Lots Going On This Weekend

First Night & First Day Post-Pesach:  Which is to say, Post-Pesach as Passover is traditionally celebrated here in Albuquerque - eight days and nights.  Were we in the Land of Israel instead of the Land of Enchantment, Pesach would end after only seven days and nights.

The fact that some of us are here while others are there has two interesting consequences: 

1. Israeli Jews get to return to Chametzville 24 hours before Diaspora Jews.
   
2. The weekly Torah readings for Israel and for the Diaspora diverge on Saturday April 14 - when, says HebCal.com, Israeli Jews read Parshat Shemini while it's still Pesach (Day 8) in the Disapora.  
   
   This divergence is not corrected until Saturday May 19, when Israeli Jews read Parshat BeHukotai (having read Parshat BeHar the week before) while Diaspora Jews read the double Parsha, BeHar-Behukotai.

Isn't this fascinating?  But here we are.  And Chabad of New Mexico / Albuquerque will celebrate Seudat Moshiach on Saturday night at 7:00 pm.  What is Seudat Moshiach?  Chabad.org explains:

The last day of Passover ("Acharon Shel Pesach") is particularly associated with Moshiach and the future redemption. The Haftarah (reading from the Prophets) for this day is from Isaiah 11, which describes the promised future era of universal peace and divine perfection. Rabbi Israel Baal Shem Tov instituted the custom of partaking of a "Moshiach's meal" on the afternoon of the last day of Passover; in addition to the matzah eaten at "Moshiach's meal", the Rebbes of Chabad added the custom of drinking four cups of wine, as in the seder held on Passover's first days.

Congregation Nahalat Shalom has two events scheduled for Sunday April 15: 

1. At 2:30 pm, Reb Zalman teaches (via DVD) Kavannah.
   
2. At 5:30 pm, Rabbi Deborah Brin and Attorney Lynn Yael McKeever are In Conversation About Health Decisions.

Have you checked out the Abq Jewish Event Calendar?  It is, Abq Jew believes, the most complete Jewish event calendar in the Land of Enchantment. 

Here are even more Upcoming Abq Jewish Events To Go & Do this weekend:

New Mexico Philharmonic

New Mexico Philharmonic @ Congregation Albert 
@ Sat 14 Apr 2012 @ 7:00 pm  

What It Is:  One of a series of NM Phil Neighborhood Concerts. David Felberg, Conductor Mozart Overture to Abduction from Seraglio Winner of McGehee Competition Mendelssohn Italian Symphony

Tickets:  May be purchased online.  Members of Congregation Albert:  Thank you for hosting!  Call the CA office for special rates!

Breakfast & Blood Drive 

The Final Solution & Its Origins Examined @ Congregation Albert
@ Sun15 Apr 2012 @ 10:00 am   

What It Is:  Sheri Metzger Karmiol, PhD,  Adjunct Professor at UNM, will speak about “The Wannsee Conference - 70 Years Later” at Congregation Albert Brotherhood’s monthly breakfast. Fifteen high-ranking representatives from the German government and the Nazi Party met at a villa in Wannsee, near Berlin, on January 20, 1942.  Historians considered that the Wannsee Conference was when the German hierarchy devised the plans for the Final Solution.  Some now dispute that finding as too simplistic.

Cost & Reservations:  $10 for Brotherhood and Sisterhood members; $12 for all others. This event is paired with Congregation Albert’s annual blood drive, whose donors enjoy breakfast for free.  Please make reservations by Wednesday April 11 by calling (505) 883-1818 x3203 and leaving your name, telephone, and number of persons attending.

Book Signing @ Bookworks

Sharon Niederman, Signs & Shrines @ Bookworks 
@ Sun 15 April 2012 @ 3:00 pm

What It Is:  Sharon Niederman's Signs & Shrines: Spiritual Journeys Across New Mexico takes readers along the ancient pilgrimage trails that crisscross this enchanted state, a place where a rich multiplicity of cultures continue to thrive. 

From the winding High Road between Santa Fe and Taos to Warriors Spirit Way across the Black Range; through ghost towns and on to Silver City; to the Old Spanish Trail that originates in Abiquiu, you ll find the pathways that spiritual seekers have followed for centuries. The mysteries of sacred sites, natural wonders, power spots, feast days, and festivals are here explained by one of the state's most prolific and knowledgeable authors.

In addition to providing cultural context that answers visitors questions about history and practices found only in New Mexico, the award-winning author provides clear directions, maps, and guidance on the best places to stay, dine, shop, and recreate on your route. 

Signs & Shrines is an innovative guide that will enrich the experience not only of spiritual seekers, but of every visitor drawn to tour the Land of Enchantment.

Info:  Bookworks   4022 Rio Grande Blvd NW    (505) 344-8139