The Feastvial of Our Freedom

Shalom:

In less than twenty-four hours, it will be Passover.
This year holds special meaning for me.
Dealing with this depression, as taught me how to find joy in the little things. The singing of a BlueJay. The beauty of a ButterCup. The joy that comes with a dog washing your face with kisses.
 Mark is still out of work. And yet, we have never been closer. We talk more. We pray more. Yes, things have been tense at times, but we have learn to make up quicker. We say 'I love you,' more, we giggle over a shared candy bar or have laughing fits over the antics of Montaque.

 As I read once again the story of Passover, of G_D seeing the oppression of His people and through Moshe, delievered them from Pharoah with a strong Hand. Like our forefathers, we are being beaten down and oppressed with the weight of our present situration. We are being pressed on all sides, we have been crying out to the Holy One. Crying out for jobs, for relieve from bill collectors, from the bondage of lack. We are driven to our knees in prayer, knowing in our heart of hearts He shall deliever us.
Just as He delievered our forefathers in those days of ole.
The Passover Miracle? The delieverance from Bondage, to be led to the Land flowing with milk and honey, The Promised Land. He is still the G_D Who Sees, Who Cares, Who Delievers.
Many of the Hebrews lost hope, no longer believered. But many Hebrews still held on and did not give up hope. The whip against raw backs didn't beat away the longing of the breaking of those chains.
It didn't matter who did or did not believe in the Promise; G_D still came and delievered His Children.
And that is why we partake of the Passover every year; to remember that Night of Wonder, that Night of Nights.
Now here is the interesting part I saw this year: it wasn't believeing if G_D would indeed deliever His Children as promised, but was in the lamb itself.
Each family was to take for themselve a male yearling into their home for four or five days. They were to feed it from their table. The yearling slept with the children, played with the children and followed the woman of the home around. The lamb became part of the family; they even had to clean up after the guy's waste.
But then, there came that day when the family stood in front of the door, each member placing their hands upon the lamb's head. Then the father would have to slit the lamb's throat, all the while the lamb is looking lovingly in the father's eyes.
The blood was placed on the doorpost and then the lamb is roasted and eaten. In sadness.
The salvation was in the death of the lamb, of placing the blood on the doorpost and eating its roasted flesh. It was personal because the salvation came from not just any old lamb; but one that the family had embraced.
And yet, when the Angel of the L_RD "saw the blood, He Passover that house."
Centries later, Yeshua Himself celebrated Passover.  First with His mother, step-father, brothers and sisters, then later His Disciples. He knew what it was like to see that living, warm lamb, feeling its breath on His hand as it licked His hand. He knew what it was to carry the body of that same lamb upon His shoulders, so that it would be roasted and eaten iwth His family, along with the bitter herbs and unleavened bread. He drank the four cups on the table and sang the Passover songs. On His last night on earth, Yeshua said, "I have longed to share this Passover with you."
And so did His followers. In fact, until 300 A.D, the followers of Yeshua HaMessiah did not celebrate Easter, but Passover. It wasn't until Passover, along with all the other Feast of the L_RD were condmen and outlawed by the church fathers. So, with respect, this is why, if Yeshua was alive today, He would be keeping, not Easter, but Passover.
Sorry, no Easter Egg Hunts.
With all we have gone through the past almost two years, I can relate somewhat to my forefathers and mothers. For I have still outside, looking at the moon and cry; "When, L_RD, when?"
And just trust that He will deliever us.
This year we shall indeed hold a Seder in our home, thanks to the loving gifts of others who have made it possiable for us to keep the Commandment to keep the Passover. Gifts from the Hands of G_D through His children.
Today, Mark recieved a call; he was called back for a third interview with a insurance company. We are believing that this is his job.
A Passover Miracle.
Tomorrow night, Mark and I, like Jews all around the world, we will paratake of the roasted lamb and drink the wine, eat the unleaven and eat the bitter herbs. We shall enjoy in the G_D of our Salvation.
I invite my christian friends to read the Passover Story, found in Exdous chapter one to twelve. It's your story too.
For if there had been no Passover, there would be no Yeshua HaMessiah.

