Jews have celebrated Passover since about 1300 BC. This year, Passover starts on the 9th April, the same day as Maundy Thursday.

It commemorates the Exodus of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt, and is one of the most important festivals in the Jewish calendar.

The story of Passover is told in the Book of Exodus... The Children of Israel had been slaves in Egypt for 210 years.

God promised he would release them from slavery, but not before Pharaoh had refused their release and God had visited ten plagues on Egypt to demonstrate his power.

The tenth plague was the killing of the firstborn. An avenging angel went from house to house killing every first-born son.

So that the angel would know which houses were Israelite homes, and therefore not kill their first-born sons, the Children of Israel were told to slaughter a male lamb, and brush blood from the lamb onto the door frames of their homes.

This way. the angel would 'pass over' their homes.

Following this final plague, Pharaoh agreed to let the Israelites go.

Celebrating Passover today ...

Firstly, the house must be cleaned from top to bottom to remove any traces of chametz (leaven) from the home.

This commemorates the Jews leaving Egypt who did not have time to let their bread rise, but also symbolises removing 'puffiness' (arrogance, pride) from their souls.

The day before Passover begins the Fast of the First-born is observed. All first-born males fast on this day to celebrate their escape from the Plague of the First-born.

The seder meal takes place on the first 2 nights of Passover.

Each of the components of the meal is symbolic. The food is eaten in ritual order and its meaning and symbolism is discussed.

Matzo (unleavened bread) which is eaten symbolically three times during the meal

A bone of a lamb to represent paschal sacrifice. When the Temple at Jerusalem was the centre of Jewish life, Jews would go there at Pilgrim Festivals to sacrifice a Iamb or goat.

An egg, also to represent sacrifice, but which also has another symbolism. Food usually becomes soft and digestible when cooked, but eggs become harder.

So the egg symbolises the Jews' determination not to abandon their beliefs under oppression by the Egyptians.

Greenery (usually lettuce) to represent new life.

Salt water to represent a slave's tears.

Four cups of wine to recall the four times God promised freedom to the Israelites and to symbolise liberty and joy.

Charoset (a paste made of apples, nuts, cinnamon and wine) to represent the mortar used by the Israelites to build the palaces of Egypt

An extra cup of wine is placed on the table and the door is left open for Elijah. Jews believe that the prophet Elijah will reappear to announce the coming of the Messiah and will do so at Pesach.

(Anon, from Bitterne Parish Magazine, Adapted) 

This year…
The Covenant Celebration of the Passover, and of its links with the Christian Eucharist, will be held at St Mary’s on Tuesday, March 7th, the Tuesday in Holy Week, at 7.00p.m.

All, of all ages (the children have a special role in the Passover meal), are welcome. Offers of help gratefully received by Jenny Hales and the Social Committee.