PSA: Please do not host a Christian seder

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:In Catholic school, we had a Sedar because this was Jesus’ Last Supper, when He was celebrating the Jewish feast of Passover with His apostles. After that, He led Peter, James, and John to the Garden of Gethsemane and urged them to stay awake with Him to pray, but they were weak and fell asleep. He sweated drops of blood He was in such agony and asked His Father to let the cup pass (let Him avoid the excruciating death He knew was in front of Him) but acknowledged that He would of course do His Father’s will. Then Judas arrived with the high priests and guards to arrest Him.

As long as you realize that’s NOTHING like Passover.

Yes, so that is all we are doing. NOT trying to glom into your religious tradition, not trying to insert Jesus into your religion, etc.

As long as you know that the Last Supper was NOT a Passover Seder.

[Anonymous]

At my church, we have a Passover gathering. It is not a Seder.

There is a reading from the book of Exodus, followed by a brief prayer, followed by a simple meal of soup and bread that is available to the entire community, including those in need of a meal.

That's it. It's not a Seder. It is a recognition of Passover and of God's mercy and protection.

That is part of my religious observance as a Christian. I will observe my religious traditions as I see fit.

[Anonymous]

We are an interfaith family and I am currently cooking brisket for our Seder tomorrow, so I really think it’s hard to say that I’m an anti-Semite. And, I do not understand why Jews are upset that Christians are having seders (which I think is pretty rare.) They do share a belief in the Old Testament and each religion is free to interpret that text as they see fit. One doesn’t undermine the other. They are just different traditions.

Also, Jews don’t really have a leg to stand on when it comes to horning in on holiday celebration. US Jews elevated the minor holiday of Hanukkah to a major celebration so they could have something festive in December so they didn’t feel left out. I get it. My DH said it sucked to be a Jewish kid around Christmas because you feel left out and Hanukkah gave the Jewish kids something to look forward to. People adopt and transform traditions all the time to fit their needs. Jews do this too.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We are an interfaith family and I am currently cooking brisket for our Seder tomorrow, so I really think it’s hard to say that I’m an anti-Semite. And, I do not understand why Jews are upset that Christians are having seders (which I think is pretty rare.) They do share a belief in the Old Testament and each religion is free to interpret that text as they see fit. One doesn’t undermine the other. They are just different traditions.

Also, Jews don’t really have a leg to stand on when it comes to horning in on holiday celebration. US Jews elevated the minor holiday of Hanukkah to a major celebration so they could have something festive in December so they didn’t feel left out. I get it. My DH said it sucked to be a Jewish kid around Christmas because you feel left out and Hanukkah gave the Jewish kids something to look forward to. People adopt and transform traditions all the time to fit their needs. Jews do this too.

1. You are an interfaith family. Not what we’re talking about.

2. Elevating Hanukkah is not the same thing as inserting Jesus into the Passover Seder.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:At my church, we have a Passover gathering. It is not a Seder.

There is a reading from the book of Exodus, followed by a brief prayer, followed by a simple meal of soup and bread that is available to the entire community, including those in need of a meal.

That's it. It's not a Seder. It is a recognition of Passover and of God's mercy and protection.

That is part of my religious observance as a Christian. I will observe my religious traditions as I see fit.

That’s not what anyone is criticizing.

[Anonymous]

I think that if Christians are going to try to co-opt our Passover Seders, they should at least be forced to eat gefilte fish.

Seems only fair!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Oh who cares!! As a Jew, I’m delighted for anyone to host whatever they want. Just let me know what I can bring. We all need more warm events with family/friends.

I am with you pp! More celebrations and inclusiveness.

Op. Just mind your own business and spend less time scolding what others do. And I say this as someone who does not hold a seder.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:At my church, we have a Passover gathering. It is not a Seder.

There is a reading from the book of Exodus, followed by a brief prayer, followed by a simple meal of soup and bread that is available to the entire community, including those in need of a meal.

That's it. It's not a Seder. It is a recognition of Passover and of God's mercy and protection.

