Do you celebrate Passover?

[AngCath]

Do any of you (plan to) celebrate Passover?

[AngCath]

I was just wondering if any of you celebrate Passover.
Growing up, my family celebrated Passover with a Jewish family we were close to.

[gtsecc]

Yep!

[artrx]

I was just wondering if any of you celebrate Passover.
Growing up, my family celebrated Passover with a Jewish family we were close to.

I never have, but would like to. The Jewish friends I have are either more cuturally Jewish than religious or have close family gatherings that I haven't had the nerve to interrupt with my presence. I'd actually like to see it celebrated in a more orthodox home.

[Naomi4Christ]

We have friends who host a seder meal, and so we have a very Christian passover.

[IowaLutheran]

We had a seder at our church Sunday night, which was my first experience with this tradition.

[TomUK]

I never have, but would like to.

I echo that point.

I do wonder however when i would celebrate passover. I certainly wouldn't want it detracting from what we celebrate on Maundy Thursday.

[Naomi4Christ]

I echo that point.

I do wonder however when i would celebrate passover. I certainly wouldn't want it detracting from what we celebrate on Maundy Thursday.

What I like about a Seder meal is the tradition of who does what - eldest boy, eldest girl doing a reading etc.

I wouldn't get fixated on the actual day.

[AngCath]

I echo that point.

I do wonder however when i would celebrate passover. I certainly wouldn't want it detracting from what we celebrate on Maundy Thursday.

For us, it was before or after the Maundy Thursday service depending on when that was scheduled at church.

[TomUK]

For us, it was before or after the Maundy Thursday service depending on when that was scheduled at church.

Does it provide yet another thing to think about in a week where our minds should be firmly focussed on Christ?

[Naomi4Christ]

Does it provide yet another thing to think about in a week where our minds should be firmly focussed on Christ?

A Christian seder meal is very focussed on Christ - everything about it, really.

[TomUK]

A Christian seder meal is very focussed on Christ - everything about it, really.

As i've never taken part in one, could you perhaps expand a little on what it involves (if you have time)?

[Naomi4Christ]

It is very liturgical - the head male presides over it, and there are both corporate prayers and readings. Various members of the gathering are called to do the various readings.

These liturgical elements punctuate the actual eating of the food, all of which is highly symbolic.

[romaneagle13]

I have never done it, but I think I might like to. The Passover seder doesn't detract from Christ at all in my opinion. I think it puts in you mind with what Christ himself celebrated all those years ago, on the night that he was mindful of what he was about to endure. Furthermore, the Jewish Passover commemorates and gives thanks for an occasion when God saved His people (by sparing them from the angel of death). By the same token, we Christians are remembering an event that saves us all. I like the parallels between them both. I don't really have time to devote to it this year, but maybe next year I will have a seder.

[CSMR]

Isn't the passover an image of Easter? Why celebrate two Easters in one week?

[higgs2]

One of our former priests once told me that he quit doing seder suppers because they started to seem somewhat insensitive, like non-Christians doing a "pretend Eucharist" to see what it's like. I wonder how Jews would really feel about Christians and the practice of Seder suppers during Holy Week?

[gtsecc]

So much of what we do as Christians comes from Jewish rituals. It migth be a little wierd to try to do a sedder meal purely as a religious event, but as a learning event it is appropriate.

[chalice_thunder]

I've been privileged to take part in Seders with some Jewish friends a number of times. It's a wonderfully rich experience, and it naturally appeals to my love of symbol and ritual.

That being said, my inner "LiturgyNazi" says: NOT during the Triduum. The Easter Vigil IS our Passover celebration because Christ is our Passover. We gather at the new fire to hear the story of God's saving acts. We invite all the saints to stand beside us as we gather at the font to baptize new Christians. Then we proclaim the resurrection with joy and vigor, and celebrate the first Easter Eucharist.

[ContraMundum]

It's a sore point in my family.

Because I'm of Jewish stock, and yet I am a Christian (minister no less), I consider myself a "Messianic Jew" (no, not like the pentecostals who call themselves that....but that's another point that would take hours of my ranting to get through), but of course my dear old mum gets confused about it all. So, I want to celebrate Passover as well as Maundy Thursday but I'm not invited to Passover but yet still can't miss our Holy Day either.

There's so much imagery in the Passover that you have to be blind to miss the Hidden Christ. I'd like just one shot at explaining it to them.

[artrx]

There is an article in the Washington Post Metro section today titled Some Jews See Trespass in Church Seder. There are some interseting perspectives listed. I like the idea of joining with a Jewish community for the meal. Our parish also holds a Sedar meal, but I've never been to it. I would hope it was respectful of both traditions.

[karen freeinchristman]

There's so much imagery in the Passover that you have to be blind to miss the Hidden Christ.

I once went to an evening hosted by the local Methodist church that featured "Jews for Jesus", who came and went through all of the passover rituals and showed their connection to Jesus Christ. It was fascinating. I had never had any of that explained to me before.

