March/april 2007 | Jewish Voice Today 9

Sarah Weiner Special Feature

The Invitation -Freedom & RedemptionIf you are not Jewish, you may wonder why would a non-Jewish

Believer in Jesus desire to go through the trouble to learn and pre-pare and do this unusual celebration?

Behold, God has prepared a place at the Passover table for you! Passover represents not only an event 3,500 years ago in Egypt, limited to Moses and the Hebrew slaves, but also an amazing tapestry, spanning thousands of years, generation to generation, passing this precious her-itage on to the next... from the fi rst promise to Abram – not only to the Jewish People, but also a promise for the Nations as well... remember God’s faithfulness! Remember to hope in the Messiah! And teach your children, which is the reason for the service... “the telling.”

The second chapter of Ephesians reminds non-Jewish Believers that they were once without hope and without God – called aliens and strangers – and could not partake of the covenants and promises of Israel. In order to come to the Passover Seder, they would have to be circumcised! (See Exodus 12:42 - 49)

Yet now, through Messiah Yeshua, the promise to Abram has been realized, and now you who once were far off have been brought near as He has broken down the wall separating the Gentiles from the worship of the God of Israel! (Eph. 2:13, 14)

The “Why” - Promise & Ex� ctationPassover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread are two of the seven bib-

lical Feasts listed in Leviticus 23. A Hebrew word for Feast is “Mo’ed,” ( which means “appointed time” [with God]. What could be more precious or exciting? The Lord has set these special times to meet with His people. So come with expectation!

These are important Spring Feasts that begin the biblical calendar and set the spiritual rhythm of the Kingdom. Each of the biblical Feasts are rich in symbolism that reveal prophetic truths and aspects of the nature of God and His redemptive plan for the world.

The “Telling”- Generation to GenerationWhile the traditional Seder has changed a bit over the past 2,000

years, the purpose remains the same – “the telling.” This is not unique to Passover, as Deuteronomy 6:7 gives wise instruction to “teach them [all the statutes and commandments] diligently to your sons and... talk of them when you sit in your house and when you walk by the way and when you lie down and when you rise up.”

For time immemorial the Jewish People have taught their children the Torah and this has helped to preserve them as a People. Through the Plagues of Europe, by living according to biblical commandments, Jewish People by and large did not contract these terrible diseases. Through near two millennia suffering persecutions, pogroms, and the Holocaust, with no country to call their own, the Word of God bound

them together and to their God ... giving hope, promise and purpose ...generation to generation. Believers understand that there is also an intangible spiritual benefi t to learning and doing the Word and the Will of the Lord. This isn’t legalism – this is life!

A major part of the Seder is called the “Maggid,” () which is the retelling of the Passover story from the Exodus Scriptures and the recital of the “Four Questions” from the youngest son. It is a dramatic story that unfolds throughout the evening, with tears and laughter and warmth.

There is always a hush among the children as the account is read of the Angel of Death moving throughout the homes of Egypt, taking the lives of the fi rstborn of man and beast. To think it is the blood of a lamb applied to the doorposts of the Hebrew slaves that saves them...

As Believers we are reminded of the text in Revelation 12:11: “And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony...” And we give testimony to God’s enduring faithful-ness – from that fi rst Passover lamb in Egypt to Yeshua, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! (John 1:29)

Let ’s P� pa� for

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10 Jewish Voice Today | March/april 2007

Special Feature Sarah Weiner

Passover: The name “Passover” (in He-brew, Pesach, peh-SAKH, the “ch” is a gutteral sound simi-lar to the Irish “loch”) refers to the angel of death “passing over” the Hebrews during the slaying of the fi rstborn of Egypt.

Seder: The Passover meal is called a Seder, (SEH-der) from a Hebrew root word meaning “order,” referring to the order of the service.

Seder Plate: The Leader of the Seder will have a plate displaying all of the elements used in the service.

Haggadah: The name of the booklet used in the Passover Seder containing the blessings, the order of service, and commentary.

Maggid: (mah-GEED) “To tell.” The central narrative of the Seder.

...and the dreaded Chametz: Leaven, or yeast, (KHU-mets).

