In a recent conversation with my mother-in-law, we were reflecting on the idea that back in the day, every Jewish home received some degree of a makeover before Passover. For many it was the one or two room hovel that would be whitewashed with a fresh coat along with a new layer of sand for the floor before Pesach. For the wealthier it may have been something a little more extravagant. Either way it was an integral part of the cleaning and Pesach prep.
As I thought about it, the notion of an “Extreme Makeover” Passover edition seemed much more relevant when thinking about the spiritual angle. Pesach is the holiday of rebirth because it is the holiday of our birth as a nation. Each year as we attempt to experience the Exodus by going through a personal journey toward freedom from inner constraints and boundaries, this is an “Extreme Makeover” of our individual personas.
This makeover requires as much effort and preparation as the physical Passover transformation of our homes. The preparation consists of the study of Torah and sincere prayer and Mitzvah observance. The effort is the freeing oneself of any feelings of self-consciousness, from without or within, with regard to the various elements of our involvement in Judaism and our relationship with Hashem. When it is done, we will likely take a look at our new selves and say – it is an amazing change, if I did it again I would improve something here or change something there, thereby leaving us with work to do until the next Pesach.
Yet, despite all the talk of spiritual change, there needs to be little something in the literal makeover as well. To that end we are proud to unveil our new and improved www.chabadneworleans.com. The front end has been completely overhauled and we are working on the rest of it as well. Many thanks to the staff at our network, Chabad.org, for all of their hard work and the constant improvements. We are proud of this Extreme Makeover and we hope you enjoy the new look and the improved usefulness of the website.
As you prepare for Pesach, remember that www.chabadneworleans.com/pesach is your one stop resource for everything Passover.
We wish a congratulations to the management and staff of the new Kosher establishment in town, Waffle on Maple. Under the supervision of the LKC (Louisiana Kashrut Committee),Waffles on Maple is dairy – Chalav Yisrael. Much success to Rotem, Zev and the whole Waffles on Maple crew. For info: www.facebook.com/2705388364554.
Chabad of Louisiana mourns the passing of Dr. Gary Goldbard. Gary had gotten involved with Chabad over the last few years through study and Shabbat and holidays. We are saddened by his sudden passing.
Shabbat Shalom
Rabbi Mendel Rivkin