There's so much happening at Shaarey Zedek's Applebaum Jewish Parenting Center thankful. They also help us realize that while our prayers, or pleases, are not always answered to our lik- ing, we do have One to guide us through our increasingly complicated lives. By cleaning our homes in prepara- tion of Pesach, we are reminded that I God always offers us the opportunity to create new beginnings. We are blessed with the freedom to cast aside old habits and predispositions. and begin life afresh (out with the „ old, in with the new). This spring 1 cleaning, along with the burning of chametz, symbolizes this and reminds us to be thankful for the free will we enjoy 365 days a year. The giving of maot chittim to families less fortu- nate reminds us that "thank yous" often take the form of deeds-, in addi- tion to words. By providing for those less fortunate, we become ever more 4 i conscious of our own blessings, and we help others realize that their prayers and "pleases" are not ignored. After all the preparation is done, we are able to sit down and enjoy I the lessons of the seder, contained in 1 its many sights, sounds, tastes and with (continued deference to Barney), imaginary friends. The sights are highlighted by the beautiful seder plate with its reaffirming "thank yous" in each compartment. The trip around the plate begins sadly, with maror I and charoset which remind us of our bitter enslavement at the hands of the ♦ I Egyptians. Next to the maror, howev- er, sits the shankbone, which reminds us that our lives were redeemed while our oppressors were destroyed. 1 Our blessings continue to be symbol- : ized by the egg, recalling our new 1 lives as a free people. Last, the karpas reminds us of spring and the 41 opportunity it holds for fresh, new beginnings. Each symbol celebrates our freedom. For those more attune to sounds, the chanting of the four questions inspires us to another level of "thank yous." I Why do we eat matzoh? To remember that we were slaves given an opportunity to escape so quickly that our bread didn't have time to rise. Matzoh reminds us that encoun- ters with God can take place at any time, so we should always be pre- pared. Why do we eat bitter herbs? To remind us that our lives were bitter — and now they are not. We eat bitter herbs so we can thank God for hap- piness. Why do we dip twice? So we can recall the tears that we once shed. Why do we recline? So we can be thankful for the comfort not only in our nice homes, but in good health and piece of mind. Our imaginary friends join us in the form of four sons who, at the very least, remind this father to treat each of his children with a unique love and respect for their differ- ences. The four sons remind me of my responsibility to teach my boys about our history and religion, to make sure each understands its beauty and lessons and applies them to his life. Our invisible . visitor Elijah offers more reason for optimism and thank yous since he represents God's ever- watchful eye over our family. And if we invite Elijah to dine at our table, how much easier it is to invite my sons' grandfather, my dad — once a proud leader of many family seders who now sits with us as a watchful spirit, as well. On Pesach we thank God for beautiful memories and say "please" look after all our loved ones — those here with us now, and those who have passed on but remain with us in spirit. To Barney I give a "thank you" as well — for teaching my children the right things to do and say. I only hope that when they outgrow you, I will be able to pick up where you left off by teaching them to be‘gracious, humble and always to remember to say "please" and "thank you." D MUSIC & MOVEMENT KITCHEN TABLE Music class for moms and babies A chat group for moms and babies. 3 months and older. Birth through 15 months. 7 week class beginning Monday, April 20 9 week class beginning 10:15-10:45 a.m. 10-17 months Wednesday, April 22 11:00-11:30 a.m. 3-9 months 9:30-10:45 a.m. $35/m; $50/nm 545/m; $65/nm . (no class May 25 & June 1 CHALLAH DAYS Make and take a challah that you can INFANT MASSAGE bake at home for a wonderful Shab- Discover an effective way to commu- bat experience. $2.50 per pound of nicate with your baby, using all the dough. Pre-ordering and payment re- senses. For babies birth-9 months or quired by April 20. Program Friday, crawling. April 24. 5 week class beginning Monday, April 20 10:00-10:45 a.m. MUSIC AND MOVEMENT $25/m; $35/nm Music class for moms and babies 3 months and older. MENSCH MAKING (S.T.E.P.) 9 week class beginning Friday, April 24 For parents of pre-schoolers. Learn 10:30-11:00 a.m. 10-17 months to understand why children mis- 9:45-10:15 a.m. 3-9 months behave and techniques to help solve $45/m; $65/nm these problems (All materials included). BABY GYM 8 week class beginning Tuesday, April 21 Gym class for moms and babies 7:00-8:30 3-17 months. $40/m; $60/nm 9 week class beginning Friday, April 24 10-17 months 9:45-10:15 a . m . 3-9 months 10:30-11:00 a.m. $45/m; $65/nm For More Information on Parenting Center Programs, Please contact Janet Pont (248) 681-5353 Fax: (248) 681-4251 E-mail• jpcgshaareyzedelcorg 1 DWYER AND SONS COLLISION CENTER Joel Goldhaber, formerly with Maxie Collision, Inc. is now actively servicing all previous customers and new customers at Dwyer and Sons Collision Center ■ Free Loaner available or ask about our Deductible Savings Program ■ Free Estimates ■ All insurance companies accepted. We are a direct repair for many insurance companies ■ Towing services available ■ All makes and models are welcome ■ Turning in a lease car? See me first for a free pre-inspection!! ■ Free pick-up and delivery service available (248) 624-0400 3055 West Maple, Commerce Township, MI 48390 1/4 mile west of Haggerty (north side) 4/3 1998 69