Holy Branches -

Gifts from the Holy Land: Artza Box: Genesis

Written by Holy Branches on April 17, 2025. Posted in Uncategorized. No Comments on Gifts from the Holy Land: Artza Box: Genesis

This post contains affiliate links. I only advertise items I personally recommend and may receive a small commission from qualifying purchases. For more information, visit our Affiliate Information Page.

Discover Artza Boxes, a monthly subscription service delivering handcrafted treasures from local artisans in the Holy Land straight to your door. Each quarter, you’ll receive a thoughtfully curated box with a unique theme, featuring an array of items such as gourmet foods, home décor, artisanal crafts, and educational materials. Dive deeper into the experience with included insights about the talented artisans behind these creations, fostering a meaningful connection to the Holy Land. Perfect as a gift or a special treat for you and your loved ones, Artza Boxes bring joy and inspiration with every delivery!

Use coupon code HEBREW20 to receive a 20% discount
on your Artzabox subscription!

This quarter’s Artza Box, themed around Genesis, celebrates creation and new beginnings. One thing you may find interesting is that some of the items included are on the subject of Shabbat, the Sabbath. The connection is what’s celebrated on the Sabbath – creation. Each Sabbath, we say the Kiddush, Genesis 2:1-3, “

Every item in the box is thoughtfully selected to reflect the essence of Genesis – creation and new beginnings. Here’s what you’ll find inside.

The included booklet features Banias, a breathtaking region of verdant landscapes and flowing waters, also known as Caesarea Philippi. This historic site holds profound biblical significance as the place where Jesus asked his disciples, “Who do you say I am?” prompting Peter’s powerful confession that Jesus is the Messiah (Matthew 16:13-20).

Today, Banias is a vibrant destination within the Banias Nature Reserve, drawing visitors to its stunning natural beauty and rich history. Explore the serene Banias Spring, marvel at the majestic waterfall, and wander through archaeological treasures, including the ancient Cave of Pan and Roman-era ruins. Perfect for pilgrims, history enthusiasts, and nature lovers, Banias offers a captivating blend of spiritual reflection and scenic wonder.

Yair Emanuel Hand-Painted Candle Holder Set

This lovely painted metal candle holder is my standout favorite from the box! Crafted by artist Yair Emanuel, celebrated for his vibrant and meaningful Judaica designs, it’s an ideal piece for an Erev Shabbat service, designed to hold two candles and adorned with the poignant Bible verse, “God saw that the light was good and He separated the light from the darkness” (Genesis 1:4) from the creation narrative. It elevates our Shabbat table with its beauty and pairs flawlessly with the Seven Days of Creation tray below. Emanuel’s other works, featured in past Artza Boxes, consistently bring such meaningful and stunning artistry to our collection.

Yair Emanuel Seven Days of Creation Serving Tray

This exquisite tray is also created by renowned artist Yair Emanuel. Perfectly suited for placement beneath the candle holder set in this box on your dining or display table, this painted metal tray serves as both a functional piece and a work of art. It vividly depicts the Seven Days of Creation, each panel illustrating a day of creation from the Genesis narrative with Emanuel’s signature blend of bold colors and intricate patterns. Ideal for Shabbat, holidays, or as a thoughtful gift, this Yair Emanuel creation brings spiritual depth and aesthetic elegance to any table.

Halva-Coated Peanuts

Halva, a Middle Eastern confection, offers a delightful, subtly sweet complement to crunchy peanuts, making these Halva Coated Peanuts an ideal snack. This treat celebrates the Holy Land’s heritage, with its packaging featuring Genesis 1:11: “Let the land produce vegetation: seed-bearing plants and trees on the land that bear fruit with seed in it…” A perfect blend of flavor and tradition, it’s a meaningful addition to any snack collection.

DeKarina Milk Chocolate Treats

DeKarina’s exquisite confections, featured in past Artza Boxes, shine again in this delightful treat. Velvety dark chocolate envelops crunchy hazelnuts, crafting a delectable snack. Artisan Karina, following her grandfather’s legacy as a chocolatier, handcrafts these chocolates in a region enduring heavy rocket fire from Hezbollah, embodying remarkable resilience. This treat is a perfect blend of rich flavor and inspiring craftsmanship.

Mixture for Challah Coating

This challah coating is a stellar addition to my family’s collection of challah recipes. We’ve tried numerous variations! This coating blends Za’atar, a vibrant Middle Eastern spice mix, with other Israeli herbs, creating a flavorful and visually stunning topping for challah or any bread loaf. Sourced from Derech HaTavlinim (The Spice Road Farm) in Bethlehem of Galilee, Israel, these spices are expertly crafted. Packaged by “In the Box,” a company empowering individuals recovering from addiction through employment and training, this coating delivers rich taste and meaningful impact.

Blessing for Israel Hand-Cut Paper Artwork

This framed artwork by Noa Attias captures the Holy Land’s splendor, depicting a native Israeli tree and bird that celebrate creation’s beauty. A lifelong artist, Attias infuses her work with the essence of meaningful traditions and events. The piece features a hand-cut tree shaped like Israel, enclosing a Hebrew prayer, translated in English as: “Our Father in Heaven, Rock and Redeemer of the people Israel: Bless the State of Israel, with its promise of redemption. Shield it with Your love; spread over it the shelter of Your peace. Guide its leaders and advisors with Your light and Your truth. Help them with Your good counsel. Strengthen the hands of those who defend out Holy Land. Deliver them; crown their efforts with triumph. Bless the land with peace, and its inhabitants with lasting joy”. A stunning and soulful addition to any home, this artwork radiates spiritual and cultural significance.

Genesis Journal

This exquisite journal celebrates the creation story in Genesis, adorned with Hebrew words, their meanings, and selected verses. Its hand-pressed paper pages, accented by simple illustrations, offer ample space for reflections on creation, Bible study, or personal thoughts. The cover, graced with a gold olive branch, features “In the Beginning” in both Hebrew and English. The Hebrew word Beresheet (בראשית), meaning “In the beginning” and the first word of the Bible, also names the Book of Genesis, the Torah’s opening book. Learn more about the Torah here.

Use coupon code HEBREW20 to receive a 20% discount
on your Artzabox subscription!

This quarter’s Artza Box is a radiant celebration of the Holy Land’s rich heritage, encapsulating the spirit of Israel through artisan-crafted treasures. Each item, from Hebrew-inscribed journals to Galilee-grown spice blends, weaves a story of faith, resilience, and tradition, inviting you to connect deeply with the land and its people. More than a subscription, it’s a meaningful journey that transforms unboxing into a moment of spiritual discovery. Perfect for enriching your own connection to Israel or gifting to someone who holds the Holy Land dear, this box brings the region’s timeless beauty and inspiration into your home. With every carefully curated piece, the Artza Box fosters reflection, gratitude, and a lasting bond with Israel’s sacred legacy.

Celebrating a Christ-Centered Passover with Kids

Written by Holy Branches on April 8, 2025. Posted in Passover. No Comments on Celebrating a Christ-Centered Passover with Kids

Passover is such a rich and meaningful Celebration for Christians, because it reminds us of God’s sovereignty and faithfulness to His people through both the Passover in Exodus as well as through our Savior, Jesus.

