Easter & Passover: Faith never fails

This weekend, people celebrate the Christian holiday of Easter. Others observe the Jewish holiday of Passover. And in America, many are looking to the arrival of spring. Contributed Photos

This weekend, Christians and Jews are observing the holidays of Easter, the resurrection of Christ following his crucifixion, and Passover, the redemption of the Jewish people from their slavery in Egypt.

Both of these holidays are some of the most sacred in both faiths.

The coronavirus disease (Covid-19) has changed the way we celebrate Easter and  Passover but not the traditions that bind us. 

Christians celebrate and reflect on the life,  suffering, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. For most Christians, Easter this year is on Sunday, April 4. For Eastern Orthodox Christians, May 2 is the Orthodox Easter Sunday.

Jews observe Passover around the same time as Easter. Passover began  this year on the evening of Saturday, March 27 and ends on the evening of Sunday, April 4. Passover celebrates the Jews' escape from slavery in Egypt, called the Exodus. The Jewish holy book, the Torah, tells about how Moses led the Jews to freedom. A special dinner, the seder, begins the celebration of Passover.

Traditionally, the Passover seder begins with the lighting of the candles, during which, two prayers are said, as translated to English by Chabad:

Blessed are You, L‑rd our G‑d, King of the universe, who has sanctified us with His commandments, and commanded us to kindle the Yom Tov light.

Blessed are You, L‑rd our G‑d, King of the universe, who has granted us life, sustained us, and enabled us to reach this occasion.

Of course, what better way to experience the power of the resurrection than through worship and praise with an Easter hymn?

He Lives (lyrics by Alfred H. Ackley) 

I serve a risen Saviour, He's in the world today

I know that He is living, whatever men may say

I see His hand of mercy, I hear His voice of cheer

And just the time I need Him He's always near

He lives, He lives, Christ Jesus lives today

He walks with me and talks with me

Along life's narrow way

He lives, He lives, Salvation to impart

You ask me how I know He lives?

He lives within my heart. 

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