Easter - The “Resurrection Holiday”
Tami Lancut Leibovitz
Addressing Passover without also talking about Easter - the Christian holiday which coincides with Passover - would serve a misjustice to our Christian neighbors,friends, colleagues, and clients all over the world. First things first - take the time to wish them a happy holiday!
During the month of Spring (Nissan in the Jewish calendar, April in the Gregorian) both the Jews and the Christians celebrate: Passover for the Jews - representing their liberation from slavery, and Easter for the Christians - signifying the resurrection of Christ from the dead.
Easter is celebrated on the Sunday following the first full moon in the month of Spring, which changes from year to year - the Orthodox Christian Church determines the date according to a different method, and as such, this year it will be celebrated on a Sunday between the 22nd of March and the 25th of April. This year, it will be celebrated on the 12th of April.
A bit of history:
Christians celebrate for a whole week, known as “The Holy Week”, which always ends on a Sunday with Easter itself taking place. The week starts with Palm Sunday, which signifies Jesus arriving at Jerusalem (which happened on the year 30 AD according to the Christian faith). He came to Jerusalem from the direction of the Mountain of Olives, and until today people march across Jerusalem, starting with the Mountain of Olives, carrying palm branches.
Jesus was crucified on a Friday. His believers requested from the Roman authorities for a proper Jewish burial to be held before Shabbat, and were granted their request. To this day, marches are held along the route Jesus took with 14 stops along the way. This is called “Good Friday”.
On Saturday Jesus rested in his grave. In remembrance, the “Holy Fire” ceremony is held at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.
On Sunday, it is officially Easter - the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The three holy Mariot visited the grave and realized it was empty. An angel appeared to them and asked, “why are you looking for the living amongst the dead?”. This is the most important day which concludes “The Holy Week”, and when Jesus embarked on his 40 day march to Mount Olives, when he ascended to Heaven. In remembrance of this event, a partial fast is held for 40 days where no meat is consumed.
Easter Customs:
Easter Holidays is celebrated during the Month of Spring, and like many other Christian holidays many parallels can be drawn between it and other holidays of earlier religions. For example, the rabbit associated with Easter which signifies fertility; the egg which signifies fertility and renewal.
“The Holy Week” - The most significant days being Sunday, when Jesus entered Jerusalem; Thursday, when the Last Meal was held; Friday, when Jesus was crucified; Saturday, when Jesus redeemed the souls of the righteous from hell; and Sunday, when Jesus was brought back from the dead.
“Forty Day Fast” - A partial fast when no meat is consumed in order to commemorate the journey Jesus took to Mount Olives, where he ascended to Heaven.
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