Let ’s P� pa� for PAssov e rssov e rssov e rssov e rssov e r�

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ssov e rssov e rssov e rssov e rssov e rssov e rssov e rssov e rssov e rssov e r�ssov e rssov e rssov e rssov e r�ssov e rssov e r������ssov e rssov e r�ssov e rssov e rssov e rssov e r�ssov e rssov e rPPPPAAAAPPAPPPPAPPAAssov e rssov e rAAssov e rAAAAssov e rAAssov e rssov e r����ssov e rssov e r�ssov e rssov e rssov e rssov e r�ssov e rssov e r������ssov e rssov e r�ssov e rssov e rssov e rssov e r�ssov e rssov e r

Glossary

By Sarah

March/april 2007 | Jewish Voice Today 11

Sarah Weiner Special Feature

P� paring Your TableThe traditional Passover Seder begins with everyone seated at a

beautifully set table. In Orthodox Jewish homes, there will be a special set of Passover dishes and cookware, only used once a year for that special occasion.

Each family will develop their own traditions, but certain items are found at nearly every Seder:

1. A Haggadah - One for each guest2. A Seder Plate - The Seder Plate may be a specially designed

plate containing the elements that assist in telling the Passover story, or you may use a large plate or platter containing:

a. Z'roah - A Lamb shank bone (cooked & cleaned). b. Maror - Bitter herbs - usually horseradish from a jar for dip-

ping and also a horseradish root is displayed on the plate. c. Charoset - A sweet apple mixture (See recipe on page 14!) d. Karpas - Parsley - at least a sprig for each person. e. Beytzah - (BAY-tsah) A hard-boiled, roasted egg (a reminder

of when the Temple in Jerusalem was burned and destroyed in 70 A.D.)

f. A small bowl of salt water - For dipping (1 T. salt to ½ c. water) - It symbolizes tears.

3. Matzah - “The Bread of Affl iction” - You will need at least 2 boxes for 8 people.

3.a. The Afikomen - The Leader will have three “matzot” wrapped in a “tosh,” a special napkin dividing the three, and coins ready to “ransom” a piece of the middle matzah that will be broken and hidden and found by one of the children. This piece is known as the “Afi komen” and has surprising symbolism.

4. A set of candlesticks.5. Wine and/or Grape Juice.6. A large bowl and a pitcher of water with a hand towel.7. A pillow for “leaning” - at least for the leader.8. A special goblet - “The Cup of Elijah.”

We hope this guide will make your special celebration as easy and stress-free as possible. On page 14 we have even included some recipes – be sure to check them when fi nal-izing your shopping list!

During Passover and the Feast of Unleav-ened Bread, no food containing leaven, or yeast (called chametz by the Jewish People), is to be consumed: “...you shall remove leaven from your houses; for whoever eats anything leavened from the fi rst day un-til the seventh day, that person shall be cut off from Israel.” (Ex.12:15) In many Jewish homes, prior to the Passover Seder, an exten-sive “chametz hunt” is conducted with the entire family, even cleaning cupboards with a

feather. Jewish sages teach that the bad things we do are like leaven. We should search with-in ourselves to remove the leaven of sin just as we prepare our homes for Passover.

Paul made reference to this when he ad-dressed the Believers in Corinth and made the same analogy. He admonished them to keep the feast of Passover, but to remember that they are “a new batch of dough” without leaven – sin, because Yeshua, their Passover Lamb had been sacrifi ced for them. There-

fore they should keep the feast in a way that is fi tting and honoring to the Lord – not just outwardly, but with a pure heart and the “un-leavened bread” – matzah – of sincerity and truth. (1 Cor. 5:6-8)

So we too should prepare our hearts for the Feast of Passover, remembering the many generations of faithfulness and love of the mighty God we serve that will be recounted in this 3,500 year tapestry of remembrance.

During Passover and the Feast of Unleav-During Passover and the Feast of Unleav- feather. Jewish sages teach that the bad things fore they should keep the feast in a way that

Let ’s CelebrateWe Begin Our Seder ˜ “...You Shall Remove the Leaven...”

