Men's Farbrengen Night will be held this week to celebrate the Second Passover, highlighting the concept of a second chance.
A year after the Exodus, G-d instructed the people of Israel to bring the Passover offering on the afternoon of Nissan 14, and to eat it that evening, together with matzah and bitter herbs, as they had done on the previous year just before they left Egypt.
But some people who had become ritually impure, were not able to join and complained, "Why should we be deprived, and not be able to present G-d's offering in its time, amongst the children of Israel?"
In response to their plea, G-d established the 14th of Iyar as a "second Passover" (pesach sheini) for anyone who was unable to bring the offering on its appointed time in the previous month.
The day thus represents the "second chance" achieved by teshuvah the power of repentance and "return." In the words of Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak of Lubavitch, "The Second Passover means that it's never a 'lost case.'"
In Tucson, this day will be marked with an informal chassidic gathering characterized by niggunim (heartfelt songs), uplifting talk, inspirational stories, L'chaim and refreshments.
Chabad rabbis in Tucson will be leading the evening to be held Wednesday, April 24, at 8:00 PM at the home of Rabbi Shemtov.
Some Matzah will be served as well. Participants do not have to come dressed as the above photo...