabad," compiled by Rabbi Shmuel Hurwitz, 5749.

    Shabbos Hagodol

[1.  The Shabbos before Pesach is called Shabbos Hagodol ("the
Great Shabbos") because a great miracle happened on that Shabbos.
The Jews in Egypt were commanded to sacrifice the "korban Pesach."
On the tenth of Nissan, which was then Shabbos, they took the lamb
they were going to use for a sacrifice.  When the Egyptian first-
born saw this, they asked the Jews why they were doing so.  The
Jews answered:  "This is a 'korban Pesach' for G-d who is going to
kill the Egyptian firstborn."  The firstborn went to their parents
and Pharaoh, and begged them to release the Jews in Egypt.  When
they refused, the firstborn fought a war with them, and killed many
of them.  This is the meaning of the verse: "Who struck Egypt
through its firstborn ..." i.e., G-d struck the Egyptian through
their own firstborn.  This Shabbos was therefore designated as
remembrance of this miracle, and is called "Shabbos Hagodol."

[2.  When "Shabbos Hagodol" is on Erev Pesach the "Haftorah" read
is "V'orvoh."  But if "Shabbos Hagodol" falls on one of the
previous days, we read the "Haftorah" of that week's Torah portion.

[3.  On "Shabbos Hagodol" (if it is not the day before Pesach), it
is customary for the Rabbi to teach his community the laws of
Pesach, showing them the ways of G-d and instructing them what they
should do.

[4.  At "minchah" on "Shabbos Hagodol" we recite in the Haggadah
from "avodim hoyinu" until "lechaper al kol avonoseinu," because
the redemption and miracles began on that Shabbos.]

Seder Preparation

    Before sunset, prepare the chicken neck, horseradish and
charoset for both Seder nights.

    For the second Seder, set the table and prepare the meal
*after* the first day of Yom Tov ends.  See the Pesach Calendar for
the exact time.

    We do not eat any kind of roasted meat on either Seder night.

Eurv Tavshillin

    Ordinarily, we are permitted on Yom Tov to prepare only the
foods necessary for that same day.  This year, however, the seventh
day of Yom Tov falls on Friday, and the Shabbat meals must, as
always, be prepared before Shabbat.  Therefore, special action is
required so that we may prepare the Shabbat meals on Friday.  The
Eruv Tavshillin ceremony, performed on Thursday, April 23, before
sundown, renders this permissible.


[From "Laws And Customs Of Pesach According To The Traditions Of
Chabad," compiled by Rabbi Shmuel Hurwitz, 5749.

    [Eiruv Tavshillin

[1.  Our Sages decreed that when "Yom-Tov" falls on Friday, we
should not cook on "Yom-Tov" for Shabbos (for we may not prepare
anything on "Yom-Tov" for the sake of Shabbos)--except when we have
"placed" an "eiruv tavshillin" on "erev Yom-Tov."  The "eiruv
tavshillin" shows that we have already begun to cook for Shabbos on
"erev Yom-Tov," and the cooking on "Yom-Tov" only means that we are
finishing the cooking of "erev Yom-Tov."

[2.  The mitzvah of "placing" an "eiruv tavshillin" is performed in
this way:

    [We take an amount of matzoh equivalent to the weight of an
egg, and a cooked dish weighing a "kezayis" (note that we should
take a "prize" dish, such as meat or fish).  Holding the "eiruv"
(the matzoh with the cooked dish), we recite the following
"b'rochoh":

    [Blessed are You, L-rd our G-d, King of the universe, who has
    sanctified us with His commandments, and commanded us
    concerning the Mitzvah of "Eiruv."

    [Then say:

    [Through this it shall be permissible for us to bake, to cook,
    to put away (a dish to preserve its heat), to kindle a light
    and to prepare and do on the Festival all that is necessary for
    Shabbos--for us and all Israelites who dwell in the city.

    [The "eiruv" must remain intact until we have finished all the
cooking and baking for Shabbos.

[3.  One who wishes to give others a share in one's "eiruv" places
the "eiruv" (i.e., the matzoh and cooked dish) into the hand of
another Jew, through whom one gives others a share, and one says:

    [I hereby grant a share in this "eiruv" to anyone who wishes to
    participate in it and to depend upon it.