That is part of my religious observance as a Christian. I will observe my religious traditions as I see fit.

ok, call it an Exodus meal.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Oh who cares!! As a Jew, I’m delighted for anyone to host whatever they want. Just let me know what I can bring. We all need more warm events with family/friends.

I am with you pp! More celebrations and inclusiveness.

Op. Just mind your own business and spend less time scolding what others do. And I say this as someone who does not hold a seder.

You may not be offended, but for others it is offensive.

These resources might help you understand why:

https://religiondispatches.org/why-christians-should-not-host-their-own-passover-seders/

https://www.google.com/amp/s/forward.com/opinion/443606/please-do-not-host-a-christian-seder/%3fgamp

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.heyalma.com/why-are-christian-passover-seders-a-thing/amp/

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Oh who cares!! As a Jew, I’m delighted for anyone to host whatever they want. Just let me know what I can bring. We all need more warm events with family/friends.

I am with you pp! More celebrations and inclusiveness.

Op. Just mind your own business and spend less time scolding what others do. And I say this as someone who does not hold a seder.

Twisting someone else’s sacred ritual is not being inclusive; it’s being disrespectful.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The true story of Santa Claus begins with Nicholas,

who was born during the third century in the village of Patara in Asia Minor. At the time the area was Greek and is now on the southern coast of Turkey. His wealthy parents, who raised him to be a devout Christian, died in an epidemic while Nicholas was still young. Obeying Jesus’ words to “sell what you own and give the money to the poor,” Nicholas used his whole inheritance to assist the needy, the sick, and the suffering. He dedicated his life to serving God and was made Bishop of Myra while still a young man. Bishop Nicholas became known throughout the land for his generosity to those in need, his love for children, and his concern for sailors and ships.

Under the Roman Emperor Diocletian, who ruthlessly persecuted Christians, Bishop Nicholas suffered for his faith, was exiled and imprisoned. The prisons were so full of bishops, priests, and deacons, there was no room for the real criminals—murderers, thieves and robbers. After his release, Nicholas attended the Council of Nicaea in AD 325. He died December 6, AD 343 in Myra and was buried in his cathedral church, where a unique relic, called manna, formed in his grave. This liquid substance, said to have healing powers, fostered the growth of devotion to Nicholas. The anniversary of his death became a day of celebration, St. Nicholas Day, December 6th (December 19 on the Julian Calendar).

Through the centuries many stories and legends have been told of St. Nicholas’ life and deeds. These accounts help us understand his extraordinary character and why he is so beloved and revered as protector and helper of those in need.

One story tells of a poor man with three daughters. In those days a young woman’s father had to offer prospective husbands something of value—a dowry. The larger the dowry, the better the chance that a young woman would find a good husband. Without a dowry, a woman was unlikely to marry. This poor man’s daughters, without dowries, were therefore destined to be sold into slavery. Mysteriously, on three different occasions, a bag of gold appeared in their home-providing the needed dowries. The bags of gold, tossed through an open window, are said to have landed in stockings or shoes left before the fire to dry. This led to the custom of children hanging stockings or putting out shoes, eagerly awaiting gifts from Saint Nicholas. Sometimes the story is told with gold balls instead of bags of gold. That is why three gold balls, sometimes represented as oranges, are one of the symbols for St. Nicholas. And so St. Nicholas is a gift-giver.

One of the oldest stories showing St. Nicholas as a protector of children takes place long after his death. The townspeople of Myra were celebrating the good saint on the eve of his feast day when a band of Arab pirates from Crete came into the district. They stole treasures from the Church of Saint Nicholas to take away as booty. As they were leaving town, they snatched a young boy, Basilios, to make into a slave. The emir, or ruler, selected Basilios to be his personal cupbearer, as not knowing the language, Basilios would not understand what the king said to those around him. So, for the next year Basilios waited on the king, bringing his wine in a beautiful golden cup. For Basilios’ parents, devastated at the loss of their only child, the year passed slowly, filled with grief. As the next St. Nicholas’ feast day approached, Basilios’ mother would not join in the festivity, as it was now a day of tragedy. However, she was persuaded to have a simple observance at home—with quiet prayers for Basilios’ safekeeping. Meanwhile, as Basilios was fulfilling his tasks serving the emir, he was suddenly whisked up and away. St. Nicholas appeared to the terrified boy, blessed him, and set him down at his home back in Myra. Imagine the joy and wonderment when Basilios amazingly appeared before his parents, still holding the king’s golden cup. This is the first story told of St. Nicholas protecting children—which became his primary role in the West.


