Passover Greetings

Passover Greetings

Chag Kasher v'Samei'ach • ‫ • חג כשר ושמח‬Joyeuses pâques

Wishing our Shaar family a happy, healthy, and kosher Passover

RABBI'S REFLECTIONS

RABBI ADAM SCHEIER
[email protected]

“T here is nothing as whole as a broken heart.” These I think of this teaching as we feel the pain of Ukrainian refugees. As we
words of the Kotzker Rebbe in 19th Century Poland speak sit at our comfortable Seder tables in Canada, we are deeply aware
to the depths of our response to challenge. of their plight; as we tell our own story of exodus and redemption,
we think of those who have left their homes behind and fled violence
While it might not be a broken heart, the broken matzah on Passover and war. That middle matzah teaches us sensitivity and empathy –
night highlights this same resilience. In the yachatz section of the to experience the seder is to feel the suffering of others, and to do
Seder, we focus on the three matzot and break the middle one. everything in our power to rid the world of that pain.
These matzot are said to represent Kohen, Levi, and Yisrael – the
categories that established ritual roles in Biblical and Temple times. One of the reasons the Seder experience can be so powerful is
The broken matzah is the one that symbolizes the tribe of Levi. because it’s deeply personal. As the Haggadah says, “In every
generation one must see themselves as having left Egypt.” Having a
Within the Exodus story, the tribe of Levi has one unique distinction: personal stake in that historical moment also means that we have
according to the Midrash (Tanchuma, Va’era 6), they were not a personal response to the lessons of that experience. It means that
enslaved along with the rest of the people. Why, then, does the even if we’ve lived our entire lives in Canada, we know what it’s
matzah that symbolizes Levi deserve to be the one that is broken, if like to be enslaved in Egypt. Even as we enjoy the luxuries of North
they never endured the back-breaking experiences of enslavement? American life, we know what it’s like to wander through a desert
and thirst for water. And even as we easily cross the ocean and visit
A sage was once asked this very question by his inquisitive Israel, we know what it’s like to yearn to see the Promised Land. And
granddaughter. His answer to her is quite relevant to us: The middle if we can see ourselves as Israelites who were liberated 3000 years
matzah is broken to show that the hearts of Levi were shattered ago, then we can have a deep compassion for those who need our
because of the suffering of others. support and love today.

May the one who grants peace on high grant peace to us, Israel,
and the entire world.

Abby, Aviya, Ayelet, Annael, Allegra, and Arella join me in wishing
our Shaar family a Chag Kasher v’Sameach!

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PRESIDENT'S REMARKS

JULIUS SUSS
[email protected]

The Shaar is finally starting to feel like “normal” – almost. We The Director of Development will work with a strong cadre of lay
are back to daily minyanim, our Shabbat services are taking leaders, towards growing our financial strength and sustainability
place in the Sanctuary, the choir is back; our halls are bursting through innovative fundraising and friend raising initiatives.
with activity. We've already held a Bar Mitzvah, a Bat Mitzvah, a baby Increases to our bottom-line mean funding for special projects, the
naming, a fundraiser, a community event, and a big wedding. ability to engage world class professionals and teachers as well
as undertaking major repairs and maintenance on our 100-year-old
It has been two years since COVID-19 came into our lives. It has been heritage building.
a difficult two years, but thanks to the encouragement and support
of our membership, the Shaar remains strong and vibrant. We are The Côte-St. Antoine Plaza is slated for a complete renovation this
ready to greet you all in person (while always abiding by government Spring and the Chapel and the Cote-St.-Antoine lobby projects are
regulations and mandates). We are striving to look for new ways to scheduled to begin right after the High HolyRdAaBysB. IW'ShRileEcFoLnEsCtrTuIcOtioNnS
innovate, and to connect with our members in meaningful ways. costs have skyrocketed, we are striving to be diligent and assiduous
in our choices and decisions.
To me, one thing is clear: Shaar continuity goes hand in hand with
Jewish continuity, and this is based on Jews feeling and knowing There is so much going on, and so much to look forward to. Thank
their roots and their manual (the Torah) for living a good life. I firmly you for staying the course with us, and I look forward to many more
believe that expanding our adult education programs will help good things in the months ahead. May we continue to go from
guarantee Shaar continuity and will help us do our part to preserve strength to strength.
and strengthen Jewish continuity.
From my family to yours, wishing you good health and a happy and
We are looking to fill two new positions at the Shaar, both essential, Kosher Passover, this year surrounded by your loving families.
as we continue in our quest for growth and excellence.

The Director of Adult Education will be tasked with overseeing
an adult education renaissance at the Shaar. Through outreach,
invigorated programming, and dynamic teaching, this new team
member will serve as a curator for a broad range of educational
opportunities, both online and in-person. Please let me know if you
are interested in joining a newly formed Adult Education Committee.

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A TIME OF REDEMPTION,
A TIME OF RENEWAL

RABBA RACHEL KOHL FINEGOLD
[email protected]

W ith the arrival of spring, we watch the world come to life around
us. Redemption is a term we associate with Passover, as we celebrate
the redemption of the Isralites from Egypt. But it also feels right for this
season we are experiencing, in our physical surroundings as well as in our Shaar
c o m mu n i t y.

The synagogue is teeming with life. So many programs that were previously taking
place online have now resumed in person. Our youth programming from tots to
teens, our daily minyan and Shabbat services, all have a renewed energy. I see
people almost every Shabbat coming into services for the first time in two years.
There is a spark in their eyes, and gratitude in their step. It is a redemptive time,
a time that feels hopeful.

