A Shared Inheritance

Passover and Easter Share a Common Inheritance

Happy Easter to each of you! And Passover, too! The first day of Passover was April 2nd, while Easter Sunday is April 5th, and there is a lot of celebrating happening at this time of year. Historically, early Christians originally celebrated Jesus’ death and resurrection on the same day as Passover, known as Pesach, but in the fourth century, the Council of Nicaea established Easter as the Sunday following the full moon after the vernal equinox, separating it from the Jewish calendar.

While Passover commemorates the Israelites’ liberation from slavery in Egypt, Easter celebrates Jesus Christ’s resurrection, symbolizing spiritual redemption. Despite their different religious meanings, the two holidays share a historical connection: the Last Supper, which Jesus shared with his disciples, was a Passover meal, linking the Christian observance of Easter to the Jewish festival of Passover. This year these celebrations share the same dates and energetic space.

Not only are Passover and Easter connected historically, but they are also connected through their meaning—both celebrations share themes of freedom and redemption. Pesach commemorates the Israelites' liberation from slavery in Egypt, while Easter celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ and spiritual liberation from sin and death through Jesus’ sacrifice.

Although Passover and Easter are distinct, they are interconnected celebrations that share themes of liberation and hope, redemption, and sacrifice, offering a rich tapestry of religious, cultural, historical, and spiritual significance.

Years ago, Pope Francis would send a Passover message on behalf of the world’s Catholics to all the world’s Jewish people. As he prayed back in 2018, “May the Almighty bless and accompany the journey of the beloved Jewish People. May the Most High allow us to grow ever more in friendship and to be witnesses of peace and harmony.”

Hopefully, everyone was able to see the beautiful full “pink” moon that just past. A friend of mine snapped a beautiful photo of the moon over the South Carolina waterway and it connected me back to my friends in Pawleys Island and my husband John, who is there, too. It made me realize the interconnectedness of us all- whether by family, place, and/or religious and spiritual beliefs, we truly share connection and Oneness.

Especially in our world of tensions, violence, and fear this year, may we share our worship similarly for all people under God, as we celebrate our holidays this year.

 Love & light
Jeanne