Founder’s Blog
Be Intentional with Passover
Last year, through Vine of David, we accomplished an important goal--we created and published a completely traditional Messianic Jewish Haggadah. The Vine of David Haggadah is the full service with sensitive and intentional messianic insertions.
The Vine of David (VOD) Haggadah is not for everyone though. It assumes that the participants are familiar and comfortable with a traditional Passover Seder. For some, the complete Hebrew throughout, the references to the rabbis of old, the midrashic nature of the quotations, and the lack of a leading narrative could be more distracting than engaging. Christians looking to experience Passover and connect with God on a personal level could leave the evening with bellies full but spiritually hungry. The VOD Haggadah is excellent for those that are familiar enough with the service to essentially use all of the comments, stories, questions, and guideposts to take your guests through a wonderful story. To learn more about the VOD Haggdah or to order go here: VOD Haggadah.
Years ago First Fruits of Zion (FFOZ) developed a Haggadah for everyone. It was less traditional, narrative in its approach, and sensitive to the perspective participants. The title of this Haggadah is, "Passover Encounter." We originally published this in 2005 and immediately wanted to make some changes and sharpen it up. Well, we've finally had the time to do just that--create the second edition of this compelling Passover service.
Passover Encounter is intentional in presenting Passover in the following ways:
- With the believer that desires to honor Passover in a meaningful and deeply spiritual way in mind, Passover Encounter relates the story of Israel's Exodus by utilizing all aspects of a traditional service in a user-friendly manner.
- Keeping the primary audience and/or user clearly in focus, non-Jewish believers can enter into the power of the retelling and properly make it their own. Passover Encounter is carefully written to do this without replacing or diminishing the uniqueness of this story to the Jewish people--which is a strong but misguided tendency throughout Christian history.
- With the powerful telling of God's mercy and deliverance in view, we rejoice with the people of Israel in God's faithfulness. Building on that theme, Passover Encounter brings everyone at the table to a personal encounter with God--seeking his mercy and deliverance personally.
For those of you that have used the previous edition of Passover Encounter and are wondering what the differences are from the 2011 edition. Here are some brief points:
- Like the original edition the new edition is in a narrative style. People are guided through the telling with indicators for "Host" or "Reader" the entire service with a meal would be around a couple hours. New to this edition of Passover Encounter are multiple pullout boxes with related optional scriptures or discussion starter topics throughout the service. This will allow for greater flexibility and enhanced discussion throughout the service.
- The original Passover Encounter did not utilize a traditional seder plate. This edition brings in the seder plate and utilizes all of its components throughout the service.
- The previous edition contained Hebrew; the new 2011 edition (while it contains all of the needed prayers and blessings) does not have Hebrew.
To learn more about Passover Encounter or to order go here: Passover Encounter
Whether you choose to use the Vine of David Haggadah or the Passover Encounter you are bound to have a meaningful service. We have intently created these to meet your respective needs. Prepare now, invite friends, and enter into the holy time of Passover.
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