Why organize a Jewish-Christian Seder?
In springtime both Christians and Jews observe rituals
of freedom and rebirth. The Christian Holy Week, especially the Easter Triduum,
and the modern Jewish Seder both have roots in the Passover traditions of
biblical Israel . Both communities see themselves as experiencing the liberating
power of God first manifest to the ancient Hebrews in the Exodus. “In every
generation, each of us should feel as though we ourselves had gone forth from
Egypt ” is a principle held by both faiths. By joining in this ritual meal, Jews
can share one of their central festivals with Christians, whose own religious
heritage predisposes them to appreciate the Seder’s deep spiritual significance.
Ideally, a full meal should be shared and not simply the symbolic foods. This
makes it more likely that during table conversation mutual understanding will
begin to replace stereotypes or misapprehensions about each other. [Another option is for Christian communities to hold a "model" or a "teaching" seder to acquaint their congregations with this important Jewish feast. However, as the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America cautioned in 1998, "If such demonstrations are done, they should be done carefully, preferably in consultation with, or hosted by, a local rabbi."]
How authentic is an Interfaith Seder?
The usual setting for a Seder is in the home where
people are surrounded by family and close friends. It does not take place in a
synagogue. The traditional Seder must be adapted to a location outside the home.
Also, an interfaith Seder will be conducted on an evening other than Passover.
Otherwise, an interfaith Seder should follow the traditional order of the ritual
set down by the rabbis in the 5th or 6th Century. In this way, participants
would engage in the ritual as well as eat the appropriate food for a Passover
meal. Interfaith haggadot – books that tell the story of Passover through the
rituals of the seder in a multi-faith setting – are available.
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