Matthew 26:26-29
Matthew 26:26-29
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Passover, or Pesach in Hebrew, is a major Jewish holiday that commemorates the Israelites' liberation from slavery in ancient Egypt. It is a holiday of freedom, family, and remembrance, rich in traditions and rituals that have been passed down through generations.
Duration and Timing:
Passover is an eight-day festival, although some communities observe it for seven days. It begins on the 15th day of the Hebrew month of Nisan, which usually falls in March or April.
Key Observances:
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The Seder: The centerpiece of Passover is the Seder, a ritual feast held on the first two nights of the holiday (one night in Israel). The Seder is a carefully choreographed meal that tells the story of the Exodus through readings, songs, discussions, and symbolic foods.
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The Haggadah: The Haggadah is the book that guides the Seder. It contains the story of the Exodus, prayers, songs, and instructions for the Seder rituals.
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Matzah: Matzah, unleavened bread, is eaten during Passover to symbolize the haste with which the Israelites fled Egypt, not having time for their bread to rise.
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Prohibition of Chametz: Chametz, any leavened food, is forbidden during Passover. This includes bread, pasta, cakes, and most grain products. Observant Jews thoroughly clean their homes to remove any trace of chametz before the holiday begins.
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Symbolic Foods: The Seder plate contains several symbolic foods that represent different aspects of the Exodus story:
- Matzah: Unleavened bread.
- Maror: Bitter herbs, usually horseradish, symbolizing the bitterness of slavery.
- Charoset: A mixture of apples, nuts, and wine, representing the mortar used by the Israelites to build structures in Egypt.
- Karpas: A green vegetable, often parsley, dipped in saltwater, symbolizing the tears of the Israelites.
- Beitzah: A roasted egg, symbolizing the festival sacrifice.
- Zeroa: A shank bone, symbolizing the Passover sacrifice.
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Four Cups of Wine: Four cups of wine are drunk during the Seder, each representing a different aspect of freedom.
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The Four Questions: The youngest person at the Seder asks the Four Questions, which highlight the differences between this night and all other nights.
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Dayenu: Dayenu is a song that expresses gratitude for the many miracles God performed for the Israelites.
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Opening the Door for Elijah: A cup of wine is left for the prophet Elijah, who is believed to visit every Seder. The door is opened to welcome him, symbolizing hope for the future.
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Afikoman: A piece of matzah is hidden during the Seder and is searched for by the children. The one who finds it receives a prize.
Meaning and Significance:
Passover is a holiday that celebrates freedom from oppression and emphasizes the importance of remembering the past. It is a time for families to come together, share stories, and reflect on the meaning of freedom. Passover also serves as a reminder of the Jewish people's enduring faith and resilience throughout history.
Diversity of Observance:
Passover is observed by Jews around the world in various ways, reflecting the diversity of Jewish traditions and customs. While the basic elements of the Seder remain the same, there can be variations in the specific rituals, foods, and interpretations of the holiday.
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Passover, or Pesach in Hebrew, is a major Jewish holiday that commemorates the liberation of the Israelites from slavery in ancient Egypt.12 It is a festival of freedom and rebirth, rich in symbolism and tradition.3
Here's a breakdown of the key aspects of Passover observance:
The Story of Passover
The story of Passover is recounted in the biblical Book of Exodus. The ancient Israelites were enslaved in Egypt, suffering under harsh conditions. God chose Moses to lead them to freedom.4 After Pharaoh refused to release the Israelites, God sent ten plagues upon Egypt.5 The final plague, the death of the firstborn, finally compelled Pharaoh to let the Israelites go. They fled Egypt in haste, with no time for their bread to rise.6 This is why matzah, unleavened bread, is eaten during Passover.7
The Seder
The centerpiece of Passover is the Seder (meaning "order"), a ritual feast held on the first two nights of the holiday (outside of Israel, where it's observed for one night).8 The Seder is a multi-sensory experience designed to retell the story of the Exodus and make it relevant to each generation.9
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The Seder Plate: The Seder plate holds symbolic foods that represent different aspects of the Exodus story:10
- Matzah: Unleavened bread, symbolizing the haste of the departure and the humility of slavery.11
- Maror: Bitter herbs (usually horseradish), symbolizing the bitterness of slavery.12
- Charoset: A mixture of apples, nuts, and wine, symbolizing the mortar used by the Israelites to build structures in Egypt.
