Is Putin the New Pharaoh? Passover, its universal themes of Freedom

Invited to the Passover Seder? What do I bring my Jewish friends

Passover is the most celebrated festival amongst Jews, and probably the best known festival amongst Christians.

The Seder, the ceremonial feast held over two nights outside Israel and one night in Israel has very elaborate rituals and is composed of readings and singing and eating of special foods. In addition the table is decorated with particular ornaments and dishes.

The festival commemorates Jewish exodus from Egypt. And the formation of a nation over 40 years of wandering in the desert, to the promised land. The festival is about freedom. The instruction is to relive the story not just retell, to feel that you yourself came out of Egypt. A key element is to teach the story to the next generation. Children are an integral part of the evening

Passover is a festival of questions, many of which can be summed up by the single query: “Why is this night different from all other nights?” the youngest child asks four questions why is this night different?, why do we eat Matza – unleavened bread?, why do we eat bitter herbs? and why do we lean? the answer to the questions then, is the relating of the story of the exodus: It’s also the Jewish festival that non-Jews love to observe, and take part in.

Clearly on a historic level, Jesus and most of his disciples were Jewish, and their last supper is widely thought to have been a Passover Seder.

The theme of Freedom from oppression is a universal theme that so many groups can identify with. It is particularly poignant this year with Putin – as perhaps a new Pharoah and Ukrainians wanting freedom.

Passover is a story that almost everyone knows. While it happened specifically to the Jewish people—every group of people has had a struggle of some kind or another, a time when they felt unfree. The strength of the Jewish Passover rituals is that they resonate with other communities, to help them express their bondage and celebrate their freedom.