    [The one who is granted a share takes the "eiruv" in his hand
and raises it one fist-breadth.  The one making the "eiruv" takes
it back and says the blessing and statement:

    [Blessed are You, L-rd our G-d, King of the universe, who has
    sanctified us with His commandments, and commanded us
    concerning the Mitzvah of "Eiruv."

    [Then say:

    [Through this it shall be permissible for us to bake, to cook,
    to put away (a dish to preserve its heat), to kindle a light
    and to prepare and do on the Festival all that is necessary for
    Shabbos--for us and all Israelites who dwell in the city.

[4.  It is customary to use a whole matzoh for the "eiruv," and to
use it to make the "hamotzi" blessing at one of the Shabbos meals
(since something used for one mitzvah should be used for another
mitzvah).  Some are accustomed to use the matzoh for "lechem
mishneh" (literally: "double bread"--the two loaves of matzoh (or
challah) over which "hamotzi" is said on Shabbos and "Yom-Tov") at
the first two Shabbos meals and to recite the blessing "hamotzi"
over it at "sholosh seudos" (the third meal of Shabbos).

[5.  If one forgot to make an "eiruv" on "erev Yom-Tov" one can
still make it "beyn hashmoshes" (time period between sunset and
nightfall).

[6.  If "Yom-Tov" fell on Thursday and Friday, and one reminded
himself on Thursday that he had not yet made an "eiruv," he may
still make a "conditional eiruv."  In other words, after saying
the blessing "concerning the mitzvah of eiruv," he says:  "If today
is Yom-Tov" (according to the Torah itself), "then tomorrow is a
weekday and I do not need an eiruv at all.  And if today is a
weekday and tomorrow is Yom-Tov, then through this it shall be
permitted for us to bake, cook ..."  continuing as above (paragraph
2).

[7.  If one forgot even then to make the "eiruv," he should consult
a rabbi.

[8.  Permission to cook on "Yom-Tov" for Shabbos through making an
"eiruv" is conditional.  All the foods cooked for Shabbos should be
ready to eat early enough before Shabbos so that if a guest were to
come late in the afternoon he would have enough time to eat of
these foods before sunset.  If the foods are ready only close to
sunset, the "eiruv" is of absolutely no use.

[9.  The "cholent" which is prepared on "Yom-Tov" for Shabbos must
also be cooked while it is still day.]

Nissan 22--The Last Day of Pesach

    On the last day of Pesach the Haftorah (section from the
Prophets read after the Torah reading) is the famous prophecy of
Isaiah (10:32-12:6) describing the final redemption of the Jewish
people through the Moshiach (Messiah).  The Moshiach will bring
about the return of his people to their heritage, rebuild the Holy Temple in
Jerusalem and ultimately usher in an era of G-dly
enlightenment--an eternal age of peace and harmony among all the
nations of the world.

    Isaiah states:  "They shall do no evil nor shall they destroy
... for the earth will be full of the knowledge of G-d ... You will
say on that day:  Praise G-d, proclaim His name ... for G-d has
done wonderous things."

    The Baal Shem Tov, founder of Chassidus, instituted the custom
of eating on the last day of Pesach a special third meal, complete
with matzah and wine, called the "Meal of Moshiach."  On that day,
he said, one can feel the approach of Moshiach.

    The relevance of Isaiah's prophecy and of the Baal Shem Tov's
"Meal of Moshiach" to our times is self-evident.

The Concluding Days of Pesach

    Pesach is 8 days long.  The last two days of Pesach are also
Yom Tov.  Pesach does not end until the evening of Saturday, April
25.  The actual time is indicated on the Pesach Calendar.  **Until
that time no chometz should be bought or eaten.**


THE SEDER GUIDE:

    The first two nights of Pesach, we conduct a Seder--a festive
yet solemn event.  At a table royally set with our best crystal and
silver and the finest of kosher wines, we reenact the Exodus from
Egypt in ancient times.  We also pray for the forthcoming redemp-
tion speedily in our days.

In The Footsteps Of Our Forefathers

    At the Seder, each person considers himself as if he were
going out of Egypt.  We begin with our ancestors, Abraham, Isaac
and Jacob; we are with our people as they descend into exile, and
suffer cruel oppression and persecution.  We are with them when G-d
sends the 10 plagues to punish Pharaoh and his nation, with them
as they leave Egypt, and with them at the crossing of the Sea of
Reeds.  And we witness the miraculous hand of G-d as the waters
part, allowing the Israelites to pass, and then return, thundering
over the Egyptian legions.