- Karpas: A green vegetable (often parsley) dipped in saltwater, symbolizing the tears of the Israelites.13
- Beitzah: A roasted egg, symbolizing the festival sacrifice.14
- Zeroa: A shank bone, symbolizing the Passover lamb offering.15
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The Haggadah: The Haggadah is the book that guides the Seder.16 It contains the story of the Exodus, prayers, songs, and instructions for the Seder rituals.17
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Four Cups of Wine: Each participant drinks four cups of wine throughout the Seder, symbolizing the four expressions of freedom used in the Torah.18
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The Four Questions: Traditionally, the youngest person at the Seder asks the Four Questions, which highlight the differences between this night and all other nights.19
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Singing and Storytelling: The Seder is filled with singing, storytelling, and discussions about the meaning of freedom and the importance of remembering the past.20
Dietary Laws
During Passover, observant Jews refrain from eating chametz, any food containing leaven.21 This includes bread, pasta, cakes, and most grains. Instead, they eat matzah and other Passover-approved foods.22
Other Customs
- Cleaning the House: Before Passover, homes are thoroughly cleaned to remove any traces of chametz.23
- Selling Chametz: Some Jews symbolically sell their chametz to a non-Jew before Passover and buy it back after the holiday.24
- Visiting Synagogue: Many Jews attend synagogue services during Passover.
- Passover Greetings: Common Passover greetings include "Chag Pesach Sameach" (Happy Passover) and "Chag Sameach" (Happy Holiday).25
Passover is a time for families and communities to come together, celebrate freedom, and reflect on the lessons of the Exodus.26 It is a holiday that connects Jews around the world and across generations.27
If you'd like to learn more about Passover, I recommend checking out these resources:
The Jewish Passover, or Pesach in Hebrew, is a significant holiday commemorating the Israelites' liberation from slavery in ancient Egypt. Here's an outline of the key events:
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Preparation:
- Cleaning: Homes are thoroughly cleaned to remove any leaven (chametz) - symbolizing the haste of the Exodus, when the Israelites didn't have time for their bread to rise.
- Search for Chametz: A ritual search for any remaining chametz is conducted the night before Passover.
- Burning of Chametz: The found chametz is burned the morning before the holiday begins.
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The Seder:
- Seder Plate: A special plate is prepared with symbolic foods:
- Matzah: Unleavened bread, representing the bread of affliction the Israelites ate in Egypt and the haste of their departure.
- Maror: Bitter herbs (horseradish), symbolizing the bitterness of slavery.
- Charoset: A mixture of apples, nuts, and wine, representing the mortar used by the Israelites in Egypt.
- Karpas: A vegetable (usually parsley) dipped in salt water, symbolizing the tears of the Israelites.
- Beitzah: A roasted egg, symbolizing the festival sacrifice offered in the Temple in Jerusalem.
- Zeroa: A shank bone, symbolizing the Passover sacrifice.
- Four Cups of Wine: Four cups of wine are drunk throughout the Seder, representing the four expressions of freedom used in the Torah.
- Haggadah: The story of the Exodus is retold from the Haggadah, a special book read during the Seder.
- Four Questions: The youngest person at the Seder asks the Four Questions, inquiring why this night is different from all other nights.
- Songs and Prayers: The Seder includes songs, prayers, and discussions about the meaning of freedom and the importance of remembering the Exodus.
- Seder Plate: A special plate is prepared with symbolic foods:
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Rest of Passover:
- No Chametz: Throughout the week of Passover, only matzah is eaten, and no leavened products are consumed.
- Holiday Meals: Festive meals are eaten throughout the holiday, often with family and friends.
- Synagogue Services: Special synagogue services are held, including prayers and readings related to the Exodus story.
- Final Days: The last two days of Passover are also full holidays, with restrictions on work and travel.
Passover is a time for families and communities to come together, remember the Exodus, and celebrate their freedom. It's a holiday filled with rich traditions, symbolic foods, and meaningful rituals that connect Jewish people to their history and heritage.
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The blood plays a central and symbolic role in the Jewish Passover, rooted in the biblical story of the Exodus from Egypt. Here's an outline of its significance:
1. The Tenth Plague and the Passover:
- The tenth and final plague sent upon Egypt was the death of the firstborn.
- To protect the Israelite firstborn, God instructed them to sacrifice a lamb and apply its blood to their doorposts.
- This blood served as a sign for the "Angel of Death" to "pass over" those homes, sparing the firstborn within.
2. Symbol of Redemption:
- The blood of the Passover lamb became a powerful symbol of redemption and freedom for the Israelites.
- It represented their deliverance from slavery in Egypt and the establishment of their covenant with God.
3. Reminder of God's Mercy:
- The blood on the doorposts served as a constant reminder of God's mercy and protection during the Exodus.
- It symbolized the idea that through obedience and faith, the Israelites were spared from the devastating plague.
