[ RELIGION ]
Events will mark
liberation of Jews
from Egyptian rule
Passover is an eight-day holiday of biblical origin beginning April 6 which marks the liberation of the Jews from slavery in Egypt more than 3,000 years ago, under the leadership of Moses.
Rabbi Itchel Krasnjansky, of Chabad of Hawaii, said the word "Passover" refers to an event preceding the Exodus: The Jewish people painted the blood of a sacrificial lamb over their doorways so God's spirit would "pass over" their home and take the firstborn of all Egyptian households.
Traditional Jewish celebrations actually start the evening of April 5. Jewish law forbids the consumption or possession by Jews of all edible fermented grain products ("chometz," in Hebrew) or related foods. The only exception is matzo, the prescribed unleavened bread, baked under special conditions. Even foods and household products considered kosher year-round are often unacceptable or require special preparation to be approved for Passover.
The highlight of the holiday celebration is the traditional meal called the Seder, during which the story of the Exodus from Egypt is retold and other customs are observed. (Christians regard this meal as the Last Supper that Jesus had with his disciples before he was crucified.) It is Jewish belief that the spiritual influences manifested during the original miracle are expressed and carried out again when the holiday is properly commemorated.
Passover events
Nuuanu Congregational Church: Sunday, April 4, 5 to 7 p.m., Kosasa Hall, 2651 Pali Highway. Re-creation of Passover Seder. Potluck to follow ceremony. For reservations and information, call 595-3935.Kehilat haMalech: Tuesday, April 6, 6:30 p.m., Ala Moana Hotel, 410 Atkinson Drive, Hibiscus I Dining Room. $33 per person; $15 per child 4 to 12 years; children under 4, free. Call 236-0440 for reservations.
Temple Emanu-El: Tuesday, April 6, Hale Koa Hotel, 2055 Kalia Road, Waikiki Ballroom. Registration, 6 p.m.; service, 6:30 p.m.; dinner, 7:30 p.m. Parking across Kalia Road from the Hale Koa, $2 with validation. For temple members, $40 adults, $20 for children. For nonmembers, $60 adults, $35 for children 5 to 12. For college students over 18, $25. Call Alida at 537-3754 or 428-0092, or e-mail alidarutchick@hawaii.rr.com. Make reservations by April 2.
Chabad of Hawaii: First Seder, Monday, April 5, and Second Seder, Tuesday, April 6, both at 7:30 p.m. Chabad House, 419 Atkinson Drive, sixth floor (in the Sunset Towers, directly across from the Ala Moana Hotel). Free parking at Ala Moana Center. Prices available by calling 735-8161. Reservations required and prepaid by March 30. Special discounts for residents and prepaid reservations. English explanations of all proceedings, matzo and traditional foods will be available. Evening services at 6:30 p.m. will be held April 6, 7, 9, 10, 12 and 13; and 10 a.m. services on April 6, 7, 10, 12 and 13. A Kiddush, or festive meal, will be served gratis after morning services. Call 735-8161.
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