Orleans independent standard. [volume] (Irasburgh, Vt.) 1856-1871, 1863-05-22
Passover at Jerusalem.

Myself and frie nds were very
anxious to see the passover kept in Je-
rusalem and by the kindness of Mrs.
Finn we received an invitation to the
house Of one of the most respectable
Jews for that evening-the night was
our Good Friday. We went there be-
tween eight and nine o'clock, and found
the whole family, including four genera
tions, assembled in the principal room,
Which was well lighted with lamps and
several wax candles. These they were
obliged to ask the Moslim kawasses who
came with US to replenish when they
burned out later in the evening, as the
Jews cannot kindle light, or do any
kind of work during the feast. We
were placed upon the divans at one side
of the room the women of the family,
with the servant and children, remain
ing together at the bottom of the room ;
only one Of the women, the venerable
mother of the master of the house, be-
ing seated with the men and boys, who
were all together in one corner, with
small table before them covered with
silk and velvet cloths richly embroidered
with gold, some of which were heir
looms Of great antiquity. a little boy
one of the youngest members Of the
family, then asked: "What mean ye by
this service ?" (n accordance with Exc
dus xii, 26; } upon which all the males
stood up, rocking themselves without
ceasing moment, and recitCd very rap
idly in Hebrew the story of the deliver.
ancesof Israel from Egypt. Then boy
repepeated very long legendary tale
in Spanish, with a rapidity that was per-
fectIy astonishing. All had books be-
fore them, and continued rocking their
bodies to and fro, while only one was
speak ing. This is an illustration of the
text: "AlI my bones shall praise Thee"
After a long time the men sat down,
when long black and white cloth was
placed upon their knees: and the old
mother brought in metal ever and ba-
sin, and poured water upon the hands of
each, which were wiped in the cloth,
while they continued reading out loud.
Then the master laid white cloth over
one shoulder, and, removing the cover
ing from the table, he took one of the
large cakes of passover bread, till then
concealed, and breaking it in half, tied
it into the end Of the cloth and slung it !
over the shoulder of tie youngest boy,
who kept It for ten minutes, ard then
passed it on TO the next, and 60 ol--all
continuing to recte from the books with
out stopping. After this the mother
brought another basin, and the master
took up another glass, containing mix
ture of bitter herbs and vinegar, and |
some other ingredients, and after separ-
ating ten portions from it with his fin
gers, threw them into the basin; these
represented the ten plaques of Egypt.
There were plates of lettuce and other
herbs, ana the bone of the roasted lamb,
in dishes on the table, besides the un-
bread and four cups of wine
three Of them at certain parts Of the
ceremony were passed around and par
aken by each individual, including the
women and baby, one cup of wine re-
untouched, which was said to be
Ior the prophet Elijah; and we were
told in most families, toward the end of
The supper, the door OF the room was
opened, and all stand up, while the
prophet is believed TO enter and par
AXE OF the wine. Among rich Jews
his cup is frequently of gold, with jew
lis. Some other dishes were laid on
mother table, containing nuts aud dried
'ruits, of which they aiterward partOok
except in this, the females entered into
10 part of the ceremony.
All were dressed in their best and
gayest clothes, with jewels and flowers
n their hair. Before the conclusion
hey wished each other the usual wish,
hat at the coming Of the next passover
hey might all be in Jerusalem and the
Isual prayer was offered, that by that
ime the Messiah might have come to
.edeem ael.-Beautorfs Syria n
Sarines.
60 A letter from Washington, n. c.,
alls The story of n brave negro who lost