Monday-Friday, 10:00-10:30
Weekday Morning Prayer
Wednesday, 7 April, 19:00-21:00 (zoom)
Introduction to Judaism course
(19:00-19:30 Basics of Hebrew)
Friday, 9 April, 18:30-20:30 (zoom)
Community Talk: 18:30-19:00
Before the service:
Invocation for Yom Hashoah
(27 Nissan – 9 April)
Kabbalat Shabbat & Rosh Hodesh
Saturday, 10 April, 10:30-11:30 (zoom)
Shabbat Morning Service
Torah Weekly Portion
Sh’mini – The Eighth [Day]
Leviticus 9:1−11:47
Summary
Aaron and his sons follow Moses’ instructions and offer sacrifices so that God will forgive the people. (9:1-24)
Two of Aaron’s sons, Nadab and Abihu, offer “alien fire” to God. God punishes these two priests by killing them immediately. (10:1-3)
God forbids Moses, Aaron, and his surviving sons from mourning but commands the rest of the people to do so. Priests are told not to drink alcohol before entering the sacred Tabernacle and are further instructed about making sacrifices. (10:4-20)
Laws are given to distinguish between pure and impure animals, birds, fish, and insects. (11:1-47)
Commentary: https://reformjudaism.org/torah/portion/shmini
Haftarah: Ezekiel 36:22-36
This Week – Pessach Week
Sunday, 28 March, 21:00-21:30 (zoom)
Havdalah – End of the First Day of Pessach (Yom Tov ends)
Havdalah text can be found here
Monday, 29 March – Friday, 2 April, 10:00-10:40 (zoom)
Morning Prayer – Chol Hamoed (Intermediate Days of Pessach)
Wednesday, 31 March, 19:00-21:00 (zoom)
Introduction to Judaism Course
(19:00-19:30 Basics of Hebrew)
Friday, 2 April, 18:30-20:30 (zoom)
Community Talk: 18:30-19:00
Evening Service of Shabbat & The Last (7th) Day of Pessach
Saturday, 3 April, 10:30-12:00 (synagogue and zoom)
Morning Service of Shabbat & The Last (7th) Day of Pessach
N.B. If you would like to attend the service in the synagogue, please, register online using this form. Pandemic restrictions do apply (wearing masks, physical distance, no singing).
Saturday, 3 April, 21:00-21:30 (zoom)
Havdalah – End of Pessach
Havdalah text can be found here
Torah Portion for Shabbat 3 April
The Seventh Day of Pessach
Exodus 14:30–15:21
Summary
As the observance of Passover draws to an end, the Torah portion includes the dramatic recounting of the splitting of the sea in this poem known as “The Song at the Sea.” Written with great emotion, this poem attempts to convey the power of “God’s might hand.” So powerful is the imagery that verses of this poem have become part of the Jewish liturgy. The poem comes to a climatic finish with Miriam, the prophetess, picking up her timbrel and leading the women in dance.
Commentary: https://reformjudaism.org/torah/portion/yom-shvi-i-shel-pesach
More on Pessach: https://reformjudaism.org/jewish-holidays/passover
and https://www.thetorah.com/holidays/passover
Haftarah for the Seventh Day of Pessach: Isaiah 11:1-6,9; 12
Passover – A message from our Rabbi
Dear Friend,
We are all looking forward to celebrate Pessach. In this email I will give you some practical information regarding the celebration and observance of Pessach.
Pessach is a week-long celebration.
Those who follow the liberal (biblical) practice, celebrate Pessach 7 days from the evening of 27 March 2021 until the evening of 3 April 2021.
The orthodox practice in Diaspora is to celebrate 8 days of Pessach (evening 27 March – evening 4 April 2021).
Saturday, 27 March, 10:30
Deadline for Eating Chametz
Saturday, 27 March, 11:30
Deadline for Removal of Chametz
After removing chametz, recite:
We have cleaned our home and removed all the chametz of which we are aware. Just as we have removed the leaven from our home, so too may we be purified from harmful thoughts and selfish deeds.
Saturday, 27 March, 19:00-21:30 (zoom)
Seder Pessach
There will be a pause for dinner between 20:00 and 21:00.
Online English Haggadah: Our Haggadah – Haggadatenu
Deutsche Haggada: diese oder diese
French Haddadah (PDF)
Ma Nishtana (The Four Questions) in 5 Languages (HE, LU, EN, FR, DE)
Sunday, 28 March, 10:30-12:30 (zoom)
Pessach Celebration for Families and Talmud Torah
Sunday, 28 March, 21:00 (zoom)
End of the 1st Day of Pessach (Yom Tov ends)
Havdalah (Text here)
Do not forget counting Omer from the second night of Pessach, starting on Sunday, 28 March. There are many useful apps to remind you about the daily mitzvah of counting Omer and the spiritual practice accompanying it. Check this CCAR Omer App or Sefiros Grow App.
