Preparing for Pesach, April 10, 2025 Class Companion

Pesach Class Reflection Worksheet – Reflection and Integration

Section 1: The Four Exiles Within

Reflect on each of the internal exiles experienced in Mitzrayim. Write briefly about how each one has shown up in your life.

1. Time – Where in your life do you feel like time has been taken from you or misused?

2. Speech – Have you ever silenced yourself or felt unable to speak clearly or truthfully?

3. Boundaries – What boundaries in your life have been hard to keep or define?

4. Memory – What part of yourself or your story have you forgotten or lost touch with?

Section 2: The Seder as a Healing Structure

Each step of the Seder is a spiritual restoration. Use the prompts below to explore how each

part might offer you personal repair.

1. Kadesh – What would it mean to declare one hour of your life as holy and protected?

2. Urchatz – What have your hands been involved with that you wish to cleanse and

rededicate?

3. Karpas – Can you think of a place where joy and sorrow meet in your story?

4. Yachatz – What part of your life feels broken? How could that be the place where

redemption enters?

Section 3: Sparks from the Nations

If you are not Jewish by lineage, reflect on how this class made space for your story.

1. Do you feel spiritually included in this tradition? Why or why not?

2. What sparks do you carry that feel like they belong to this sacred structure?

3. What do you want to carry forward after this class?

Section 4: Closing Reflection

1. What was the most surprising or meaningful part of the class for you?

2. How do you plan to carry one part of this learning into your life in the week ahead?

3. Is there someone in your life who needs to hear one piece of what you’ve received

tonight?

Seeing the Good in Others Worksheet – Class Companion: February 5, 2025

Rabbi Dovid Biederman of Lelov was known for his ability to see the good in others, even when others could not. This worksheet will help you reflect on his teachings and apply them to your own personal growth and interactions.

Understanding the Concept

The foundation of Rabbi Dovid’s teachings is based on these Torah principles:

• Bereishit 1:27 – “And G-d created man in His image.”

→ Every human being carries Divine potential.

• Pirkei Avot 1:6 – “Judge every person favorably.”

→ This is a directive, not a suggestion.

• Vayikra 19:18 – “Love your fellow as yourself.”

→ This is one of the greatest commandments in the Torah.

Reflection Question

• How do these verses challenge the way you view others?

(Write your response below.)

The Power of Perception

The Baal Shem Tov taught that how we perceive others actually influences their behavior.

• When we see the good in someone, we help draw that goodness out in them.

• When we judge negatively, we reinforce negativity.

Reflection Questions

• Have you ever been around someone who expected great things from you?

→ How did that make you feel?

• Have you ever been pre-judged negatively?

→ How did that impact you?

Exercise

Write about a time when someone’s belief in you helped you rise to the occasion. (Write below.)

Practicing Ayin Tovah (A Good Eye)

Choose someone in your life whom you struggle with. Identify three qualities that they possess that you can appreciate.

Reflection

Has seeing their good qualities changed your perspective? (Write below.)

Stories of Rabbi Dovid

Rabbi Dovid saw the good in everyone, no matter their past. Consider these stories and reflect on their messages:

1. Seeing Good in a Thief

• Rabbi Dovid once encountered a known thief. Instead of judging him, he greeted him warmly and pointed out his intelligence and potential.

• The man was so moved by the Rebbe’s faith in him that he changed his ways.

2. Feeding Without Judgment

• During a famine, Rabbi Dovid gave food to everyone—Jews and non-Jews alike.

• When questioned about this, he simply said:

“A hungry soul is a hungry soul.”

Reflection:

• What can these stories teach us about how we should approach others? (Write below.)

Kabbalistic Insights

Rabbi Dovid’s approach aligns with deep Kabbalistic teachings:

• Malchut (Kingship) & Humility – He reflected Divine light through service.

• Gematria of דוד (14) – “Yad” (hand), symbolizing giving and connection.

• Double Dalet (ד) – Represents humility and being a doorway for others to enter holiness.

Exercise:

• Think of a way you can help someone else feel seen and valued this week. (Write below.)

Weekly Challenge

This week, take on the following practice:

1. Each day, find a different person and identify a positive quality in them.

2. Express appreciation for someone in your life in a meaningful way.

3. Refrain from speaking negatively about anyone for one week.

Reflection:

• Write about what you learned from this challenge. (Write below.)

Final Reflection

Rabbi Dovid taught:

“If G-d sees the good in us, how can we do any less for others?”

What is one action step you will commit to in order to apply this wisdom? (Write below.)