Our Latest Contest

One of the coolest things at the Passover Seder is finding the afikomen. I never found it. My older sister, Lenore, did. No matter where the Seder was, no matter who hid it, she found it. Even when I led the Seder and hid it in the most unbelievable place, a place where no one could ever find it, Lenore’s daughter found it. I’m sure Lenore told her where it was. However, Lenore lives in New Jersey and has no plans to be here until after Passover. So, I’ve decided to hide it again—a community afikomen—right here in Charlotte. The person who finds it has to change their name to Lenore (just kidding).

Here are the details:
I will hide the afikomen somewhere in Charlotte. I will give you clues as to its whereabouts. Whoever finds it should bring it to the office to claim his or her prize. If you get stuck, call me and I’ll give you my sister’s number. Good luck and have a very happy Passover.

1. Some times you find yourself between Rocks and a hard-to-find parking place.
2. Pass up the temptation to Thai one on.
3. Don’t ask D’nephew where it is.

For those of you who don’t want to search for the afikomen, but want to add something new to your Seder, here’s another idea. I recently read a book, The Mitzvah of Healing: An Anthology of Essays, Jewish Texts, Personal Stories, Meditations, and Rituals edited by Hara E. Person. There were some suggestions for those who are going through challenging times. One of them dealt with the four questions, which are traditionally asked by the youngest child at the Seder. The thought was to add four additional questions particular to our situation. The example given was, “A person struggling with illness may ask…Why me? On this night as all others I wonder why me? A person who is the loved one of someone ill may ask…How can I help? On this night as all others, what can I do to bring comfort? A doctor or nurse may ask…Will I have the skills to help save lives and mend broken bodies? On this night and throughout my life, will I be able to heal? A community may ask…How can we create a haven of safety, a support system, and a place of true prayer for those whose lives revolve around illness and healing? On this night and all nights, how can we serve God and the Jewish people?”

What are the questions you would ask?
 
Arthur B. Kramer, Executive Director