Another story tells of three theological students, traveling on their way to study in Athens. A wicked innkeeper robbed and murdered them, hiding their remains in a large pickling tub. It so happened that Bishop Nicholas, traveling along the same route, stopped at this very inn. In the night he dreamed of the crime, got up, and summoned the innkeeper. As Nicholas prayed earnestly to God the three boys were restored to life and wholeness. In France the story is told of three small children, wandering in their play until lost, lured, and captured by an evil butcher. St. Nicholas appears and appeals to God to return them to life and to their families. And so St. Nicholas is the patron and protector of children.


Several stories tell of Nicholas and the sea. When he was young, Nicholas sought the holy by making a pilgrimage to the Holy Land. There as he walked where Jesus walked, he sought to more deeply experience Jesus’ life, passion, and resurrection. Returning by sea, a mighty storm threatened to wreck the ship. Nicholas calmly prayed. The terrified sailors were amazed when the wind and waves suddenly calmed, sparing them all. And so St. Nicholas is the patron of sailors and voyagers.

Other stories tell of Nicholas saving his people from famine, sparing the lives of those innocently accused, and much more. He did many kind and generous deeds in secret, expecting nothing in return. Within a century of his death he was celebrated as a saint. Today he is venerated in the East as wonder, or miracle worker and in the West as patron of a great variety of persons-children, mariners, bankers, pawn-brokers, scholars, orphans, laborers, travelers, merchants, judges, paupers, marriageable maidens, students, children, sailors, victims of judicial mistakes, captives, perfumers, even thieves and murderers! He is known as the friend and protector of all in trouble or need (see list).

Sailors, claiming St. Nicholas as patron, carried stories of his favor and protection far and wide. St. Nicholas chapels were built in many seaports. As his popularity spread during the Middle Ages, he became the patron saint of Apulia (Italy), Sicily, Greece, and Lorraine (France), and many cities in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Italy, Russia, Belgium, and the Netherlands (see list). Following his baptism, Grand Prince Vladimir I brought St. Nicholas’ stories and devotion to St. Nicholas to his homeland where Nicholas became the most beloved saint. Nicholas was so widely revered that thousands of churches were named for him, including three hundred in Belgium, thirty-four in Rome, twenty-three in the Netherlands and more than four hundred in England.

Nicholas’ tomb in Myra became a popular place of pilgrimage. Because of the many wars and attacks in the region, some Christians were concerned that access to the tomb might become difficult. For both the religious and commercial advantages of a major pilgrimage site, the Italian cities of Venice and Bari vied to get the Nicholas relics. In the spring of 1087, sailors from Bari succeeded in spiriting away the bones, bringing them to Bari, a seaport on the southeast coast of Italy. An impressive church was built over St. Nicholas’ crypt and many faithful journeyed to honor the saint who had rescued children, prisoners, sailors, famine victims, and many others through his compassion, generosity, and the countless miracles attributed to his intercession. The Nicholas shrine in Bari was one of medieval Europe’s great pilgrimage centers and Nicholas became known as “Saint in Bari.” To this day pilgrims and tourists visit Bari’s great Basilica di San Nicola.

Through the centuries St. Nicholas has continued to be venerated by Catholics and Orthodox and honored by Protestants. By his example of generosity to those in need, especially children, St. Nicholas continues to be a model for the compassionate life.

