Wow. A Friday night Pesach (Passover). Back when I was a little boy, I remember the first time that occurred in my lifetime (short as it was). It was something special. Because of the extra prayers tonight- and tomorrow night, when Shabat ends.
(By the way, back then I was not responsible for cooking and cleaning. Now, I know that holding the first Seder meal on a Friday night means a great deal more preparation- and a great deal more difficult clean-up.)
But for most Jews, this is one of the big three holidays. Rosh Hashana (New Year), Yom Kipur (the day of Atonement) and today. Even those Jews that don’t keep kosher or go to shul go to a Seder [the name of the meal for the first (two) night(s).]
It’s a family event – with plenty of friends around- that involves our retelling the story of our release from Egypt. (In Hebrew, the word is Mitzrayim- which also means narrow straits.) The English name of the holiday depicts the fact that the Supreme Being passed over the houses of those Jews with enough courage to place the blood of the paschal lamb on their doorpost. (You do recall that the Egyptians considered the lamb to be one of their “gods”, right?)
This event is also why Jews have mezuzot on the doorposts- to ask Hashem to protect us from the vagaries of life.
And, if you really follow the retelling, there are lots of cool facts you learn. LIke the fact that Moshe (Moses) and Aharon could always find Paroh (Pharaoh). Because Paroh wanted the Egyptians to consider him to be a god (and gods don’t go to the bathroom), so he went to relieve himself early in the morning when no one else was up. Oops. Except for Moshe and Aharon.
Or that Paroh probably gained power by killing his elder sibling. Otherwise, he would have died during the plague that killed the first-born. (The Supreme Being killed the first born for humans and for animals alike.)
There’s lots more. Which we- my family and friends who will share my extended table tonight and tomorrow night- will share.
But, I want to wish you all release from your narrow places, to the expanse of freedom- and to shoulder- stress-free- the responsibilities that comes with freedom.
Chag Sameach!
That last part, “release from your narrow places.” That’s what I’m celebrating tonight. Have a wonderful Passover!
I’m with you, Jeanine!
We certainly need extrication from those narrow places.
I’m not that clued up on Jewish holidays, but this does look and sound interesting.
Jewish or not, Nick- appreciating freedom and responsiblity that comes with that- is a useful concept.
Thanks for the visit and the comment.
That sounds fun, being with family and friends to relive the story. I’m learning so much from your posts.
Martha recently posted..S is for Salmon
Glad to oblige, Martha!
And, now that the first two days are over, I can get back to the net and respond. Sorry for that delay (to you and all others).
But, we- me, my family, my friends (both Jewish and not)- had a great time discussing the issues of freedom and responsibility. And, great food and wine.