[SirTimothy]

I'm always frustrated Maundy Thursday. Our evening service is right at the time I need to eat--I can't miss eating or I get a blinding migraine, so I end up never getting to our service. :(

Timothy

[IowaLutheran]

So much of what we do as Christians comes from Jewish rituals. It migth be a little wierd to try to do a sedder meal purely as a religious event, but as a learning event it is appropriate.

That's exactly how our church treated it, it was sponsored and run by our parish education committee.

[chalice_thunder]

I'm always frustrated Maundy Thursday. Our evening service is right at the time I need to eat--I can't miss eating or I get a blinding migraine, so I end up never getting to our service. :(

Timothy

Too bad you can't be with us tonight, brother.

Tonight our congregation meets in the parish hall for a simple Mediterranean style supper...traditional finger foods, dried fruits, and of course, bread and wine.

During the course of the meal there is quiet table conversation, puctuated by the reading from Exodus, a hymn, and a meditation by ur deacon about servanthood. Baskets at each table indicate that tonight's collection of money will go to the homeless in our city. (a nomadic group called 'Tent City 4')

Toward the end of the meal the bread and wine at the center of the table becomes the focus - the priest says a blessing, and we consume them.

Then we hear the account of the foot washing, and immediately teh focus shifts to the center of the room, where 4 chairs are set out, with basins, pitchers and towels. Almost everyone in our congregation participates in the foot washing, which is extraordinary.

When that is complete, the Deacon takes the Paschal Candle from this past year - lights it and a procession is formed. Some of the remaining consecrated Bread and Wine follow directly behind the candle - and go thru the church and into the chapel which is set up for all night vigil. The rest of the congregation follows and silently takes their place in the nave which is only dimly lit.

Cantors chant psalm 22 to a tone that is middle eastern in flavor, as the altar guild reverently strips the nave of adornment.

When the last article is removed, the lights are turned off - the rector reads, from the narthex, the account of the apostles deserting Jesus in the garden...the "cut and run" scene.

Those are the last words we hear - some people leave immediately, without saying a word. Others choose to pray and keep vigil with the sacrament in the chapel of repose.

[Mary of Bethany]

No, I don't celebrate the Jewish Passover, but I do celebrate the Christian Passover/Pascha. :)

When I was in the ACC parish, our priest's brother-in-law, who was born Jewish but who with his mother converted to Christ when he was young, held a Seder for us early in Holy Week. It really was fascinating to learn the symbolism and the foreshadowing of the Christ in the meal. I enjoyed it very much.

Mary

[svdbygrace]

I'm always frustrated Maundy Thursday. Our evening service is right at the time I need to eat--I can't miss eating or I get a blinding migraine, so I end up never getting to our service. :(

Timothy

Sorry to hear that... :(

Our Church isn't having Maundy Thursday service. The Pastor serves two churches, and this year our church gets the Good Friday service, which will have Communion.

[gtsecc]

ST, can you not eat a power bar right before service, and then eat afterwards?

[TomUK]

Sorry to hear that... :(

Our Church isn't having Maundy Thursday service. The Pastor serves two churches, and this year our church gets the Good Friday service, which will have Communion.

A Good Friday servce with communion?:scratch:

[AngCath]

A Good Friday servce with communion?:scratch:

It can happen (in ECUSA anyway) with special permission of the Bishop.

[gtsecc]

A Good Friday servce with communion?:scratch:
I am sure they will get it from Reserve Sacrament on the Altar of Repose where parishioners have been holding vigil since the previous evening. :clap:

[SirTimothy]

ST, can you not eat a power bar right before service, and then eat afterwards?

No, unfortunately not. That doesn't really help, it really does need to be three meals at regular intervals. :(

Timothy

[gtsecc]

No, unfortunately not. That doesn't really help, it really does need to be three meals at regular intervals. :(

Timothy
If the service is 3 hours long, the maximum you could be moving your meal is 1 and1/2 hour. :confused:

[svdbygrace]

A Good Friday servce with communion?:scratch:

Yes. It will have already been consecrated tonight. (I think, at least) :)

[gtsecc]

Yes. It will have already been consecrated tonight. (I think, at least) :)
Sweet!
WIll it be kept on the Altar in a tabernacle or Umbry? Will parisheners adore it over night in a vigil?

[romaneagle13]

Yes. It will have already been consecrated tonight. (I think, at least) :)

Yeah, we have that too on Good Friday. It's called Mass of the Pre-Sanctified.

[svdbygrace]

Yeah, we have that too on Good Friday. It's called Mass of the Pre-Sanctified.

:)

[SirTimothy]

If the service is 3 hours long, the maximum you could be moving your meal is 1 and1/2 hour. :confused:

Our Maundy Thursday service includes a fast through to midnight. :)

Timothy

[gtsecc]

Our Maundy Thursday service includes a fast through to midnight. :)

Timothy
Right, so go to the service, and eat before or after.
People are always excused from fasting for medical reasons. SO, you should eat, but you shouldn't skip the Mass. :thumbsup:

[Ahazmat]

Do any of you (plan to) celebrate Passover?
Yes I make an effort to celebrate all of the festivals of God. The more holidays the better.