One of the reasons God tells us to celebrate Passover is to teach our children about Him through it (Ex. 12:24-27). We don’t have to add to the story of Passover to make it interesting. It’s an amazing story of an awesome God showing His supernatural power in order to rescue His people from a life of slavery to a life of freedom in Him! Here’s a brief overview of the Passover story if you need a reminder.

Kids and the Bible

I know there are some parents, grandparents, and guardians out there that worry about teaching children the more harsh parts of the Bible. This story contains death, sacrifice, blood, plagues, etc. and I understand how that seems like inappropriate material for kids.

But here’s the thing, guys. We need to keep our eye on the goal here. Why do we spend our precious time teaching our children stories from the Bible anyway? Because we want them to develop a relationship with the God of the Bible and to come to know Jesus as their Savior. We can’t reach these goals without telling them the Gospel story, that of Jesus’s crucifixion – the one where he bled and died and became the sacrifice that atones for our sin. If we were to leave this story out, we’d be wasting our time entirely.

So, are there any parts of the Bible we should leave out when teaching children? It does depend on their age and ability to handle difficult subjects. Some of the stories that include sexual sin, such as the story of Judah and Tamar (Gen. 38), or the specific gristly details like Judas’s intestines spilling out in Acts 1:18 could be left until the kids are older. But though we increase the detail in which we relay the stories as they mature, both the Gospel story and that of Passover can (and should!) be told age-appropriately to children.

As with anything difficult they may encounter in life, be ready to discuss it with your children. Questions about death, sacrifice, the wrath of God, plague details, etc. will come up. God’s holy Word does not return void when it goes out, so be wise in addressing your young audience but be cautious never to censor the words of God!

They Learn Through Stories

Why is it that we teach children Bible stories? Is it just to give them a collection of stories to carry around in their heads for the rest of their lives? No!

The purpose of the stories in the Bible are for us to get to know God through reading them. In Genesis, we meet God as the creator. In Exodus, we meet Him as our almighty God, our rescuer, and our provider. The story of Jesus’s death and resurrection introduces us to a God that forgives, despite His perfect justice and in Revelation, we learn of God’s supernatural side, His eternal sovereignty, and His desire to be with His people.

It’s not just children that learn best through stories. Even Jesus knows that we all learn better this way! He very often taught in parables to give us pictures of spiritual concepts using objects and situations we’re familiar with.

3 Takeaways

Just to make sure we stay focused while teaching our kids about Passover, here are a few of the most important points we need to make sure to convey.

1. God is All Powerful

In the Passover story as well as throughout the Bible, God’s infinite power is dramatically displayed. Although kids will pick up on this in the story, be deliberate in pointing it out so they can’t miss it. You can even teach them the long word omnipotence which means just that – all-powerful.

2. Jesus Died to Pay for Our Sins

Note the parallels in the Passover story between the Passover lamb and Jesus. This isn’t just a cool idea, it’s the amazing thing that caused John the Baptist to proclaim Jesus as the Messiah (John 1:29). Both Jesus’s and the lamb’s blood saved and protected the people from God’s wrath. Jesus and the lamb were both pure and innocent. Both Jesus and the lamb had to die for us to be saved. There are more but these should get you started.

3. God Loves His People

It’s out of His love for us and the Hebrew people that God provided a substitute when His wrath would have destroyed us. Although God is completely just in punishment for sin, He also loves us enough to provide a way for us to be forgiven. He wants a relationship with us despite our choices to distance ourselves from Him but requires action on our part (blood on the doorway and accepting the gift of salvation) to initiate that connection.

Passover Resources for Kids

The Passover & Unleavened Bread Activity Book

Here are some wonderful resources I’ve found for teaching your children about Passover. You can just teach them the story and the concepts or you can lead them through a Passover Seder, which teaches the same thing through a multi-sensory re-telling of the story. Click on the item’s name below for more information or to order.

Bible Pathway Adventures Passover & Unleavened Bread Activity Book

I use Bible Pathway Adventures to teach my children (ages 2 through 12) about many Bible concepts and stories. I love that the printable and bound books include various activities on so many subjects. This one covers the Biblical Feasts of Passover and Unleavened Bread as well as a bit on Passover Seders.

Passover Fun Box

Made by a sweet friend of mine, these boxes come with everything you need to both tell the story of Passover and make a decoration for your home during the Passover season!

Ultimate Sticker Book: Passover

It’s sometimes difficult to find an educational activity that holds the interest of toddlers and preschoolers but they love stickers! This book provides vivid pictures and an opportunity to have conversations about Passover while also keeping little hands busy.

Seder Plate Puzzle

Here’s another idea for the little ones! You can talk through the meaning of each element on the plate while they get their fine motor skills on.

10 Plagues of Egypt Toy Kit

This kit is helpful as a visual aid while teaching the Passover story or during the Seder. Each of these fun and interesting items creates opportunity for a discussion on the themes of Passover as well as the details of the story.

The Prince of Egypt Movie

Watching this movie (with plenty of popcorn!) has become a pre-Passover tradition in our home. This movie is unusual in that it’s pretty accurate Biblically, yet fun and entertaining for all ages! It gets the conversation about the upcoming celebration rolling in a family-friendly way.

A Christian Seder Meal: For Kids and Their Whole Family

This short book can just be read to teach children about Passover or used during a Seder to explain what’s going on and why. Not just for children, it contains simple yet meaningful explanations that even adults will find illuminating!

Ten Plagues Story Craft

I love this craft from Torah Sisters! It’s simple enough for my scribblers but my older kids get into it too. It’s also very versatile in that you can print it in color or allow the children to color it themselves. You could have them cut out the circles and attach them to a poster, banner, or other project, or glue popsicle sticks to them and use them when reading the Bible story or during the Seder.

Sing Dayenu

Dayenu is a Hebrew word meaning basically “it would have been enough”. It’s sung over and over with different verses, saying that if God had even only done one of the billions of things He’s done for us, it would have been enough. But we know, and Passover reminds us, that he didn’t just do one of those things. He’s forever faithful to us from the beginning of time throughout eternity!

Passover Ten Plagues Hand Puppet Kit

This kit comes with everything you need to make 10 puppets – 1 to represent each of the plagues in the story. You could tell the story while they’re busy assembling their puppets or use the completed puppets for the story or Seder.

Ella and Noah celebrate Passover: sticker activity book

Matzo House

We’re planning on trying this one this year. We made sukkahs out of graham crackers during Sukkot and my kids loved it! We always have a lot of leftover matzah so these cute houses would be a great way to use it up. It’s also a great opportunity to discuss the significance of unleavened bread and the picture the Bible gives us about yeast symbolizing sin in our lives.

Passover Page on jewishkids.org

A website made by Jewish parent site, chabad.org, this page contains many activities, books, songs, etc. for kids that relate to Passover. Although from a Jewish perspective, it will provide useful activities and information for your children on both the Passover story and Seder.

Whether it’s your first Passover with your kids or you’re a pro at this, you’ll find many helpful resources out there as you plan to introduce your children to the God of the Passover. I’m sure you’ll be so glad you did and you may even learn something yourself in the process!