The Blessings ˜ “And all the congregation blessed the LORD God of their fathers...”The woman of the house will open the service by kindling the candles, from her right to left and reciting:

Ba-ruch atah Adonai Elo-hey-nu Mel-ech ha-olam, a-sher kid-sha-nu b'mitz-vo-tav v’tzee-vah-nu l'had-lik ner shel yom tov.

Blessed are You, O Lord our God, King of the Universe, who has sanctifi ed us by Your Grace and commanded us to kindle the Festival Lights.

As a woman begins the Seder by bringing light to the table, let us remember that God used a woman to bring forth our Messiah, the Light of the World.

HebrewHebrew

Ba-ruch atah Adonai Elo-hey-nu Mel-ech ha-olam, a-sher kid-sha-nu b'mitz-vo-tav v’tzee-vah-nu l'had-lik ner shel yom tov.HebrewBa-ruch atah Adonai Elo-hey-nu Mel-ech ha-olam, a-sher kid-sha-nu b'mitz-vo-tav v’tzee-vah-nu l'had-lik ner shel yom tov.Ba-ruch atah Adonai Elo-hey-nu Mel-ech ha-olam, a-sher kid-sha-nu b'mitz-vo-tav v’tzee-vah-nu l'had-lik ner shel yom tov.TransliterationTransliteration

Ba-ruch atah Adonai Elo-hey-nu Mel-ech ha-olam, a-sher kid-sha-nu b'mitz-vo-tav v’tzee-vah-nu l'had-lik ner shel yom tov.Transliteration

Ba-ruch atah Adonai Elo-hey-nu Mel-ech ha-olam, a-sher kid-sha-nu b'mitz-vo-tav v’tzee-vah-nu l'had-lik ner shel yom tov.Ba-ruch atah Adonai Elo-hey-nu Mel-ech ha-olam, a-sher kid-sha-nu b'mitz-vo-tav v’tzee-vah-nu l'had-lik ner shel yom tov.

Blessed are You, O Lord our God, King of the Universe, who has sanctifi ed us by Your Grace TransliterationBlessed are You, O Lord our God, King of the Universe, who has sanctifi ed us by Your Grace Blessed are You, O Lord our God, King of the Universe, who has sanctifi ed us by Your Grace

Four cups of wine are raised during the Seder for the four “I wills” - God’s promises from Exodus 6:6-7: “Say, therefore, to the sons of Israel, ‘I am the Lord, and I will bring you out from under the yoke of the Egyptians. I will free you from being slaves to them, and I will redeem you with an outstretched arm and with mighty acts of judgment. I will take you as my own people, and I will be your God. Then you will know that I am the Lord your God, who brought you out from under the yoke of the Egyptians. ’ ”

The Order of the Seder ˜ “...You Shall Observe it as a Festival ...”A Passover Haggadah will help you navigate through the elements of your Seder. It con-tains colorful commentary, Hebrew content, and interesting insights beyond the blessings and the “order of the service”:1. The First Cup - Kadesh, Sanctifi cation 2. Urchatz - Washing Hands 3. Karpas - Dipping Parsley 4. Yachatz - Breaking the Middle Matzah 5. Maggid - Telling the Exodus Story -

Includes the Four Questions and concludes with the Second Cup - the Cup of Judgment, Recounting the Plagues of Egypt. 6. Rachtzah - Washing Hands in preparation for meal 7. Motzee Matzah - Sharing the Matzah 8. Maror - Bitter Herbs 9. Charoset - Sweet Apple Mixture 10. Shulchan Orech - Supper 11. Tzafun - The Afi komen

12. The Third Cup - The Cup of Redemption 13. Birkat Hamazon - Giving Thanks After Meal 14. The Cup of Elijah 15. The Fourth Cup - Hallel, The Cup of Praise 16. Nirtzah - Desire

As this article can only give you a little “taste” of a full service, the JVMI Haggadah is

available on page 23.

TranslationTranslation

“ I Wi� ”“ I Wi� ”The Four Cups ˜ “I Will...”

