Its Passover time! So, what is Passover and why is is celebrated?
Passover is a holiday about freedom from slavery and ultimate redemption. It is based upon the story of the Ancient Israelites' redemption from slavery in Egypt through Moses.
Today Passover is celebrated by observant Jews, and an increasing number of Christians, who are trying to return to the roots of their faith. If you read the Gospel accounts, Passover is the holiday during which Jesus was crucified. To Christians, Passover is the celebration of ultimate redemption from slavery to your own sin.
How is Passover celebrated?
The central focal point of Passover is the Seder, a dinner during which the story of redemption from Egypt is told. This is very important to Jews, as it assures continuation of the story to the next generation. According to tradition, the Hagaddah (book used to tell the story) uses "we" because each generation is to view itself in the story.
During the week of Passover, called the Feast of Unleavened bread, only bread made without yeast, called Matzah, is eaten. This is because the Israelites fled so fast that they only had flour, and could not make the usual fermented bread products. Part of preparing for Passover includes removing all yeast and bread products from the house. This outward cleansing also serves to remind us of introspection, and removing sins and negative influences from our own lives.
Even if you don't celebrate Passover, there is still a lot that can be learned from this story.
Hag SameaH!
16 comments:
Thank you! I just asked a Jewish friend to explain to me Passover and how it's celebrated. Thank you for sharing.
thank you for the information. But on what date do jews and christians celebrate it ?
Religion is the root of all evil.
Chag sameach! Thanks for the reminder, just called my stepmother to wish her a Happy Passover (she doesn't know enough Hebrew to do Chag Sameach :) ).
Muslims should be familiar with the story of Passover. It is in the Qur'an and Hadith! And it's related to the Sunni observance of the Ashura fast.
Here's an excellent link; it may take a moment to load, but is worth the wait:
http://www.readingislam.com/servlet/Satellite?c=Article_C&cid=1175751840758&pagename=Zone-English-Discover_Islam%2FDIELayout
Even though I'm Muslim, I love the story of Pesach. Subhanallah, the story of Musa (as) and Bani Israil is so amazing. It is a great reminder that with ALLAH, anything is possible, even the defeat of such a powerful entity (Pharaoh) and the success of a people that had been slaves.
Hi, I have just stumbled onto your blog and I have to say I am really enjoying it!
I have to ask, do you consider yourself to be Muslim? Or Christian? Or something less defined?
Oh and kudos on the henna designs, all my own efforts have been no where near as good!
Blessings!
Pamela
Enjoyed this. Sorry I'm late reading it. I hope you had a good Passover!
@Ciyaalka Xaafadda, Saaxiib, do you really think religion is the root of ALL evil in this world? Seems to be a bit of a jump, even for you :-)
@misschatterbox, Thanks for your comment. I don't fit into any of the boxes 100%, but I try to live according to the Torah's standards and consider myself a follower of Jesus. I have benefited a lot from studying Islam, but it has left me with more questions than answers at this point.
@Fahiima haha
I've read the comment again and thought the same thing, that it was a bit of a stretch, even for me. But think about the population in large corners of the world whose lifes have been turned upside down by religion or system of norms rooted in it utilized to brutally oppress and kill the less fortunate whether they have been brainwashed enough to believe or not.
So to the person whose life it made more dificult in terms of lost limbs, loved ones, region, it's the root of all evil. No other system has had such profound affect on man, no other has killed, maimed, destroyed, brainwashed and limited useful knowledge to sustain power. Religion destroyed civilizations to remain powerful.
If it's not the root of all evil per se, it's pretty close to it and we're able to say and think that freely.
@Ciyaaka Xaafadda, I agree that the problem is religion ruling in the political realm.
Why? Because power-hungry religious people are incapable of ruling justly.
Religions contain rule books based on prehistoric pagan rituals and written by men of that era. Nothing more.
Understandably, men will use these rules to rule whenever possible. Almost all world leaders are atheists even those leading with theocratic system with highly religous populace. Same old game, different day, different people.
Totally unrelated, but I found a better way to make shawarma and thought I would share :-)
let me know if you try it!
http://bored-cooking.blogspot.com/2010/04/real-secret-to-shawarma.html
Also totally unrelated, but my uncle is planning to move up to Portland :-)
@NeverEver, That's awesome! InshaAllah you will come visit someday. There is a really good Muslim community and lots of halal places here.
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