Finding a Messianic Haggadah for Your Christian Passover Seder

Written by Holy Branches on April 8, 2025. Posted in Passover. No Comments on Finding a Messianic Haggadah for Your Christian Passover Seder

The celebration of Passover is such a valuable tradition for Christians! When planning your Passover Seder, a Haggadah is necessary, as it’s the booklet allowing each participant to follow along as the Seder proceeds. I’ve been asked which Haggadah I recommend for Christians exploring the Hebrew Roots of their faith so I decided to put my list of recommendations all in one place to help others out there who are looking for one.

The word Haggadah means “the telling”. It’s usually a booklet that both gives a background on Passover and leads participants through a Passover Seder meal. Although most Haggadahs are made by and for Jewish people, there are now numerous options for Christians as well, as many are making Passover a tradition in their families and churches.

Here are a few of the great Messianic Haggadōt (plural for Haggadah) I’ve found:

The Messianic Passover Haggadah

I list this one first because it’s the favorite of my audience. It’s very commonly used by Hebrew Roots Christians and is highly rated. The theme throughout is redemption and it includes songs to sing during your Seder and uses the Complete Jewish Bible as the translation for quoted verses.

Messianic Family Haggadah

This is a free download from Chosen People Ministries. It can be used for either (Messianic) Jewish or Christian participants and focuses on the deliverance and redemption

Christ in the Passover

This is another favorite of Christians who celebrate Passover. Made with first-timers in mind, this pamphlet leads the reader through a Passover Seder and also explains the symbolism of each element. It’s focused on teaching the connections between the Passover and Jesus’s sacrifice and how a Passover Seder reminds us of both of these.

Broken For You

One of my family’s favorites, this Haggadah is written by Matthew Van Els of Founded in Truth Ministries. We’ve used this one for two of our Seders and found it such a great way to lead them. It is deep enough to spiritually lead the adults through it but clear and simple enough for the children to follow as well.

Messiah’s Seder: Passover Experience for Christians and Messianic Jews

By Rabbi Jason Sobel, author of Mysteries of the Messiah, this Hagaddah walks you through the seder with the goal of having all participants grow closer to Jesus. It’s easy to follow even with little previous seder experience and has explanations for each step.

The Master’s Table

Written and published by First Fruits of Zion, this is a beginner and Christian-friendly book to guide your family or even a large group through a Passover Seder.

Cup of Redemption

Focusing on explanation and clarification of Passover and the elements of a Seder, this Haggadah is easy to follow and will lead both beginner and experienced participants. The author, Darren Huckey, is the director of Emet HaTorah.

The Christian’s Guide to Passover

This simple guide is useful for beginners, easy to follow, and can be used for a short Seder and for more advanced participants as well. This one has a Kindle version to download into your most convenient device in addition to the booklet form.

Behold the Lamb

This non-traditional Haggadah boasts that it tells the Passover story through scripture. It’s a unique way to re-tell the story and celebrate Jesus, our Passover Lamb. This one includes Matzah recipes and an interactive craft for kids!

Have a favorite Messianic Passover Haggadah? Share it in the comments!

A Very Basic Christian Passover Seder Guide

Written by Holy Branches on April 8, 2025. Posted in Hebraic Roots, Passover, Traditions. 13 Comments on A Very Basic Christian Passover Seder Guide

So, you’ve decided to incorporate the celebration of Passover into your Christian home. Now what? Where to begin? What to buy? Whom to ask? What to say? What to eat? I know only a couple of Christians that were raised with Passover as a family tradition. What a great blessing! Unfortunately, the rest of us must figure it out on our own. But recent years have produced a large number of resources for Christians interested in Passover. This is a great time to introduce Passover as a tradition in your family and to get started passing it on to future generations. Here’s a simplified, step-by-step guide to help you hold your own Christian Passover Seder. As you continue to learn and grow in this practice, you can involve more of the elements and customs as you see fit for your family.

Get a free printable version of this seder guide here!

Pray

Let God know your intentions. Ask Him to help you find the resources you need to observe Passover with your family. You’ll be surprised at His response!

Read the story of the Passover

Make sure you know what you’re celebrating and why. Even if you know the story, go over it again. Obviously, it’s no substitute for the bible but here’s a quick summary. Don’t miss the supernatural awesomeness of God displayed in this story! The point of all this was to show God’s power and proclaim His name throughout the earth (Exodus 9:16). Make sure that gets done through your Passover celebration. Make sure God gets all the glory.

Collect supplies

Here’s a short list for a simple Seder.

A Haggadah – 1 per person (A booklet to lead participants through the Seder)
Bowl of water and towel for hand washing
A Seder Plate – 1 for each table or each participant (can be an actual Seder plate like this one but can also be any large plate)
Matzah – about 5 pieces per participant
Cloth (napkin or otherwise to wrap 3 pieces of the matzah in)
Parsley or celery – 1 piece for each participant
Salt – enough to make saltwater
Small dishes for saltwater – 1 per participant or per every few participants
Charoset – about 1/2 c. per participant
Bone – 1 for each Seder plate (usually a roasted lamb shank bone but we use a drumstick)
Horseradish – about 1 tablespoon per participant
Wine and/or juice – enough for each participant to have 4 glasses/cups
Glasses and/or cups – 1 for each participant
Full meal to eat (other than the Seder elements, usually pork-free and yeast-free)

Set up

Decide who will lead the Seder. Traditionally, it’s the man of the house, but it doesn’t have to be. This person will be praying, pouring wine, etc., so he or she may have to brush up on how to do a Seder ahead of time. Here’s a great video for that.
Fill hand washing bowl with water and have towel accessible.
Put Matzah on a plate so that everyone at the table has access to it.
Wrap 3 pieces of matzah in the cloth and set it at the leader’s place.
Make saltwater in either individual or shared bowls and place on the table.
Prepare Seder plate(s). Place bone, parsley or celery, charoset, and horseradish on the plate.
Place glasses/cups on the table.
Place wine/juice on the table to have it more easily accessible.
Make sure everyone has a Haggadah.

