Passover (Pesach) 2025/5785
A Pesach Message from Rabbi Yerachmiel Shapiro
We all know the part of the seder that speaks of the 4 sons. Let’s call them the 4 children – “The Torah speaks of 4 children. One who is wise, one who is wicked, one who is simple, and one who doesn’t know what to ask.”
Where does the Torah speak about these 4 children? You may have missed it because it’s pretty subtle. The Haggadah is picking up on the fact that the Torah says multiple times that in the future, you must tell your children what this is all about. Three of the sources have the child posing the question, the fourth is just an answer to a question unasked (hence the child who doesn’t ask).
A Message from President Jeff Forman
Time seems to be flying as Pesach is already upon us. As I write this message, there are still hostages being held in Gaza by Hamas, and the war has re-started. We recently read the Torah portion which reminded us that there will be an Amalek in every generation and we must be vigilant to spot them, call them out, and defeat them. Aside from prayer to ask HaShem for the speedy return of the remaining hostages, we can all keep them, their families, and all of Am Yisroel in our hearts and minds, and voice our love and support for them at our
Seders.
This year, thanks to Rabbi Shapiro’s finding a way to make it “palatable” (meaning having dinner at a time that is not too late for everyone), we are having a second night Seder at MMAE. I want to suggest that we acknowledge that just like the Jewish people were freed from slavery, we need a new miraculous Exodus from HaShem for our brothers who remain in captivity, and their families who continue to suffer their absence and loss. Let us also reach out to our fellow congregants who need a seat at a Seder.
Joan and I wish the entire congregation a ziesen and meaningful Pesach. May this be the last one in which empty seats signify hostages who are still being held, and may HaShem bring peace to our people.
A Message from Chairman Bob Meyerson
First and foremost, Marilyn and I want to extend our sincerest best wishes for a delightful, fun-filled and meaningful Passover for you and you loved ones.
As we celebrate our ancestors’ freedom from slavery in Egypt, we should also celebrate the freedom of our brothers and sisters from our mortal enemy, Hamas. Of course, we will continue our prayers for the release of those still waiting for their day of freedom.
With great admiration and love, we appreciate our Spiritual Leader, Rabbi Shapiro, for his 15 years of devoted care and continued growth of our MMAE Congregation. We would also want to give many thanx to Brenda and her office staff for another great year.
We are proud to have a membership of families celebrating this joyous holiday of family Seders, matza, wine, amazing foods, and Affikomens.
A ZEESIN PASSACH TO ONE AND ALL!
MMAE Passover Seder
Sunday, April 13, 5:30-9:00pm
Sunday, April 13, 5:30-9:00pm
Celebrate the story of Exodus with a meaningful Passover Seder and delicious dinner with friends, family, and community.
This family-friendly Seder welcomes all ages to take part in an evening filled with tradition and fun! Enjoy a memorable Seder experience, delicious dinner, and lavish dessert (including a candy station). Plus enjoy exciting activities such as spirited Seder songs, a scavenger hunt, and an egg-peeling contest! Dinner will be served no later than 7:30 PM.
Please reserve your spot by April 7th by purchasing tickets below or calling the main office at 410-653-7485.
Schedule of Passover Services
Thursday, April 10, 8:08pm
Search for the chometz
Friday, April 11, 12:01pm
Last time to burn chometz
Saturday, April 12, 10:55am
Last time to eat chometz
Saturday, April 19, 9am
Women’s Megillah Reading (Shir Hashirim)
Sunday, April 20, 10:30am
Yizkor Service
Sunday, April 20, 8:31pm
Pesach ends
Sunday, April 20, 9:00pm
You may eat personal chometz
Siyum For The Firstborn
Services for the first-born males will take place on Thursday, April 10 at 7:00am to express thanks for the fact that the Hebrew first-born sons were spared from the 10th plague when the first-born Egyptian sons were slain.
Those present participate in a study period which follows Shacharit services. Many children are often at the service before going to school. Services begin at 7:00am and are completed by 8:15am.
Maot Chittim (Wheat Money) Matzah Fund
It is a mitzvah to collect funds before Passover to be given to needy families to help purchase Passover products. If you are able to give an extra few dollars to this worthwhile cause to help the needy among us, please send a check to the MMAE Matzah Fund. Your generous contribution will be very much appreciated.
If you need a seder to attend or financial help making Pesach, please email Rabbi Shapiro at rabbishapiro@mmae.org.
If you are hosting a seder and would be able to host one or two guests, please call the shul office at 410-653-7485.
Transfer/Sale of Chometz
In order to conform with the Laws of Passover, it is necessary to dispose of all chometz that one has on the premises. This is done by making arrangements with the Rabbi for the sale to a non-Jew by Friday, April 11 at 12:01am. Rabbi Shapiro will act as the agent for all who authorize him to do so. Chometz should not be eaten until the chometz is re-purchased on Sunday, April 20 at 9:00pm.
It is customary to contribute to the Rabbi’s Discretionary Fund when submitting this form, which are used to help people with Passover purchases.
Please click below to download the form.