Bochurim Prep to Lead Seders

How do you prepare hundreds of Yeshiva Bocuhrim to leave their homes and set up the largest network of Passover sedorim in 82 countries around the world?

That was the discussion for the 300 rabbinical students who gathered in Crown Heights on Thursday. The day, a Yom Iyun, was dedicated to helping them prepare for the unique challenges and experiences of running a Passover Seder in far-flung cities around the world. Everything from how to deal with the foreign language and recruitment to the logistics and special Halachic circumstances they might find themselves in. This Year’s Pesach program is expected to reach an estimated 50,000 Jews in some 190 different communities.

Chairing the Yom Iyun was Rabbi Moshe Kotlarsky, vice-chairman of Merkos L’Inyonei Chinuch Who oversees the Merkos Shlichus program and budget. Stressing the critical importance of the communal Passover Sedarim and bringing the fifth child to the table, he spoke to the bochurim about the key role they have in fighting rising trends of intermarriage and assimilation. For many of the communities the bochurim’s visit will be the only traditional Jewish infrastructure they have for the entire year.

“Don’t underestimate the message and influence you will have on the communities you visit,” Rabbi Kotlarsky told the bochurim. “Each and every single one of you can revolutionize Jewish life and identity for those you encounter.”

While the students have all experienced the Passover Seder at home, the experience of leading a public seder under ‘extreme’ conditions requires special preparation. Rabbi Mordechai Farkash, The Rov and Chabad emissary to Bellevue, WA, gave a shiur about the many issues the bochurim may encounter while abroad. Scenarios such as where to check for chametz when staying in multiple locations, and the halachic implications of communities where the sun doesn’t set and the Seder can’t begin until after 9:00 in the evening present unique challenges.

Rabbi Yossi Jacobson addressed the public oratory skills and various techniques needed to successfully tailor and engage these participants at the seder.

As Yud Aleph Nissan is 110 years as well as this year being 60 years of the Rebbe’s Nissius the Bochurim were urged to make an extra effort in doing Mivtzion with these numbers.

Following the day’s events, which also included a special video of the Rebbe, the bochurim were given special hagados printed for them to use at the sedarim they will conduct.

Mishpacha Magazine reported in their extended Pesach issue that “a common issue faced by those in locations where it doesn’t get dark until very late: the Seder needs to be stretched so that the mitzvos of the night are fulfilled at the proper time, which involves holding the interest of participants, often with young children, until night falls.”

It added that in some venues, such as in Kathmandu, Nepal, the sheer number of backpackers necessitates two Sedorim, one for English speakers and another for the Israeli visitors. How many guests?

“Last year there were 2,000 Hebrew speakers and about 200 participants in the English Seder, plus an additional 600 at another Hebrew Seder held at the base of Mount Everest,” Rabbi Kotlarsky told Mishpacha.

Thailand is also a favorite of the Israeli backpackers. Some 3,500 came to last year’s Seder. All who are hungry come and eat: these dedicated boys are right there, providing nourishment for starving souls.

Sponsor a group or a guest at the Seder at RovingRabbis.com