Rite Lite Blue & White Curlicue Seder Plate With Gold Accents

Simplified Summary of the Christian Seder

Pour the first glass of wine. Open with a prayer, thanking God for freeing us from slavery, both through the Exodus from Egypt and from sin through our Messiah, Jesus. Optional: say the HaGafen blessing together.
Pass the washing bowl around, and each participant should wash and dry their hands. This signifies that we must approach God with a clean and pure heart.
Dip the parsley in salt water. Tell participants that this reminds us of our tears in slavery. Eat it after the leader has praised God for the vegetables. The HaAdamah can be said at this time.
The leader removes the middle piece of matzah from the 3 pieces of matzah that have been set aside. It should be broken in 2, and the larger piece wrapped in the cloth. In some homes, it is hidden somewhere in the house for the children to find later. This reminds us that Jesus was broken, wrapped, and buried.
Everyone then lifts a piece of matzah. The blessing over the bread, the HaMotzi, can be said at this time. The leader then explains that the bread is like the bread that the Israelites had upon leaving Egypt. The absence of yeast represents the absence of sin in our lives due to the redemption of that sin through Jesus. Set the matzah down.
Pour another glass of wine. At this point, the youngest child in the house who is able to read should read The Four Questions.
1. On other nights, we don’t dip our food. Why do we dip our food twice tonight?
2. On other nights, we eat regular bread. Why do we eat only matzah tonight?
3. On other nights, we eat other vegetables. Why do we eat parsley tonight?
4. On other nights, we sit in chairs. Why do we recline tonight?
The leader then responds that tonight is different because tonight, we remember that God rescued us from slavery and the slavery of our sin. We dip our food to remind us of the tears shed in our slavery, and we dip again to remember that we are free. Eating matzah reminds us of the Hebrew people hurriedly leaving Egypt and the sinlessness of Jesus. Horseradish reminds us of the bitterness of slavery – both in Egypt and in our sin. We recline as if we’re royalty because we are free people.
The leader tells the Passover story. During the part recalling the plagues, the participants dip their finger in the wine and drop a drop of wine onto a piece of matzah as each plague is recalled (blood, frogs, lice, flies, livestock, boils, hail, locusts, darkness, and the death of the firstborn). The leader should emphasize the actual Passover part of the story (lamb’s blood on the doorpost saving God’s people) and that Jesus’s blood allowed our exodus from the slavery of our sin.
Each person should hold up a piece of matzah. The leader should again say that we eat matzah because the Israelites left with no time for their bread to rise. The matzah is also like Jesus, who wasn’t “leavened” with sin so that he could be a sacrifice for ours.
The leader should raise the horseradish and tell everyone that this reminds us of the bitterness of slavery. The leader then puts the horseradish down. The leader should then explain that the charoset reminds us of the mortar used by the Israelite slaves to build brick buildings for the Egyptians.
Everyone lifts the second cup of wine. The leader praises God for saving us and for the fruit of the vine. Then everyone should drink and eat the matzah.
The leader should praise God for the reminder of the bitter herbs. Then all participants should put horseradish on their matzah and eat.
The leader thanks God for the food and for this time to remember the Passover and Jesus, our Passover lamb. The meal is now served.
After the meal is the 3^rd cup of wine. You’ll recognize this part from the Last Supper recorded in the Gospels. If the middle matzah was hidden, now is the time to find it. The leader breaks the once-hidden broken matzah into pieces and gives each believer at the table a piece. Another glass of wine is poured, and everyone should hold the matzah and wine. The leader should summarize the Last Supper and then quote 1 Cor. 11:24 and Mark 14:22, where Jesus said, “This is my body which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.” Then, everyone should eat their piece of matzah and hold their cup of wine up. The leader should then quote 1 Cor. 11:25 and Mark 14:24, where Jesus said, “This is the cup of the new covenant in my blood; do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.” Then all believers should drink the 3^rd cup.
This is usually the time for a song of praise. Some say a Psalm or sing a hymn. My kids cannot let this moment pass without singing Dayenu until we eventually have to stop them. Ha ha!
The leader now pours the 4^th cup of wine, praises God for the fruit of the vine, and everyone drinks it.
The leader concludes, reminding everyone that tonight’s feast reminds of God’s deliverance for us, not only from slavery in Egypt but also from our sin and the death we deserve. We are redeemed through the blood of Jesus just as the blood of the lamb in the first Passover redeemed the Israelites.

I know there are some out there reading this thinking “A simple overview?!?!”. I was there once too! There’s more to a full Seder, but this post includes just what I consider to be the most important elements. It’s difficult to introduce this tradition if it’s new to you, but if you’ve been convicted that this is something you should be doing with your family, please do it anyway. My family’s first Passover didn’t go as we planned, and we stumbled through it, but we all have learned a LOT since then! Expect a challenge as you start and continue this rich tradition, and I’m guessing you’ll be blessed by your perseverance.

Get a free printable version of this seder guide here!

I love this pamphlet by Rose Publishing called Christ in the Passover! It explains why Passover is meaningful to Christians and the significance of the items and story behind the Passover Seder.

Happy Passover!

The Feast of Unleavened Bread vs. Passover: What’s the Difference?

Written by Holy Branches on April 8, 2025. Posted in Passover, Traditions. 57 Comments on The Feast of Unleavened Bread vs. Passover: What’s the Difference?

Are Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread the same thing? Although many think they are, they’re described as two separate Feasts in the Bible. The Feast of Unleavened Bread follows right after Passover, though the two events overlap, as I’ll explain below.

Both Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread are meaningful celebrations for Christians as we explore our Hebrew roots and grow in our faith. Our Savior and what he’s done for us can be clearly symbolized through both of these Feasts, and if they’re not yet traditions in your home, I highly recommend you consider adopting them! They give such vivid pictures of who Jesus is and why we need him!

Passover

While often referred to as such, Passover isn’t a week or even a day, but a meal held on the 14th day of the month of Nisan on the Hebrew calendar. This corresponds to a date in March or April on our Gregorian calendar.

Although the original command can’t be kept since it includes the sacrifice of the Passover lamb at the Temple, an annual celebration allows us to remember what God did for His people in Egypt.

The meal for Passover, called a Seder, isn’t merely to nourish those who partake, but to serve as a memorial to what God did for His people in the Exodus from Egypt. It’s to be eaten on the 14th day of the month of Nisan, at twilight. It’s important to note here that days on the Hebrew calendar start at twilight the night before.

Rite Lite Marble Seder Plate Design Ceramic Passover Pesach Seder Dish

The Passover lamb in Egypt foreshadows Jesus, our Passover Lamb, and this is clearly shown during the Seder. Just as the blood of the Passover Lamb rescued the Hebrew people from slavery, it’s the blood of Jesus that saves us from the slavery of our sin as well.

Unleavened Bread

The Feast of Unleavened Bread is to start on the 15th day of Nisan, the same month as Passover, at twilight. This is a 7-day feast, and the first and last days are to be Sabbaths. These Sabbaths differ from the weekly Sabbath (Saturday) and may occur on any day of the week. Which day of the week they’re on changes from year to year, but no matter what day they occur on, the same rules apply as for the weekly Sabbath – rest and keeping the day holy.

The command for this feast says to eat unleavened bread for seven days and to remove all leaven from your homes before the feast begins (this is the period where the Feast of Unleavened Bread overlaps Passover). In our home, we get rid of anything leavened as well as any leavening agents. For the rest of the 7-day period, all meals and snacks don’t contain any leavening agents or leavened products.

The Feast of Unleavened Bread gives those who participate in it such a great picture of the sin in our lives! The Bible often uses “yeast” or “leaven” to signify sin. In the process of cleaning it out of our homes, we realize very quickly how difficult it is to find and remove it all. There are crumbs in the corners of our pantries and even under our refrigerators. In a house like mine, with seven people, is it even possible to get it all?

But this is the part of this feast that points us right to Jesus. When we see how difficult it is to get all the leaven out of our homes, we realize just how difficult it is to get the sin out of our lives. It’s easy to find the obvious loaves of bread in the pantry but you have to really hunt for the Cheerios between the couch cushions (those of you who have toddlers understand. The rest of you stay with me on this). In the same way, it’s easier to get the big, obvious sins out of our lives, but more difficult to get the hidden, seemingly small ones out before they fester.

