Why don't Christians observe Passover and other biblical holidays?

[Anonymous]

Also, challah French toast isn’t something you can eat during Passover ...

[Anonymous]

You mean proselytizing. You all want me there so you can convert me.

But seriously — you would all be ok if I, as a Jewish person, received communion?

I would. In all seriousness, as long as you were respectful during the process. I believe that God calls us to do things, so who would I be to say that God did not call you to receive communion?

Are there not rules as to who can receive communion?

I mean, my mom was told she couldn’t receive communion because she married my Dad (a Jew). But I can receive communion?

I think it's a bit of a faux pas to go through the motions of receiving communion if you are ineligible, whether by not being Catholic or for some other reason, but I think it would be unlikely to offend most Catholics.

IIRC, it isn't "the body of Christ" if you are not in the fit state to receive communion. I mean, there is no transubstantiation for you -- it's just bread and wine. So you can't receive communion if you can't receive communion, if that makes sense. It's a little weird to go through the motions for no purpose, but I wouldn't critique you for it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

You mean proselytizing. You all want me there so you can convert me.

But seriously — you would all be ok if I, as a Jewish person, received communion?

I would. In all seriousness, as long as you were respectful during the process. I believe that God calls us to do things, so who would I be to say that God did not call you to receive communion?

Are there not rules as to who can receive communion?

I mean, my mom was told she couldn’t receive communion because she married my Dad (a Jew). But I can receive communion?

I think it's a bit of a faux pas to go through the motions of receiving communion if you are ineligible, whether by not being Catholic or for some other reason, but I think it would be unlikely to offend most Catholics.

IIRC, it isn't "the body of Christ" if you are not in the fit state to receive communion. I mean, there is no transubstantiation for you -- it's just bread and wine. So you can't receive communion if you can't receive communion, if that makes sense. It's a little weird to go through the motions for no purpose, but I wouldn't critique you for it.

And we think it’s a little weird to go through the motions of having a Passover Seder. Glad we’re on the same page!

[Anonymous]

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Anonymous wrote:Can you all just call it Easter, rather than Passover, so we can end this thread?

You’re not celebrating Passover; you’re celebrating Easter.

Our Passover has nothing to do with Jesus. Not even a tiny bit.

Not everything to do with Christianity has to do with Jesus.

Christians believe in and look to the wisdom of Moses, Elijah, Noah, Jacob, David, Solomon. You are really uneducated about Christianity if you do not know that.

So you all want to celebrate Shavuot, which is about the Torah?

You realize your religion is different than Judaism right?

How about we celebrate what we want, and you celebrate what you want, and maybe sometimes we can find ways to celebrate together?

I’m so glad that is how it is with the many Jewish friends, colleagues and community members that I have connected with over the years.

I mean, celebrating with Jews is different than literally appropriating our religion.

Show me how a Bible reading followed by a soup kitchen meal is appropriation. I’ll wait.

So you celebrate the liberation of Jews from slavery in Egypt with a Bible reading and a soup kitchen visit? Why?

I’ve already linked to resources, including a joint Jewish and Catholic event in Massachusetts. Be well. You don’t want to understand; you want to argue.

A joint event with Jews isn’t the same thing as you all deciding you want to celebrate a Jewish holiday. How do you not get that?

Would you like it if Jews celebrated all the Christian holidays? There’s always people giving shit to Jews on this forum if they deign to celebrate Christmas.

Dp. Honestly, if you wanted to celebrate Christmas that wouldnt bother me at all. Go for it! Christmas tree, wreath, lights and Santa!

Enjoy!

The things you mentioned are part of secular traditions. Would you like it if I set up a nativity scene and went to Mass? What if I decided to receive communion while I’m at it?

NP: Christianity is an open religion that actively tries to convert others, unlike Judaism...so in general, Christians would be thrilled that a Jewish person was showing interest in Christianity and would happily help you set up the nativity and drive you to church.

You mean proselytizing. You all want me there so you can convert me.

But seriously — you would all be ok if I, as a Jewish person, received communion?

I would. In all seriousness, as long as you were respectful during the process. I believe that God calls us to do things, so who would I be to say that God did not call you to receive communion?

Are there not rules as to who can receive communion?

I mean, my mom was told she couldn’t receive communion because she married my Dad (a Jew). But I can receive communion?