4. Connection to Future Sacrifices:
- The Passover lamb and its blood foreshadowed the sacrificial system in the Temple in Jerusalem, where animal sacrifices were offered as atonement for sins.
- It also connects to the concept of sacrifice and atonement found in other religious traditions.
5. Modern Observance:
- While the Temple no longer stands and animal sacrifices are not performed, the symbolism of the blood remains central to the Passover Seder.
- The Seder plate includes a shank bone (zeroa), representing the Passover sacrifice and reminding participants of the historical significance of the blood.
- The retelling of the Exodus story during the Seder reinforces the themes of redemption, freedom, and God's unwavering love for his people.
In essence, the blood in the Passover story is not just a historical detail but a profound symbol of protection, redemption, and the enduring covenant between God and the Jewish people. It serves as a reminder of their liberation from slavery and the importance of remembering and celebrating their freedom.
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Exodus 12
INTRODUCTION TO EXODUS 12
This chapter begins with observing, that the month in which the above wonders were wrought in Egypt, and the following ordinance appointed to the Israelites, should hereafter be reckoned the first month in the year, Ex 12:1,2 on the tenth day of which a lamb here described was to be taken and kept till the fourteenth, and then slain, and its blood sprinkled on the posts of the houses of the Israelites, Ex 12:3-7, the manner of dressing and eating it is shown, Ex 12:8-11 and the reason of the institution of this ordinance being given, Ex 12:12-14, and an order to eat unleavened bread during seven days, in which the feast was to be kept, Ex 12:15-20, directions are also given for the immediate observance of it, and particularly about the sprinkling of the blood of the lamb, and the use of it, Ex 12:21-23, and this ordinance, which they were to instruct their children in, was to be kept by them in succeeding ages for ever, Ex 12:24-27 about the middle of the night it was first observed, all the firstborn in Egypt were slain, which made the Egyptians urgent upon the Israelites to depart in haste, Ex 12:28-33 and which they did with their unleavened dough, and with great riches they had borrowed of the Egyptians, Ex 12:34-36, the number of the children of Israel at the time of their departure, the mixed multitude and cattle that went with them, their baking their unleavened cakes, the time of their sojourning in Egypt, and of their coming out of it that night, which made it a remarkable one, are all particularly taken notice of, Ex 12:37-42, laws and rules are given concerning the persons that should partake of the passover, Ex 12:43-49 and the chapter is concluded with observing, that it was kept according to the command of God, and that it was on the same day it was first instituted and kept that Israel were brought out of Egypt, Ex 12:50,51.
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The use of blood above the doorpost during the tenth plague in Egypt, the plague that finalized the Israelites' release from slavery, is a powerful and multifaceted symbol. Here's a breakdown of its significance:
1. A Visible Sign of Obedience and Faith:
- God instructed the Israelites to sacrifice a lamb and apply its blood to their doorposts as a sign of their faith and obedience.
- This act demonstrated their willingness to follow God's commands and trust in his promise of protection.
- It was a public declaration of their belief in God's power and their desire to be set apart from the Egyptians.
2. Protection from the Destroyer:
- The blood served as a visible marker for the "Angel of Death" or "Destroyer" to distinguish between Israelite homes and Egyptian homes.
- When the Destroyer saw the blood, it would "pass over" those homes, sparing the firstborn sons within.
- This act of protection highlighted the idea that obedience and faith lead to deliverance.
3. Symbol of Sacrifice and Atonement:
- The sacrifice of the lamb and the application of its blood foreshadowed the concept of sacrifice and atonement for sins.
- In later Jewish tradition, the Passover lamb became a symbol of atonement, representing the idea that a life was given to save others.
- This concept is further developed in Christian theology, where the blood of Jesus Christ is seen as the ultimate sacrifice for the sins of humanity.
4. Marking a New Beginning:
- The blood on the doorposts marked a transition for the Israelites, signifying their departure from slavery and their entrance into a new life of freedom.
- It was a symbol of their liberation from oppression and the beginning of their journey as God's chosen people.
5. A Reminder of God's Mercy and Love:
- The blood served as a constant reminder of God's mercy and love for his people.
- It symbolized his willingness to protect them from harm and deliver them from bondage.
- It was a testament to the covenant relationship between God and the Israelites, emphasizing his faithfulness and their responsibility to remain obedient.
In summary, the blood above the doorpost during the Passover was a powerful symbol of faith, obedience, protection, sacrifice, and new beginnings. It served as a visible reminder of God's deliverance and his enduring love for his people. This event is commemorated every year during the Passover Seder, where the story of the Exodus is retold and the significance of the blood is reflected upon.
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