Widely celebrated in Europe, St. Nicholas’ feast day, December 6th, kept alive the stories of his goodness and generosity. In Germany and Poland, boys dressed as bishops begged alms for the poor—and sometimes for themselves! In the Netherlands and Belgium, St. Nicholas arrived on a steamship from Spain to ride a white horse on his gift-giving rounds. December 6th is still the main day for gift giving and merrymaking in much of Europe. For example, in the Netherlands St. Nicholas is celebrated on the 5th, the eve of the day, by sharing candies (thrown in the door), chocolate initial letters, small gifts, and riddles. Dutch children leave carrots and hay in their shoes for the saint’s horse, hoping St. Nicholas will exchange them for small gifts. Simple gift-giving in early Advent helps preserve a Christmas Day focus on the Christ Child.

You need an editor dude. Nobody wants to read your novel.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Oh who cares!! As a Jew, I’m delighted for anyone to host whatever they want. Just let me know what I can bring. We all need more warm events with family/friends.

I am with you pp! More celebrations and inclusiveness.

Op. Just mind your own business and spend less time scolding what others do. And I say this as someone who does not hold a seder.

You may not be offended, but for others it is offensive.

These resources might help you understand why:

https://religiondispatches.org/why-christians-should-not-host-their-own-passover-seders/

https://www.google.com/amp/s/forward.com/opinion/443606/please-do-not-host-a-christian-seder/%3fgamp

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.heyalma.com/why-are-christian-passover-seders-a-thing/amp/

One of my favorite quotes from the third article:

“However much Christians may think that they’re getting in touch with their roots by holding seders, or finding common ground with Judaism, functionally, it ends up being cosplaying Jews,” Price continues. “And other people’s cultures aren’t your costume. And it’s even more insulting to take one of the central formal expressions of Jewish peoplehood—that goes far beyond religion—and pervert its symbolism to proclaim the theology of a religion that’s spent most of the last 2000 years trying to make the Jewish people disappear.”

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Oh who cares!! As a Jew, I’m delighted for anyone to host whatever they want. Just let me know what I can bring. We all need more warm events with family/friends.

I am with you pp! More celebrations and inclusiveness.

Op. Just mind your own business and spend less time scolding what others do. And I say this as someone who does not hold a seder.

You may not be offended, but for others it is offensive.

These resources might help you understand why:

https://religiondispatches.org/why-christians-should-not-host-their-own-passover-seders/

https://www.google.com/amp/s/forward.com/opinion/443606/please-do-not-host-a-christian-seder/%3fgamp

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.heyalma.com/why-are-christian-passover-seders-a-thing/amp/

I am not doing anything to offend anyone so I am not wasting my time reading your articles. Just mind your own business and live and let live. What someone does in their house is none of your concern. None.

[Anonymous]

We aren't Christian (raised Catholic, both now agnostic) but our kid goes to a Jewish preschool and they've been talking about Passover all week. So we're going to do a little Passover seder at home tomorrow so we can all learn a little more about it.

It's not a "Christian Seder" and we aren't inserting Jesus into it at all. More just a way to learn about the tradition and for our kid to apply some of what she learned at school in a respectful way. She knows we are not Jewish, but that her school is Jewish and that some of the people there (including her teachers and the rabbi who comes to visit on Fridays for a small shabbat celebration they do) are.

Anyway, not asking for permission, just noting that there are reasons non-Jewish people might celebrate passover in a way that isn't automatically disrespectful. But yes, I can see how trying to claim the seder as a Christian tradition is disrespectful.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Oh who cares!! As a Jew, I’m delighted for anyone to host whatever they want. Just let me know what I can bring. We all need more warm events with family/friends.

I am with you pp! More celebrations and inclusiveness.

Op. Just mind your own business and spend less time scolding what others do. And I say this as someone who does not hold a seder.

You may not be offended, but for others it is offensive.

These resources might help you understand why:

https://religiondispatches.org/why-christians-should-not-host-their-own-passover-seders/

https://www.google.com/amp/s/forward.com/opinion/443606/please-do-not-host-a-christian-seder/%3fgamp

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.heyalma.com/why-are-christian-passover-seders-a-thing/amp/

I am not doing anything to offend anyone so I am not wasting my time reading your articles. Just mind your own business and live and let live. What someone does in their house is none of your concern. None.

So glad you’re open to learning why some of us find Christian Seders offensive.

I imagine you must be such a tolerant person.