On April 12, the 165th anniversary of the beginning of the American Civil War when the slave-holding aristocracy Confederates were motivated to commence firing upon Union-occupied Ft. Sumter in Charleston Harbor, South Carolina, more than 200 peace-minded people of faith gathered in the waning twilight at Temple Beth El on Front Street in Harrisburg for the annual Seder. It’s an interfaith gathering that has been celebrated around the time of the Jewish Passover for 14 years.
The Seder Meal is a rich Passover tradition which dates back thousands of years, celebrated in remembrance of the Israelites’ flight from Egypt to escape the bondage of slavery that oppressed the Jewish people for centuries. Seder means “order” or “procedure” in Hebrew and the meal follows ritual parts that narrate the journey to freedom for the enslaved. The theme of this year’s Freedom Seder was: Standing Strong, Standing Together: A Call for Compassion, Action and Justice.
Bishop Timothy Senior and Father James Lease, Diocesan Director of Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs and pastor of St. Catherine Labouré Parish, Harrisburg, participated by reading parts of the Haggadah (meaning “to tell”) – the ancient text translated so that peoples all over the world can reflect upon the trials Jews have suffered since Old Testament times. The story is retold in specific order and features readings, the retelling of stories, dialogue and discussion punctuated by the blessing of wine and the breaking of matzah (unleavened bread).
Discussion of justice topics are also discussed around the table before dinner is served, featuring a host of exquisitely prepared fruits, vegetables and Passover lamb.
Music and song are also performed throughout the celebration that lasts a couple of hours as darkness falls – when the Jewish day begins anew.
(Photos by Chris Heisey, The Catholic Witness.)
By Chris Heisey, The Catholic Witness
