03 April 2007

Passover

Today marks the beginning of the Jewish holiday of Passover. For those who don't know, the Passover celebrates the Israelites' exodus from Egypt and salvation from the Tenth Plague. The story, in simplified terms, is that the Tenth Plague, death of the firstborn, was to come upon the Egyptians. To save the Israelite slaves, God commanded that they slaughter a lamb and place the blood over their doorways; this was to serve as a sign so that the plague might pass over the house.

The traditional Passover Seder consists of various symbolic foods, include matzo (unleavened bread), bitter herbs, a lamb's bone, and an egg. The feast also includes the drinking of wine and washing of hands.

It is also a tradition to place a seat for the prophet Elijah, who is said to come preparing the way of the Messiah.

For Christians, the Passover story foreshadows the coming of Christ and the events of Holy Week. According to the Gospels, Jesus was in Jerusalem to celebrate the Passover.

Next year in Jerusalem.
Rock on.