Lev Eisha Services for April, May and June will be held at:
Temple Akiba
5249 S. Sepulveda Blvd.
Culver City 90230
You can park along Sepulveda and on the side streets to the south of the pet store. Do not park at the pet store.
Our new mailing address is:
Lev Eisha
10736 Jefferson Blvd #706
Culver City, California 90230
Order your copies of Journey of the Heart in time for Pesach. This inspiring haggadah is specific to the women's perspective on Pesach and offers texts, songs, readings and poetry that will make your seder more meaningful. This haggadah can be used for everyone, or as a supplement to your family seder.
To order your haggadot, email Janis@leveish.org and tell her how many you want her to bring to our April 4th service. A minimum donation of $18 per copy is requested. You can bring a check when you pick them up, or use our a credit card on our PAY PAL donation link. (There may be a place on the PayPal system that still says "of Adat Shalom", but your funds will go to the new corporation.) Be sure you email Janis so that she knows how many to bring.
A few extra copies of the cookbook and the haggadah will be available at the April 4th service. Donations must be made in check form. No credit cards or cash accepted.
Chag Sameach - A healthy and happy Passover to our Lev Eisha families and friends.
I am looking forward to seeing everyone on Shabbat April 4, 2009 at our new location, Temple Akiba. Like the holiday, this is a "rebirth" and a new beginning. Join us on our new journey!
Now, a few thoughts based on a Rabbi Simon Jacobson teaching on the Seder Plate. We all know that there are historical and ritual meanings to the food items on the Passover seder plate. The burnt egg represents the festival offering; the shank bone is the "outstretched arm" of God taking us out of Egypt and also the Passover offering; the bitter herbs reflect the bitterness of slavery, etc.
On a mystical, psychological level, however, there are deeper levels of meaning which make the seder more personal and relevant.
It is taught that the seder plate is a reflection of our own personalities! Based on the Kabbalistic Sefirot, the items on the plate reflect various human emotions.
The shank bone expresses "chesed," loving kindness, the ability to "reach out" our arms to give and receive love and to care for others.
The hard boiled egg symbolizes "gevurah," the discipline which is necessary to temper and balance love. Love without boundaries can hurt, and love needs to be given and received in a measured and mindful way.
The bitter herbs are "tiferet," which is empathy, and reflects how we should feel for others--especially the stranger who needs our compassion and our open hearts.
The Charoset, which is the mortar used to make the pyramids, is like cement and reflects "netzach" - strength and endurance. We need these qualities to withstand and grow through every challenge.
The green vegetable, parsley, grows low to the ground and is "hod," humility, which is necessary for balance in our lives.
Consider these teachings and see if they resonate with you.
I will discuss these further on Shabbat. Join us for our Lev Eisha service. You will be glad you did!
L'Shalom, Rabbi August
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Mazal tov to the Jewish People. We have the privilege of fulfilling the many mitzvot of Pesach again this year. Next year in Jerusalem!
If you have a milestone to share please send it to: editor@leveisha.org. Our
newsletter gets printed about a week before each service. Please send the info ASAP.
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