Lent 2019 - The Scripture Class held a Seder Meal ~ Photos by Rita Hatchett and Connie Hom, Article by Rita Hatchett

This year, the Scripture class is studying the Book of Exodus.  One of the three feasts that are to be held each year according to Exodus is Passover. God instituted a commemorative meal: fire-roasted lamb, bitter herbs and unleavened bread (Ex.12:8).  The Lord told the Israelites to "observe this rite as a statute for you and for your sons forever." (Ex.12:24 ESV), even when in a foreign land.  

Then God passed over the Israelites who painted their door with the blood of a lamb during the 10th plague on Egypt, the death of the firstborn of man and beast.  This is a commemoration of their liberation by God from slavery in ancient Egypt and their freedom as a nation under the leadership of Moses.

Jim Weinberg and wife, Rosanne Bocciarelli officiated at the Seder.

This decorative pocket holds the Matazo; the candles are lit by the mother.  The Seder plate has an egg which represents the cycle of life, the lamb shank bone serves as a visual reminder of the sacrifice that the Israelites offered immediately before leaving Egypt and that Jews continued to offer until the destruction of the Temple around 70 AD.

On our plates were samples of the main Seder plate minus the lamb shank and egg.  A piece of Matzo, the unleavened bread, a sweet mix of fruits, wine or honey, and nuts symbolized the mortar that the Israelite slaves used to construct buildings for Pharaoh.  Ten drops of wine are dropped on the plate representing the 10 plagues on Egypt.  Parsley, the second bitter herb, represents the bitterness of slavery.  Beet horseradish allow us to taste the bitterness of slavery.  Each item is eaten during different parts of the Seder. 

Jim led the readings and prayers and we responded.  Upper Left, Karen Carter.  Not pictured, Connie Hom.

Kathleen Berry, Frances Pope and Dorothy Mitchell

Debbie Bosseusi, Donna Gorman and Jane DeBernardo.  Debbie won the prize for the hidden Piece of Matzo, which is a game for the children at the end of the Seder.

This is the book used during the Seder and is called the Haggadah.  Notice the spine of the book.  It is read back to front.  Instead of 4 cups of wine (Ex. 6:6-7) representing where the four different terms of deliverance are employed, we took 4 sips.  There is a 5th cup at the head of the table set out for the Prophet Elisha who never died but went up to heaven in a fiery chariot (2 Kgs. 2:11).  During the Seder readings, the door is opened and closed for him.  Elisha is for Jewish people who Jesus is for Christians.

Carolyn and Buzzy Lawler, Marie Masse, Edie Gorman, Rosaria Corstanza, Phyllis Booth and Bob Cohn.

The small bowls of salty water represent the tears of the Israelite slaves.  The bitter herbs (parsley) are dipped into it and then eaten.

At the near end of the table: Rita Hatchett, Cassandra and Walker Bland.  There was a Question and Answer period which lasted 1 1/2 hours.  The time went so quickly.  We all wished we had more time before the real food came out.  Rosanne and Jim were fantastic and we were grateful to have them share this with us.


~ Article by Rita Hatchett

~ Photos by Rita Hatchett and Connie Hom