Even though we can’t get all of the sin out of our lives, we have Jesus to cover them all. Though we should still strive to live in a way that pleases God, if we believe in Jesus as our Savior, he even forgives the sins we’d rather leave in the dark places under the fridge. Even if the “home” of our life is sparkling clean, chances are that there’s some leaven hiding somewhere.

Sherrie’s Favorite Unleavened Recipes: For Passover and The Days of Unleavened Bread

This is why we need Jesus! He’s the only one capable of perfectly cleaning the “homes” of our lives, which allows us to have a relationship with a holy God. What a wonderful picture!

Just like all of the Seven Biblical Feast Days, Passover and Unleavened Bread both point to our Savior in different but clear ways. My family’s faith has grown so much since we included these important days or “Appointed Times” in the Bible. If they aren’t yet traditions in your home, I encourage you to include them, and I’m sure you’ll be glad you did!

Why Celebrate Passover as a Christian?

Written by Holy Branches on April 8, 2025. Posted in Passover. 6 Comments on Why Celebrate Passover as a Christian?

Passover is a very significant event for the Christian believer. As followers of Jesus, we desire both to walk in his footsteps and to celebrate the sacrifice he made for us. A Passover Seder (traditional “meal” in which the story of Passover is told) is a wonderful tradition in which Christians can both remember God’s faithfulness and celebrate our Savior!

Note: If you’re not familiar with the story of the Passover in the Bible, I recommend you review it, as this article and the celebration of Passover are based on it. The story of the Passover is found in Exodus, chapters 3-15. Here’s a Quick Overview of the Passover Story, but please read the real story in the Bible when you get a quiet moment. It’s amazing!

Here are some of the reasons the celebration of Passover is beneficial to our Christian Faith.

It Points to Jesus

Slavery and the Passover Lamb

Just like the Hebrew people were enslaved by the Egyptians, we all were once slaves to our sin. Romans 6:6 highlights this parallel.

“…our old self was crucified with Him, in order that our body of sin might be done away with so that we would no longer be slaves to sin…”

But like the Hebrew slaves, God sent a savior for us. For them, the blood of the Passover lamb saved them from the last plague, the death of the firstborn. This foreshadowed Jesus’s blood saving us from our sins. John the Baptist recognized that Jesus would fulfill this role for us.

“…he [John] saw Jesus coming to him and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” John 1:29

During a Passover Seder, we have two lambs to celebrate. We both remember the lambs whose blood saved the Hebrew people and Jesus, the Lamb who gave his blood to save us.

The timing of Jesus’s crucifixion also shows us why he came and was crucified. His being crucified during Passover was no coincidence. God shows us through this that he truly is our Passover Lamb whose blood is worthy to take away punishment for the sin of all!

The Afikomen

Although much of the Passover Seder points to Jesus, a very interesting part is what’s known as the afikomen. The word means “the coming one,” and it’s the name for the middle piece of matzah (unleavened bread) in a group of three set-aside pieces.

This matzah piece is then broken, wrapped in cloth, hidden, and then found again. When doing this, we remember that Jesus was broken when crucified, wrapped, buried, and rose again! Read this last sentence again if you’re not awestruck by the parallel in this tradition!

The Leaven Clean-Out

Prior to Passover comes one of the best ways I can think of to picture sin and its effect on our lives. The Feast of Unleavened Bread (Exodus 12:15), which occurs during Passover, is when we not only eat bread without yeast or leaven but also clean the leaven out of our homes entirely!

If you’ve never done this before, let me tell you—it’s difficult, especially if you have a bunch of little people living in your house like I do, who tend to leave crumbs everywhere!

The Bible often uses yeast or leaven to signify sin. Here’s an example.

“…Do you not know that a little leaven leavens the whole lump of dough? Clean out the old leaven so that you may be a new lump, just as you are in fact unleavened. For Christ our Passover also has been sacrificed. Therefore let us celebrate the feast, not with old leaven, nor with the leaven of malice and wickedness, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.” 1 Cor. 5:6-8

Here, Paul tells the Corinthian people that sin spreads. Even a little bit of sin will spread throughout a family, church, community, etc., just as it takes just a bit of yeast to leaven a whole lump of dough. When you try to clean every bit of the leaven from your entire home, you realize just how hard it is – and that you can never get it all!

This is just like our sin. We come before a perfect God, desiring to be accepted by Him, but we’ve got sin tucked in all the nooks and crannies of our lives. This is why we can be so grateful for Jesus! He covers all of our sin, even the dirty nooks and crannies, so we can appear before God as clean and acceptable!

Jesus Himself Participated

The story of Jesus’s entry into Jerusalem is celebrated by Christians on Palm Sunday. This is when Jesus entered Jerusalem on a donkey, and the people laid palm branches in his path and waved them, saying, “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the LORD!”.

Why was Jesus headed into Jerusalem that day? To celebrate the Passover! This can be found in all four Gospel books in the New Testament. It was during their Passover Seder that Jesus washed the disciples’ feet and instituted communion. In three of the four Gospels, he even said that he’d celebrate Passover again with us someday!

As believers in Jesus, we have the common goal of being more like Jesus. In celebrating Passover, we’re not only walking in his footsteps but also practicing and preparing for a Passover feast with Jesus himself one day! Wow!

God Tells Us to Remember

**Obedience – a Result of Salvation**

God’s people want to please and obey Him. We obey not to try to earn our salvation but because we have a God who knows our needs intimately enough to have provided us with a Savior. It’s out of that same love that God provided us with many commands in the Bible. Being our creator, He knows what’s best for us and has shown us how to live.

So, one wonderful reason to celebrate Passover is because God told us to! He knows that it’s in our best interest and that our celebration can bring glory to Him!

The Command

The command to celebrate Passover is found in many places throughout the Bible. We know that the most important or notable things in the Bible are repeated. God must have placed high importance on the annual celebration of Passover because the command is repeated many times!

Passover is to be observed on the 14th day of the first month (Nisan) at twilight. It should also be noted that many of the places Passover is commanded specify that it’s to be done forever – not just while wandering in the desert, not just until that generation was gone, and not just until Jesus comes. Forever. Throughout all generations.

Speaking of generations, some of these commands come with an explanation that we’re to teach our children about Passover and answer their questions about God by recounting the Passover story to them. What an effective way to teach them who God is!

The command to observe Passover includes the sacrifice of the Passover lamb at the Temple. Since we currently have no Temple that we have access to for this, we unfortunately can’t fully obey this command. We can, however, obey God when He said to remember when God rescued His people from Egypt. We can also obey Him in teaching our children what God did and who He is through the Passover story.

When we have a Passover Seder, we do just that. We remember what God did for the Hebrew people as well as what God did for us when He sent Jesus to die to atone for our sins. The Bible doesn’t mention a seder, but it does tell us to recall the events of the Passover to our children to teach them about God (Ex. 12:25-27). The seder serves to do just that – to remember what God did and to teach our children so generations after us don’t forget who God is and what He does for His people.

