 Ask the RabbiMoses led the Jewish People out of Egypt, so why isn't his name ever mentioned during the Passover story? "Ten are the Commandments that Moses brought, nine are the..." Other than that and another slight reference, Moses is not mentioned in the story, not even when we tell the tale of what happened in Egypt. At one point in the Haggadah we read how G-d says (deep voice, now), "I will take you out of Egypt. I and not an angel, not a messenger, I and no other." Which tells you that at the moment of receiving the coveted 'G-d of the year award,' He does not read a litany of "I want to thank the angel in charge of my driver's hairdresser." Rather G-d wants us to realize our great connection and closeness to G-d. How much G-d went out of the way and personally went into Egypt (as the Haggadah continues) to take each and every one of us out! Why is peanut oil OK during Passover but not peanuts? Kitniyot is the Hebrew word for all types of legumes, such as peanuts, peas, beans, rice and corn. According to the Torah, Kitniyot are permitted on Passover because Kitniyot are not considered Chometz (leaven). But Kitniyot are similar to Chometz in that they swell when water is added, and people often use them as a flour substitute. For this (and other) reasons, Ashkenazic Jews throughout the centuries have adopted the practice to refrain from Kitniyot during Passover. (Sephardic Jews, however, never adopted this practice.) Most Kashrut (Kosher) supervising agencies will not supervise anything even with a derivative of Kitniyot in it. But there are some who cite an opinion that Kitniyot derivatives are permitted, because it no longer swells when you add water. Now about peanut oil, oil derived from Kitniyot no longer resembles Chometz. Some follow this ruling and use Kitniyot-based oil on Passover. Many are strict, however, and use olive, walnut oil or good ol' fashion Schmaltz (chicken fat). Why do Jews fast? What the significance? Fast? Did you ever see a Jew celebrate a holiday? Or for that matter any day? Knishes, brisket, Knaidlach, (matzah balls) Purim, Tzimmes...When we finish with all that food you just can't eat some days. You know the old line, "What is the story of every holiday? We were attacked, we won, let's eat!" Fasting, seriously, is connected with repentance and Teshuvah. It allows us to focus and connect to our spiritual side and return to who we were meant to be, and not to live our lives focusing only on our material life and the way we may be living now (Yom Kippur). It is also used when we need to focus on a national day of mourning (Tisha B'av) because we want to be sure that our lives represent a way of life that will not cause it to happen again. What are the full set of traditions that go along with candle lighting on Shabbat and what is their significance? 1) You light the match, 2) carefully you place the flame near the wick of the candle, 3) you make contact, 4) you drop the match onto foil, (as to not cause a larger fire then you wish to) 5) you place your hands in front of your eyes, (covering the light, as to not enjoy until after the blessing is said) 6) you say the blessing, 7) you say Good Shabbos to who ever is around, 8) you let the feeling of Shabbat over take you! We want to usher in the Shabbat with fire. Fire represents warmth, life, heat, (smores) and light. Shabbat is a time to reflect on our place in the world and how to we can make it a more peaceful place. We remember that a little light removes a lot of darkness and every good act (no matter) how small, has a world of effect on the world around us If you have questions for Rabbi Backman, e-mail him at chabad@wam.umd.edu or themitzpeh@hotmail.com |