For over thirty years, this Christian has been honored and priveleged to be invited to the Seder Table of some old, old friends’.
It’s a beautiful experience.
As I see and hear it, more than anything, Seder is about Liberty and Freedom. Tracing its traditions back to many centuries before most other nations’ beginnings.
The Last Supper that Jesus celebrated with his twelve was, in fact, a Seder—Passover—dinner table. This is where he took the bread and wine on that table, and gave them a new meaning.
I’m sure the ceremony they held then has changed a little bit over the many historic years since, but the power of it has probably gained, not lost, I believe.
As a Christian, and an American, it is hard for me to not be deeply moved by both the original and the new aspects of the thing. Jusus’ sacrifice has put new and additional meaning into the bread and wine present at the table.
But I have never felt unwelcome or improper or uncomfortable at that table each year. I’ve never thought the issue through, but if we fell out with our friends, or if they moved away, as head of my household I would feel it approriate and proper to conduct the service myself for my household. I hope I will not need to consider it again.
If you can get yourself an invitation to a Seder, but all means do so. You will be moved and feel honored to have witnessed and participated. Your Christian faith will be extended and enhanced by experiencing it.
As much as I may dislike Obama-—and I do-—I think he has every right to conduct such a service, and absolutely has every right to attend one.
If he listened, really listened, to the service and its concepts I think he would learn something new and valuable.
William of Barsoom
Thanks for those words. And if you’re ever in NJ for Passover, you have a standing invitation. - ETR