Passover 09

I celebrated Passover with some Messianic Jews on Wednesday night and experience two great things. Firstly, it was my most diverse activity yet. There were two Indians, an African American, a man from Puerto Rico, a couple from Central or South America, two Africans, and some Caucasians. I had expected the crowd to be reformed Jews—white. I was pleasantly surprised. Secondly, good job, Bronson Stilwell, on those Seders you host every year.

Rabbi Benzi welcomed me in to a nice one-bedroom on W 57th St between 8th Ave and 9th Ave. Blue and silver streamers with Hebrew letters hung on the walls, and there was one long table in the middle of the living room. About thirty chairs and place settings were waiting for eager worshippers. Individual bowls of salt water, bitter herbs (horseradish and beets), and kharoset were provided to avoid squabbles. Reb Benzi began explaining things to me like the Seder Plate, assuming, much like myself, that any Protestant Seder I had attended probably would have differed significantly. This is when I realized how accurate Bronson’s Seders were. This year’s Seder had more Hebrew, and that was really the only difference.

If you have never been to a Passover Seder before, I strongly encourage you find one or host one next year. It’s an excellent way to experience the history of the Passover and celebrate Easter fully. Every Seder follows a program called the Haggadah (ha-GAH-da) that takes the worshipper through the traditions of Passover. It is interspersed with prayers and songs and wine and food. The Seder lasted about three hours (they can last up to six). We had brisket, chicken, green beans, eggplant, potatoes, sweet potatoes, gefilte fish, and dessert (did you know macaroons are actually marshmallows??).

So, thank you, Bronson, for the research and preparation you put in to make the Passover Seders as traditional for a bunch of Protestants as they are for Messianic Jews. And thank you, Jesus, for being the lamb.