It totally depends on the denomination. Catholics are strict about it. Other denominations are not.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:NP

I'm not a practicing Catholic anymore, but my recollection was that we thought of what we call the Old Testament, and Moses, and Abraham and Sarah, et al, as our literal and spiritual ancestors. Of course their deliverance from slavery was a cause for celebration.

Mind you, we didn't call it a Seder meal, and we didn't wear yarmulkes, but at the time of Passover, we made mention of it in service and were grateful for it.

Nowadays, I am much more into Passover, mainly because in my online community, my Jewish friends share their preparations and events with the others. I know when they are kashering their kitchens, and I have been sold Chametz. I know when my Jewish nurse friend is worried about coverage for her shifts, and what the best recipes are for challah French toast. It's a part of my annual rhythms and seasons to celebrate their joy of Pesach with them. it's not my story by any means, but it is a part of my life.

That’s not what we have an issue with. Knowing what your Jewish friends are doing, or mentioning Passover during mass, isn’t the same thing as celebrating it as a Christian.

Someone -- you or someone else -- had asked why we would care about Passover. That's why I care. WOuld it help if I go back and find that post?

Passover is meaningful to me for different reasons than when I was a practicing Catholic, but it was meaningful to me then, too. Literal and spiritual ancestry.

As regarding challah, I should not have included it in a discussion about Passover. It's just one of many discussions we have had.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:NP

I'm not a practicing Catholic anymore, but my recollection was that we thought of what we call the Old Testament, and Moses, and Abraham and Sarah, et al, as our literal and spiritual ancestors. Of course their deliverance from slavery was a cause for celebration.

Mind you, we didn't call it a Seder meal, and we didn't wear yarmulkes, but at the time of Passover, we made mention of it in service and were grateful for it.

Nowadays, I am much more into Passover, mainly because in my online community, my Jewish friends share their preparations and events with the others. I know when they are kashering their kitchens, and I have been sold Chametz. I know when my Jewish nurse friend is worried about coverage for her shifts, and what the best recipes are for challah French toast. It's a part of my annual rhythms and seasons to celebrate their joy of Pesach with them. it's not my story by any means, but it is a part of my life.

That’s not what we have an issue with. Knowing what your Jewish friends are doing, or mentioning Passover during mass, isn’t the same thing as celebrating it as a Christian.

Someone -- you or someone else -- had asked why we would care about Passover. That's why I care. WOuld it help if I go back and find that post?

Passover is meaningful to me for different reasons than when I was a practicing Catholic, but it was meaningful to me then, too. Literal and spiritual ancestry.

As regarding challah, I should not have included it in a discussion about Passover. It's just one of many discussions we have had.

When we asked “why do you care” what we meant is “why are you having Seders in your Churches”?

If you’re not doing that, then our questions aren’t relevant to you.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

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Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Can you all just call it Easter, rather than Passover, so we can end this thread?

You’re not celebrating Passover; you’re celebrating Easter.

Our Passover has nothing to do with Jesus. Not even a tiny bit.

Not everything to do with Christianity has to do with Jesus.

Christians believe in and look to the wisdom of Moses, Elijah, Noah, Jacob, David, Solomon. You are really uneducated about Christianity if you do not know that.

So you all want to celebrate Shavuot, which is about the Torah?

You realize your religion is different than Judaism right?

How about we celebrate what we want, and you celebrate what you want, and maybe sometimes we can find ways to celebrate together?

I’m so glad that is how it is with the many Jewish friends, colleagues and community members that I have connected with over the years.

I mean, celebrating with Jews is different than literally appropriating our religion.

Show me how a Bible reading followed by a soup kitchen meal is appropriation. I’ll wait.

So you celebrate the liberation of Jews from slavery in Egypt with a Bible reading and a soup kitchen visit? Why?

I’ve already linked to resources, including a joint Jewish and Catholic event in Massachusetts. Be well. You don’t want to understand; you want to argue.

A joint event with Jews isn’t the same thing as you all deciding you want to celebrate a Jewish holiday. How do you not get that?

Would you like it if Jews celebrated all the Christian holidays? There’s always people giving shit to Jews on this forum if they deign to celebrate Christmas.

Dp. Honestly, if you wanted to celebrate Christmas that wouldnt bother me at all. Go for it! Christmas tree, wreath, lights and Santa!

Enjoy!

The things you mentioned are part of secular traditions. Would you like it if I set up a nativity scene and went to Mass? What if I decided to receive communion while I’m at it?

