Tonight begins the holiday of Passover. Other than Rosh Hashana and Yom Kipur, this is the one holiday that most Jews celebrate. Oh, Chanuka comes close, but most folks still
don’t light the menora.
Even those Jews that don’t keep kosher all gather with their families and friends to re-tell the story of our release from Egypt. The English name for this holiday reminds one that the Supreme Being passed over the houses of those that had the courage to place the blood of the paschal lamb on their doorpost. (This is the reason that Jewish homes have a mezuza on their doors- to remind us that we are willing to be counted, to ask Hashem to protect us from the vagaries of life.)
The lamb was one of the deities of the Egyptians. So, slaying the lamb and using it’s blood as a marker on the door clearly defied the common beliefs. Only those that were willing to do so were protected from the death of their first born.
It also should be obvious that the Pharoah must have killed his older brother to take control of the kingdom. Because he was not among those killed that night. (The power of the kingdom always transfers to the first-born, if they are still living.)
And, because of this tenth plague, the Egyptians allowed the Jews to leave, ostensibly on their three day holiday to praise Hashem. But, the Jews knew they would never return- instead returning to their land, the land of milk and honey…
And, as all of us will say tonight as we sing, pray, and learn (some of us until the crow reminds it is already the next morning)…
Next year in Jerusalem…
May you all celebrate this holiday of Spring, this holiday of Freedom, this holiday that we build anew…
Getting ready to do your taxes yourself? This book will inform you of what has changed for this year’s filing season. (You do recall tha in 2017 we are filing 2016 Income Taxes, right?
Of course, you can contact us- we’ll ensure that you pay the lowest amount of taxes required by law. 🙂 But, hurry up, because the due date is in 8 days- and we have holidays where we don’t work!
Thank you!
And, thank you for your visit, Linda!
I knew some about the point and purpose of what I know as Passover. I was not aware that the lamb was actually an Egyptian deity. It provides another layer to the symbolism and context of the stories used today.
Thanks for the visit and the comment, Lillian.
Glad you found something new to share, too!
Happy Passover, Roy.
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Thanks so much, Alana.
May you not need many prunes this season 🙂
Enjoy your family and this celebration of spring!
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Thanks, Minette!
We did- and now the house feels deserted with all the kids (ok, adults but still kids to me) gone.
I so enjoy reading about your religious holidays Roy. Thanks for sharing about your Pesach.
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Glad to oblige, Martha.
Now, the next holiday (a very minor one) is in 30 days. Picnics in the offing!
Thanks for the visit and the comment.
I dont know much about this festival. I do hope you and your family enjoy the long weekend.
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Glad to help you get new information!
Thanks for the visit and the comment.