The Blessing Over Wine or Grape Juice*

Ba-ruch atah Adonai, Elo-hey-nu Mel-ech

ha-olam, bo-rey p’ri ha-gafen.Blessed are You, O Lord, our God, King

of the Universe, who creates the fruit of the vine. Amen.

Four cups of wine are raised during the Seder for the four - God’s promises from Exodus 6:6-7: of Israel, ‘I am the Lord, and the yoke of the Egyptians. them, and with mighty acts of judgment. people, and I will be your God.people, and I will be your God.the Lord your God, who brought you out from under the yoke of the Egyptians. ’ ”

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*This blessing is used for the 1st, 3rd & 4th cups. The 2nd cup, the Cup of Judgment is not partaken.

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12 Jewish Voice Today | March/april 2007

Special Feature Sarah Weiner

Let ’s Celebrate PAssov e r !ssov e r !ssov e r !ssov e r !ssov e r !ssov e r !ssov e r !ssov e r !ssov e r !�ssov e r !ssov e r !ssov e r !ssov e r !ssov e r !ssov e r !ssov e r !ssov e r !������ssov e r !ssov e r !�ssov e r !ssov e r !ssov e r !ssov e r !�ssov e r !ssov e r !By Sarah

Urchatz ˜ We Wash Our Hands...

Ba-ruch atah Adonai Elo-hey-nu Mel-ech ha-olam, a-sher kid-sha-nu b'mitz-vo-tav v’tzee-vah-nu al net-ilat y'da-eem

Blessed are You O Lord, our God, King of the Universe, You have sanctifi ed us by Your commandments, and commanded us regarding the washing of hands. Amen.

Why? Why? Why? Why

Twice during the Seder we wash our hands. This is a symbolic act of purifi cation in imitation of the Priests who had to wash before offering the sacrifi ces. In John 13, we see that Yeshua even washed His Disciples’ feet at their Seder as a lesson in humility. Remember this lesson of love and humility as you help one another with the bowl and the towel. All Recite:

Dip a sprig of parsley in the salt water, then recite:Ba-ruch atah Adonai Elo-hey-nu Mel-ech ha-olam, a-sher kid-sha-nu b'mitz-vo-tav v’tzee-vah-nu,

bo-rey p'ri ha-ada-mahBlessed are You, O Lord our God, King of the Universe, who creates the fruit of

the earth. Amen.

Parsley dipped in saltwater reminds us that even the sweetness of life may be immersed in tears, and to thank God that through much suffering, He has made a People, a Nation, and sent His promised Messiah.

Karpas ˜ Parsley - “...their cry went up to God...” (Ex. 2:23)

Yachatz - We Break the Middle MatzahThe Leader will take the middle matzah and break it, wrapping half in a linen napkin, and hide it to be found by a

child at the end of the night and “ransomed” back. All guests share a piece of this portion called the “Afi komen,” a Greek word meaning “I came!”

Believers in Yeshua see an uncanny symbolism in this ritual. Matzah is picture of Yeshua also in that it is without leaven (sin) and pierced and striped. (Is. 53)

Maggid ˜ We Ask The Four Questions & Tell the Exodus Story (Ex. 12:26, 27)This begins the long interactive narrative. The central element is answering a child’s four questions, called the

“Ma Nishtanah,” which is often sung in Hebrew. Why is this night different than all other nights? 1 Why do we only eat unleavened bread on this night? 2 Why do we eat bitter herbs? 3 Why do we dip twice? 4 Why do we eat our meal reclining? It concludes with the Second Cup, the Cup of Judgment, with reciting the ten plagues of Egypt. As each plague is spoken, a drop of wine is removed from the glass by dipping a fi nger in and allowing a drop to fall on a plate, symbolizing our joy being diminished as we remember the terrible cost to Egyptians for Pharaoh’s disobedience.

Put a bit of horseradish on a piece of matzah, then recite: Baruch atah Adonai, Eloheynu Melech ha'olam, a'sher kid'shanu b'mitzvo'tav v’tzee-vah-nu, al achilat marorBlessed are You, O Lord, our God, King of the Universe, who has sanctifi ed us and has commanded us to eat bitter herbs. Amen.

