Shabbat Shalom

B"H

I am finished !

Not only me but apparently thousands of other Jews cleaning for Pessach. Although the bakery where I work is not open on Pessach, for the past few weeks we have been cleaning those things we hardly take care of during the year. From windows until moving fridges and other things around. Organizing and washing all the trays. I am so much looking forward to the holiday itself because then we have off. Not for too long but at least a few days.

Two days ago, I walked around in Mea Shearim and the entire area is more busy than in secular Jerusalem. In the haredi Ge'ulah / Mea Shearim area, people were outside shopping, the kids played outside because their mothers obviously had thrown them out of the house so that they don't bother them cleaning. Huge deliveries of vegetables were piled in front of the grocery stores. What else is there for Ashkenazim to eat if not potatoes ?

I will be in Tel Aviv for the Seder and have a few invitations from different Chassidim. However, what I am really thinking about is the Chabad Seder in Ramat Aviv. There is a whole issue going on between Chabad in rich secular Ramat Aviv and the secular neighbours who want the religious out. It would be interesting to see how Chabad is dealing with all the disputes on Pessach.

I always prefer something extraordinary compared to sitting quietly with a family and the small circle is doing its own private thing. This is a kind of boring and I love the communal celebrations where you meet people and hear about life of others.

As a matter of fact, Pessach in Tel Aviv is a challenge, as many restaurants / cafes are not kosher for Pessach and continue selling Chametz. It is easy keeping Pessach in Jerusalem or Bnei Brak and this may be boring as well. In Tel Aviv, at least, you really have to fulfill the Mitzvah and make an effort in order to keep Pessach.

If anyone is interested, the Toldot Avraham Yitzchak are having a Tish tonight. The most eventful chassidic day during Pessach is the seventh day of the holiday. Then the Rebbes of the Avraham Yitzchak as well of the Toldot Aharon dance in their Synagogues the crossing of the Red Sea. This is a huge and beautiful event when each Rebbe is dancing alone.

"Gut Schabbes - Shabbat Shalom" to all of you !