[Ahazmat]

I echo that point.

I do wonder however when i would celebrate passover. I certainly wouldn't want it detracting from what we celebrate on Maundy Thursday.
The Messianic Jews have Passover text that explicitly involves Jesus so it would fit into your Resurection celebration activities.

[Ahazmat]

Does it provide yet another thing to think about in a week where our minds should be firmly focussed on Christ?
Passover is about Christ.

[Ahazmat]

One of our former priests once told me that he quit doing seder suppers because they started to seem somewhat insensitive, like non-Christians doing a "pretend Eucharist" to see what it's like. I wonder how Jews would really feel about Christians and the practice of Seder suppers during Holy Week?
It does not matter how members of the Jewish religions feel about members of other religions celebrating the feasts of God.( The Jews have Jewish sectarianism too, and it can get nasty.)

God created the feasts for us all because they are good for us all.
I try to celebrate all of them except Purim and Haunakka as they were instituted by men not God.

[higgs2]

It does not matter who members of the Jewish religions feel about members of other religions celebrating the feasts of God.( The Jews have Jewish sectarianism too, and it can get nasty.)

God created the feasts for us all because they are good for us all.
I try to celebrate all of them except Purim and Haunakka as they were instituted by men not God.
Well, believe it or not, to some of us it does matter. And we try to be respectful of our Jewish brothers and sisters. I know, it's radical. Respect for the religions and traditions of others. It's us crazy Liberal Christians...

[Diane_Windsor]

No-I'm not Jewish.

DIANE
:)

[ContraMundum]

God created the feasts for us all because they are good for us all.
I try to celebrate all of them except Purim and Haunakka as they were instituted by men not God.

I'm Jewish and I don't celebrate any of them. Confused now? :D

[Ahazmat]

Well, believe it or not, to some of us it does matter. And we try to be respectful of our Jewish brothers and sisters. I know, it's radical. Respect for the religions and traditions of others. It's us crazy Liberal Christians...
If you really felt that way you would cease to practice Christianity wouldn't you. Christianity is an insult to many of your Jewish brothern. Higgs your "holyer than thou" ploy does not play.

[Ahazmat]

Well, believe it or not, to some of us it does matter. And we try to be respectful of our Jewish brothers and sisters. I know, it's radical. Respect for the religions and traditions of others. It's us crazy Liberal Christians...
In that case you would quit practicing Christianity wouldn't you because many Jews find Christianity offensive?
Higgs, your "Holyer than thou" ploy does not play well.

[Ahazmat]

I'm Jewish and I don't celebrate any of them. Confused now? :D
Celebrating the feasts of THE LORD brings about a very different awareness of time and my relationship to God and His natural world. I recommend celebrating them for a year to see what God has in mind.

[higgs2]

In that case you would quit practicing Christianity wouldn't you because many Jews find Christianity offensive?
Higgs, your "Holyer than thou" ploy does not play well.

No.

[Wiffey]

Well, my family celebrated Passover each year when I was growing up...my Dad is Jewish and my grandparents had a HUGE seder each year. Loved it. I also went to a Hebrew Day School for several years and we had big school seders.

This year my Mom asked me what I wanted to have for Easter, and I said "Passover". We called it "Eastover"...gathered Easter Sunday for matzo balls, gefilte fish & brisket. A cool way for us to combine and celebrate a bit of everything. But we were clear that it was in no way a real Seder, and left the Haggadah out of it.

I must say though, that I was relieved that my parish did not have a "Seder" this year. My daughter's Sunday school class had a mini "seder" with pita bread (!!!) and apple sauce (?) etc. She's seen the real thing, and was horrified.

I'd never attend a church "Seder"...I just couldn't take some sort of cheesy attempt to recreate something that nobody there has a real handle on. If folks want a seder experience...go visit a synagogue and attend their Seder, since they know what they are doing. But to do a watered down version and call it a seder and go around thinking that that is what a seder really consists of? Weirds me out.

[Father Rick]

Just for the record... not all "church seders" are cheesy.

I led one for 87 people this year, using a haggadah which I wrote (borrowing from several traditional haggadaot and adding explanations of how Christ celebrated/fulfilled Passover). We have a full seder, with kosher food, traditional music, etc. I do the traditional blessings in Hebrew, etc. As we get to the 3rd cup, I show how Christ instituted the Eucharist.

If anyone is interested, I posted the haggadah online www.saintthomasmorechurch.com/haggadah (http://www.saintthomasmorechurch.com/haggadah) . Sorry, it's not better laid out, but I just pasted there real quick for you guys.

I'll post a couple of pics of this year's seder here as well.


(oh... and if I do say so myself, my charoset recipe is to die for. Everyone (including the local Jewish grandmas) all rave about how good it is!)