Governor Larry Hogan Visits Beth Tfiloh to Buy Chametz

By Samantha S. ‘16
On Sunday, audience members at the Middle School’s production of The Wizard of Oz had the pleasure of hearing from Governor Larry Hogan and Rabbi Wohlberg prior to the performance.

“Somebody has come today specifically for the purpose of buying the chametz from Beth Tfiloh,” announced Rabbi Wohlberg. “So let’s all give a round of applause to our chametz buyer, the Governor of the State of Maryland, Governor Larry Hogan.”
After inviting him up on stage, Rabbi Wohlberg stressed the strong relationship developed between Governor Hogan and the Beth Tfiloh community.

“I consider the Governor a friend,” said Rabbi Wohlberg. “Before he ran for office [Governor Hogan] came here and visited Beth Tfiloh. He was so impressed with everything that we do here that we developed a personal relationship.”

Emphasizing this close relationship, Rabbi Wohlberg joked around with the Governor
throughout the ceremony.

“What [Governor Hogan] really admired most besides for the school and synagogue was my car,” said Rabbi Wohlberg. “I told him he could use it any Saturday that he wants.”

After a few jokes and laughs the chametz bidding began. When Governor Hogan offered $5 for the chametz, Rabbi Wohlberg joked, “That’s all they have in the budget for the state of Maryland.” Smiling, Governor Hogan responded, “We are watching every dollar of the tax payers’ money.”

While handing over the money, Governor Hogan announced that he would be donating the chametz to some “very worthy food banks to help the people who are less fortunate.”

Afterwards representatives from Health Care for the Homeless and Govens Ecumencial Development Corporation (GEDCO) were invited up on stage to accept the chametz.

The ceremony concluded with cast members of The Wizard of Oz thanking Governor Hogan with a “Todah Rabbah”. Wishing the audience a “Happy Passover,” Governor Hogan also said that he was honored to be invited to Beth Tfiloh and that he “can’t think of any other way to start the Passover celebration” than by having the congregation donate to two “very worthwhile organizations.”

You can drop off your chametz food contribution at any of the School division offices through Tuesday, March 31st!
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Beth Tfiloh Dahan Community School

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Baltimore’s only Jewish independent preparatory school serving PreSchool through Grade 12.