My First Passover [Open]

[AngylBelle]

Hello all! :wave:

As some of you know, I have been slipping in and out of here for a while now, studying and learning as much as I can. I must admit that my brain is exhausted and I need some individual feedback now on the immense amount of information I've been trying to grasp.

I want to celebrate my first Passover this year, but am uncertain as how to do so. My husband will be working and I'll be alone, plus he is still not quite sure how he feels about my spiritual quest to get away from *church* traditions and man's infiltrations into such, so I'd most likely be celebrating alone anyway. He is a great man who loves G-d and His son, but is a cradle-christian and doesn't quite understand my wanting to find and walk the path of Truth. He, like many Christians, hears the word *Jewish* and stops listening. I am looking to learn for myself and expose him to MJ-ism slowly by showing how it is not completely off-beat to some ideals in Christianity. Ok, enough defending my husband when no assumptions have even been made yet...on to my question at hand.

How do I celebrate Passover by myself? I was looking through the how-to sticky and what I have come across seems to adhere to a family unit, the husband reading from Torah, reciting the story of Passover to the kids (which we have not yet been blessed with), etc. I want this to be special... I want to do it correctly, though that is really the least of my concerns being that I feel G-d is proud of me for just trying in the situation I am in.

I'd really appreciate any hints at ways I can celebrate my first Passover...alone. There must be others who have had to celebrate this day by themselves at some point, so I'd love some ideas or sources or a *how-to for solitary celebrators* :P . Thanks in advance!

Blessings!
AngylBelle

[skippys]

didn't mean to barge in but...
I too am celebrating my first Passover and can't wait!

I married a Baptist preacher and we both have been led out of "church" as we know it. Be encouraged about your husband. I wrestle with the title thing as well, so I just say I am a "Kingdom Person." Opens up much curiosity and great conversation. I believe there is a move of G-d going on this season and it is for us to "come home" so to speak.

we are using this:
http://shaddai.com/feasts/docs/passover-haggadah.pdf

[AngylBelle]

didn't mean to barge in but...
I too am celebrating my first Passover and can't wait!

I married a Baptist preacher and we both have been led out of "church" as we know it. Be encouraged about your husband. I wrestle with the title thing as well, so I just say I am a "Kingdom Person." Opens up much curiosity and great conversation. I believe there is a move of G-d going on this season and it is for us to "come home" so to speak.

we are using this:
http://shaddai.com/feasts/docs/passover-haggadah.pdf
My husband is a former Baptist, now non-denominational. I am keeping faith in my husband for sure. I really believe that once I become more accustomed to everything and can start living the life, he will see that it takes all of the good intentions that Christianity has, but twists it back to it's roots, the way it was intended to be. He is 100% supportive of my exploration, but isn't ready to follow just yet. I just keep praying that G-d will place His intent on hubby's heart and that he will come around in time. I certainly am not forcing him to change in the ways I am changing, but there is no shame in learning, and I hope that I can help him, not so much verbally, but through a change in lifestyle.

Blessings to you and your husband and thanks for the link! :wave:


EDIT:
I just want to add in case my original post was not clear, that my husband is not refusing to participate...he works nights, so will physically and literally be gone, leave me to celebrate alone. I don't want anyone to get the idea that he will be locking himself away somewhere and leaving me to myself intentionally. :)

[skippys]

Understand completely! Actually this is my first Passover feast with my family. Last year I did it alone, just me and the Lord. I didn't have a clue (still don't) I didn't have all the correct foods, words, set up. I just worshipped. I received revelation and a beginning. As I continued studying the rest of the feast days and observing them in my heart and in worship, I noticed more revelation and a great out pouring of the Holy Spirit esp on those days. Tabernacles week was such a huge outpouring, changed my life. Seems like each one that comes, more power, understanding and revelation comes. I became so excited that my family started sniffing around and asked, "What have you found?.. What's going on?" They wanted in.

Be Blessed

[Wags]

Not sure if there is a messianic congregation near you - if there is it might be beneficial to contact them. If they aren't holding a community seder I'm sure they could wrangle up an invite for you to someones home. It is a mitzvah to invite those that have no one else to do a seder with, so they will enjoy having you.

Not sure where you are so here is a list of places you can check for a congregation near you. Since there is no one comprehensive listing I would encourage you to check them all out.

http://www.yashanet.com/messcon1.htm
http://www.messianictimes.com/Directories.php
http://www.godslearningchannel.com/torah.htm
http://www.iamcs.org/Directory.php
http://www.onelawmessianic.org/fellowship.htm
http://www.messianiclinks.com/Search...php?category=2
http://dmoz.org/Society/Religion_and_Spirituality/Christianity/Denominations/Messianic_Judaism/Congregations/

[AngylBelle]

Thanks for the links wags!

