March 29, 2023 at 1:36 p.m.
Sharing a Passover seder meal
Missionary from Jerusalem to lead event at Avon Community Church
The Passover Seder is a ritual feast at the beginning of the Jewish holiday of Passover. The purpose of the seder plate is to show foods that tell the story of the people of Israel.
Avon Community Church members welcome community members to be their guests during a Christ in the Passover event, when they will share a seder meal from 6-8 p.m., Thursday, March 30, at the church, at 204 Avon Ave. N., in Avon.
Simon Stout, a missionary from Jerusalem, Israel, involved with the international Jews for Jesus, will lead the meal, Michal Stoesz said March 23, sitting next to her husband, Ron; both are on a mission committee planning the event with other church members.
A sit-down seder meal will be served.
“There will be a mother at each table, which is part of the Jewish tradition, and she will be serving the meal,” Ron said.
He explained that the idea of a seder meal stems back to when the Jewish people were instructed to retell the story of the exodus from Egypt, saying, “It is because of what the Lord did for me, that we know we have been redeemed from a far greater bondage through Jesus’ blood.”
“Before Jesus was crucified he partook in a seder meal with his disciples, and he was the Passover lamb who took away the sins of the world,” Ron said.
During the two-hour Avon event, Stout will explain the significance of each of the six elements of the seder meal, which will include matzo ball soup, a chicken dumpling soup prepared by church members.
“He will tell them what the elements, like parsley or horseradish, signify,” Michal said.
Ron adds, “Horseradish brings tears to your eyes in remembrance of the Israelites being slaves in Egypt, a very tearful part. The bitter parsley signifies their bitter experiences and how they were ready to flee just as soon as pharaoh let them go.”
Matzo balls serve as a Jewish cultural symbol and reminder of past hardships; matzo represents the unleavened bread the Jewish people ate in the desert to sustain themselves during their exodus from Egypt, according to the internet.
Ron said while this is the third year a seder meal has been offered by church members, it is the first time they have opened it up to the public, ages 9 and older. Reservations are requested and can be made by calling 320-356-9001. Seating is limited to 100.
Along with the meal, there will be time for people to ask Stout questions about the seder meal and his Jews for Jesus ministry.
“It’s for church friends and family and the community,” Michal said.
The hope is sharing a seder meal will prepare the hearts of guests for their Lenten journey leading into Holy Week.
Comments:
You must login to comment.