Matzah, The "Food Of Faith"

    We left Egypt in such haste that there was no time to wait
for the dough to rise, and we ate matzah, unleavened bread.  With
only this unleavened food our ancestors faithfully relied on the
Alm-ghty to provide sustenance for our entire nation of men, women
and children.  Each year to remember this, we eat matzah the first
two nights of Pesach to fulfill the commandment of "Matzahs shall
you eat ..."

The Humblest of Food

    The matzah itself symbolizes faith.  For in contrast to
leavened food, the matzah is not "enriched" with oil, honey, etc.
It is rather simple flour and water, which is not allowed to rise.
Similarly, the only "ingredients" for faith are humility and
submission to G-d, which comes from the realization of our
"nothingness" and "intellectual poverty" in the face of the
infinite wisdom of the creator.

THE PESACH CALENDAR 5752 - 1992

Times shown are for Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex:

DATE                    ACTIVITY                TIME

April 16   Formal search for chometz........after 8:30 p.m.
April 17   Fast of First-born ..............6:30 a.m.
           **Stop eating chometz**..........before 10:51 a.m.
           **Burn leftover chometz**........before 11:56 a.m.
           **No more eating chometz**.......before 11:56 a.m.
           Light Shabbat & Yom Tov candles*
           Say blessings # 1 & 3............at 7:39 p.m.
           Start the Seder.  Eat at
           least 1 oz. of matzah within
           4 minutes........................after 8:16 p.m.
April 18   Light Yom Tov candles.**
           Say blessing 2 & 3. Start the
           Seder. Eat the matzah again......after 8:45 p.m.
April 23   Make an Eruv Tavshillin..........before 7:42 p.m.
           Light Yom Tov candles***
           Say blessing # 2.................at 7:44 p.m.

April 24   Light Shabbat and Yom Tov
           candles****
           Say blessing # 1.................at 7:45 p.m.
April 25   Yizkor memorial prayers.
           Pesach ends......................after 8:45 p.m.
           **Wait one hour before eating chometz** to allow time
           for the rabbi to buy it back for you.

*    Do not light after sunset.
**   Do not light before the time indicated.
     Light only from a preexisting flame.
***  If lighting after sunset, light only from a preexisting flame.
**** Do not light after sunset; and light only from a preexisting
     flame.

PESACH CANDLE LIGHTING BLESSINGS

1    Bo-ruch A-toh Ado-noi E-lo-hei-nu Me-lech Ho-olom A-sher Ki-
     de-sha-nu Be-mitz-vo-sov Vi-tzi-vo-nu Le-had-lik Ner Shel Sha-
     bos V'shel Yom Tov.

2.   Bo-ruch A-toh Ado-noi E-lo-hei-nu Me-lech Ho-olom A-sher Ki-
     de-sha-nu Be-mitz-vo-sov Vi-tzi-vo-nu Le-had-lik Ner Shel Yom
     Tov.

3.   Bo-ruch A-toh Ado-noi E-lo-hei-nu Me-lech Ho-olom She-heh-che-
     yoh-nu Vi-ki-ye-mo-nu Ve-he-ge-o-nu Liz-man Ha-zeh.

HOW TO SELL THE CHOMETZ:

    Since it is prohibited to possess chometz on Pesach, we need
to sell to a non-Jew all chometz that will not be eaten or burned
before Pesach and all chometz utensils that will not be thoroughly
cleaned by then.  These are stored away in closets or rooms while
preparing for Pesach.  Now we lock or tape shut the closets or
rooms, and they are leased to the non-Jew at the time of sale.

    Since there are many legal intricacies in this sale, only a
competent rabbi should be entrusted with its execution.  The rabbi
acts as our agent both to sell the chometz to the non-Jew on the
morning before Pesach starts and also to buy it back the evening
after Pesach ends.

[From "Laws And Customs Of Pesach According To The Traditions Of
Chabad," compiled by Rabbi Shmuel Hurwitz, 5749.
******************************************************************
To avoid having Chometz in your possession during Passover, please
fill out this "Mechiris Chometz" form and give it to a competent
Rabbi.

                       DELEGATION OF POWER
                       FOR SALE OF CHOMETZ

    KNOW YE that I [we],* the undersigned, fully empower and permit
Rabbi ____________________ to act in my place and stead, and in my
behalf to sell all chometz possessed by me (knowingly or unknow-
ingly) as defined by the Torah and Rabbinic Law (e.g., chometz,
possible chometz, and all kinds of chometz mixtures).  Also chometz
that tends to harden and to adhere to inside surfaces of pans, pots
or cooking and usable utensils.  And to lease all places wherein
the chometz owned by me may be found, especially in the premises
located at________________________________________________________
and elsewhere.

