Posted on 04/16/2011 9:10:45 AM PDT by greyfoxx39
But this was no Hillel-sponsored event, a fact that would become apparent as soon as the invocation was given “in the name of Jesus Christ.” Rather, this Seder was hosted by Brigham Young University, the flagship school of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.
Seders have become a tradition at BYU, where nearly 99% of its 33,000 students identify as Mormon, and where, according to a university spokeswoman, there are only three Jewish students.
This year, BYU is sponsoring seven springtime Seders. Each of them is capped at 165 people, and all are sold-out affairs with long waiting lists, said Victor Ludlow, a BYU religion professor who has been organizing campus Seders for almost four decades.
“I do so many of these here,” Ludlow said, “that the Salt Lake rabbi — we were on a radio program together for the Easter-Passover season — said: ‘Professor Ludlow, here, I call him the Passover Patriarch of Provo. He does more Seders than anyone I know, except, maybe, Elijah.’”
At two recent Seders, which Ludlow led from behind a podium draped in an Israeli flag, the professor explained the symbolism of the Seder plate and the afikomen, guided the youngest guest through an English translation of the Four Questions, and asked attendees to read aloud the story of the Israelites’ epic journey from slavery to freedom. Ludlow had everyone alternately rapt and roaring with laughter. He peppered his explanations with anecdotes about getting matzo and peanut butter sandwiches stuck to the roof of his mouth, and how, some years back, one shrewd young Seder guest, in exchange for handing over the afikomen, convinced her grandparents to take her with them to Hawaii.
Ludlow’s version of “Dayenu” included all of the customary lyrics — about the parting of the sea, the manna from heaven, the giving of the Torah — in addition to some with unique significance to the BYU community: “Had He scattered us among the nations, but not gathered us in the Rocky Mountains, dayenu; had He gathered us in the Rocky Mountains, but not given us Latter-Day Temples of our own, dayenu; had He given us Latter-Day Temples of our own, but not given us a special university, dayenu; had He given us a special university, but not a mighty basketball team, dayenu.”
Then there was the eating of the salt water-dipped parsley, the tasting of the bitter herbs — first-timers could be seen wincing and reaching for their water glasses — and the building of “Hillel sandwiches,” out of matzo, horseradish and haroset. And, finally, more than two hours after the Seder began, a chicken-and-latke dinner was served.
Most of those in attendance were participating in a Seder for the first time, though several local families said that these Passover meals have become a springtime tradition. The vast majority of guests were Mormons, but some of them touted their Jewish roots — sharing stories of their own conversion, or how their parents or grandparents had joined the Church years ago.
“My grandfather was a Jewish convert to Mormonism,” said Ryan Caplin, a 21-year-old BYU freshman, who came to the Seder with his parents, two of his siblings and their respective spouses. “I wanted to learn more about my heritage, because it’s interesting — and because, even though I’m not Jewish, it still applies.”
After the meal, Ludlow had Seder-goers participate in a series of responsive readings, rise in anticipation of greeting the prophet Elijah, and sing along to a soulful rendition of the Passover classic “Who Knows One?” It was all very traditional, even if the Manischewitz was nowhere to be found, since Mormons strictly eschew alcohol; the carafes were filled with grape juice.
In many ways, BYU is a typical college: Students cram for exams, fill the football stadium for home games and eat pizza late into the night. In other ways, though, the school sets itself apart: Those enrolled must adhere to a strict honor code that demands they abstain from using profanity, drinking coffee, tea and alcoholic beverages, engaging in homosexual behavior, and having sex outside of marriage. (The school’s honor code garnered national media attention last month, when star basketball player Brandon Davies was booted from the BYU team, after he reportedly admitted to having sex with his girlfriend.) Men are required to keep their hair closely cropped and are forbidden from growing beards or sporting body piercings; women cannot wear strapless, backless or form-fitting fashions, and are to avoid “extreme” hairstyles and colors.
The genesis of the Passover Seder on this G-Rated campus was Exodus. Specifically, it was a series of lessons that Ludlow was teaching, back in the fall of 1973, on the second of the five books of Moses. “I found that my students had a hard time connecting to the Old Testament time period and events,” Ludlow said. “I decided to do it just so they could have a cultural experience, so they could socialize a little bit and identify with that important event of the Bible.”
