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Parasha Pesach
7 APRIL 2012
Torah: Exodus 12:21-51
Maftir (Hebrew: "conclusion") informally refers to the final section of the weekly reading of a Torah portion: Numbers 28:16-25
HafTorah:
Joshua 3:5-7; 5:2-15; 6:1, 27
Luke 22:7-20
I Cor. 5:6-8

Pesach, Passover, following biblical law, is observed seven days (eight days outside of land of Israel), beginning on the eve of the 15th and ending on the 21st Of Nisan. The first and last days, holy convocation services are held. The intervening days, known as Chol Hamoed, are half-holy days. The holiday is celebrated in memory of GOD bringing freedom to His people from the Egyptians. This was a momentous time in which GOD brought forth His people from slavery to freedom.

The name Pesach means “passing over,” referring to when the Malach HaMavet (angel of death), spared the Israelites, seeing the blood on the door lintel. It has been observed since the actual Exodus from Egypt over thirty-five hundred years ago.

The Passover Feast celebrates the birth of Israel, that GOD chose them to convey His holiness, that no other gods exist, and He alone is to be worshiped. "Thou shall not have any other GOD."

As time went on, Passover also came to be a holiday in which the Jewish people hoped and prayed that one day, the long exile would end, and the Kingdom reestablished under Mashiach Ben David.

The Haggadah Tells us, that we have suffered in other lands, and that we have prayed and hoped to be a free people in our own land. The hope is declared at the end of every Seder, “This year we are slaves; next year may we be free men.”

Along time ago I read an article in which the writer stated, "Freedom is not just a political and civil condition; it is one (a condition) of the spirit."

We who worship in Spirit and in truth, the One GOD of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob; who have been "called out of darkness into His marvelous Light," need to always have faith and remember His faithfulness in bringing us into His covenant and having set us free from our spiritual Egypt, or whatever oppression we had. We are now free and await the return of Messiah to Jerusalem in hope and observance of His Torah.

Let us declare now, not only next year in Jerusalem; but next year in the New Jerusalem in which Messiah will rule and His Torah will go forth to all nations.

Ha Sameach Pesach
Shavua Tov
Rabbi Z.

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