PASSOVER, 2009
We offer this learning/worshipful experience for our friends and members. We begin in our fellowship area of the basement and then move upstairs for the Sacrament of the Eucharist.
The tables were set, the meal was to begin soon. Surprise, surprise, we anticipated about 56 and we had 82 present. We thank those joining us for this holy night.
The Principle of Passover is:
“Seven days you shall eat
unleavened bread.”
“Seven days shall there be
no leavened products found in your homes, for whoever eats CHOMETZ,
that person shall be cut off from the congregation.”
(Chometz is leavened product that results when any of 5 grains- wheat, rye, barley, oats, and spelt- comes in contact with water for more than eighteen minutes, the rabbinic calculation of the time it takes for flour to rise once it is in contact with a liquid.)
(Matzo is permitted because it is less than 18 minutes. Matzo meal is made from whole matzohs ground finely to resemble wheat based foods. Potato starch is used as a thickener in place of flour)
CHAROSET: Symbol of the mortar and bricks that enslaved the Jews to build the
Pharoah’s cities, this sweet food is delicious.
BAYTZAH: The roasted egg is a symbol of a festival offering which would be
brought to the Temple for this festival. The egg represents the mourning Jews still feel for the loss of the Temple.
ZEROAH: A roasted shank bone represents the paschal lamb that was always
sacrificed at the Temple before the Pesach festival and then roasted for the dinner. Some also see this as representative of God’s outstretched arm as He delivered his people from slavery.
KARPAS: A mild green vegetable, dipped in salt or vinegar. The KARPAS symbolizes
the growth of spring, the salt water/vinegar represents the bitterness of slavery.
MAROR: A bitter herb symbolizes the intense bitterness of slavery.
FOUR CUPS OF WINE:
Representing four words of God:
“I will free you.”
“I will deliver you.”
“I will redeem you.”
“I will take
you.”
FIFTH CUP (Elijah cup): “I will bring you into the promised land.”
THE FOUR QUESTIONS OF THE YOUTH”
CHILD ONE- “Why is this night different from all other nights?”
CHILD TWO- “Why on this night do we eat only unleavened bread?”
CHILD THREE- “Why do we eat only bitter herbs?”
CHILD FOUR- “Why do we dip twice?”
FIFTH QUESTION: “Why do we recline?”
See you back on our HOME PAGE FOR MORE LINKS!