Since that first gathering happened to coincide with the Yom Kippur War, Ludlow brought with him a small radio so that, during breaks, he could tune in to the latest news about the conflict.
Ludlow, a lifelong Mormon who graduated from BYU and earned his Ph.D. at Brandeis University, has traveled to Israel at least once a year for decades; he sometimes stays for months at a time to teach at BYU’s Jerusalem Center for Near Eastern Studies. He said, however, that attitudes of Mormons toward Israel tend to be more complicated than those of many Evangelical Christians, who are often unflaggingly supportive of Israel.
“As Latter-Day Saints, we believe that the Jews coming to Israel and establishing a state is a fulfillment of prophesy… but that doesn’t necessarily justify the means by which they’re doing it or how they may treat other peoples,” Ludlow, who is critical of the concrete security barrier that Israel has erected, told the Forward.
But it is the journey to ancient Israel, rather than the politics of modern Israel, that are the focus of Ludlow’s Passover meals.
The first time Ludlow organized a Seder on campus, he said that many of his students asked if they could bring along roommates, friends, family members and significant others. “We made accommodations for that, but the next year the boyfriend, the roommate, the cousin would come back, even if they weren’t a student of mine, and they would want to bring somebody else with them,” he said. “It just kept growing.”
Within a few years, BYU agreed to sponsor the Passover meals, and opened them up to the general public. Soon Ludlow was fielding Seder requests from Mormon wards, or congregations, across the Southwest; this year, he will lead Seders for Mormon crowds in Arizona, Texas, Idaho and nearby Salt Lake City.
Ludlow said he would continue to host campus Seders, even after he retires from academia this spring.
While it has become increasingly common for Christian groups to host Passover Seders — both because of a hunger to connect with Christianity’s Jewish roots and because of the belief that Jesus’ Last Supper may have been a Seder — for Mormons, the ritual meal has additional significance: Many of them identify with the Exodus narrative, given their ancestors’ flight from the Midwest to their own “Promised Land,” in Utah.
For BYU junior Ken Kenworthy, 22, the bitter herbs on the Passover table recall not only the suffering of the Israelites under Pharaoh, but also the past suffering of the Mormons. “Our early church history had a lot of persecution,” Kenworthy said. Mormon pioneers, like the Israelites before them, “sacrificed a lot for faith, and were ultimately willing to make a long journey” to freedom.
Kenworthy, whom Ludlow tapped to lead the musical portions of this year’s campus Seders, said that the Passover story “reinforces my faith in God’s ability to work the same yesterday as he does today.”
For freshman Amy Underwood, 18, who this year attended her first-ever Seder, the event’s value was largely its outreach potential. “I think it shows that we’re not just Mormons doing our own thing,” she said. “It shows that we’re open to different cultures.”
The American-born religion, which today claims 14.1 million adherents worldwide, thanks in part to its aggressive missionary work, remains mysterious to many. That may be about to change, with Mormons set to play a prominent role in national politics over the next year. Former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney has launched a presidential exploratory committee, while fellow Church member Jon Huntsman Jr., who recently resigned his post as America’s ambassador to China, is also considered a potential candidate for the Republican nomination. Meanwhile, in New York, audiences are getting a satirical take on Mormonism, thanks to the Broadway musical “The Book of Mormon,” which opened last month to rave reviews.
More than 2,000 miles from the Beltway and Broadway, Ludlow said that he hopes his Seders serve not only to bring ancient history to life, but also to debunk cultural stereotypes and break down barriers between the Mormon and Jewish communities. “What we need to do is come to learn about each other as we really are, and this is one of the things that is a little bridge,” he said, noting that Mormons and Jews are increasingly inhabiting the same communities, as more Mormons move East, and Jews move West. “As long as we’re going to start being neighbors and working together on PTA committees, why not understand each other a little before we even meet?”
The Ba'hai branch of MORMONism CAN'T be that far away!
wine or water?
OMG!!!!!!!!! Puh-leaze!
Jews have suffered from 400 years of bondage to Hitler's concentration camps and persecution around the world......... What in the heck do Mormons have to complain about? How the government stopped them from having polygamist marriages?
