By Adrian Call
Bitter herbs, unleavened bread and peace offerings are not often a part of daily life at Brigham Young University. Yet they will all be a part of the BYU-hosted Passover meal next month.
What began as a teaching experience has developed into an annual event, said Victor Ludlow, professor of ancient scripture at BYU and specialist in Jewish studies.
?I felt the frustration of students in my Old Testament classes. ? of their difficulties in trying to relate to these ancient Israelites halfway around the world 3000 years ago,? Ludlow said.
For the 33rd year, Ludlow is preparing to conduct the meal, called a Seder, for anyone who would like to participate. The first Seder will be March 26 and others will be on April 1, 8, 9, 15 and 23.
Jeff Chadwick, professor of Judaism in the Gospel, said attending a Seder creates a bond between Jews and Mormons and helps Mormons understand Jews better.
?Seder meal at BYU opens our eyes to the cultures and practices of the Jewish community and our friends in the Jewish world,? Chadwick said.
The Passover is a Jewish holiday celebrating the deliverance of Israel from Egypt. The tradition originally started as a simple commandment to Moses but over the centuries evolved into the Seder meal. By the time of Christ, the Seder had developed into the 14 steps now performed every spring in the Jewish community.
?Latter-day Saints do not perform Passover as a gospel ordinance,? Chadwick said. ?However, because Passover had such a profound impact and important scripture history, as a learning activity, it is a very valuable discovery exercise.?
Ludlow said he hopes participants will have an educational and cultural experience as well as a religious experience.
?There?s a time to come together with family and friends, remember certain things of a religious experience and identify what God has done and continues to do in our lives,? Ludlow said.
Tickets go on sale today in room 271 of the Joseph Smith Building. Ticket price is $25 for the public and $17 for current BYU students, faculty and staff. The cost includes each of the fourteen steps of the Seder along with a special catered meal and commentary by Ludlow. Each meal will be in 3228 WSC from 6:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.
?I think they [the Seder participants] understand, first of all, the Old Testament better,? said Patty Smith, supervisor for the faculty support center in the religion department. ?They understand the sacrament better, the significance of it.?
