CAN CHRISTIANS CELEBRATE THE SEDER?
Since it is a constitutive rite of Judaism, the Passover Seder can only be celebrated by Jews: they are its subjects and recipients. But that does not mean that its wealth must remain inaccessible to Christians. The ideal would be to participate in a Passover Seder as a guest of Jewish friends, in their home. Thus one would be truly a “guest” of the Jewish tradition and faith to which the Church is “linked” in its very identity. When Christians reenact the Passover Seder it is not a celebration of the rite but a reflection and an experiential study to deepen understanding, in respect and gratitude. When this is done it is advisable to invite a rabbi or an observant Jew who is conversant with the tradition. A preparatory meeting to explain the rite can be very helpful. The Bishops’ Conferences of North America and England and Wales give the following directive in their Guidelines for pastoral activity during Holy Week: “In recent years the custom has grown in many parishes to arrange a