Monday, 29 March – Friday, 2 April, 10:00-10:40 (zoom)
Morning Prayer – Chol Hamoed Pessach (Intermediate Days of Pessach)
Friday, 2 April, 19:00-20:30 (zoom)
Evening Service of Shabbat & the Last (7th) Day of Pessach
Saturday, 3 April, 10:30-12:00 (zoom & synagogue)
Morning Service of Shabbat & the Last (7th) Day of Pessach
N.B.: If you would like to attend the service in the synagogue, please, register using this online form. Pandemic restrictions do apply (wearing masks, physical distance, no singing).
Saturday, 3 April, 21:00 (zoom)
End of the 7th and Last Day of Pessach (Yom Tov ends)
Havdalah (Text here)
If you observe 7 days of Pessach, you may start eating chametz on 3 April at 21:00.
Chametz
The Torah prohibits the ownership of חמץ (chametz) (flour, food or drink made from the prohibited species of leavened grain: wheat, oats, barley, rye or spelt) during Pessach. Ideally we burn or remove all chametz from our premises (you may store it in a room you do not use during the Pessach week).
Prohibited foods (chametz) include the following: biscuits, cakes, coffees containing cereal derivatives, crackers, leavened bread, pasta. These are foods that are generally made with wheat, barley, oats, spelt or rye (grains that can become chametz). Any food containing these grains or derivatives of these grains must be certified kosher for Pesach. Flavorings in foodstuffs are often derived from alcohol produced from one of these grains which would render that food chametz. Such products also need Pessach supervision.
Matzah & “Gluten-Free Matzah”
One of the mitzvot of Pessach is to eat matzah at least during the Seder Pessach. Matzah is made of flour of wheat (in most cases), oats, barley, rye or spelt. Those who have gluten intolerance or suffer from gluten-related disorders are exempt from the mitzvah of matzah. Judaism prioritises health over ritual. Those who do not consume gluten out of other reasons, are not exempt from the mitzvah of matzah. The “Gluten-Free Matzah” is usually made of potato starch, tapioca, nuts or other non-cereal product. Strictly speaking such “gluten-free matzah” is a matzah-style product. Since it is not a type of bread (which a regular Matzah is) the blessing for it is not “hamotzi”. Usually the correct blessing is stated on the package. The safest go is “she ha-kol nig-ya bid-va-ro” (Blessed… everything was created through God’s word”).
By the way, for ritual purposes, only regular, plain matzah (made of flour and water) is appropriate. Chocolate matzah, egg matzah, matzah ashirah etc. etc. are not fit for the ritual (its richness contradicts the reason for the matzah eating ritual; matzah is both “bread of poverty” and “bread of liberation”). In general, “Kosher for Pessach” does not necessarily mean that the food can be used during ritual (e.g., during the Seder Pessach) to fulfill a mitzvah; it can be used as a snack or food in a regular, non-ritual sense.
Kitniyot
Traditionally Ashkenazim refrain from eating Kitniyot during Pessach. These foods include: beans, corn, millet, peas, rice, soy, and some other plant based foods like mustard, buckwheat and sesame seeds. Peanuts and peanut oil are permitted, provided they do not contain chametz ingredients. There are strong opinions permitting the consumption of kitniyot for Ashkenazim during Pessach. To fully understand these opinions go here and here. Your rabbi eats Kitniyot.
Here you can find more information on Pessach.
The Guide to Passover for Interfaith Families – is a great resource too.
Here are some YouTube links to famous Pessach Seder songs:
Avadim hayinu https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HOKHouCqBjw
Ma nishtana https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4okRFDLrPcM
Chad Gadya https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gR0LZlLjnO8
Echad mi yodea https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1XU-3IuzPEE&list=RD1XU-3IuzPEE
Dayenu https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ov9tqZsbjV8
Ha lachma https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2a4RxdVp2fI
Karev jom https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vps2hZkFQXk
Bechol dor vador https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tuEX3QJVE9w
Betzet Israel https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AMu-pAWyZcE
Kol rina wiyeschu’a https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IXl_mumNoc4
Chassal siddur Pessach https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rdnOgvGNkz0
Adir hu https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dcLnODOUAVU
Ki lo na’e https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bVXNxFymu98
Leschana hab’a biYerushalayim https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ebvfu-1KEzE
If you have questions please do not hesitate contacting me.
I wish you meaningful and joyous Pessach!
