PASSOVER SEDER

 Congregation Sinai held a Passover Seder on March 23 and invited women from several area churches to attend. Carolyn, Denise, Dottie, MO and Betty went from our church.

This booklet explained it all, the steps that are followed and the meaning of each. It is used to help children, and us, understand Passover. The Haggadah that blends brevity with tradition.  We were able to follow along as songs and passages were said in Hebrew. 

 Passover; slavery and oppression followed by freedom and redemption with hope for the future. 

The Sabbath candle were lit and prayer recited. 

The opening prayer for Seder:

May all who are enslaved throughout the world, come to know freedom.

May all who are free, appreciate the blessings of abundance.

And may all of us dwell in the house of God and give thanks for our good fortune as we celebrate the rituals of Passover.

The Seder plate contains the main symbols that help tell the story of Passover.

 Matzah, unleavened crackers, "In haste did we go out of Egypt" It is the symbol of affliction and poverty. the story of Passover tells about the hardship and suffering that our ancestors endured. It reminds us of those who are n need today, so we say: "whoever is hungry, who ever are poor or oppressed; we pray for them and hope that the coming year will bring a better life for all. "

On the Seder plate was Maror (red horseradish) and chazeret (romaine lettuce), bitter herbs symbolizing the bitter life the Jews led while they were slaves in Egypt. Charoset (mixture of grated apples, nuts and cinnamon) made to look like mortar the slaves used in making the Egyptian buildings. Zeroa (a roasted bone) a symbol of God's mighty arm that convinced the Egyptians to free the slaves. Karpas (celery) represents the arrival of spring. Salt Water represents the sweat and tears of our ancestors in bondage. The Karpas was dipped in the salt water and eaten. 

Four cups of wine are consumed during the Seder. They serve as a reminder of the four references to redemption that are mentioned in the Book of Exodus:

I will bring you out of Egypt.

I will deliver you from bondage.

I will redeem you with an outstretched arm.

I will take you to Me for a people.

The Passover Seder is full of  remembrance, recognizing their endurance, their history, praise to God and showing appreciation for all the blessings given them.

Elijah the Prophet is mentioned as someday returning to earth to leading the way for an Age of Peace. Someone opened the door and the leader said "Enter Elijah the prophet, may you soon come and issue in the great Age of Peace."

All Jews are invited to one day return to the promised land of Israel and celebrate Passover as their ancestors did.  The Seder ended saying "Next Year in Jerusalem"

A nice Passover feast was then eaten.