B"H

Thursday, Nissan 10, 5777 / April 6, 2017

Today is the 10th day in the month of Nissan– on this day, Moshe's sister, Miriam, passed away. 

Miriam was older than Moshe. According to the Midrash, when Pharaoh ordered the Egyptians to drown every newborn male, Miriam's father, Amram, didn’t want to have any more children and separated from his wife, Yocheved. 

Miriam then told her father, "Your action is even harsher than Pharaoh's!  Pharaoh's decree threatens only boys.  However, if everyone followed your decision, there wouldn't be any Jewish children at all!" 

Amram realized that his young daughter was right.  He reunited with his wife and Yocheved gave birth to Moshe, who became the leader of his people and who took them out of Egypt.

When, at three months Moshe was placed in the basket on the Nile, it was his sister Miriam who looked out for him from shore.  When Pharaoh's daughter pulled Moshe from the river it was due to Miriam’s suggestion that Moshe was given back to his mother for nursing.

During the forty years in the desert, a well which supplied all their water needs, traveled with the people of Israel.  The well was in the merit of Miriam.  It is in fact called, “Be’eirah shel Miriam” - “The well of Miriam.”

Friday, the 11th of Nissan, marks the 115th birthday of the Lubavitcher Rebbe - Rabbi M. M. Schneerson, of blessed memory. Although the Rebbe is not with us physically, his love for every Jew is still felt just as strongly and vibrantly as before, through his Torah teachings, through his dedicated emissaries in every corner of the globe and through the many activities he instituted and his educational networks which bring the light of Torah to every corner of the world. May his memory bring us only blessing.

Q.   What is the reason for filling the "Cup of Eliyahu (Elijah the Prophet)" at the Seder?

A.  The four cups at the Seder commemorate our past redemption. The "Cup of Eliyahu" symbolizes our future and ultimate redemption with the coming of Moshiach.  Eliyahu HaNavi (Elijah the Prophet) will be the one to inform us of Moshiach's arrival.  May it occur speedily in our days!

CHAG SAMEACH - A HAPPY, HEALTHY AND KOSHER PASSOVER

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** NEXT TORAH FAX IN 2 WEEKS – AFTER THE HOLIDAYS**

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In loving memory of Moshe Altman - Moshe Aharon ben Chaim Yehuda - of blessed memory

Yartzeit is Friday, 11th of Nissan.  May his soul rest in peace in Gan Eden.

From the family