Honestly, do have they no shame?
I agree.
There needs to be some serious whip'n down at that school.
DS; you made the wrong assumption.
The MORMONs were SUPPLYING the persecution!
Printing presses,
Threats to Emma,
threats to ALL,
Mountain Meadows,
Danites,
Wow, talk about a thread killer. You’re no fun!
Don’t worry, they’ll start another one.
April 15, 2011 9:34 AM
Passover Seder
Living Word Ministries of Fort Walton Beach will host a Passover Seder Meal for Believers on April 18 at the Brooks–Beal Center, 100 Beale Parkway (across from Yacht Club Drive).
The Seder will begin at 6:30 p.m. The Seder meal is designed to show how each element of the traditional Passover Seder relates to the Messiah, Jesus, and was a picture and type of His atoning death, burial and resurrection. A specific menu and format for the Seder is used.
The mission of Living Word is “to teach and, therefore, remove the paganism and reconnect us to the biblical, Hebraic Roots of Christianity,” said Dr. Susan Werner, Bible teacher and ministry leader at Living Word.
The cost of the Seder meal is $15 per adult. Children under age 10 are free. Because space is limited, seating will be on a first-come, first-accepted basis.
For more details and to make reservations, call Living Word Ministries at 850-897-1726. ‘Come, Touch the Robe’
The Ecumenical Choir of Walton County will present “Come, Touch the Robe” at Christ the King Episcopal Church in Santa Rosa Beach on Palm Sunday, April 17, at 3 p.m. and Monday April 18, at 7 p.m.
The choir is made up of singers from diverse local church choirs, devoted to sharing their talent with the community. This production is enhanced by several local musicians.
The concert is free, but a free-will offering with all monies going to community outreach, will be collected. You may also bring a canned food item (or two) to share with those in need.
For questions, contact: Adele Armitage, Christ the King Episcopal Church, 480 N. Hwy 393, (located 1/2 mile North of U.S. Hwy. 98) at 850-267-3332.
For restaurant’s Passover Seder, tradition remains key ingredient $90.
Beth El LifeThe first night of Passover will be on April 8. By now you should have received your invitation to the Seder which will be held at Temple. Please make sure you send in your reservation as soon as possible, as seating is limited. Seder will begin promptly at 7:00 p.m. led by Rabbi Zukrow. Once again it is being catered by Appetite for Life and the menu looks wonderful.
The cost for adult members is $23.00 and non-members is $25.00.
Jewish military, college students, and children five to twelve years of age are $14.00 each.
Children four and under are free.
Babysitting is provided. Seating is limited so please make sure to respond early to ensure your reservation. Groups are welcome and tables can accommodate parties of ten (or six at a round table). We hope you will join your Temple family as we tell the Passover story and enjoy the symbolic Seder meal.
Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints “do celebrate, but it’s a minor celebration,” Wilson said. He surveyed approximately 500 people in six different LDS wards as well as scores of BYU students to determine the importance of the holiday to active church members.
“It’s almost completely usurped by general conference,” the annual gathering of top LDS leaders and members on the first weekend in April, he said. The two-day event includes sermons and music broadcast to millions of members worldwide, and it happens to fall on Easter weekend this year, as it does about 23 percent of the time.
“I tell my students not to take that as a slam,” Wilson said. “That’s what the restoration (of Christ’s gospel) is, with living prophets speaking to us. But in LDS remembrance, (the conference) totally overshadows Easter.”
http://www.deseretnews.com/article/700021832/BYU-study-Disconnect-between-Mormons-and-Easter.html
Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints “do celebrate, but it’s a minor celebration,” Wilson said. He surveyed approximately 500 people in six different LDS wards as well as scores of BYU students to determine the importance of the holiday to active church members.
“It’s almost completely usurped by general conference,” the annual gathering of top LDS leaders and members on the first weekend in April, he said. The two-day event includes sermons and music broadcast to millions of members worldwide, and it happens to fall on Easter weekend this year, as it does about 23 percent of the time.
“I tell my students not to take that as a slam,” Wilson said. “That’s what the restoration (of Christ’s gospel) is, with living prophets speaking to us. But in LDS remembrance, (the conference) totally overshadows Easter.”
