My parental units and I attended our very first ‘Seder’ Passover (Haggadah) dinner at our local church from 07:00PM to 09:22PM for $25.00 each person. This was an invitation by Poi B. during the breakfast on Monday, March 10, 2008. We took pictures of each other and ‘Paw’ looked cute in his little black ‘cap’, which was provided for guys to wear on their heads during the Passover feast.
We greeted some people: An old lady (so far most) liked my shorter, squire, bob-like hairstyle and another ‘white’ lady talked about how other people cried at church with ‘Maw’ (of course the emotional one) during the surprise 40th Anniversary Blessing that I requested Father Lim to say for my parental units on Monday, March 10, 2008 in front of everyone during the morning mass at 08:00AM.
I emailed my local church (last minute) around midnight and phoned the same morning to no avail. Tonight was pleasant enough with some people dressing semi-formal. I was sticky hot in my shiny polyester, maroon colored top, however. Anyway, we learned about the different items located at the table.
I sat next to the right of my parental units with a total mismatched, white guy, Jeffrey, Vanessa and her Filipino parents to my right. There was Rose and Fred in front of me and another couple, Bert and his wife to my left side too. I said very little and ignored the people. The program was about one hour.
Candle Blessing: The hostess or ‘Mother’ usually prepares this flower at the middle of the table and is the one to light candles located somewhere inside the flower arrangement.
Cup of Thanksgiving – Kiddush: The first cup is poured by the head of the table and everyone drinks up. There was blush wine and apple juice for the non-alcoholic drinkers. I opted for the light, rosy-colored liquid, the good stuff.
Rahatz and Karpas: A snip of parsley dipped in salt water twice and then eaten. I kept chewing while the Master of Ceremonies or Lector continues with his readings.
Matzee – Matzo: A large, cracker-like flat bread is passed around and shared with each person breaking a piece off to be dipped into horseradish (gasp!) and eaten. My eyes were teary from the strong heat of the horseradish, of course.
Cup of Memory and Haddadh: The second cup was pour once again by the head of the table and we drank well.
Elements of the Passover Feast: The MC and Guest would ask about the following elements. The Lector’s wife holds up each element while the Lector give a short response to each one.
- Pesach – The Paschal Lamb.
- Matzo – A bread of affliction.
- Moror – A bitter herb.
- Roasted Egg – A symbol of life everlasting.
- Haroses – The mortar used by the Israelites in making brick in Egypt.
Psalm 114: The Lord’s Wonders at the Exodus.
The Korekh: Benediction is said by the ‘males’ or ‘Fathers’.
Dinnertime: We were served by ‘waiters’ from 08:55 until around 09:11PM. We had one steaming hot potato still wrapped in its foil, and lots of steamed veggies, beef, chicken, green jelly and later on a choice of fruits, followed by cookies and coffee.
Search for the Afikoman: Two children went around the tables in search of what appeared to be a blue piece of cloth containing the middle piece of ‘dessert’ (or one of three matzo representing three classes of Jewish priests — the Cohen, the Levi, and the Israeli [people]). This was wrapped and hidden to be eaten last.
The Cup of Blessing: The head of the table pours the drinks again and we drank.
Psalm 116: Thanksgiving to God for Help in Need.
Reception of Elijah: Some old dude (Elijah) with a very white beard was rapping at the side door quite loudly twice (five and six times). His wife opened the door, filling ‘Elijah’s cup as he arrives.
Cup of Freedom and Final Benediction: The ones at the head of the table poured our final drink. I drank the whole thing – hiccup!
Acknowledgements were said – [yawn].
Shalom
Addendum 11:06PM 03/19/2008: I noticed at least five to seven of these ‘white’ folks with pinkish red skins. The big white guy sitting to the right of Father Parata had the brightest red face. I was blasting that entity since I have one TB created by DB (this year) inside my Donney Bourke bag of black with bright brown colored trimmings.
Copyright © 2008 by Fluffy von der Flynn. All rights reserved.
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