The feast was actually held by my parents' branch which consists of missionaries in the Church Headquarters Mission. We were lucky enough to get an invite because Daniel Rona needed youth ages 8-14 to demonstrate some of the feast traditions. My parents' branch president knew they had grandchildren living in the area so my family and Jolyn's family were able to participate. Between the two of us, we have 6 children that are between 8 and 14. (Poor McKayla was really sick and having a difficult time being there.)
The tradition is that the eldest, and therefore wisest, person sits in the 2nd chair. The youngest boy who can read sits in the first chair. That lot fell to Chandler. The "eldest" (without actually performing an age check) was deemed to be the Mission President (President Simmons).
Chandler was really put on the spot. He had to answer several questions and do some reading. He also had to give the closing prayer. 
All of the children had to open the doors for Elijah and to hunt for the passover bread. Josh, Alec, Jake, and Chandler also had to pretend to stomp the grapes for wine.I wish I could remember everything he taught us. There was one thing in particular that really stood out to me. The Jewish people have a tradition of placing their prayer shawl/robe/cloth over one shoulder for some prayers and then they switch it to the other shoulder for the remaining prayers.
The feast included such things as bitter herbs dipped in salt water (yuk!), a leg of lamb and an egg (symbolizing death and life), the unleavened bread, unfermented wine (grape juice), and a sweetly-spiced apple nut mixture.
The whole experience only intensified my desire to visit the Holy Lands.
It sounds like a wonderful experience, I am so glad your family got to take part.
ReplyDeletei think it is important to know more about other religions. esp one that was our saviors. ihave a catholic friend who loves passover and celebrates it ever year. it makes her happy.
ReplyDeletewhat a neat experience!
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