I’m fairly certain I didn’t know what a Seder was ten years ago. Living in Texas, Passover Seder just wasn’t on my radar. So I was pretty excited when we were invited to share in our neighbor’s Seder this past Saturday.
Sitting around the table were twenty of us and I was fortunate to sit next to the matriarch of the family who was participating in her 92nd Seder. Next to her was her daughter, granddaughter, and great granddauther. Four generations passing on the story of the Exodus in a very real and meaningful way. The traditions, the prayers, the songs, the food - amazing.
The more I learn about this world, the more I’m able to genuinely love God and love others. The more I experience, the more I’m able to authentically appreciate the stories of others. I hope more of these experiences will come my way because I’m eager to learn more and experience more. It will make me much less judgmental, I’m sure.
Welcome to the blog of Joe Hays, minister for Christ's Church for Brooklyn. We are a loving community of believers who seek to be the hands and feet of Christ, in service to our neighbors in Boerum Hill, Brooklyn and beyond.
I was raised Christian but my mother was raised Jewish so my mother felt it important to celebrate Passover and Hanukkah to give us a perspective from what she was brought up with. I loved the seders because everything in the dinner held so much meaning and well looking for the matza was always a treat too. Seders are usually held in the home so it was a very intimate feel between our friends and family. I would like to say that it has made me a more well rounded individual and less judgmental. And to hear a minister say they, “authentically appreciate the stories of others” is very refreshing.
Happy Pesach!
Joe,
As I am not Jewish but have the utmost respect for the Jewish community, I am jealous that you are living in a melting pot of cultures. This, to me, is very exciting to hear you are able to experience such traditions. I consider them my brothers and sisters and I hope you enjoyed, cherished and remember this event. Joe, please continue to provide us information about events such as this that you are able to be a part of, or that your friends are celebrating!