We are thrilled to have partnered with Israeli artist Eli Kaplan Wildmann on an exquisite globe-like box that institutions such as Rodeph Sholom, Central Synagogue, Westchester Reform Temple, Temple Emanuel of the Pascack Valley, and Tiferet Bet Israel have ordered in bulk for all of their members. The box's interactive design allows users to personalize their boxes with a photograph of someone who inspires them, a list of issues that matter to them, and more. We are considering a second production run, so complete this form if you are interested in a bulk order.

We invite you to join us in opening your box on Pesach Sheni, a month after Passover. Why?

Pesach Sheni or “Second Passover” is a Biblical holiday. Some Israelites were unable to perform the Passover pilgrimage due to being in an impure state, often understood to mean they were handling corpses. Finding this rule unfair, these members of society successfully lobbied Moses to institute a second chance to make their pilgrimage one month later (14 Iyyar). Pesach Sheni was the result of a successful advocacy day; may all of our efforts to change the law for a more just society be so fruitful!

Most commonly observed today in Chasidic communities, Pesach Sheni is now seen as a day for everyone to come together for a celebration of second chances. Indeed, Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Schneersohn (1880-1950), the 6th Lubavitcher Rebbe, taught that the true significance of the holiday is to teach us that it is never too late to rectify a past failing. 

This is why we have embraced Pesach Sheni for Yom HaTzedek -- because: (1) we see such beautiful symmetry between this Biblical occasion to ensure everyone could sacrifice for the Eternal, and Yom HaTzedek is an opportunity for Jews all around the world to give of themselves for the Greater Good, (2) we see the holiday as enabling us to build from the redemptive message of Passover and serve as a “second chance” moment to affirm that the Exodus is not over until all of us are free (note that no other festival holiday has a “second chance,” emphasizing the special role that Passover and our liberation story plays in our history), (3) we appreciate that the holiday reminds us to think about those who have been left out and who deserve a seat at the table, which tzedek work seeks to rectify, (4) it was the result of successful lobbying and speaks to the importance of raising your voice on behalf of what's right and fair, (5) we love that Pesach Sheni was also a holiday that “bubbled up” through popular demand -- and could use a modern renaissance that we can all help spark. 

One additional fun fact: tradition teaches us that Iyar 14 is when the matzah carried by the Israelites in the desert ran out, and manna began to fall from the sky, which is both why matzah is often eaten on Pesach Sheni and why we can now reflect on the post-matzah world in which we want to live. For more information on Pesach Sheni as it has been observed traditionally, see here.