    Rabbi __________________ has the full right to sell and to
lease by transactions as he deems fit and proper and for such time
which he believes necessary in accordance with all detailed terms
and detailed forms as explained in the general authorization
contract which have been given this year to Rabbi _________________
full power and authority to appoint a substitute in his stead with
full power to sell and to lease as provided therein.  The above
given power is in conformity with all Torah, Rabbinical regulations
and laws, and also in accordance with laws of the State of
_______________________ and of the United States, or in accordance
with the laws of _____________________.  And to this I hereby affix
my signature on the ______________ day of Nissan in the year _____.

Signature: ___________________________________________

**Please Print**

Name________________________________________________

Address_____________________________________________

City/State/Zip (City/Country)_______________________]

*  Husband and Wife, specify names.  Must be signed by head of
   household and preferably by all parties.
*****************************************************************

SHMURAH MATZAH:

    "Shmurah" means "watched," and is an apt description of the
matzah (unleavened bread).  The wheat used is carefully watched
(protected) against any contact with water from the moment of
harvest, since water would cause leavening, and thus disqualify the
wheat for use on Pesach.

    These matzahs are round in form, kneaded and shaped by hand,
similar to the matzahs baked by the Children of Israel on their way
out of Egypt.  They are baked under strict supervision to avoid any
possibility of leavening during the baking process. Shmurah matzah
should be used on each of the two Seder nights for the three
matzahs of the Seder plate.

HOW TO PREPARE FOR THE SEDER:

    The Pesach Seder is not just to be observed symbolically.
Each of its physical "acts" has great significance and should be
fulfilled properly to make the Seder a meaningful and truly
spiritual experience.

The Main Mitzvot

    The main mitzvot (commandments) of the Seder are:

     1.  To eat matzah.
     2.  To tell the story of the Exodus (the reciting of the main
parts of the Haggadah).
    3.  To drink four cups of wine.
     4.  To eat "morror" -- bitter herbs.
     5.  To recite "Hallel" -- praise to G-d (found towards the end
of the Haggadah).

The Matzah

    On each of the two Seder nights Shmurah matzah should be used.

    Matzah is eaten three times during the Seder.

    1.  After telling the story of the Exodus--"Motzie Matzah"--
two ounces of matzah are eaten.
     2.  For the "sandwich"--"korech"--one ounce of matzah is
eaten.
     3.  As the "Afikomen" at the end of the meal--"Tzofun"--1-1/2
ounces of matzah are eaten.

    In each instance, the matzah should be eaten within 4 minutes.

    How much is one ounce of matzah?

    Half a piece of Shmurah matzah is generally one ounce.

    If other matzahs are used, the weight of the box of matzahs
divided by the number of pieces shows how much matzah equals one
ounce.

The Wine

    For each of the four cups at the Seder it is preferable to use
undiluted wine only.  However, if needed, the wine may be diluted
with grape juice.  Of course, someone who can not drink wine may
use straight grape juice.

    One drinks a cup of wine four times during the Seder:

    1.  At the conclusion of "kiddush."
    2.  After telling the story of the Exodus from Egypt, before
eating the matzah of "Motzie Matzah."
    3.  At the conclusion of the Grace After Meals.
     4.  After reciting the "Hallel."

    It is preferable to drink the entire cup each time.  However,
it is sufficient to drink just the majority of each cup.

    How large a cup should be used?  One containing at least 3-1/2
fluid ounces.

The Morror

    The morror is eaten by itself after the matzah, and then
together with the matzah in the "sandwich."

    How much morror should be eaten?  3/4 ounce.

    Any of three different types of morror may be used at the Seder,
individually or in combination:

    1.  Peeled and grated raw horseradish.  3/4 ounce has a
volume of 1 fluid ounce.
     2.  Romaine lettuce.  It is suggested that the **stalks**
rather than the leafy parts be used because of the difficulty in
properly examining and ridding the leafy parts of commonly present
very small insects.  3/4 ounce of stalks cover an area of 3" by 5".
    3.  **Belgium** endive.  It is very easy to check the endive
for insects; hence its advantage over the Romaine lettuce.  (The
Belgium endive is grown in the ground.  In many other areas endive
is grown in water, not in the ground, and therefore not suitable
for the Seder.)  3/4 ounce of endive leaves cover an area of 11" by
12".