I have checked and found only one Messianic congregation near me...and by near I mean an hour or so north. Plus, I am not quite to the point of joining one just yet...I am still doing some searching on my own - not to mention hubby would probably have issues with me attending something at a strangers home with whom he does not know. That's the ole' Baptist in him I think ^_^

[Bananna]

Mozel Tov,
It is a long standing tradition to invite someone to passover. Many cities have demonstration passovers and There should be one not too far from you.

Is there a Messianic congregation of believers near you? All you need to do is let them know you need a place to go.

If you want to get away from traditions, I guess the best place to start is to look into the scriptures and read about what God asks one to observe.

Remove yeast leaven, and cultures
only eat flat unleaven bread a week
passover night read/tell the passover story in Exodus.

Bananna

[Torah]

Hello all! :wave:

As some of you know, I have been slipping in and out of here for a while now, studying and learning as much as I can. I must admit that my brain is exhausted and I need some individual feedback now on the immense amount of information I've been trying to grasp.

I want to celebrate my first Passover this year, but am uncertain as how to do so. My husband will be working and I'll be alone, plus he is still not quite sure how he feels about my spiritual quest to get away from *church* traditions and man's infiltrations into such, so I'd most likely be celebrating alone anyway. He is a great man who loves G-d and His son, but is a cradle-christian and doesn't quite understand my wanting to find and walk the path of Truth. He, like many Christians, hears the word *Jewish* and stops listening. I am looking to learn for myself and expose him to MJ-ism slowly by showing how it is not completely off-beat to some ideals in Christianity. Ok, enough defending my husband when no assumptions have even been made yet...on to my question at hand.

How do I celebrate Passover by myself? I was looking through the how-to sticky and what I have come across seems to adhere to a family unit, the husband reading from Torah, reciting the story of Passover to the kids (which we have not yet been blessed with), etc. I want this to be special... I want to do it correctly, though that is really the least of my concerns being that I feel G-d is proud of me for just trying in the situation I am in.

I'd really appreciate any hints at ways I can celebrate my first Passover...alone. There must be others who have had to celebrate this day by themselves at some point, so I'd love some ideas or sources or a *how-to for solitary celebrators* :P . Thanks in advance!

Blessings!
AngylBelle
I must say that I am surprised how many Church people in my area that are celebrating Passover this year. I pray that this move will continue into the other feast as well. This is a site that has some good information.

http://www.chabad.org/holidays/passover/pesach.asp?AID=1723 (http://www.chabad.org/holidays/passover/pesach.asp?AID=1723)

Celebrate by yourself;
Remove yeast & leaven from your home. On the first night set the table just for yourself and follow your Haggadah that you choose, [you read it all] or you could invite some friends over and have your Sader together. And during the week only eat unleavened bread.
Shalom

[Wags]

You might contact them anyway - because they may know of a smaller group near you. A lot of times small groups don't think to list themselves on-line.

[jgonz]

You know, you could even do a seder at lunch time, so your husband could participate. If you use Messianic materials, it will be extremely clear that the whole seder points to Yeshua... and your DH may be touched by it. You could ask him to read certain parts, but not expect it if he isn't comfortable.

My DH has always been ok with Messianic Judaism, but I have to say that at first, it was ME that initiated everything. I'd tell him that I thought the L-rd wanted us to do "x, y, or z" and he'd make a non-commital remark, and then I'd just plan it and do it. If I had waited for him to 'agree' or 'plan' to do Sabbath or one of the Feasts... we'd still be waiting. (We've been celebrating the Feasts and keeping Sabbath for about 16 yrs). ;) lol

I'm not suggesting yanking or forcing him into observance, but just introducing the Feasts into your household a little at a time, from an educational standpoint. That's how we started out... and it grew from there.

Just a thought~

[AngylBelle]

Thank you all for your input thus far! I truly am excited about the evening of April 2nd!!

Today I was cleaning to remove *Hametz* (a new word for me...yay!) and went online to see what else may contain the 5 grains, just so I don't miss anything (hubby will be surprised to find the Heineken missing :P ). There I came across information on Ashkenazic vs. Sefardic traditions and am know curious about whether MJ's abstain from kitniyot as well? Also, I learned that Biblically, Pesach lasts for seven days but it was later after the establishment of Rabbinic traditions that Passover was extended to eight days. Which do you follow?



I'm not suggesting yanking or forcing him into observance, but just introducing the Feasts into your household a little at a time, from an educational standpoint.