Here’s a list of the verses in the Bible that include a command to observe Passover:

– Exodus 12:14-17, 24-27; 13:3, 6-8, 14-15; 34:18, 25

– Leviticus 23:4-8

– Numbers 9:1-14; 28:16-17

– Deuteronomy 16:2-3

– 2 Kings 23:21-22

– 2 Chronicles 30:1

– Ezekiel 45:21

– Matthew 26:26-29

– Luke 22:17-20

– 1 Corinthians 5:7-8; 11:23-26

To Get to Know God

We read and study the Bible not for our own intellectual advancement but to get to know God. As we see Him interact with His people throughout the Bible, we can learn His character. It’s in learning who He is that we can develop a relationship with Him. The story of Passover is just one example.

God explains more fully why Passover shows us who He is.

“Then I will take you for My people, and I will be your God; and you shall know that I am the LORD your God, who brought you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians.” Ex. 6:7

God used His supernatural power to free His people from slavery to show them that they were His people, He was their God, and He was faithful to them. Every year, He wants us to retell the story to our children and remember it ourselves so that we know that the Creator of the universe, the one who freed His people from the Egyptians, will be our God. We will be His people, and He will be forever faithful!

If you’re planning a Passover Seder, check out my calendar for the dates. It’s on this list as an 8-day celebration, like it will be on most calendars but the Seder is traditionally held on the second day. The date of Passover stays the same on the Hebrew calendar but changes yearly on our Gregorian calendar.

If you’d like a short, simple, yet Christ-centered guide, here’s the link to my Basic Christian Passover Seder Guide.

If you’re new to the concept of a Gospel-centered Passover, the book Christ in the Passover by Ceil and Moishe Rosen and Jews for Jesus will further explain the themes I touched on here.

How to Connect the Hebraic Faith of Your Faith to Real Life

Written by Holy Branches on March 18, 2025. Posted in Hebraic Roots. 13 Comments on How to Connect the Hebraic Faith of Your Faith to Real Life

After realizing the value of learning the Hebraic Roots of the Christian faith, there is no clear path to follow, leaving many people feeling stuck, not knowing how to proceed. Although they know that many Jewish traditions like Passover, for example, point to Jesus and enrich the Gospel, there’s no specific source on how to implement those in a modern American Christian family. Searching the internet may help, but it may also be confusing due to conflicting viewpoints inside and outside the Hebrew Roots Movement.

In Acts, there was an ongoing debate about whether Gentiles could participate in the faith of the early Messianic Jews without following all details of the Torah. James the Apostle replies, “Therefore, I judge you not to trouble those from among the Gentiles who are turning to God…” (Acts 15:19-20). James knew, and I’m assuming God knows, that learning Jewish traditions as a Gentile takes some time and grace. Although Christians have already “turned to God,” we may be just beginning to incorporate Biblical practices into our faith. Our family has had to find resources and learn a lot independently, and there has been a steep learning curve. If you give time and grace to yourself and your family in this endeavor and combine them with your conviction about learning these practices, you’ll eventually figure it out. It has been a long process for my family and me, but we’ve grown so much, and it’s been so worth it!

Start with the Sabbath (Shabbat)

The best place to start is by incorporating the practice of a weekly Sabbath. Observing the Sabbath is where my family started, but I have other reasons for it being a good starting point.

It’s one of the 10 commandments (Ex. 20:8 and others).
It happens weekly, allowing for a lot of practice.
Your practice of it can vary.
Many Jews revere it as the most holy day.
It can bring peace to your home.
It will bring rest.
It is a sign of the covenant between God and His people (Ex. 31:16, Lev. 24:8, and others).
It was made for us! (Mark 2:27)

Soon after you attempt to start doing the Sabbath, you’ll realize that the rest of your week must change to accommodate a workless Sabbath. Friday will turn into Preparation Day, and the chores from Friday and Saturday must be spread out throughout the week. It may be helpful at this point to make or revise your cleaning schedule. A word of caution, though – be careful you don’t ruin your Sabbath by sliding into it exhausted, resentful, and arguing with your family due to your stressing to get everything done. Unfortunately, I’ve done it many times, and it will disrupt the peace the Sabbath is supposed to bring. Keep preparations simple at first, focused on allowing for rest, togetherness, and time with God. Here are some things to start with.

Compile some family favorite recipes that are easy to make or can be made ahead of time and use those for Friday and Saturday evenings.
Make or plan meals with little prep (like veggies and dip or sandwiches) for Saturday lunches. Here’s the hummus recipe we use regularly.
Make sure the house is clean enough for everyone to be able to relax (kitchen, bathrooms, and main living areas functionally clean).
Lay out clothing for Shabbat on Friday.

Find resources

I’m so glad you’re reading this! When I started my Hebraic faith journey, resources for Christians were minimal. I had to wade through Jewish sources, deciphering what applied to me and what didn’t. While I won’t claim to have all the answers, I will share what I’ve learned to make this path easier for other Believers to travel. Many other resources are out there now, most of which weren’t available even a few years ago. Here are some of my favorites, and there are even more on my resources page:

Websites

Hebrew for Christians – While the focus is to teach Hebrew, they also cover holidays, prayers, and more.
119 Ministries – Videos and podcasts that provide Biblical answers to many of our questions on our journey.
Torah Class – The BEST bible study I’ve found that’s from a Hebraic perspective. This study is intense, not directed toward seekers but mature Christians familiar with the Bible. The site has many studies covering the Old and New Testaments and topics, all of which are free!
Land of Honey – Many additional resources for Christians seeking Hebraic information – holidays, printables, etc.
Aish.com – Educational website about Judaism – holidays, Torah, Jewish wisdom, etc.

Books

Enter His Gates by Susan Marcus – Covers Jewish holidays and traditions and how they relate to Christians.
A Family Guide to the Biblical Holidays by Robin Sampson and Linda Pierce – Not only shows you how to celebrate Biblical holidays as a Christian but also how to teach the Bible to your children.

Hebrew Word Study: Revealing the Heart of God By Chiam Bentorah

Visit a Hebraic Congregation

It’s easier to navigate this new beginning with a community. Chances are getting better that there’s one near you. Even if there’s not, it’s worth the drive! Find one here or here.

I know visiting a new church or synagogue can be intimidating, especially of a different faith than you’re used to! In my experience, Messianic Jewish congregations are open to Christians joining them and welcome them with open arms. If you have any questions or are hesitant to visit one in your area, call first and inquire. I’m willing to bet they’d love to have you show up!

Study the Torah

Studying the Bible from the point of view that the Torah (the first five books) is the root of all Scripture can deepen your knowledge of the Bible in its entirety! If you’re not sure where to start, print out and follow my free, printable Torah reading schedule. It will have a reading from the Torah and a corresponding reading from the New Testament. When I started studying the Bible this way, it significantly improved my understanding of the whole Bible, and I think it will do the same for you.

Learn Some Hebrew

It’s not just one more thing to add to our already full to-do list! Learning the Biblical Hebrew language or having a good grasp on the most-used Hebrew words in the Old Testament can significantly increase your understanding of the culture of the Hebrew people (Jesus’s!), both the Old and New Testaments, and even God Himself.

