Lenten Reflections #37
“I am FULL Jewish,” said Josie, a bright, six-year-old who is more faith-driven than most grown adults.
She asked if she could share a little about Passover with the class.
She sat straight up and began, “Today is the first day of Passover. It represents God leading his people out of Egypt. It’s called Passover because the angel of death passed over. Back then, they used to have a lamb leg; it was a lamb that you had to love for a lot of days, but then you had to kill it, eat it, and then put its blood on your doorpost, or else the firstborn would die. And um…this person, I forgot his name, but this person who used to live in Egypt, killed someone, then he ran away. God came through a burning bush, and the bush was all fine. He told Joseph to lead his people there.”
Josie continued, “We’re also going to do something really fun with frogs!”
Class was ending, so we missed the story of the frogs, but intrigued, I did a little research on the amphibian and how it fit into Josie’s Passover explanation.
Biblically speaking, frogs were the second of 10 divine plagues unleashed upon Egypt when the Pharaoh refused to free the Hebrews from slavery. Throughout history, the frog symbolizes the liberation struggle—the very liberation Jews celebrate on Passover.
God told Moses, “Behold, I hear the cry of the children of Israel. I have surely remembered you and seen what is done to you. And now I will put forth my hand and smite Egypt with signs and with wonders. Go tell Pharaoh, Let My people go!”Moses told Pharaoh, “Let My people go!” But Pharaoh said no. So God sent ten awful plagues to punish the Egyptians and to teach Pharaoh that only God is God.
After turning the water in all of Egypt’s rivers, streams, and ponds into blood, God said, “Let My people go!” That’s when the frogs hopped into the kitchen ovens where bread is baked. Then God sends gnats, flies, locusts, darkness, and finally the killing of the firstborn, as young Josie mentioned. Finally, Pharaoh freed them from slavery. (Our Beautiful Passover Seder Table and Frogs)
Josie went on to say she’s super lucky because she will be the child to ask the four questions at the Passover Seder meal. A true honor.
Here they are:
How is this night different from all other nights?
On all other nights, we eat chametz (leavened foods) and matzah. Why on this night, only matzah?
On all other nights, we eat all vegetables. Why, on this night, maror (bitter herbs)?
On all other nights, we don’t dip even once. Why on this night do we dip twice?
She told us the story beautifully, now she just has to memorize the questions in Hebrew! If any six-year-old can do it, it’s Josie.
What I learned:
Jewish children are immersed in their religion, culture, and education. The Seder is a prime example of a time when they are encouraged to ask questions, think critically, and explore their beliefs. The pride Josie has for who she is and where she came from is remarkable. What a gift.
Thanks for joining me.
I’m so glad you’re here,
🙂 Lucretia
runonmom.com 