NP: Christianity is an open religion that actively tries to convert others, unlike Judaism...so in general, Christians would be thrilled that a Jewish person was showing interest in Christianity and would happily help you set up the nativity and drive you to church.

You mean proselytizing. You all want me there so you can convert me.

But seriously — you would all be ok if I, as a Jewish person, received communion?

If you go to a Catholic church no. I am not Catholic and cant receive communion. I am not into converting anyone but if you chose to go to an Episcopalian service I would welcome you.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

You mean proselytizing. You all want me there so you can convert me.

But seriously — you would all be ok if I, as a Jewish person, received communion?

I would. In all seriousness, as long as you were respectful during the process. I believe that God calls us to do things, so who would I be to say that God did not call you to receive communion?

Are there not rules as to who can receive communion?

I mean, my mom was told she couldn’t receive communion because she married my Dad (a Jew). But I can receive communion?

I think it's a bit of a faux pas to go through the motions of receiving communion if you are ineligible, whether by not being Catholic or for some other reason, but I think it would be unlikely to offend most Catholics.

IIRC, it isn't "the body of Christ" if you are not in the fit state to receive communion. I mean, there is no transubstantiation for you -- it's just bread and wine. So you can't receive communion if you can't receive communion, if that makes sense. It's a little weird to go through the motions for no purpose, but I wouldn't critique you for it.

And we think it’s a little weird to go through the motions of having a Passover Seder. Glad we’re on the same page!

May I gently direct you back to the bolded? I don't think we are in the same chapter, much less on the same page.

But that's okay.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

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Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Can you all just call it Easter, rather than Passover, so we can end this thread?

You’re not celebrating Passover; you’re celebrating Easter.

Our Passover has nothing to do with Jesus. Not even a tiny bit.

Not everything to do with Christianity has to do with Jesus.

Christians believe in and look to the wisdom of Moses, Elijah, Noah, Jacob, David, Solomon. You are really uneducated about Christianity if you do not know that.

So you all want to celebrate Shavuot, which is about the Torah?

You realize your religion is different than Judaism right?

How about we celebrate what we want, and you celebrate what you want, and maybe sometimes we can find ways to celebrate together?

I’m so glad that is how it is with the many Jewish friends, colleagues and community members that I have connected with over the years.

I mean, celebrating with Jews is different than literally appropriating our religion.

Show me how a Bible reading followed by a soup kitchen meal is appropriation. I’ll wait.

So you celebrate the liberation of Jews from slavery in Egypt with a Bible reading and a soup kitchen visit? Why?

I’ve already linked to resources, including a joint Jewish and Catholic event in Massachusetts. Be well. You don’t want to understand; you want to argue.

A joint event with Jews isn’t the same thing as you all deciding you want to celebrate a Jewish holiday. How do you not get that?

Would you like it if Jews celebrated all the Christian holidays? There’s always people giving shit to Jews on this forum if they deign to celebrate Christmas.

Dp. Honestly, if you wanted to celebrate Christmas that wouldnt bother me at all. Go for it! Christmas tree, wreath, lights and Santa!

Enjoy!

The things you mentioned are part of secular traditions. Would you like it if I set up a nativity scene and went to Mass? What if I decided to receive communion while I’m at it?

NP: Christianity is an open religion that actively tries to convert others, unlike Judaism...so in general, Christians would be thrilled that a Jewish person was showing interest in Christianity and would happily help you set up the nativity and drive you to church.

You mean proselytizing. You all want me there so you can convert me.

But seriously — you would all be ok if I, as a Jewish person, received communion?

I would. In all seriousness, as long as you were respectful during the process. I believe that God calls us to do things, so who would I be to say that God did not call you to receive communion?

Are there not rules as to who can receive communion?

I mean, my mom was told she couldn’t receive communion because she married my Dad (a Jew). But I can receive communion?

It totally depends on the denomination. Catholics are strict about it. Other denominations are not.

So then there’s literally nothing I, as a non-Christian, can’t do at your Church?

So then what *are* the rules?

[Anonymous]

I grew up in a presbyterian church and there were no rules on who could receive communion. If you wanted it, you took it. No one looked for a "proof of christianity" card. It's a symbol to remind Christians of Jesus's sacrifice. It does not in any way change that for me if the person behind me in line is just there for a snack.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

So then there’s literally nothing I, as a non-Christian, can’t do at your Church?

So then what *are* the rules?

Someone posted them back on page 1 or 2!

Love the lord your god
Love your neighbor as yourself

The end.