Your Rabbi
This Week in Our Community
Monday-Friday, 10:00-10:30
Weekday Morning Prayer
Mittwoch, 24. März, 19:00-20:00 (auf Deutsch, zoom)
Vortragsreihe Jüdische Philosophen
Margarete Susmann
Rabbinerin Prof. Elisa Klapheck (Frankfurt/Main)
Friday, 26 March, 18:30-20:30 (zoom)
Community Talk: 18:30-19:00
Kabbalat Shabbat: 19:00-20:30
Saturday, 27 March, 19:00-21:30 (zoom)
Seder Pessach
Torah Weekly Portion
Tzav – Command [Aaron and His Sons]
Leviticus 6:1−8:36
Summary
The five sacrifices that the priests are to perform are described. (6:1-7:38)
Limitations on the consumption of meat are delineated. (7:17-27)
Details about the ordination of Aaron and his sons as priests and the preparation of the Tabernacle as a holy place are given. (8:1-36)
Commentary: https://reformjudaism.org/torah/portion/tzav
Haftarah: Jeremiah 7: 21-34, 9: 22-23 or Hosea 6:1-6 or Psalm 132
This Week in Our Community
Monday-Friday, 10:00-10:30
Weekday Morning Prayer
Wednesday, 17 March, 19:00-21:00
Introduction to Judaism Course
(19:00-19:30 Basics of Hebrew)
Friday, 19 March, 18:30-20:30
Community Talk: 18:30-19:00
Kabbalat Shabbat: 19:00-20:30
Saturday, 20 March, 10:30-12:30
Torah Brunch
Torah Weekly Portion
Vayikra – [God] Called Out
Leviticus 1:1−5:26
Summary
God instructs Moses on the five different kinds of sacrifices that were to be offered in the sanctuary: The olah or “burnt offering” was a voluntary sacrifice that had a high degree of sanctity and was regarded as the “standard” offering. The entire animal, except for its hide, was burned on the altar. (1:1-17)
The minchah or “meal offering” was a sacrifice made of flour, oil, salt, and frankincense that was partly burned on the altar and partly given to the priests to eat. (2:1-16)
The zevach sh’lamim or “sacrifice of well-being” was a voluntary animal offering from one’s herd, sometimes brought to fulfill a vow. (3:1-17)
The chatat or “sin offering” was an obligatory sacrifice that was offered to expiate unintentional sins. This offering differs from the others in the special treatment of the blood of the animal. (4:1-5:13)
The asham or “penalty offering” was an obligatory sacrifice of a ram that was required chiefly of one who had misappropriated property. (5:1-26)
Commentary: https://reformjudaism.org/torah/portion/vayikra
Haftarah: Isaiah 43:21-44:23
This Week in Our Community
Monday-Friday, 10:00-10:30
Weekday Morning Prayer
NOT on Monday, 8 March
NOT on Tuesday, 9 March
Mittwoch, 10. März, 19:00-20:00 (auf Deutsch, zoom)
Vortragsreihe Jüdische Philosophen
Hermann Cohen
Prof. Micha Brumlik
Friday, 12 March, 18:30-20:30 (zoom)
Community Talk: 18:30-19:00
Kabbalat Shabbat: 19:00-20:30
Saturday, 13 March, 10:30-12:30 (zoom)
Shabbat Morning Service
Blessing of the New Month of Nissan
Torah Weekly Portion
Vayakehel – Pekudey – [Moses] Assembled / [The] Records [of the Tabernacle]
Exodus 35:1–40:38
Summary
Moses teaches the rules of Shabbat. (35:1-3)
Moses asks the Israelites for a donation of gifts and those who are skilled help build the Mishkan [Tabernacle] under the direction of Bezalel and Oholiab. (35:4-38:20)
A statistical summary of the materials used for the Tabernacle and an account of producing the priestly vestments are recorded. Moses blesses the Israelites for the work they did. (38:21-39:42)
Upon God’s instruction, Moses sets up the Mishkan and the priests are anointed and consecrated. (40:1-33)
A description is given of a cloud that covers the Mishkan by day and a fire that burns by night, indicating God’s Presence therein. (40:33-38)
Commentary: https://reformjudaism.org/torah/portion/vayakheil-pkudei
Haftarah: I Kings 7:40-51, or I Chronicles 29:9-20 or II Chronicles 4:1-5:1
The Living Witnesses / Les Témoins Vivants
Dear members,
From 10 March to March 15, film «The living witnesses» can be streamed online from Luxembourg territory only. Once the ticket has been paid (7 EUR), one can watch the movie as many times as they want during the period of 72 hours following the purchase.
Synopsis: Three survivors of the Second World War meet three Luxembourg students, either born here or immigrated. With the Holocaust in mind, the six living witnesses discover how crimes against humanity still play a considerable role in the consciousness of contemporary societies.
