At sundown April 3 Passover, commemorating the emancipation of the Israelites from slavery in ancient Egypt, begins.
A Seder feast, which marks the start of the Jewish holiday of Passover, will be at 5 p.m., March 29, hosted by the Goodrich United Methodist Church, 8071 South State Road.
The partial Seder meal, which exposes individuals to each element of the feast, is presented by Congregation Shema Yisrael’a Messianic Jewish Congregation’or Christians of Jewish descent. A full traditional Seder meal incorporates more Kosher food and runs about three hours. The meal will be about 60 to 75 minutes and consist of one sprig of parsley, one small scoop of horseradish, one small scoop of charoset, one quarter slice of a hard-boiled egg, Matzo bread and grape juice.
Elder David Goldstein will explain how Jesus? introduction of Holy Communion so aptly complements the Passover tradition.
‘The charoset is a sweet, dark-colored paste made of fruits and nuts’the mix symbolizes mortar, which the Israelites used when they were enslaved in Ancient Egypt,? he said. ‘The horseradish brings tears and the bitter herbs remind each of the bitterness of slavery’it’s a reminder God delivered his people. The Seder participant experiences the great affliction the Jewish people endured that brought tears to their eyes. A hard-boiled egg represents the holiday offering brought in the days of the Holy Temple, or sacrifices when the temple was still standing. Matzah is unleavened bread made from one of five species of grain ? wheat. In contrast, leaven is a symbol of sin.?
Seder means order in Hebrew, added Goldstein.
‘We are going to look at the Passover and the Last Supper,? he said. ‘We’ll use the elements of Seder and how this order has been in existence before the time of Christ.?
Following the traditional Seder meal will be a modern meal of chicken, potatoes, vegetables, salad, bread and dessert. Children are welcome, and there will be a love offering taken.
Seating is limited so reservations are required and can be made by calling the church office at 810-636-2444. office@goodrichumc.org.