In the Haggadah, we give gratitude for our redemption “from slavery to freedom,
from mourning to celebration, from sorrow to joy, from darkness to great light.”
There is still so much redemption needed in our world, so much darkness and
struggle. But as we see the vibrancy of our Shaar community, I see glimmers of
light. I am filled with the hope of spring, and the joy of this holiday season.

Wishing you a Chag Kasher V’Sameach, a Happy Passover!

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REFLECTIONS ON THIS YEAR

YOSI EVEN-HEN
[email protected]

S omehow, seasons and times have a way of complementing one
another. We are now entering spring time, and with it we welcome the
holiday of Pesach.

Spring signifies the renewal on a nature level, while Passover signifies the renewal
of a nation.

If things remain the same, God willing, we will see this Passover being the renewal
of our rituals at The Shaar. It has been too long since we have been able to
celebrate together as a community, and I look forward to welcoming each and
everyone of you back to The Shaar.

May the renewal bring with it vigor, excitement and a new energy to further
grow the wonderful community life at The Shaar. Community is established when
everyone participates in building it!

Wishing everyone a Chag Kasher v’Sameach and a wonderful summer to all.

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MUSIC OF THE SHAAR

CANTOR GIDEON ZELERMYER
[email protected]

Spring has sprung! Attendance in unlimited! Optimism is in the air! All
that’s missing is ... you!

We would love to see you back in the Sanctuary each Shabbat and Festival
service. Conor O’Neil, the Synagogue Choir and I are preparing a Spring season
full of delectable music for you to enjoy as we all get back into the swing of being
in Shul.

On the First Day of Passover (Saturday morning, April 16), we’ll be premiering a
new setting of T ’filat Tal, the Prayer for Dew. The Eighth and Final Day of Passover
(Saturday, April 23) will afford us the opportunity for our first “full” Yizkor experience
in more than two years. Be sure not to miss these meaningful musical moments.

At the same time, our successful online programs—A Night @ the Opera!! and
Thursday Night @ the Movies—continue through June, giving you many ways to
stay connected to SH’MA, Shaar Hashomayim Music & Arts.

A joyous and healthy Pesach to you and yours!

!‫חג כשר ושמח‬

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Schedule of Services

Friday, April 15 – Erev Pesach 7:30 AM Tuesday, April 19 – Chol Ha’moed 2 7:15 AM
7:00 PM
Shacharit 10:10 AM Shacharit
11:31 AM Mincha/Ma’ariv
Siyum Hab’chorim, Fast of the First Born 7:20 PM
7:22 PM Wednesday, April 20– Chol Ha’moed 3 7:15 AM
Last time to eat Chametz 7:00 PM
Burning Chametz before Shacharit
Mincha/Kabbalat Shabbat and Yom Tov Mincha/Ma’ariv
Candles

First Seder

Thursday, April 21– Chol Ha’moed 4 (Erev Yom Tov)

Shabbat, April 16 - Pesach Day 1 8:45 AM Shacharit 7:15 AM
7:20 PM Mincha/Ma’ariv 7:30 PM
Shacharit after 8:29 PM Candles 7:30 PM
Mincha/Ma’ariv
Candles Friday, April 22 – Pesach Day 7
Second Seder
Shacharit
Sunday, April 17 – Pesach Day 2 8:45 AM Mincha/Kabbalat Shabbat and Yom Tov 8:45 AM
7:30 PM Candles 7:30 PM
Shacharit 8:31 PM 7:31 PM
Mincha/Ma’ariv
Havdalah Shabbat, April 23 – Pesach Day 8

Monday, April 18 – Chol Ha’moed 1 7:15 AM Shacharit 8:45 AM
7:00 PM Yizkor
Shacharit Mincha/Ma’ariv 7:30 PM
Mincha/Ma’ariv Havdalah 8:39 PM

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Pre-Passover Rituals Click to watch!

FAST OF THE FIRSTBORN RABBI ADAM SCHEIER ANSWERS THE
INTERNET'S MOST SEARCHED QUESTIONS
FRIDAY, APRIL 15
FOLLOWING 7:30 AM SERVICES ABOUT HIMSELF AND PASSOVER.
The day before Passover is a traditional fast day
for firstborn Jews, commemorating how they were
saved from the 10th plague in Egypt. However,
we generally try to exempt ourselves from this
obligation by participating in a “Siyyum” — the
conclusion of a course of Torah study. Please join us.

BURNING OF THE CHAMETZ

FRIDAY, APRIL 15 - 9:00-11:30 AM
in Deitcher Courtyard (425 Metcalfe Ave)
Visit our bonfire on Erev Pesach to facilitate biyur
chametz, the burning of the chametz. Chametz
may not be eaten after 10:10 am and must be
destroyed by 11:31 am.

Passover Resources

HAGGADAH INSIGHTS PRE-PASSOVER LEARNING CANADIAN HAGGADAH
CANADIENNE
Rabbi Scheier leads his weekly class in Featuring Rabbi Adam Scheier: Pearls of Wisdom:
an insightful learning opportunity of the The New Passover Haggadot; Rabba Rachel Kohl
Passover Haggadah. Finegold: Redemption and Gratitude at the Seder;
and Yosi Even-Hen: Passover Checklist.