Easter & Passover

This past Saturday was the first night of Passover, a holiday commemorating the exodus of the Hebrew people from bondage in ancient Egypt over 3,000 years ago. Celebrated by Jewish people around the world, families gather to pray, eat, and play special games. The first night of Passover is observed with a Seder — a ceremonial meal featuring traditional foods, prayers, and the retelling of the Exodus story. The Kiddush blessing is said over the wine. In the middle of the table, there is a special Seder plate with 5 spaces for symbolic foods and Hebrew letters spelling Pesach in the middle. There are readings from the Haggadah (which means telling) which is a special text used for the order of the Passover Seder that includes songs, prayers, rituals, and the story from the Book of Exodus.

Yesterday, Thursday, began the Easter Triduum — the highest holy days in the Christian calendar. These days commemorate the crucifixion, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Good Friday is a solemn time of reflection and prayer, while Easter Sunday is a joyful celebration of Christ's resurrection. For Christians, it is a time to deepen spiritual connections through worship, prayer, acts of kindness, and self-reflection.

Though rooted in different traditions, Passover and Easter are both centered around themes of renewal and hope. They highlight the importance of family, love, and the common good, offering us a shared message: to love one another and to never lose hope.

While each religion brings its own unique beliefs and rituals, the values these holidays promote are deeply interconnected. They serve as reminders of faith, resilience, and the ongoing commitment to spiritual growth — all resonating with the essence of spring.

 

“The very first Easter taught us this: that life never ends, and love never dies.” - Kate McGahan

“Passover affirms the great truth that liberty is the inalienable right of every human being." — Rabbi Morris Joseph

 

To all our families celebrating the holidays, in peace we wish you Chag Sameach and/or Happy Easter!