Lots of religions are big on rules. Christianity (at it's core) isn't. It's ridiculously simple. Believe in Jesus, love people, that's all.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:NP

I'm not a practicing Catholic anymore, but my recollection was that we thought of what we call the Old Testament, and Moses, and Abraham and Sarah, et al, as our literal and spiritual ancestors. Of course their deliverance from slavery was a cause for celebration.

Mind you, we didn't call it a Seder meal, and we didn't wear yarmulkes, but at the time of Passover, we made mention of it in service and were grateful for it.

Nowadays, I am much more into Passover, mainly because in my online community, my Jewish friends share their preparations and events with the others. I know when they are kashering their kitchens, and I have been sold Chametz. I know when my Jewish nurse friend is worried about coverage for her shifts, and what the best recipes are for challah French toast. It's a part of my annual rhythms and seasons to celebrate their joy of Pesach with them. it's not my story by any means, but it is a part of my life.

That’s not what we have an issue with. Knowing what your Jewish friends are doing, or mentioning Passover during mass, isn’t the same thing as celebrating it as a Christian.

Someone -- you or someone else -- had asked why we would care about Passover. That's why I care. WOuld it help if I go back and find that post?

Passover is meaningful to me for different reasons than when I was a practicing Catholic, but it was meaningful to me then, too. Literal and spiritual ancestry.

As regarding challah, I should not have included it in a discussion about Passover. It's just one of many discussions we have had.

When we asked “why do you care” what we meant is “why are you having Seders in your Churches”?

If you’re not doing that, then our questions aren’t relevant to you.

This was the post, with the long series of quotes snipped (it's page 8, if you want to look):

[quote

Annnnnndddddd no one is doing that at the SIMPLE Bible reading followed by a soup-kitchen supper at my church, which is how we gather on Passover.

Keep trying to make it something that it's not. Keep lying. But that's not what it is at ny church. No one is doing anything other than reading relevant readings from the Bible, offering a simple prayer before a meal, and sharing a simple meal of soup and bread with the community, including those in need of a hot meal.

If you think that's "coaplaying," then that's what toy want to see. So I can't help you. Peace be with you. If you need to tell lies, know that I won't be hearing you.

Why does Passover matter to you though? Jesus has nothing to do with our celebration of Passover. What bible reading are you even doing?

A lot of Jews don’t even read from the Torah on Passover. Some do, but many just celebrate at home with a Haggadah.

It seemed to be a question broader than the topic of Seders. Perhaps it was not.

The thread has been clear that for some posters, there should be a bright line on this topic between what is and is not permissible for people who are not Jewish to do. I don't have to understand or agree with that to respect it.

I am of the sense that my friends of that faith would not have the same intensity of response, but it's probably worth asking. I will, because I love them.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

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Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Can you all just call it Easter, rather than Passover, so we can end this thread?

You’re not celebrating Passover; you’re celebrating Easter.

Our Passover has nothing to do with Jesus. Not even a tiny bit.

Not everything to do with Christianity has to do with Jesus.

Christians believe in and look to the wisdom of Moses, Elijah, Noah, Jacob, David, Solomon. You are really uneducated about Christianity if you do not know that.

So you all want to celebrate Shavuot, which is about the Torah?

You realize your religion is different than Judaism right?

How about we celebrate what we want, and you celebrate what you want, and maybe sometimes we can find ways to celebrate together?

I’m so glad that is how it is with the many Jewish friends, colleagues and community members that I have connected with over the years.

I mean, celebrating with Jews is different than literally appropriating our religion.

Show me how a Bible reading followed by a soup kitchen meal is appropriation. I’ll wait.

So you celebrate the liberation of Jews from slavery in Egypt with a Bible reading and a soup kitchen visit? Why?

I’ve already linked to resources, including a joint Jewish and Catholic event in Massachusetts. Be well. You don’t want to understand; you want to argue.

A joint event with Jews isn’t the same thing as you all deciding you want to celebrate a Jewish holiday. How do you not get that?

Would you like it if Jews celebrated all the Christian holidays? There’s always people giving shit to Jews on this forum if they deign to celebrate Christmas.

Dp. Honestly, if you wanted to celebrate Christmas that wouldnt bother me at all. Go for it! Christmas tree, wreath, lights and Santa!

Enjoy!

The things you mentioned are part of secular traditions. Would you like it if I set up a nativity scene and went to Mass? What if I decided to receive communion while I’m at it?

