Christians and the Jewish Passover seder: Christian educational responses to a Jewish celebration

Abstract

The Jewish Passover seder meal is one of the central celebrations for Jews. The commemoration of the Exodus annually celebrated in this ritual meal has attracted the attention of Christians in recent years who seek to replicate the experience of Jesus of Nazareth in his Last Supper in Jerusalem. However, the practice of a "Christian seder" has been criticised on historical, theological and cultural grounds. This paper surveys these criticisms and offers appropriate educational options for Christians who wish to understand and appreciate the Passover seder and its significance for Christian self-understanding.