The Chattanooga news. [volume] (Chattanooga, Tenn.) 1891-1939, 1920-04-02
FESTIVAL OF JEWISH
LIBERTY CELEBRATED
Impressive Services to Mark
Observance of Passover
at MiZpah Temple.

The Jewish festival Of liberty. known
as Pesach. o. Passover. begins TINS
evening II ends on Saturday, April 10,
among Jewish families adhering strict
~ 10 traditions. while more liberal jews
conclude the feast on April ..
At the Mizpah temple on Oak street
services will be held this evening, be-
ginning at 6. Following the temple
services there wifi be impressive home
ceremonies. taking the form OF Jewish
service known as the "Seder."
Passover was originally an agricul-
tursl festival. In common with other
sociated somewhat from its original
worship and identified with an histor-
icai event and spiritual meaning
Failing IN the spring Of the year. i
lent itself 20 the spirit OF JOY ana
rejuvenation incident to the awakening
of nature from the frigd subIugation
of winter. Thus converted into SYM
boi of liberty and freedom. Il signifies
escape from tyranny and bondage.
The historical event associated with
the Passover is the chief element in its
Importance and significance. The Exc
dus of the ancient Hebrews from Egypt
is cc-.-ected with the Passover. In
EXODUS xii:14-2s. the Children OF Israel
unleavened bread throughout every
generation on account or the hasty
fight of their ancestors from the slav-
cry of the taslsmaster and oppressor
This marvellous escape fromthe bond
age which had prevented them from
enjoying their birthright OF freedom and
self determination is commemorated In
the Passover celebration.
In the ritual of Passover. called the
''Haggadah." which has been evolved
from the historical origin of the festi-
val on the one hand. and its more re-
mote and primitive origin as an agri-
cultural and pastoral festival on the
other, there is preserved re-
cital of events eommemorated
of thanksgiving In celebration of lib
erty and freedom. The elaborate SYM
bolism employed in celebrating the feast
betokens a spirit of Joy and thanks
giving for the wondrous deiverance OF
the Hebrews from the tyranny of old
and from oppression at all time. Dur
ing the darkest era Of oppression, Pass
over restored confidence in the Jew and
a firm belief in the final triumph OF lib-
erty over persecution. oppression, and
hirotry.
During the Passover week Jewish
families eat the unleavened bread, Mat
10th, which is one of several symbols
employed In the celebration OF the festl-
val to emphasize its lesson. The Mat
10th rs also known as the DREAD OF Rf-
Fiction" and Is memorial ot the hasty
flight OF the Hebrews from Egypt,
The Passover is inaugurated with a
beautiful homo ceremony In which all
members or the FAMILY participate
This home service is called the "Seder."
The HaFgndah. especially prepared for
the celebration of Seder Is used by
Jewish families In the home The ritual
recites the events OF Exodus and by
means OF quaint songs and stories
awnkens within the soul of old and
Young love of liberty, and strengthens
faith through recognition OF the won
darful power OF reiuvenation manifested
hv Israel throughout its long career.
The ceremony includes meal NJ which
the various articles Of food symbolic
scrvitude and salvation. tyranny and
freedom, bitterness and Joy.
Observed in a spirit OF gladness. the
spring festival of liberty has been a
in God and man and has inspired him
10 trust confidently in the final escape
OF all mankind from bondage.