NP: Christianity is an open religion that actively tries to convert others, unlike Judaism...so in general, Christians would be thrilled that a Jewish person was showing interest in Christianity and would happily help you set up the nativity and drive you to church.

You mean proselytizing. You all want me there so you can convert me.

But seriously — you would all be ok if I, as a Jewish person, received communion?

I would. In all seriousness, as long as you were respectful during the process. I believe that God calls us to do things, so who would I be to say that God did not call you to receive communion?

Are there not rules as to who can receive communion?

I mean, my mom was told she couldn’t receive communion because she married my Dad (a Jew). But I can receive communion?

It totally depends on the denomination. Catholics are strict about it. Other denominations are not.

So then there’s literally nothing I, as a non-Christian, can’t do at your Church?

So then what *are* the rules?

Are you sure you understand how many Christian denominations they are, and how different they are?

At my church, my pastor opens each service with...and I quote..."Come as you are, you are welcome as you are. We welcome all here, and all means all!"

If you sat or stood at the "wrong" time, no one would care. If you respectfully came up to receive communion, it would be given to you. If you spoke out of turn to ask a question or challenge a point, you would be listened to and my pastor would do her best to answer your question or address your concern.

It's OK if that's different from how things are done in your place of worship. I'm just answering what I hope was a sincere question on your part.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Can you all just call it Easter, rather than Passover, so we can end this thread?

You’re not celebrating Passover; you’re celebrating Easter.

Our Passover has nothing to do with Jesus. Not even a tiny bit.

Not everything to do with Christianity has to do with Jesus.

Christians believe in and look to the wisdom of Moses, Elijah, Noah, Jacob, David, Solomon. You are really uneducated about Christianity if you do not know that.

So you all want to celebrate Shavuot, which is about the Torah?

You realize your religion is different than Judaism right?

How about we celebrate what we want, and you celebrate what you want, and maybe sometimes we can find ways to celebrate together?

I’m so glad that is how it is with the many Jewish friends, colleagues and community members that I have connected with over the years.

I mean, celebrating with Jews is different than literally appropriating our religion.

Show me how a Bible reading followed by a soup kitchen meal is appropriation. I’ll wait.

So you celebrate the liberation of Jews from slavery in Egypt with a Bible reading and a soup kitchen visit? Why?

I’ve already linked to resources, including a joint Jewish and Catholic event in Massachusetts. Be well. You don’t want to understand; you want to argue.

A joint event with Jews isn’t the same thing as you all deciding you want to celebrate a Jewish holiday. How do you not get that?

Would you like it if Jews celebrated all the Christian holidays? There’s always people giving shit to Jews on this forum if they deign to celebrate Christmas.

Dp. Honestly, if you wanted to celebrate Christmas that wouldnt bother me at all. Go for it! Christmas tree, wreath, lights and Santa!

Enjoy!

The things you mentioned are part of secular traditions. Would you like it if I set up a nativity scene and went to Mass? What if I decided to receive communion while I’m at it?

NP: Christianity is an open religion that actively tries to convert others, unlike Judaism...so in general, Christians would be thrilled that a Jewish person was showing interest in Christianity and would happily help you set up the nativity and drive you to church.

You mean proselytizing. You all want me there so you can convert me.

But seriously — you would all be ok if I, as a Jewish person, received communion?

New poster, but this is interesting to me that you are so eager for others to be as offended as you are. While it's true that Catholics have very distinct rules (set by the Pope) regarding who may receive the sacraments from a priest (Spoiler: It's only Catholics), protestants have no such restrictions. It is understood to be the Lord's table and your partaking of (or abstaining from partaking of) communion is a personal decision that you make between you and God.

Or, you can just drink some grape juice or red wine and eat a little smidge of bread or cracker and call it a snack.

Doesn't matter. It's not an offensive gesture for you to eat something we eat and call it communion. This does not denegrate the meaning of my communion experience at all.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

So then there’s literally nothing I, as a non-Christian, can’t do at your Church?

So then what *are* the rules?

Someone posted them back on page 1 or 2!

Love the lord your god
Love your neighbor as yourself

The end.

Lots of religions are big on rules. Christianity (at it's core) isn't. It's ridiculously simple. Believe in Jesus, love people, that's all.

But the one that says “accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior.” That’s a big one, right? That’s the one that gets you into Heaven. So you say you don’t have many rules, but if you’ve got one that prevents you from suffering eternal damnation — well, that’s a pretty damn important rule.