This is precisely what I am trying to do... I mentioned in another post about helping him learn by my *doing,* rather than verbally instructing, which could push anyone away...I know it would me. :)

[jgonz]

We do one day of Passover, then 7 days of Unleavened Bread. :)

[A_Pioneer]

How about starting your feast at sunset Jerusalem time, then the time might fit more of your families members.
So it would be Sunday when most are off work anyway.
Just a thought.

Shalom

[Wags]

Our family is mostly Ashkenazic so that is the tradition we choose to follow. We also celebrate 1 night of Passover followed by 7 days of unleavened bread.

Oh and don't forget that First Fruits falls within the week of Unleavened bread. It is the day Yeshua rose from the dead.

You might find this free download, A Special Passover Edition of Messiah Magazine (http://ffoz.org/downloads/magazine_supplements/) to be of interest.

[debi b]

May you be blessed as you enter this season :wave:

[AngylBelle]

1 night of Passover...7 nights of unleavened bread. Gotcha. I think I totally misunderstood thinking Pesach lasted the entire week, not just the first night...as in 1st day of Passover, 2nd day, 3rd, etc.

So far it seems most MJ's do 8 eight nights...does anyone do 7? Would you mind explaining your reasons for choosing whichever you do?

Can someone explain to me, in lamens terms if possible, the difference between Sefardic and Ashkenazic? I am looking it up as well, I'd just like to learn by asking questions, rather than reading an internet page. :)

Does anyone here abstain from kitniyot during Pesach? I am still looking this up as I do not have a preference/opinion just yet, although it definately seems to be more restrictive! :P



And A_Pioneer, thanks for the suggestion, but with hubby's work schedule, Sunday wouldn't make a difference. His pattern is work three nights, off two, work four nights, off three. So his days off are never the same and it just so happens that he will be working the weekend that Pesach begins. :(

[Wags]

the difference between Sefardic and Ashkenazic?

Ashkenazic are generally speaking northen and eastern European/Russain Jews. Sefardic are those that lived in Spain and points south like Morrocco, Egypt, Iraq etc...

Does anyone here abstain from kitniyot during Pesach? I am still looking this up as I do not have a preference/opinion just yet, although it definately seems to be more restrictive!

We do, and yes it is more restrictive. But we are used to it, and its really not that tough to do for only 8 days. Nothing about Passover food is really hard in this day and age. Especially since there are kosher grocery stores on-line. :) Even getting your matzah balls fluffy isn't hard if you know the trick of handling them as little as possible before putting them in the boiling water. ;) I was just given the honor of being the designated matzah ball soup maker at my sister-in-laws next Monday morning.

[HadassahSukkot]

Due to the limits of my diet, I keep the Sephardic diet during Pesach (otherwise I'd be in a real bind).

I have Celiac Disease, so I can't eat wheat or Barley or Rye anyway - but I would then be limited to absolutely no bread items because nearly all matzah is made of wheat... or Oats. I would have needed to have an order in months ago to have received Oat Matzoh (and I am still unsure of the purity of the harvesting and processing to be sure I can have it) - so I will likely make mine from potato or rice flour.

I will be eating quinoa and beans as well as rice and corn during the week, or I would be in a real corner as far as what I could or couldn't eat.

I'm not exactly sure how I will handle lunches next week just yet... and I am unsure how I will get around to actually keeping Pesach since my parents do not and I am unable to get to the corporate seder that is offered at my shul. It would be just me, and that doesn't seem right at all :(

I doubt I'll be invited to anyone's place since I am so hard to cook for...

[Ahava]

A Hagadah (hope I spelled that correct) is helpful

First Fruits of Zion I think has one.

If you live near a synagogue and or a Winn Dixie grocery store you may be able to find a free one. It will of course be 'traditional Jewish' but with a little effort you can alter to change place in time for the prayers. (as in from before the first comming to after the first comming)

Winn Dixie is where I got my first.

[Tishri1]

yes a hagadah is awesome
do you live near any of us?

[Torah]

Have you washed someone’s feet?:)

Each Passover I wash my family’s feet. Then I go around the table and wash the feet of each person sitting at the table. As I wash I pray [aloud] for the person that I am washing. I also add a drop of frankincense and myrrh oil to each person foot.
This is a wonderful humbling experience for a leader of his/her family to experience. :blush:

G-d has moved in some great ways in my & my family’s life during this time of our Sader.
Shalom

[AngylBelle]

A long time ago, in high school at a church retreat, we washed each others feet...

I will be celebrating alone this year...my husband works nights and isn't quite ready to accompany my spiritual transition.

