Easter and Passover Cancelled?

As COVID-19 rages around planet Earth and the death toll rises, many countries around the world are either locking completely down or partially shutting down their territories region by region. The term, "it's a madhouse out there!" becomes quite the understatement as people scramble to buy essential needs to help them through this crisis. 

Yet, in the last few weeks since this monstrous pestilence surfaced, not too many are thinking of anyone but themselves and their families. Hoarding toilet paper, cleaners and disinfectants and even food has become the norm during this pandemic. Not many people are thinking of their neighbors during this trying time. "Every man for himself" seems to be a silent mantra adopted by many. But let's not shoot down all of humanity for the actions of some. There are still a plenty of "Noahs" in the world today who understand what is really happening and are well prepared to ride this evil storm out.  

With Easter and Passover fast approaching, many Christians and Jews will discover their festive events are being cancelled. For many this will be upsetting because there goes the big BBQ parties with friends and family. Christian children will not be able to share their Easter egg hunt with others at community events. The Jewish families will have to limit the sharing of food and storytelling of the Exodus to their immediate families instead of celebrating with extended family and friends among their congregations.

Yet, the holidays are not only about having fun, playing games or having quality family time, Easter is about Jesus Christ dying for mankind's sins and being raised up on the third day to fulfill the prophecy spoken of in the Book of Psalm. "But God will redeem me from the realm of the dead; he will surely take me to himself." (49:15). 

For thousands of years the Christians have acknowledged there was a prophet known as Jesus Christ who died [for the sins of mankind] and ascended to heaven to be with the Creator [to save those whom believe in Him]. Over the centuries Jesus' resurrection and ascension has slowly been transformed from a righteous and holy celebration to a commercially glamourous festival. Somewhere along the timeline of mankind, the true meaning of Easter has lost its religious foundation to be replaced with an Easter Bunny who brings colorful, candy-filled eggs to children in hopes of carefully and craftily diverting Jesus' importance from the world.

“Lord,” Martha said to Jesus, “if you had been here, my brother would not have died. But I know that even now God will give you whatever you ask.” Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again.” Martha answered, “I know he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day.” Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?” “Yes, Lord,” she replied, “I believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, who is to come into the world.” ~ John 11:21-27

Likewise, Passover is to commemorate the Creator's successful deliverance of the Israelites from Egyptian slavery 3,500 years ago. The Deliverer entrusted another prophet known as Moses to carry out His will by inflicting 10 plagues upon Egypt when the ruler of that kingdom refused to set free the Israelite God's people. It was not until the last plague (death of the firstborn son) and this God sparing those Israelite sons who took instruction from Moses to kill a lamb and use the blood to paint the tops of their doors so the spirit of death would "pass over" the homes of the God's people, that Egypt's pharaoh finally admitted defeat and set the Hebrew nation free. 

The Passover is an 8-day celebration that marks the most momentous event in Jewish history; the commandment to keep Passover is recorded in the Book of Leviticus. This Jewish festival typically brings relatives, friends and even strangers together for a celebration of freedom, which is highlighted by a religious feast known as a Seder dinner held on the first night of Passover. The Seder guests are given a copy of the story of the Exodus and each is a given a turn to read and explain six symbolic foods that are placed upon the table. Four goblets of wine, or grape juice, are consumed throughout the Seder meal, representing the four terms for deliverance used in Exodus 6:6-7. Traditionally, the youngest person at Passover Seder recites the Four Questions (an explanation of the symbolism of the food and rituals related with the Seder).

Throughout the celebration of Passover, scriptures are recited and different songs are sung in a certain order. When the meal is over, an adult will hide the afikomen (a special piece of matzo - a flat cracker) somewhere in the house. Excited children then proceed to look for the hidden afikomen and exchange it for a prize, such as a Passover-themed toy or book. This is very similar to the Christian tradition of hiding Easter eggs.

Even Passover will feel the constraints this year as the COVID-19 epidemic spreads throughout the world. Many Jewish organizations have asked community members to limit preparations for Passover to essentials only. Some are being asked to cancel their travel plans, as well. Many synagogues have traditionally hosted Seder meals for their congregants, but definitely will not be able to this year due to coronavirus.

"We are accustomed to honoring Pesach (Passover) to the fullest degree, including taking haircuts, purchasing new clothing and tableware, and preparing the fullest menus," said a joint statement from leaders of major American Orthodox Jewish organizations. "This year’s public health crisis mandates us to significantly limit all of the above."

Several temples around the world are offering online ceremonies and some Jewish organizations are distributing "Seder in a Box" kits for novices that contain essentials including matzo, grape juice and the ritual foods required for the Seder plate.

“‘These are the Lord’s appointed festivals, the sacred assemblies you are to proclaim at their appointed times: The Lord’s Passover begins at twilight on the fourteenth day of the first month. On the fifteenth day of that month the Lord’s Festival of Unleavened Bread begins; for seven days you must eat bread made without yeast. On the first day hold a sacred assembly and do no regular work. For seven days present a food offering to the Lord. And on the seventh day hold a sacred assembly and do no regular work.’” ~ Leviticus 23:4-8

With travel plans being cancelled and synagogues officially closed, many Jews will have to lead their own Seder for the first time in history! Likewise, the Christian congregations around the world will have to celebrate Easter via the internet or with their loved ones in the confines of their own homes.

But, is Easter and Passover actually cancelled? That depends on how a person actually views the meaning of the religious holidays.