4 Important Questions

Tuesday, March 24, 2015

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Meditation

Cleaning Out Chametz

by Rabbi Judith Schindler

We prepare for Pesach by removing leaven from our homes. It is more than just the physical preparation of cleaning out our pantries and kitchen. It is a spiritual preparation.

Matzah and chametz are opposites. Matzah reflects humility and self-restraint, and chametz represents self-importance and pride.

God, help me to prepare for this holy celebration of freedom.

God who liberated us in the past, help me to be your partner in liberating those who are bound today.

As I remove the physical chametz from my home (or from my sight), help me to clear from my life that which separates me from others.

As I remove the crumbs from my shelves, may I remove the pride, arrogance or self-absorption that prevents me from seeing, hearing, and responding to the pain and oppression of others.

This Passover, may I show my gratitude for my own freedom by opening doors to others so that they can find freedom as well.

Quick Links

Temple Beth El

5101 Providence Road

Charlotte NC 28226

704-366-1948

www.templebethel.org

	PASSOVER AT TEMPLE BETH EL Visit our Passover page to view a complete listing of all holiday events and a link to the URJ's Passover page, which has great ideas for your seder. There's something for everyone!

Passover will be here before you know! Here are four questions to ask ourselves to be prepared.

Who is around your table and what table are you around? There is still time to invite guests to join your seder and to make reservations for one or more of TBE's seders.
- Do you have room for extra guests this Passover? We need host families to share the holiday with other TBE families, local college students and out-of-town visitors from other Reform congregations. Contact us at 704-366-1948 if you have room at your seder table.
- Join Sisterhood for a scrumptious Chocolate Seder on Sunday, March 29th.
- Join Brotherhood for a Men's Only Seder on Tuesday, March 31st.
- Join The Porch for a special 2nd night Seder designed for families with young children on Saturday, April 4th.
- Join us for a Community 2nd Night Seder on Saturday, April 4th.
- Join The Porch for the 3rd Annual Young Adult Interfaith Seder on Monday, April 6th.
- Join SPICE for the Senior Seder on Monday, April 6th.
Who is missing from our seder table and how can we best remember them?
- We remember those who perished in the Holocaust not only at our seder table but as we prepare for Yom Hashoah, Holocaust Remembrance Day. Join Brotherhood for their annual Yom Hashoah Candle Packing Project & Breakfast on Sunday, March 29th.
- Remember your loved ones at our Yizkor Service on Friday, April 10th.
What story are you telling and how are you telling it?
- Attend the Peace in the Park Vigil on Sunday, March 29th to reflect on issues of social justice in Charlotte today--Islamophobia, Global Anti-Semitism, Black Lives Matters, and LGBTQ equality.
- Look for the TBE 5775/2015 Clergy Seder Supplement coming next week to help make your seder relevant.
- Check out the URJ Passover Page for information, recipes, and activities to consider.
How should I prepare?
- As we clean our homes of chametz, reflect on the meditation to the left.
- Join us for a Passover Workshop and Recipe Exchange on Sunday, March 29th.
- While you are spring cleaning, please remember our upcoming Attic Sale on Sunday, May 3rd.

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