By Rabbi Joshua Dorsch
SAN DIEGO –This Shabbat is referred to across the Jewish world as Shabbat HaChodesh, the Shabbat of “the month.” We will be welcoming the Hebrew month of Nisan, and officially begin preparing ourselves to celebrate Passover.
There are many different ways that we prepare ourselves. For some of us, it involves deep cleaning our kitchens and our homes, vacuuming our cars, and trying to get rid of every last crumb of “chametz” (leavened bread products) from our lives, and making room for matzah and macaroons. Others of us might be contemplating some of the themes of the holiday, like freedom, and looking at the many different marginalized people still waiting for their exodus, or thinking about the metaphorical “chametz” of which we want to rid ourselves.
However and whatever it is that we do to prepare ourselves to celebrate Passover; it is my strong belief that in order for our celebration of the holiday to be meaningful, we need to be intentional with our preparation. Passover doesn’t just happen on its own. Facilitating and creating a worthwhile and impactful experience takes work and planning.
That’s why beginning with his Shabbat HaChodesh, there are lots of opportunities over the next two weeks at my synagogue, Tifereth Israel, to help us get ourselves ready, for Passover. Whether it’s the upcoming Midrash Shabbat where we will discuss the many different Passovers in our time, the Passover Haggadah Comic Book workshop, the Torah School Model Seder or our Preschool Passover Performance, there is something for everyone. Over the next two Shabbats, I will also be teaching about traditions, and providing materials and resources for congregants to take home to share with their families and around their Seder Table.
It is my hope that over the next few weeks, we can help one another prepare for the upcoming holiday, in a way in which we can all connect to and relish in the beauty that is Passover, and the many ways that celebrating the holiday can enrich our lives.
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Rabbi Dorsch is spiritual leader of Tifereth Israel Synagogue in San Diego. He may be contacted via joshua.dorsch@sdjewishworld.com