***
The Practicing LDS each week is reminded in sacrament of what our Lord Jesus Christ our Savior and Redeemer did for us
NOT JUST ONCE A YEAR LIKE THE CHILDREN OF CONSTATNTINE
Doc & Cov 20
75 It is expedient that the church meet together often to partake of bread and wine in the remembrance of the Lord Jesus;
76 And the elder or priest shall administer it; and after this manner shall he administer it—he shall kneel with the church and call upon the Father in solemn prayer, saying:
77 O God, the Eternal Father, we ask thee in the name of thy Son, Jesus Christ, to bless and sanctify this bread to the souls of all those who partake of it, that they may eat in remembrance of the body of thy Son, and witness unto thee, O God, the Eternal Father, that they are willing to take upon them the name of thy Son, and always remember him and keep his commandments which he has given them; that they may always have his Spirit to be with them. Amen.
78 The manner of administering the wine—he shall take the cup also, and say:
77 O God, the Eternal Father, we ask thee in the name of thy Son, Jesus Christ, to bless and sanctify this bread to the souls of all those who partake of it, that they may eat in remembrance of the body of thy Son, and witness unto thee, O God, the Eternal Father, that they are willing to take upon them the name of thy Son, and always remember him and keep his commandments which he has given them; that they may always have his Spirit to be with them. Amen.
Also in Doc & Con 88
The Lord Jesus Christ continues to teach His saints
1–5, Faithful Saints receive that Comforter, which is the promise of eternal life;
6–13, All things are controlled and governed by the Light of Christ;
14–16, The Resurrection comes through the Redemption;
17–31, Obedience to celestial, terrestrial, or telestial law prepares men for those respective kingdoms and glories;
32–35, Those who will to abide in sin remain filthy still;
36–41, All kingdoms are governed by law;
42–45, God has given a law unto all things;
46–50, Man will comprehend even God;
51–61, The parable of the man sending his servants into the field and visiting them in turn;
62–73, Draw near unto the Lord, and ye will see his face;
74–80, Sanctify yourselves and teach one another the doctrines of the kingdom;
81–85, Every man who has been warned should warn his neighbor;
86–94, Signs, upheavals of the elements, and angels prepare the way for the coming of the Lord;
95–102, Angelic trumps call forth the dead in their order;
103–16, Angelic trumps proclaim the restoration of the gospel, the fall of Babylon, and the battle of the great God;
117–26, Seek learning, establish a house of God (a temple), and clothe yourselves with the bond of charity;
127–41, The order of the School of the Prophets is set forth, including the ordinance of washing of feet.
Oh Resty!
Are you preaching from the D&C's again?
Why don't SLC 'mormons' follow what is ETERNAL in D&C 132?
Why does HEADQUARTERS in SLC EXCOMMUNICATE mormons who Do?
WHY is following the LAW of the Untied States Government more important to SLC 'mormons' that following the LAW of GOD found in D&C 132?
~ Wilford Woodruff, 4th LDS President
The MORMONs evidently have had new REVELATION of the old hymn: "When I See The Blood"
It must be now...
..."When I See The Water"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1G0jp-C38NI&feature=related
"I have to put this back; for Mommy read to me our "SCRIPTURE"?
"After the service, I wanna go to Applebee's for a Margarita!"
lmao! Hey, at least that kid’s awake. The other 2 toddlers in that photo are fast asleep! (maybe they’ve already been to Applebees?)
What Holy Week plans are ahead for your ward and stake? For Ash Wednesday? For Maundy Thursday? For Good Friday?
What kind of beautiful and special program will you have on Easter Sunday? Anything different? Will the name of Jesus Christ replace the name of Joseph Smith as the center of attention?
It sure is odd to see all the outreach by the mormons in the past few years...the Jews and the Muslims get a lot of attention, but I haven't see any "reaching out" to Evangelical Christians...I bet you can furnish lots of links and pix for that, right?
NOT JUST ONCE A YEAR LIKE THE CHILDREN OF CONSTATNTINE
There are many Christians who partake of Communion on a weekly basis (and none use water for the wine). If mormons did outreach to Christians, they might be aware of that.
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