3 Pilgrimage Feasts.513

THREE PILGRIMAGE FEASTS

Ref. 513

BIBLE READING - Lev. 23.

INTRODUCTION.

Unlike many of the heathen festivals, the festivals of Israel were never intended to be occasions of mere revelry, but were intended to draw people closer to God.  The WAY TO God was by Sacrifice.

The WALK WITH God was through the Feasts.

The Passover Seder (Seder means order) is in 15 steps, as follows:-

1. Passover

Preparation

a.    Kaydesh - means Sanctification (the prayer over the wine) this sets the evening apart.

b.    Oorchatz - (Washing of the hands) in preparation for eating.

c.    Karpas - The eating of the greens (a small sprig of parsley can be used.

d.    Yachatz – Dividing the middle piece of Matzah.

e.    Magid – The telling of the story - i. Psalm 113 is read followed by the:-  ii. Ceremony of Plagues  

f.     Rachatzah – Second washing of the hands

g.    Motzee – The blessing for bread

h.    Matzah – The blessing for Matzah

i.      Maror – Bitter Herbs

j.      Koraych – Hillels Sandwich

k.    Shulchan Oraych – Dinner

l.      Tzaphoon – Bringing out the hidden piece of Matzah

m.   Baraych – The Grace (Giving thanks).

n.      Hallel – Psalms 116-118

o.      Nirtzah – The conclusion of the evening

2. Shavuot

a.  Called-Harvest, First Fruits, Giving of Law, Atzeret.

b.  Megillah (Scroll used at Shavuot) – Book of Ruth.

c.  Bikkurim (First Fruits) - Wheat, Barley, Grapes, Figs, Pomegranates,  Date Honey, Olive Oil.

d.  Procession - Fruit, Doves (Burnt), Flute Players, Ox, Temple Officers, Artisans Greeting, Levitical Choir,   Doves offered, Fruits presented, Pilgrims prostrate.  Stalls around the outer court of the Temple and Teaching (e.g. Gods Voice)

e.  Today - Omer, Ketuba, Greenery, Introduction to Cheder, Yahrzeit Candles. Modern Shavuot Sculpture -   Man with plough and Torah.

f.   Culinary Art - Blintzes, Three cornered Kreplach, Siete Cielos (Seven layer cake), Sinai loaf, Tripoli   Wafers. Milk Products, Fruit. Porridge Matzah with     Milk  and Honey. Long loaf.

3. Sukkot (Feast of Tabernacles). 15th. Tishri.

a.  Agricultural in origin - different to Canaanite Festival which was obscene.

b.  The Succah - Mitzvah to commence building on evening that `Yom Kippur’ ends. Temporary Residence -   teaches, (i) Transitoriness of life  (ii) Reliance on wealth a fantasy.   (iii) Reliance on God  (iv) Equality of man.  (v) Combines spiritual and physical.

c.  Four Species (Lulav) Palm, Myrtle, Willow and Etrog.

d.  In the Synagogue - Ark opened, Striking willow,  Simchat Torah.

e.  In Temple. Sacrifice 70 animals. Water libation, Light, Levitical Choir - Song of Ascents Ps.120 - 134.