Earlier this month, we got into a conversation at Life group about Easter, Passover and the traditional Seder meal celebrated in the Jewish faith. Only one or two people in the room had ever participated, so we decided to do one together. It has been several years since I participated in a Seder meal, and I’ve never led one myself before now, but I enjoyed the chance to re-learn the various components of the ceremonial meal and share the experience with the group.

The Seder meal is a traditional, ceremonial dinner that Moses instructed the Israelites to conduct in remembrance of the Passover every year (see Exodus 12). Each part of the meal is symbolic, from the vegetable dipped in salt water to represent the Israelites’ tears while they were in slavery to the lamb that represents blood sacrifice for sin.

Our rendition of the meal was less formal than a traditional Seder probably would be, but it went over well, and everyone seemed to appreciate the history/cultural/spiritual lessons woven throughout. We ended our meal with communion together, which was a nice way to wrap up our time together and celebrate our risen savior.