More and more Christians enjoy attending a Passover Seder as a way of connecting with the life and religion of Jesus.
As we get closer to Passover and Lent, here's my gift to you: 10 tips to help you get the most out of a Seder!
1. Open up your taste buds! The Passover Seder (pronounced SAY-der) is a symbolic re-enactment of the Exodus from Egypt, centered in a meal. Both symbolic foods (matzah, grape juice, horseradish, charoses, parsley and salt water) and traditional foods (matzah ball soup, dates and figs) are featured.
2. Read the book of Exodus to refresh your memory of the biblical story. Watch "The 10 Commandments" or "The Prince of Egypt."
3. Bring a pillow to recline on. A sign of freedom is the ability to eat in a relaxed manner. (Think ancient Rome without the grapes and divans.)
4. Invite someone; hospitality is a mark of the Seder. The meal begins: "Let all who are hungry come and eat." Seders are open to guests both invited and unexpected.
5. Consider what holds you in bondage today. Then prepare yourself spiritually to be delivered by God's "mighty hand and outstretched arm." The Jewish Sages of old enjoined each generation to observe the Passover "as if you yourselves went forth from the house of bondage."
6. Educate yourself about those who live in slavery today. Consider the sex trade that is flourishing around the world. Pray. Act on behalf of victims. Reject pornography.
7. Tell your kids how God has delivered you. Children are welcome at Seders because the meal is put on for their behalf! To teach them about their history. Do your kids know why you believe what you believe?
8. Don't eat before you come. This will be a feast. Enjoy!
9. Read how Jesus observed the Passover. Although the Seder as we know it today wasn't yet fully developed in Jesus' day, you will recognize aspects of it in Matthew's account: 26:17-30. Watch for reclining, dipping, bread, giving thanks, the cup, and singing.
Rev. Rebekah Simon-Peter,
Director of BridgeWorks
1. Satisfy a deep spiritual hunger.