Maror ˜ “...with bitter herbs they shall eat it...” (Ex. 12:8)

Your Passover Seder will break for supper before concluding with the cup Yeshua lifted, the Cup of Redemption – the Cup of the New Covenant ratifi ed by His blood – and still so much more! We hope this has enriched your understanding and encouraged you to incorporate this special celebration into your worship. For the complete Haggadah and a video presentation by Jonathan Bernis, please see our Resources on page 23. Chag Sameach! (Happy Festival!)

March/april 2007 | Jewish Voice Today 13

Sarah Weiner Special Section

Motzee Matzah ˜ “...you shall eat unleavened bread...” (Ex. 12:15)Leader distributes the top matzah to all the guests. All recite: Ba-ruch atah Adonai Elo-hey-nu Mel-ech ha-olam, a-sher

kid-sha-nu b'mitz-vo-tav v’tzee-vah-nu, al achi-lat matzahBlessed are You, O Lord, our God, King of the Universe, who has sanctifi ed us and has

commanded us to eat unleavened bread. Amen.

Charoset ˜ The sweet apple mixture... is scooped with the bitter herbs onto a piece of matzah. This is the “second dip.” We are reminded of Yeshua’s reference in John 13:26 to dipping the [unleavened] bread at His Last Supper.

The Shulchan Oreych Your Passover SupperA Jewish Custom is for children to take naps

on the afternoon of “Erev Pesach,” the evening of the Passover Seder so that they will be able to stay awake during the Seder, which can run quite long. Among the Orthodox, a traditional Seder may last until well past midnight, with the supper served late in the evening and full texts from the Torah and Psalms read!

A typical Passover supper has many courses. It is a festive holiday meal that has been fussed over

for many hours, and often many family members and friends contribute, fi nding creative recipes that substitute matzah fl our for white fl our, which may contain leavening agents. Traditional foods include Gefi lte Fish and Chopped Liver hors d’oeuvres, served with red horseradish and matzah of course. The second course is generally a luscious bowl of Chicken Soup with fl uffy matzah balls, followed by a salad of spring greens with vinaigrette dressing. The main course may be Braised Lamb, Beef Bris-ket with Tsimmes, or Savory Roast Chicken with Matzah Farfel Stuffi ng. Side dishes will consist of a variety of fancy vegetable dishes, Matzah Kugels,

and possibly Braised Fruits. “Kosher for Passover” coconut macaroon cookies are an ever-present accompaniment to coffee, as the dinner table is cleared to prepare for the conclusion of the Pass-over Seder.

Every year we receive many requests for recipes from our Partners who would like to prepare a Sed-er in their home for the fi rst time, so this year we are publishing a few of our favorites! Each year I try a new recipe I fi nd on the web or in a new Jewish cookbook – so be brave – experiment & enjoy! And above all, chag sameach! Have a joyous holiday!chag sameach! Have a joyous holiday!

Mmm...Yummy Charoset!• 4 red apples, finely chopped• 2 t. honey• 2-3 T. kosher wine (or concord grape juice if preferred)• Cinnamon to taste• Optional: 1/4 c. chopped raisins and/or 2 T. chopped walnuts

A food processor can be used to chop the in-gredients, but do not blend to applesauce!

Combine all ingredients in a large bowl, cover & refrigerate. It will turn brown.

I make huge amounts of charoset for the entire week of Unleavened Bread. My son would even take it to school every day for lunch with his matzah & Seder guests always left with a bowl!

Makes 8 servings.

Mmm...Yummy Charoset!Mmm...Yummy Charoset!Mmm...Yummy Charoset! Luscious (& foolproof!) Matzah Ball Soup for 8 - 10• 4 lbs. chicken parts w/skin• 2 onions, sliced• 6 carrots, peeled & sliced• Celery tops (just for flavor)• salt & pepper to taste

• 2 boxes Manischewitz Matzo Ball & Soup Mix (Yes, really!)• 2 eggs• vegetable oil• Water as directed plus 2 qts.