And no I don't think there is anyone in my area... I live in Florida with no MJ synagogues around either (I did check for some local groups and the nearest meeting is in the county just north of me - and I don't want to travel there without my husband being there), but am not personally ready to take that step anyway. I am still enjoying this oneness with G-d; it is a very moving experience to feel like while learning it is just Him and me. :)

Thanks everyone!


Are there any good recipes that you would like to share with me? I need some ideas for what to eat during that week. I do have a natural/organic foods store near, but I am not sure of a kosher one. I know of certain kosher products that are sold in my local grocery store, but that is it. Thanks!

[Torah]

Are there any good recipes that you would like to share with me? I need some ideas for what to eat during that week. I do have a natural/organic foods store near, but I am not sure of a kosher one. I know of certain kosher products that are sold in my local grocery store, but that is it. Thanks!


http://www.christianforums.com/t4988400-passover-recipes-[open].html

[AngylBelle]

I wanted to let you know that my wonderful husband has taken tomorrow off! He put in for a vacation day last week and didn't tell me about it until last night. I am so happy I won't be alone. :)

[Charles YTK]

A long time ago, in high school at a church retreat, we washed each others feet...

I will be celebrating alone this year...my husband works nights and isn't quite ready to accompany my spiritual transition.

And no I don't think there is anyone in my area... I live in Florida with no MJ synagogues around either

We are also in Florida between St. Augustine (One of my favorite places in the world) and Gainesville. So where are you?

[AngylBelle]

Princeton...about an hour south of Miami. It's been pretty breezy here today...how about further north??

[SoldierOfTheKing]

My church only allows baptized members to participate in the Passover service so this year I had to take it on my own. (My first Passover was last year, when one of the members was kind enough to invite me to his own afterwords for unleavened bread and wine, but that's another story) I simply got myself a box of matzos and a bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon this afternoon, and at nine o' clock this evening I went into the barracks dayroom. I prayed for Christ to be present in the bread and wine, to make it his body and blood. When I broke the bread, I thought of Christ's body being broken on the cross, what He endured for my sins, to ransom me from eternal death. When I sipped the wine, I thought of the blood that Christ shed washing away my sins, that I might be clean in His eyes. I then prayed for God to clean my heart and give me the strength to purge the sin from my life during this upcoming feast and beyond.
I think something good should come from that.

[simchat_torah]

Hiya Torah,

chabad.org has always been an extremely useful tool. I've long loved that website.

peace,
-Yafet

[visionary]

I wanted to let you know that my wonderful husband has taken tomorrow off! He put in for a vacation day last week and didn't tell me about it until last night. I am so happy I won't be alone. :)That is wonderful.... May the Lord bless your seder celebrations with more blessings and revelations of truth.

[visionary]

My church only allows baptized members to participate in the Passover service so this year I had to take it on my own. (My first Passover was last year, when one of the members was kind enough to invite me to his own afterwords for unleavened bread and wine, but that's another story) I simply got myself a box of matzos and a bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon this afternoon, and at nine o' clock this evening I went into the barracks dayroom. I prayed for Christ to be present in the bread and wine, to make it his body and blood. When I broke the bread, I thought of Christ's body being broken on the cross, what He endured for my sins, to ransom me from eternal death. When I sipped the wine, I thought of the blood that Christ shed washing away my sins, that I might be clean in His eyes. I then prayed for God to clean my heart and give me the strength to purge the sin from my life during this upcoming feast and beyond.
I think something good should come from that.I believe you have warmed the cockles of the Lord's heart with your love and rembrance of Him who died for you. Brought tears to my eyes reading this.

[visionary]

Have you washed someone’s feet?:)

Each Passover I wash my family’s feet. Then I go around the table and wash the feet of each person sitting at the table. As I wash I pray [aloud] for the person that I am washing. I also add a drop of frankincense and myrrh oil to each person foot.
This is a wonderful humbling experience for a leader of his/her family to experience. :blush:

G-d has moved in some great ways in my & my family’s life during this time of our Sader.
ShalomThere is something so significant in the very act of washing another's feet that it has to be experienced because it can not be discribed. I would recommend everyone add this to the things of "do this in rembrance of me" list.:thumbsup:

[Torah]

There is something so significant in the very act of washing another's feet that it has to be experienced because it can not be discribed. I would recommend everyone add this to the things of "do this in rembrance of me" list.:thumbsup:
Again this year as I wash my family’s feet I cried.

[Torah]

I would love to see a rabbi, or a Pastor. Wash the feet of the men in there congregation.
I have watch as Pastors & MJ Rabbis allow the men to wash there feet.