Although translated by some very educated and gifted individuals, there’s no substitute for the Bible in its original languages. Hebrew doesn’t translate well to English, leaving room for some misunderstanding. One of our lifelong pursuits as Christians is to study the words of our God. Given this, what could stop us from increasing our understanding of the Bible by learning the original language of its writing? Get started! I bet it won’t be as challenging as you think!

Stay in the Word

Always. But especially while you’re on this path that is new to you. As you research and come across resources to help you, use discernment. Compare what you hear to what the Bible says and pray for clarification when necessary. Many Christians of all denominations have gradually and unknowingly strayed from following God through His word to following a pastor, author, or another person instead. This journey is between you and your family and God. Please make sure it brings glory to Him and no one else.

The Hebraic Faith and Traditional Christianity: What’s the Difference?

Written by Holy Branches on March 18, 2025. Posted in Hebraic Roots. 1 Comment on The Hebraic Faith and Traditional Christianity: What’s the Difference?

As many Christians grow in their faith, they begin to pursue the Biblical roots of their faith. They incorporate the Biblical Holy Days, the study of the Hebrew language, and maybe even some Jewish traditions into the practice of their Christian faith.

But how specifically is this different from traditional Christianity? We’ll get to that in a minute. First, let’s look at one way we’re the same to avoid confusion.

Salvation by Grace

Just as traditional Christianity holds to the doctrine of grace (Romans 11:6; Ephesians 2:8–9, and more), so do Hebraic Believers. Unfortunately, this is the biggest misunderstanding and most common objection to the Hebraic faith from their Christian brothers and sisters. Many assume that we’ve shifted from the belief that we’re saved through the sacrifice of Jesus to the belief that we’re saved instead by adherence to the Law. This isn’t true.

Sadly, in some cases, this misunderstanding has led to a wide divide between traditional Christianity and Christians who practice in the ways of their Biblical roots. Instead of being a divider, the concept of grace should be one thing that unites these two faiths!

Where We Differ

Although we have many similarities and agree on many of the concepts in the Bible, the main thing we differ on is how to live out our faith.

The Pauline Paradox: What Did Paul Teach About the Law of God?

Observing the Law

Applying the commands in the Torah to the life of a Christian is by far the most common objection traditional Christians have with our faith. You may be surprised to hear, though, that most Christians already observe much of the Law. The 10 Commandments (Ex. 20), the ideal setup for marriage (Gen. 2:24), and the command to love your neighbor (Lev. 19:8) are all parts of the Law. The difference is that we observe a few more of the laws found in the Old Testament than traditional Christians do.

But because we make an effort to follow the Law doesn’t mean we think that’s what saves us. I’ve heard countless Christian arguments of this sort, and this is a result of a misunderstanding of what Hebraic Christians believe.

The main objection is that we teach against grace. They incorrectly assume that, because we teach that Believers should observe the Law, we consider it to be what saves, instead of the blood of Jesus. I’ve heard it said that we even “preach a gospel contrary to what Paul preached” (Gal. 1:8-9).

But what they don’t understand is that we don’t believe that at all. We do not believe or preach that we’re not saved by grace. As a part of multiple communities in the Hebraic and Messianic Christian faiths, I will tell you that I’ve never heard from someone who believes we’re not under grace. I haven’t heard from any group or individual in this faith that has replaced grace with the Law.

A lot of the disagreement comes from our differing interpretation of Pauline Scripture. If you’re interested in pursuing the Hebraic position vs. that of traditional Christianity on this, 119 Ministries has an in depth video series explanation as well as a short book and blog post, all entitled “The Pauline Paradox”.

Learning the Hebrew Language

In the quest to get back to our Biblical roots, many choose to learn Biblical Hebrew. There are many benefits to learning Hebrew but the most common is to bring clarity when studying the Bible.

While only some traditional Christians choose to learn Hebrew, most Hebraic Believers are at some level of knowledge of Hebrew. Some just know basic greetings or names of people and places in the Bible and some are full-blown Hebraists!

Church Replaces Israel

Most Hebraic Believers don’t believe in what’s known as Replacement Theology. This is the concept that the Christian church has replaced the nation (or people) of Israel. Replacement Theology says that the Jewish people are no longer God’s people because the Christian church has taken that place. This idea is not only antisemitic, it’s anti-Biblical!

We believe instead that we’re grafted in to the promises God gave to Israel. We’re adopted into this family of God’s people through our faith in the Messiah but we don’t replace the natural-born children of that family. For more on the relationship between the church and Israel, read Wild Olive Branches: The Blessing of Being Grafted In.

Christians Don’t Become Jews

Another problem Christians see with Hebraic Believers is that they think we’re trying to become Jewish. They argue that one cannot just follow the Law and observe the Holy Days and then be changed into a Jew in the same way you can become Baptist by becoming a member of a Baptist church.

They’re correct. We do not become Jews. This is just another misunderstanding I’ve heard often about Hebraic Believers. We do not believe we are changing into Jews by practicing our faith this way. Our goal is to practice our faith in the way God wants us to. We base these practices on what we find in the Bible and we incorporate some valuable Jewish traditions as we see their relevance to our faith Biblically.

Acceptance of Jewish Traditions

While we’re on the subject of Jewish traditions, this is another objection Christians have to the Hebraic faith. Some say we shouldn’t have practices common to the Jewish people, as we’re not Jewish.

I have two responses to this. First, we follow a Jewish rabbi. Jesus did Jewish things, not just because he just happened to be born into a Jewish family but because that was the faith he was bringing others into. If you struggle with the idea of our Savior being Jewish, I encourage you to think and pray about this: When Jesus returns, will he be Jewish? Did he come to earth to start a new religion? Jesus’s Biblical Jewishness isn’t something he renounced and we shouldn’t either.

Second, many Jewish traditions are deeply rich in the ways they highlight aspects of our faith. Hanukkah is a celebration of God’s faithfulness to His people, as is Purim. Bar Mitzvahs are an important transition where our youth takes responsibility for their own faith. Lighting candles on Shabbat (the Sabbath) helps us fulfill the command to remember the Sabbath and sets it apart from the other days of the week.

These and other Jewish traditions bring our focus back to God and His Word in a way traditional Christianity does not. We learn from them and there are even some Jewish organizations, such as The Chabad, Rabbi Lapin, and Dennis Prager, that direct their ministries partly toward including Christians in their faith.

Different Bible Versions

Christians of all kinds have preferences to certain versions of the Bible. It’s wonderful to live in a time, where we not only have access to God’s Word, we can even choose our favorite way to study it because we have so many resources available to us!

Hebraic Believers tend to prefer more literal Bible translations. We also attempt to replace some of the “Jewishness” and ancient Middle Eastern culture that has been removed from some traditional translations.

For some, this is the Scriptures Bible, while others prefer to read in the original Hebrew and/or Greek. The Complete Jewish Bible is another popular one, as well as the Tree of Life version.

My intent in writing this post is to clarify these differences for those seeking answers in this area. Although we do have differences, believers in Christ from all backgrounds are parts of the same body, and we should function as such:

For through the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think more highly of himself than he ought to think; but to think so as to have sound judgment, as God has allotted to each a measure of faith. For just as we have many members in one body and all the members do not have the same function, so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another.
Romans 12:3-5

Hanukkah and Purim: What Do They Mean to the Christian Faith?