HOW TO PREPARE THE SEDER PLATE:

The "K'ahrah"--The Seder Plate

    Three matzahs are placed on the table, one on top of the
other.  They are symbolic of the three types of Jews:  "Kohen, Levi
and Yisroel."  They also commemorate the three measures of fine
flour which Avraham told Sarah to bake into matzahs when the three
angels visited them.  And when we later break the middle matzah, we
are still left with two whole loaves for "lechem mishne," as on all
Sabbaths and Festivals.

    On a cloth spread over the three matzahs, or on a plate, the
following items are placed:

    BAYTZAH--Hard-boiled Egg
     KARPAS--Cooked Potato or Raw Onion
     CHAHZERET--Horseradish, Endive and/or Romaine Lettuce Stalks
     Z'ROAH--Roasted Chicken Neck
     MORROR--Horseradish, Endive and/or Romaine Lettuce Stalks
     CHAROSET--Apple, Pear, Nut and Wine Mixture

     1.  "Baytzah"--the hard-boiled egg.  It is symbolic of the
festival sacrifice brought at the Holy Temple, in addition to the
pascal lamb.

    2.  "Karpas"--the cooked potato or raw onion.

     3.  "Chahzeret"--more bitter herbs.  Used as morror in the
"sandwich" later in the Seder.

    4.  "Z'roah"--the roasted chicken neck.  (Preparation:  remove
most of the meat from the neck of a chicken and roast it on all
sides.)  It is symbolic of the pascal sacrifice brought at the Holy
Temple in Jerusalem on the afternoon of Pesach.

    5.  "Morror"--bitter herbs.  (Preparation: peel and grate raw
horseradish, and/or separate the leaves of endive.)  It is symbolic
of the bitter suffering of the Jews in Egypt.

    6.  "Charoset"--the mixture of chopped apples, pears, walnuts
and a small amount of wine (red, if possible).  The mixture
resembles mortar, symbolic of the mortar used by the Israelites to
make bricks while enslaved in Egypt.

THE ORDER OF THE SEDER SERVICE:

General Note:  Whenever we eat or drink during one of the "acts" of
the Seder, the leader of the Seder, should give to each person
present the required amount(s) of wine, matzah or bitter herbs.

Kadesh--The Benediction

    The Seder service begins with the recitation of Kiddush,
proclaiming the holiness of the holiday.  This is done over a cup
of wine, and on this evening it is the first of four cups which we
all drink, reclining at the Seder.

The Four Cups Of Wine

    Two of the explanations of the four cups:

    Four expressions of "freedom" or "deliverance" are mentioned
in the Torah in connection with our liberation from Egypt (Ex. 6:6,
7).  The Children of Israel, even while in Egyptian exile, had four
great merits:  (1) they did not change their Hebrew names; (2) they
did not change their Hebrew language; (3) they remained highly
moral; and (4) they remained loyal to one another.

    Wine is used because it is a symbol of joy and happiness.

Why We Recline

    When drinking the four cups, as during most of the "acts" of
the Seder, we lean on our left side to accentuate the fact that we
are free people.  In ancient times only free people were allowed to
recline while eating.

Ur'chatz--Purification

    We wash our hands in the usual prescribed manner of washing
before a meal, but without the customary blessing.

    The next step in the Seder, Karpas, requires dipping food into
water.  Such an act calls for purification of the hands by washing,
beforehand.  This observance is one of the first acts designed to
arouse the child's curiosity.

Karpas--the "Appetizer"

    A small piece of onion or boiled potato is dipped into salt
water and eaten.  Before eating, the blessing over vegetables is
recited.

    The dipping of this "appetizer" in salt water is an act of
pleasure and freedom which further arouses the curiosity of the
child.

    The four-letter Hebrew word "karpas" when read backwards
connotes that 600,000 Jews in Egypt (the Hebrew letter "samech" =
60, times 10,000) were forced to perform back-breaking labor (the
other three Hebrew letters spell "perech"--hard work).

    The salt water represents the tears of our ancestors in
Egypt.

