post for Seder dinner

                I have just returned from UE Hillal’s Seder dinner. This is a special diner that occurs during Passover. It is a special diner to remember the Israeli’s escape from slavery in Egypt. The Seder is a fifteen step process. Each step remembers a different aspect of the Israeli escape from slavery.  During Passover, Jews do not eat leavened bread and so the food, which is consumed in the 11^th stage, is often very yummy. We had Matzo ball soup and barbecue chicken, as well and apples.

                Throughout the whole dinner, I was struck by how welcoming the Jewish faith is. Over and over the Jews remember that not everyone is free. They remember that not everyone is equal, and that not everyone has food and water. Seder is a call to serve those people, as well as to remember their ancestors who escaped from slavery.  One of the stages of the Seder is to remember that the Egyptians suffered for them to be able to escape, the Jews do this by dipping their finger in the wine or grape juice, and placing the grape juice on a plate.  They remember that the Egyptians had to suffer as well, and they Egyptians are also God’s people.  Even though the Egyptians caused them to suffer, they pray for the Egyptians suffering. That philosophy and fundamental kindness is amazing to me.

                It is also interesting the amount of wine that is consumed. After the Seder was complete there was a question and answer period. It is interesting that there are Jewish events, or holidays were they drink until they cannot see straight. In the Seder they drink four cups of wine. That is so much alcohol. Methodist traditionally did not drink at all, we do not even use wine for communion, it is interesting to see wine used in religious festivals and celebrations.

                The Seder dinner is also interesting because there are many sections that are designed to teach children about the Seder. I like that the Jewish faith is particularly careful to teach children about their religion, and very careful to include children in their religious ceremonies. While, Methodist include children in religious ceremonies, such communion, there is never really a special investment. I think it is really cool.

                Seder dinner was a very cool experience. It reminds Jews of their escape from Egypt, but it also calls for action for the needy. Seder is also a time for friends and family to get together and have a good time and a good meal. It was a very interesting experience and I am so grateful that I got to experience it this year.