64 | APRIL 14 • 2022 

PASSOVER

continued from page 63

especially as it pertains to the 
ongoing crisis in Ukraine.
Held every year around 
the Rebbe’s birthday, Mitzvah 
Tanks also aim to introduce 
the Passover spirit to the 
Jewish community by handing 
out authentic and handmade 
Passover matzah known as 
“shmurah matzah” to use at the 
Passover seder.
“When these boys go out 
with the music and the spirit 
just before Pesach, the Jews 
become connected and it’s really 
beautiful,
” Shemtov describes.

BRINGING CHEER 
TO THE COMMUNITY
During Metro Detroit’s 
Mitzvah Tank Parade, Chabad 
emissaries and students from 
five continents and 20 coun-
tries, including Brazil and 
South Korea, participated in 
the day-long festivities.
Following the split to their 

individual locations, Mitzvah 
Tanks stopped at schools like 
Frankel Jewish Academy. They 
also visited the elderly and 
homebound. “
At the senior 
citizen homes, many of the 
residents came outside, even 
though it was rainy,” Shemtov 
says. “They wanted to be a 
part [of the event]. It was real-

ly very special.”
After the first appearance 
of Mitzvah Tanks in Metro 
Detroit, Shemtov says the calls 
are already coming in to make 
the event an annual one. 
“It sounds like something 
worthwhile to do more often 
than not,” Shemtov says. 
“Once you do something 

good, there’s always the recog-
nition that it doesn’t only have 
to be on special anniversaries. 
We can try to do different 
activities like this at other 
times as well.”
Those still in need of 
Passover essentials can contact 
The Shul to pick up a packet 
before the holiday. 

Rabbi Shemtov and some of the Friday Boys

for details and links.

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