Jewish Passover vs. The Last Supper

Attribute	Jewish Passover	The Last Supper
Date	14th day of Nisan	Maundy Thursday
Origin	Commemorates the Israelites' liberation from slavery in Egypt	Commemorates the Last Supper of Jesus with his disciples
Food	Matzah, bitter herbs, roasted lamb	Bread and wine
Significance	Remembering the Exodus and God's deliverance	Symbolizing the sacrifice of Jesus and the establishment of the Eucharist

Origins

Jewish Passover, also known as Pesach, is a significant Jewish holiday that commemorates the liberation of the Israelites from slavery in ancient Egypt. It is one of the most widely observed Jewish holidays and is celebrated with a special meal called the Seder. The Last Supper, on the other hand, is a meal that Jesus shared with his disciples before his crucifixion. It is a key event in Christian theology and is often seen as the institution of the Eucharist.

Symbolism

Both Jewish Passover and The Last Supper are rich in symbolism. In the Passover Seder, various foods and rituals symbolize different aspects of the Exodus story, such as the bitter herbs representing the bitterness of slavery and the matzah representing the haste with which the Israelites left Egypt. The Last Supper is filled with symbolism as well, with the bread and wine representing the body and blood of Jesus, and the act of washing the disciples' feet symbolizing humility and service.

Participants

In Jewish Passover, the participants are typically family and friends who gather together to retell the story of the Exodus and partake in the Seder meal. The Last Supper, on the other hand, was a more intimate gathering of Jesus and his twelve disciples. Each participant in both events played a specific role in the narrative, whether it was retelling the story of the Exodus or receiving the teachings of Jesus.

Food and Drink

Food and drink play a central role in both Jewish Passover and The Last Supper. In the Passover Seder, specific foods are eaten to symbolize different aspects of the Exodus story, such as the matzah representing the unleavened bread the Israelites ate while fleeing Egypt. In The Last Supper, Jesus broke bread and shared wine with his disciples, instructing them to do this in remembrance of him. The act of sharing a meal together creates a sense of community and connection among the participants.

Religious Significance

Both Jewish Passover and The Last Supper hold deep religious significance for their respective faith traditions. Passover is a time for Jews to remember and celebrate their liberation from slavery and to reflect on the importance of freedom and redemption. The Last Supper is a pivotal moment in Christian theology, as it is seen as the institution of the Eucharist and a foreshadowing of Jesus' sacrifice on the cross. Both events are commemorated annually and are central to the religious identity of Jews and Christians.

Continuation

While Jewish Passover is celebrated annually by Jews around the world, The Last Supper has been commemorated by Christians for over two thousand years. The Eucharist, which was instituted at The Last Supper, is a central sacrament in Christianity and is celebrated regularly in churches around the world. Both events continue to hold significance for their respective faith communities and serve as reminders of the foundational stories and teachings of Judaism and Christianity.