Perrysburg journal. (Perrysburg, Wood Co., O. [Ohio]) 186?-1965, 1915-04-01
PASSOVER
CEREMONIES.
Many Obligations
EntailedUpon Pious
Isrealites.
Date Back to the Time When the
Jews Ceased to Exist as Nation
Search for the Leavened Bread
Praise Offering Service.

raelites and their departure from
Egypt, as narrated by ancient rites
which date back to the dispersion of
the Jews and to time when they
ceased to have a national existence.
The observance of Passover festi-
val entail many obligations upon the
pious Israelites. Attendance at the
synagogue service and the prayers
said in the family circle are not the
only acts of devotion required by the
religious authorities. The Worship
per is expected to follow many Bibli-
cal and rabbinical commands even in
his preparation for the festival. On
the evening preceding the eve Of
| Passover an interesting ceremony is
observed by the very pious, which is
highly characteristic of the conscien-
tious endeavor Of the strict Hebrew
to observe literally the command
ment that there shall not be any
bread or "hametz" in his house. A
search is made by the master OF the
house for any leaven that may have
been overlooked in the general
cleaning. He examines every closet
and every nook and corner thereof,
gathering anything that he finds sus-
picious or decidedly lsaven. This he
burns the next morning and before
the noon hour.
This ceremony is not as generally
observed as the Hagadan or "Seder,"
which is the principal and all impor-
tant domestic service. 1t is an ex-
ceedingly interesting ceremony, full
of pathetic and historical reminis-
cences, and is held on the first two
nights of the Passover, and is a fam
lily and social prayer meeting.
When the family and guests have
been seated around the festive table,
which is profusely decorated with
fruits, flowers and ornaments, the
master of the house recites an intro
ductory prayer in Hebrew and a well
como to the guests, but not before he
commences the recital of the narra-
tive of the departure from Egypt the
youngest child at table asks of the
assembly:
why Is this night observed differ
emily from any other? On this even
Ing only unleayened bread is eaten,
|
fore us, and we are all sitting differ
emily from our usual custom, and are
In reclining positions"
The inquiry of the youngest per-
son at table concerning the reclining
posture there taken is demanded be-
cause many are seated in reclining or
comfortable easy chairs and because
those who observe the custom with
great precision lounge on pillows as a
mark of grandeur and freedom. This
| Oriental mode of sitting while eating
and drinking is true to the custom of
Eastern nations, who always recline
while at repast and take their meals
laZily and with great languor.
These questions are asked to in
troduce the narrative and are an
swcred by the master Of the house in
the service which follows. With each
| portion of the narrative recited by
the master of the house object les
sons are exhibited. The bone of a
roasted over the fire and which Is
among the paraphernalia, is shown
to all present, to recall to the audi
ence that the first born Of the He
brews We're spared when those of the
Egyptians were killed, for 1t will be
remembered that among the most
dramatic episodes mentioned in the
Bible was the killing of the lamb at
the exodus of the Israelites and the
sprinkling of its blood upon the door
posts of their houses, and this cere-
mony is reminder thereof
Another dish at table of which all
partake is the "Haroset," mixture
of fruit, herbs and almonds made
into a paste resembling and of the
consistency of morlar. This is eat
en- in commemoration of the severity
of the life in Egypt. The quotation
from Exodus is recited, THAT the
Egyptians embittered their lives with
cruel bondage and in mortar and
brick, for all labor was inflicted upon
them with rigor."
The reason for eating unleavened
bread is explained to be In commem-
oration Of the rapid departure from
Egypt. when there was not sufficient
tim given for the dough to rise be-
cause they were thrust out of Egypt
and were not allowed to tarry."
It Is well known that the Israelite
never wearies In his expectation of
the coming of the Messiah to lead his
people back to Jerusalem. An an
Client legend teaches him to expect
His return on Passover night. At one
period of the service the door is
opened with great ceremony, and
with the hope that. at that moment
He may enter therein. Throughout
the service wineglass has been fill.
ed for HIS welcome, and his spiritual
presence is supposed to be with the
worshipper.
The Passover festival Is not con
sidered otherwise than happy ant
! glorious occasion among the He
bleWa