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by Felix Halpern (Author), Metro Jewish Resources (Producer), Sharon Shubin Moss (Designed by)
Judaism is a religion and culture based on memory. Upon one festival to another, Jews are rminded of what brought them to the land of Israel after so many years, and how they have survived throughout their history. Passover is a day entirely one of memory as well as obedience to the command to honor the Passover!
Considered the Crown Jewel of Judaism, Passover, it is the first of the three great annual festivals held in Nisan 14th to 21st, all Jewish people were required to gather in Jerusalem. Because it is the first of the Spiritual New Year it is called the Crowning Jewel, as the entire spiritual year is celebrated by it.
Passover first became known by several distinct passages relating to the Passover in Exodus and Deuteronomy. Its original intention, the unleavened breadand, the first-born sanctified, are mentioned as well as the paschal lamb. In Exodus 23: 14-19 we see the paschal lamb as "My Sacrifice and, the feast called "unleavened bread." The redemption of the first-born is also noticed in 24:18-20; Exodus 8:8.
Then in Deuteronomy 26:1-8, the command is given to keep the Passover in Jerusalem. In Exodus 5:1, "And afterward Moses and Aaron went in and told Pharaoh; "thus saith the Lord God of Israel, let my people go that they may hold a feast unto me in the wilderness."
So important was this historical event, Yeshua chose the Passover to outline the course of events that would follow during the last days of His ministry. In other words: Passover was the pre-arranged framework for his final days!
The ceremonial meal came to be known as the "Seder" meal, together with the whole evening it revolves around the telling of the story of the exodus of the Jewish people from Egypt. The entire ceremony unfolds like acts in a play. Filled with drama, it invites participation and learning for all ages.
Preparation for Passover during the times of the Israelites in Egypt required that each Jewish household roast a lamb, and it was required to be roasted whole. * It was written that there were so many lambs in the fields for Passover surrounding Jerusalem two thousand years ago that the fields looked pure white.
Great care was taken that not a bone of the sacrificial lamb should be broken. One of the names of Passover PESACH, means "limping," which comesfrom the limping of the lamb when it hobbled just before it was killed. The animal was bound and wounded there before it was killed. Then the lamb was to be eaten entirely the same night with bitter herbs. Any remaining portion was to be burned. Then the blood of the victim was to be sprinkled on the doorpost.
Gathering together during this time with this Passover Haggadah will engage all ages for a time of observance and richness. Both Jew and Gentile will experience the unity and beauty of Passover.