Written by Holy Branches on March 11, 2025. Posted in Hanukkah, Traditions. No Comments on Hanukkah and Purim: What Do They Mean to the Christian Faith?

In addition to the seven biblically commanded feasts in Leviticus 23, some Christians observe Purim and Hanukkah. While these celebrations have been primarily Jewish throughout history, they offer a rich supplement to the faith of a Christian. They also serve to pass traditions on to the next generation that increase biblical understanding and, ultimately, understanding of God Himself!

Purim

The back story of Purim is the book of Esther. It’s an exciting story with plotting, scheming, suspense, and an unlikely hero. To summarize, God saved the Jewish people from destruction through Queen Esther, a young Jewish orphan, and Mordecai, the cousin who raised her. In Esther 9:20-22, Mordecai instituted Purim as an annual celebration to commemorate the deliverance of the Jews from the evil Haman who had plotted to destroy them. He said it would be a day of feasting, rejoicing, sending food gifts to one another, and giving gifts to the poor.

Purim doesn’t seem to have changed much since then. Lasting two days, it is still a joyful time of feasting. Gifts are still given to others, and charity is given to the poor. One of the most memorable Purim traditions is dressing up like characters from the story or wearing masks. Our Messianic Synagogue once had an Esther costume contest, and all the young women put on their best Queen Esther costume.

Another Purim tradition is reading the Megillah or the book of Esther. This reading is often done dramatically or theatrically, including omitting Haman’s name or booing each time his name is read.

Hamantachen are a traditional Purim dessert. They’re tri-cornered pastries with a sweet filling and are a tasty addition to the celebration. There are many different explanations for Hamantaschen being the official dessert of Purim, and the most common is that they’re made to represent Haman’s hat, ear, or pockets.

Hanukkah and Purim Are For Christians Too!

Aside from being fun to celebrate, why would a Christian be interested in celebrating Purim? What message does the book of Esther and, thus, Purim have for Gentiles? The simple answer is two-fold.

Having been grafted into God’s kingdom (Rom. 11:11-24), Christians are the Gentile version of God’s people, the Jews. The importance of the Jewish people to God cannot be overlooked when studying the Old Testament. It was God’s clear intention to send the Messiah to them (Rom. 1:16). Because many Jews rejected him as the Messiah, Gentiles, whose faith was in Jesus as Messiah, were then included in the Kingdom of God as well. This inclusion means that God’s promises, protection, and provision given to the Jewish people also apply to Christians. We celebrate His deliverance of the Jews in Esther’s time as our deliverance as God’s people.

The second reason Christians celebrate Purim is that it celebrates God’s faithfulness. As Christians, we are the living testimony to God’s eternal faithfulness, and that’s the hope we have to offer the Godless world. The story of Esther is just one of an endless list of examples of God’s protection and provision at a time that seemed hopeless for His people.

Hamentaschen Cookies Filled with Raspberry and Apricot Filling | Gourmet Cookie Gifts | Mishloach Manot | Purim Gift Idea for Him & Her | Kosher Hamentaschen Cookies | 22 oz Stern’s Bakery

Hanukkah (Chanukah)

With many different spellings in English, Hanukkah is also called the Feast of Dedication or the Festival of Lights. It celebrates the rededication of the Second Temple following a miraculous victory by a small number of Jews against a large army determined to extinguish them. Jewish traditions were outlawed under the Hellenistic Syrian rule of Antiochus IV (Antiochus Epiphanes). The Temple scrolls were confiscated, and Sabbath observation, adherence to a Kosher diet, and circumcision were punishable by death!

When forced to eat pork or offer sacrifices to foreign gods, many Jews were tortured and put to death. Idols were placed in the Temple. In the writings of Josephus, The Wars of the Jews, it’s recorded that pigs were sacrificed on the Temple altar. Some Jews protected themselves by simply assimilating with the Hellenistic culture. A few hid from the Syrians in caves in the hills of Judea.

A few Jews led by Judah called Maccabee decided to fight for the Torah and their God. Of course, Antiochus sent men to defeat them, but they were instead victorious! Antiochus sent another group, again defeated, and then organized a larger war effort of 40,000 men. Judah and his men were again victorious over a series of battles, though the odds were against them.

Upon their return to Jerusalem, they removed the idols from the Temple. The story goes that they found the Temple menorah gone and had to make another one. There was only one day’s worth of oil to light the menorah, and it would take eight days to make more. Since the menorah is supposed to stay lit, this posed a problem. They lit the menorah with the oil they had, and it stayed lit for the eight days it took to make more oil – a miracle.

Hanukkah’s most noticeable symbol today is the Hanukkiah, a modified menorah with nine lights. One more light is lit each night of Hanukkah until all lights are lit on the last night of Hanukkah. The ninth light is used to light the other candles. Traditional foods during Hanukkah are cooked in oil (in reference to the Temple Menorah story). Latkes, a fried potato pancake, and jelly doughnuts called sufganiyot are popular during Hanukkah. Another common symbol for this festival – the dreidel – represents the dreidel game played during the eight-day celebration.

The story behind Hanukkah is not in the Protestant bible. It’s found in the first and second books of the Maccabees and combined with Jewish legend. Observing an occasion found in an extrabiblical source makes many Christians uncomfortable, but the historical story’s main conclusion is one Christians can fully embrace. Like the time of Esther, the Jewish people were again faced with extinction and seemingly impossible circumstances. And yet again, God preserved them through His own means, by His own plan, to show His glory.

Another reason Hanukkah holds meaning for Christians is that we, as God’s people, also face persecution. American Christians are comfortable now due to our freedom to worship, but it may not always be that way, and that isn’t the case currently for Christians elsewhere in the world. God’s people have been and will be persecuted throughout history, but the faithful of us will stand for our God despite even horrific circumstances.

The Dreidel Company Contemporary Hanukkah Menorah, Polished, Non-tarnishing, Holds Most Hanukkah Candles (Silver)

Hanukkah celebrates the cleansing and rededication of the Temple. It was cleansed of idols and desecration and rededicated to God as it was meant to be. This concept should cause a Christian to look inward. As Paul says in 1 Corinthians 6:19, our bodies are temples. As Christians, we should live our entire lives as a Hanukkah celebration – lives that celebrate our cleansing from sin through Jesus and our rededication to God as we accept him as our Savior and His Spirit lives in us! The Hanukkah story is a beautiful picture of the change that’s taken place in the souls of each Christian!

Furthermore, John 10:22-33 records Jesus celebrating the Feast of Dedication. If it was important enough to be observed by our Savior, it should also be important to us! On the Temple porch, he chooses this day to announce that he is the Messiah.

These two Jewish celebrations have much to offer when integrated into the Christian faith. Since Christians share a place with Jews in the Kingdom of God, Jewish religious festivals can also be meaningful to our faith. The messages of God’s sovereignty, deliverance, faithfulness, cleansing, and rededication are portrayed through stories and the celebrations they’re based upon. Observing Hanukkah and Purim has grown my family spiritually, and I believe it will benefit yours as well!