Passover Seder 2019 and Seminar
Forty-five people came together to mark Passover in Wellington, New Zealand, on Friday, April 19.
The Passover Seder meal was led by Dr Richard Elofer, director of the World Jewish-Adventist Friendship Centre at the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, and hosted by Bet Tikkun, the Jewish Adventist congregation in New Zealand.
Pesach (Passover 2018)
Waiting for Elijah
It was the 30th of March when we gathered around the seder tables for the first night of Pesach (Passover). I was waiting for Elijah. The atmosphere was warm and welcoming, we laughed together as the microphones ringed, and we tried our best to sing Dayenu without passing out. We told the story of Moshe (Moses), thinking of the sacrifices and the hope this story bestows in us and for us. A hope that, no matter what, a time will come where God makes a stand and ends our suffering. It’s beautiful. I waited for Elijah. We talked of Yeshua’s last seder, talked of his sacrifice, talked about our lamb, saving us from sin. His death meant our life. We thanked him, and we will thank him again. We promised never to forget. I was still waiting for Elijah. There were many people I didn’t recognise, even more, who’d never been to a seder meal before. They asked questions, reminding me of the four children and their questions. Why is this night different from all other nights? Answering them was a blessing we were happy to give. We drank the tears of our ancestors, praised God’s love and just hand, ate the meal with gusto. Matzah crumbs littered the tables, spilling onto the floor in wild disarray. It was ordered chaos, a loving time of community.
But Elijah didn’t show. I guess I’ll just have to wait for next year.
