Passover 2014

A few weeks ago, we celebrated Passover for the first time. I highly recommend it! The Seder, or traditional dinner, engages all the senses in remembering the events of the Exodus. You sit down to the meal, hungry--like a slave, and the first bites are of bitter herbs recalling what bondage tasted like to the Israelites in Egypt. The candles flicker as you hear the story of the fateful night when God moved on behalf of His people, and finally Pharoah says, "Go!"

The Seder Plate

Starting at the egg and moving clockwise, we have: an egg, representing new life; a lamb bone, representing the animal sacrifice for the blood that went on the doorposts; a sweet concoction called haroset, meant to look like the mixture of mud and straw the Israelites used to make bricks for their Egyptian masters; horseradish, our "bitter herb", a harsh taste of the bitterness of slavery; and a sprig of parsley, the second bitter herb, which is dipped in the dish of salt water (in the middle), representing the tears of those enslaved.

Traditionally, the youngest asks four questions, starting with, "Why is this night different than all other nights?" And the Father answers with the retelling of the story. I can't wait till Eddie's old enough to participate!

Reading the Exodus story.

There is so much imagery and symbolism. And we added in the piece of Christ celebrating Passover at the Last Supper. To think that He recited those words, answered those same four questions, and sang those Psalms the night before He became our Passover Lamb, His blood rescuing us from death, obtaining our freedom.

"I am the LORD, and I will bring you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians, and I will deliver you from slavery to them, and I will redeem you with an outstretched arm and with great acts of judgment. I will take you to be my people, and I will be your God..."

 from Exodus 6

 

After all the traditional dipping and reciting and sips of wine, finally, we enjoyed a delicious meal, rejoicing in God's amazing power having set us free!

Next year in Jerusalem!