Dear Rabbi Joshua,
I noticed that the Jewish holiday of Passover and the Christian holiday of Easter sometimes occur around the same time. Do Jewish people celebrate Easter? If not, could you explain why?
– Emily Thompson
Jewish Observance and Easter
Dear Emily,
Jewish people do not celebrate Easter. Easter is a Christian holiday that commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ, which is a belief that is not part of Jewish religion or theology. Jewish teachings do not recognize Jesus as the Messiah or a divine figure, which are central tenets of Christianity. Therefore, Easter, which is pivotal to the Christian faith, does not have theological significance in Judaism.
Passover: A Time of Jewish Remembrance
Instead, during this time of the year, Jewish people celebrate Passover, or Pesach in Hebrew. Passover is one of the most important Jewish festivals and commemorates the Exodus, where the Israelites were freed from slavery in Egypt. The story of the Exodus is foundational to Jewish identity, as it marks the birth of the Israelites as a nation under the leadership of Moses.
The Passover Seder
The highlight of Passover is the Seder, a ritual meal that includes reading from the Haggadah, eating symbolic foods placed on the Seder Plate, and reflecting on the themes of freedom and redemption. Unlike Easter, which celebrates the resurrection, Passover celebrates the liberation of the Israelites and God’s deliverance of them from oppression.
Intersecting Histories
It is true that Passover and Easter often occur around the same time of year and there are historical intersections; after all, the Last Supper, which is commemorated by Christians on Maundy Thursday, was a Passover Seder. However, the two holidays have distinct meanings and are celebrated differently according to each religion’s beliefs and traditions.
Conclusion
In summary, Jewish people do not celebrate Easter as it is a Christian holiday that does not align with Jewish religious beliefs. Passover, however, is a major Jewish holiday that has its own unique rituals and significance. It is a time for Jewish people to gather with family and friends, to remember their history, and to celebrate freedom and hope.
Warm regards,
Rabbi Joshua