More information can be found here, click Rent €7.00
Version française :
Chères/chers membres,
Entre le 10 et le 15 mars, le film « Les témoins vivants » peut être visionné sur internet exclusivement à partir du Luxembourg. Une fois qu’on a payé son ticket (7 EUR), on peut regarder le film pendant 72 heures sur internet autant de fois que l’on le souhaite.
Synopsis : Trois témoins de la Seconde Guerre mondiale rencontrent trois étudiants luxembourgeois nés ici ou immigrés. Avec à l’esprit l’Holocauste, ces six témoins vivants découvrent comment les crimes contre l’humanité jouent encore aujourd’hui un rôle considérable dans la conscience collective.
Voici les informations, cliquez sur Rent €7.00
This Week in Our Community
Monday-Friday, 10:00-10:30
Weekday Morning Prayer (not on Monday, 1 March)
Wednesday, 3 March, 19:00-20:00
How Did the Bible’s Editors Work?
Prof. Idan Dershowitz (Potsdam)
Friday, 5 March, 18:30-20:30
Community Talk: 18:30-19:00
Kabbalat Shabbat – Refugee Shabbat: 19:00-20:30
Torah Weekly Portion
Ki Tisa – When You Take a Census
Exodus 30:11−34:35
Summary
Moses takes a census of the Israelites and collects a half-shekel from each person (30:11-16)
God tells Moses to construct a water basin and to prepare anointing oil and incense for the ordination of the priests. Bezalel and Oholiab, skilled artisans, are assigned to make objects for the priests and the Tabernacle. (30:17-31:11)
The Israelites are instructed to keep Shabbat as a sign of their covenant with God. God gives Moses the two tablets of the Pact. (31:12-18)
The Israelites ask Aaron to build them a Golden Calf. Moses implores God not to destroy the people and then breaks the two tablets of the Pact on which the Ten Commandments are written when he sees the idol. God punishes the Israelites by means of a plague. (32:1-35)
Moses goes up the mountain with a blank set of tablets for another 40 days so that God will again inscribe the Ten Commandments. Other laws, including the edict to observe the Pilgrimage Festivals, are also revealed. (34:1-28)
Moses comes down from the mountain with a radiant face. (34:29-35)
Commentary: https://reformjudaism.org/torah/portion/ki-tisa
Haftarah: I Kings 18:20-39 or II Chronicles 1:18-2:15 or Psalm 96
This Week in Our Community
Monday-Friday, 10:00-10:30
Weekday Morning Prayer
Wednesday, 24 February, 19:00-20:00
Understanding Kashrut course: Pessach (Passover)
Mittwoch, 24. Februar, 19:00-20:00
Vortragsreihe: Jüdische Philosophen
Samson Rafael Hirsch
Prof. Matthias Morgenstern (Tübingen)
(external)
Thursday, 25 February, 19:00-20:30
Purim Evening Service
Friday, 26 February, 18:30-20:30
Community Talk: 18:30-19:00
Kabbalat Shabbat: 19:00-20:30
Sunday, 28 February, 10:30-12:00
Purim Family Celebration
Torah Weekly Portion
T’tzaveh – [You] Shall Further Instruct
Exodus 27:20−30:10
Summary
The children of Israel are commanded to bring pure olive oil for the ner tamid “a constantly burning light,” above the sanctuary. (27:20-21)
Aaron and his sons, Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar, are chosen to serve as priests. (28:1)
God instructs Moses to make special clothes for the priests. (28:2-43)
Aaron and his sons are ordained in a seven-day ceremony (29:1-29:46)
Aaron is commanded to burn incense on an acacia altar every morning and evening. (30:1-10)
Commentary: https://reformjudaism.org/torah/portion/ttzaveh
Haftarah: Ezekiel 43:10-27
This Week in Our Community
Monday-Friday, 10:00-10:30
Weekday Morning Prayer
Wednesday, 17 February, 19:00-21:00 (zoom)
Introduction to Judaism Course
(19:00-19:30 Basics of Hebrew)
Friday, 19 February, 18:30-20:30 (zoom)
Community Talk: 18:30-19:00
Kabbalat Shabbat & Rosh Hodesh: 19:00-20:30
Saturday, 20 February, 10:30-12:00 (zoom)
Torah Brunch
Torah Weekly Portion
T’rumah – Gifts
Exodus 25:1−27:19
Summary
God asks the Children of Israel to donate gifts (t’rumah) for the building of the Tabernacle so that God may “dwell among them.” (25:1-9)
Instructions for the construction of the Ark, table, and menorah are provided. (25:10-40)
Detailed directions are given on how to build the Tabernacle. (26:1-27:19)
Commentary: https://reformjudaism.org/torah/portion/trumah
Haftarah: I Kings 5:26-6:13