Passover Seder - A Warning
A Note of Warning about Passover Seder 're-enactments'
The Victorian Synod Working Group on Christian-Jewish Relations is aware of the increasing prevalence Christian 're-enactments' a Jewish Passover Seder meal as part of their Holy Week observance. The justification given for this development is that the Jewish Passover is also a part of Christian heritage through the Hebrew Scriptures. There is, however, a very important distinction between the biblical descriptions of the meal eaten by the Hebrew people as they prepared to leave Egypt (Exodus 12; Lev. 23; Num. 9; Deut. 16), and the Passover Seder ritual celebrated by Rabbinic Judaism. In scripture, the only elements mentioned as ingredients for the meal are unleavened bread, bitter herbs and lamb. A sprig of hyssop is to be used to wipe the lamb's blood on the doorposts as a sign to the angel of death that the house is occupied by Hebrews.
On the other hand, the ritual of the Jewish Passover Seder meal (according to the ritual called the 'Haggadah') was developed by the Jewish people following the destruction of the Jerusalem Temple, in 70 CE. It has become one of the most holy rituals of Judaism, as it celebrates the God who redeemed Israel from Egypt, and continues to redeem and sustain its life. As such, the Passover meal deserves to be respected as a sacred ritual of the Jewish people, and not 'christianized', or appropriated as Christians see fit. While two elements of the Seder meal (bread and wine) have been adopted in the Christian Eucharist as per the Last Supper of the New Testament, the symbolism is of a totally different order, and ought not to be confused with the Jewish Passover Seder.
It is very important for Christians to be clear about these two things:
- The Passover Seder meal is not scriptural in itself. It was developed as a universal means whereby the Jewish people could celebrate God's rescue of the Israelites from Egypt. In the absence of the Temple and its sacrificial system, the Passover Seder could be celebrated in Jewish homes anywhere in the world.
- This development took place long after the death of Jesus, who lived during the time of the Temple. Jesus never celebrated a Passover Seder. He and his disciples celebrated the Passover meal - with a lamb sacrificed in the Temple.
It is crystal clear that Christian 'Passover Seder re-enactments' are a cause of grave disquiet and offence among the Jewish community. While the growing tendency for Christians to educate themselves regarding their Jewish roots is to be encouraged, it must only be done with the utmost respect for the holy rituals of Judaism. Leaders of the Jewish community in Melbourne have indicated they would be more than willing to send representatives to speak to congregations in our church about Jewish festivals and rituals (including the Passover Seder), and answer any questions they may have. To engage a speaker or receive information, feel free to contact the Synod Working Group through its Chairperson, the Rev Dr Lorraine Parkinson, email parki@netspace.net.au