I found this article today while taking a break from work. Basically, it's about how some Jewish people are offended by Christians practicing the seder on Maundy Thursday. It was rather timely since I just returned from my first seder dinner--held at my Lutheran church for Maundy Thursday.
I have wanted to attend a seder for ages. While I was living in Boston, I had Jewish friends, but they usually went home (that is, away from Boston) for Passover. I must say I thoroughly enjoyed the dinner and service this evening, although I think that it might not be what you'd find in a good Jewish home. The part about Jesus, for example. And the fact that it wasn't in Hebrew. It wasn't even in German, Norwegian or Swedish as one might expect from good Lutherans. It was in English and I have a sneaking suspicion that our Pastor dug out one of his wacky Bible translations again because it didn't sound very NRSV-ish (or even NIV-ish!) Even so, it was a beautiful service and the food was great! Ever since living in Boston, I've become a fan of chicken matzo ball soup and it's pretty dang hard to find in Oregon (if anyone has a good recipe, please send it to me!)--and I was able to chug down 2 bowls! YUM!
But I do understand why the Jewish congregations in the above article would be put off by a service such as the one I attended this evening. I mean, I have to bite my tongue as my non-religious friends start getting into the Christmas parties and such. And really, an Easter Bunny??? Despite all of Hallmark's attempts, the Christian holidays are still sacred to me and I would be more than happy to forgo the Santa Clauses, Easter Bunnies and Cadbury Cream Eggs. Okay, not the cream eggs--I still want those.
I realize that my belief that the Jewish and Christian faiths are really not that far from each other is not shared by all Christians. I find it sad that there is such a schism between the faiths. I remember a sermon my Pastor once gave (yes, I do pay attention!) on the parable of the prodigal son. While I was always taught that it was about forgiveness and family ties, he offered an alternate explanation. The good son, the one who stayed, was the Jews--they will always be with God. The Prodigal son represents the gentiles who return to the Father--the Christians.
Okay, I don't mean to get all religious here...it's just that the article got me thinking that, as we said when we were kids, it's all the same God! This week, 2 of the world's major faiths celebrate their most holy holidays. Happy Passover...Happy Easter...Mazel Tov....pass the Cadbury Cream Eggs!
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In the end isn't all about something or someone believe in? A guideline to achieve a goal, and appreciaton of that goal once you've reached it (happiness) - without doing harm along the way? Ethics and religion say it's more about the process, but being agnostic (at best) I think it should just boil down (yes, I used this analogy just for Easter) to this: With humanity in mind, to each his own.
BTW, I really liked your post :)
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