THE ORDER OF THE SEDER SERVICE:

Yachatz--Breaking The Matzah

    The middle matzah of the three placed on the Seder plate is
broken in two.  The large part is put aside for use later as the
"Afikomen."  This unusual action not only attracts the child's
special attention once again, but also recalls G-d's breaking the
Sea of Reeds asunder, to make a path for the Children of Israel to
cross on dry land.  The smaller part of the middle matzah is
returned to the Seder plate.  This "broken" middle matzah
symbolizes humility and will be eaten later as the "bread of
poverty."

Maggid--The Haggadah

    At this point the poor are invited to join the Seder; the
Seder tray is moved aside; a second cup of wine is poured; and the
child by now bursting with curiosity, asks the time-honored
question:  "Mah nish-tah-na hah-lailo ha-zeh me-kol hah-leilot?"--
Why is this night different from all other nights?"  Why only
matzah?  Why the dipping?  Why the bitter herbs?  Why are we
relaxing, leaning on cushions, as if we were kings?

    The child's questioning triggers one of the most significant
mitzvot of Pesach, and the highlight of the Seder ceremony: the
Haggadah, the telling of the story of the exodus from Egypt.  The
answer includes a brief history, a description of the suffering
imposed upon the Israelites, a listing of the plagues visited upon
the Egyptians, and an enumeration of the miracles performed by the
Alm-ghty for the formation and redemption of His people.

Motzie Matzah--Eating Matzah

    Taking hold of the three matzahs, the broken one between the
two whole ones, recite the customary blessing before bread.  Then,
letting the bottom matzah drop back on the plate, and holding the
top whole matzah with the broken middle one, recite the special
blessing "Al Ah-che-las Matzah."

    Then break at least two ounces from each matzah and eat the
two pieces together, reclining.

Morror--The Bitter Herbs
    Take at least 3/4 ounce of the bitter herbs.  Dip it in the
charoset, then shake the latter off and make the blessing "Al Ah-
chelas Moror."  Eat without reclining.

Korech--The "Sandwich"

    In keeping with the custom instituted by Hillel, a great
Talmudic rabbi, a sandwich of matzah and morror is eaten.

    Break off two pieces of the bottom matzah which together are
at least one ounce.  Again take at least 3/4 ounce of bitter herbs
and dip them in charoset.  Place them between the two pieces of
matzah, say:  "Kein ah-saw Hillel ..." and eat the "sandwich"
reclining.

Shulchan Oreich--The Feast

    The holiday meal is now served.  We begin the meal with a
hard-boiled egg dipped into salt water.

    A rabbi was once asked why Jews eat eggs on Pesach.  "Because
eggs symbolize the Jew," the rabbi answered.  "The more an egg is
burned and boiled, the harder it gets."

    Note:  The chicken neck is not eaten at the Seder.

Tzofun--Out Of Hiding

    After the meal, the half matzah which had been "hidden"--set
aside for the "Afikomen'--"dessert," is taken out and eaten.  It
symbolizes the pascal lamb which was eaten at the end of the
meal.

    Everyone should eat at least 1-1/2 ounce of matzah, reclining,
before midnight.  After the "afikomen," we do not eat or drink
anything except for the two remaining cups of wine.

Bairach--Blessing After The Meal

    A third cup of wine is filled and grace is recited.  After
grace we recite the blessing on wine and drink the third cup while
reclining.

    Now we fill the cup of Elijah and our own cups with wine.  We
open the door and recite the passage which symbolizes an invita-
tion to the Prophet Elijah, who is the harbinger of the coming of
Moshiach, our righteous Messiah.

Hallel--Songs of Praise

    At this point, having recognized the Alm-ghty, and His unique
guidance of His people Israel, we go still further and turn to sing
His praises as L-rd of the entire Universe.

    After reciting the "Hallel," we again recite the blessing for
wine and drink the fourth cup, reclining.

Nirtzoh--Acceptance

    Having carried out the Seder service properly, we are sure
that it has been well received by the Alm-ghty.  Then we say:
"Leh-shah-na Hah-bah-ah Be-ru-sha-law-yim"--"Next year in
Jerusalem!"

*****************************************************************

                  BE OUR GUEST ON PESACH NIGHT

If You Would Like To Attend A Traditional Family Or Communal Seder,
Please call Lubavitch Youth Organization at (718) 953-1000

               For more information, call or write:
                  Lubavitch Youth Organization
                      770 Eastern Parkway
                    Brooklyn, New York 11213
                        (718) 953-1000



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| Aaron D. Schmiedel                     |                                    |
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