Matzah Ball Soup for 8 - 10Matzah Ball Soup for 8 - 10Matzah Ball Soup for 8 - 10

The packet of Manischewitz soup mix is a great soup-starter, very rich and seasoned perfectly, so I have always used this as my base although I load up my pot with fresh ingredients and cook all aftenoon. After the chicken has cooked 2 hours, remove and cool. Debone and return to the stock & simmer throughout the afternoon and evening.

The matzah ball mix is nice as the measurements are ready for you. It is exactly the same as making it from scratch. You can prepare the mix ac-cording to directions just before you begin your Seder and refrigerate at least 20 minutes. Bring your soup to a boil and drop LOOSELY packed balls in. Boil for at least 40 minutes and serve. The timing can be a bit tricky - I generally start boiling the soup right after we finish reading through the answers to “The Four Questions.” You will establish your own traditions! Enjoy!

Beef Brisket with Leeks & ‘Tsimmes’ (‘such a fuss!’)

Combine first 7 ingre-dients. Spread evenly over both sides of brisket. Cover and refrigerate overnight.

Next afternoon, broil until brown, about 5 minutes per side. Turn brisket fat side up in pan for roasting.

Sprinkle leeks, onion, 12 apricot halves, thyme, garlic, and bay leaves around bris-ket. Pour wine over brisket & cover pan with heavy-duty foil. Bake at 325 F. until tender, about 2 1/2 hours. Uncover; cool 1 1/2 hours.

Transfer brisket to work surface. Pour off juices into a small bowl, and spoon off fat, re-serving 1 T. Thinly slice brisket across grain on slight diagonal; overlap slices in 15x10x2-inch glass baking dish. Spoon 1 c. degreased pan juices over brisket; cover with foil.

To Make Savory Sauce:Stir reserved T. fat and

matzah cake meal in medium saucepan over medium heat 3 minutes. Add degreased pan juices and remaining 12 apricot halves. Simmer until sauce thickens and boils, stirring occasionally, about 3 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Pour sauce

over brisket and serve hot. Optional tsimmes ingredients: prunes, dried

cranberries, carrots.(Can be made 2 days ahead. Cover brisket

and sauce separately and chill. Rewarm covered brisket in 350 F oven 30 minutes or 45 minutes if chilled. Rewarm sauce over low heat.)

Makes 8 servings.

& cover pan with & cover pan with over brisket and serve hot. over brisket and serve hot.

• 2 T. extra-virgin olive oil• 2 t. kosher salt • 1 t. ea. cumin & coriander• 1 t. ground black pepper • 1 t. cinnamon• 2 1/2 T. honey

• 4 1/2 - 5 1/2-pound flat-cut beef brisket, well-trimmed • 2 leeks, chopped (white & pale green parts only)• 1 med. onion, chopped• 12 dried apricots, halved

• 6 sprigs fresh thyme• 10 cloves garlic, peeled• 2 bay leaves• 2 c. dry red wine• 1 T. matzah cake meal• 12 dried apricots, halved

Side Dish: Sweet Apple-Raisin Kugel• 12 oz. wide egg noodles kosher-for-Passover • 4 apples, cored & thinly sliced (4 cups)• 4 eggs, beaten • 4 T. melted butter

• 2 c. apple juice• 3/4 c. raw sugar• 2 T. cinnamon• 1 t. vanilla• 1 c. raisins (pref. golden)• Opt. 1/2 c. chopped nuts

You can generally find “Kosher-for-Passover” noodles made from matzah flour at Passover time in most grocery stores. They are a bit heavier, so be sure to compensate with moisture in your recipes. Cook noodles according to directions, drain and pour into a greased 3 qt. glass baking dish. Toss gently with melted butter.

Whisk together the eggs, apple juice, sugar, honey, cin-namon, and vanilla. Mix with apples and raisins and pour into the baking dish with noodles. Toss gently.

Cover dish with foil and bake at 350 F. for 45 minutes.

Uncover and bake an additional 15 minutes.

Cool on a wire rack 30 minutes. Serve warm,although some enjoy it at room temperature or cold right out of the refrigera-tor.

Makes 12 servings.

By Sarah

NOW YOU’RENOW YOU’RECooking!

14 Jewish Voice Today | March/april 2007

Special Feature Sarah Weiner