It Finally Feels Like Spring

Boker Tov:
It finally feels like Spring here in Virginia.
I was slowly awaken by the warmth of the rising sun and the singing of the blue birds just outside our bedroom window.
I laid there, in the warmth of my husband's arms, listening to his soft breathing, listening to the birds. It reminded of my childhood; the birds singing outside the window.
Mark stirred and I felt his eyes begin to open.
What a wonderful way to wake up in the morning. G_d's smile (sunshine) G_d's voice (the birds singing) and G_d's warm embrace (being held in my husband's arms)
We got up and prepared for the day. I brushed and dressed Montaque for the day as Mark made coffee. We had our and Mark took Monti for the first walk of the day while I got dressed.
We have been attending a Marriage Class at our former church, but because Mark had Drill and then just not having the money for gas, we have missed the last few classes. So this morning, we were able to attend, only to find there was no class. So back home we went, to have the morning meal and get Monti since we are going to visit a friend in a Rehab Center later in the day.
So right now, we are enjoying a second cup of coffee, enjoying the quiet of the day.
On the way home, we talked about the coming week.
This week is Preparation Week as we prepare to remember and partake of the Passover. Hebrews around the world for the past month have been cleaning their homes, top to bottom, removing all leaven (yeast) including anything that would contain yeast. This includes breads, cakes, cookies, etc. I have always believed this is where we get "Spring Cleaning," because everything is aired out and the house is refreshed.
Yeast is often pictured as sin and to clean our homes is to make us reflect upon our own spiritual state. How "clean" am I? Just as I use to have a hiding place for my cookies when I was a child (and my mother would find then during Spring Cleaning), so to we tend to look into places we haven't seen since last year, and find a nice little mess. How much better we are more attended to "hidden places." During this time, we stop buying and using leaven products, because the Passover is to be remembered in a "preparaed place."
When my son was a boy, we try to reenact as much of Passover as we could. I would remind him that Yeshua, as a Child, would have helped clean the house for Passover. That He would help remove the leaven in the house.
Yeshua even as an adult would keep Passover, even telling His Disciples to "go find and prepare the place that we make keep the Passover," the final week of His earthly life.
For us, it will be a far different Passover. We will not be hosting a Seder in our home. But we will be ridding our home from leaven, preparing our hearts and homes for this special time of the year.

The Second Day

Shalom:
It is the Second Day of Unleaven Bread.
I often think about what it must have been like to leave the place of your birth, the place you had lived your whole life as a slave. You really didn't have a childhood, but worked in mudpits, carrying water and dodging the taskmaster's whip. To see your mother and father treated like dogs, yelled at, cursed at, whipped and beaten.
To grow up and marry, then bring children into this same world. To pray that your wife or daughter isn't whipped or worse, raped on this day. To hold onto your faith, the Promise that one day you and your people shall be free.
And now here you are, with your wife and children, free! Heading for the Land your forefather told you G-d had promised. No more whips or chains or tears.
The future laid somewhere along the sandy path you now walk.
My people.

My people were once free and then, one day, a child, a woman, a man, were trapped and chained. Put on ships and crossed the blue waters to another land, another world.
The freedom they once knew in North Africa, West Africa, their faith, Hebrew, ripped from them.
Drawing on the old stories they knew by heart from the Torah, G-d would free them. They hung to that hope, their faith. It was their lifeline.
And one day, news came that they were indeed set free, nolonger slaves.
My people. Hebrew slaves. Afrcian slaves.
This week, I celebrate the freedom of my people.

Taking A Break

Shalom:
Man, it has been a busy day.
I am so thankful so such a beauitful sunny day to clean. The sunshine was so bright, it lighten up our kitchen, which frankly is rather dark. During the Spring and Summer I leave the back door open for the light.
So tomorrow I have to wait for the guys to come and change the light bulb.
Last night, just after Shabbat ended, I went into the kitchen to do a final sweep of cookies, cakes, bread, etc. And just as I threw on the light switch, the light bulb went out.
Now you have to understand, we live in a building that is over one hundred years old. And that means the light fixtures are tricky. While the last time Mark was able to change the bulb with no problems, even with a step ladder the fixture was too high and the screws too tight for me to reach and undo. Plus the danger of my falling was too real from being so high up. So I have to wait until Maintiance comes tomorrow to take care of it.
That's fine. However, we have one, slight problem.
Tomorrow is Passover!
This means I cannot mop my kitchen floor and anything they touch I have to wipe down again so that the kitchen is kosher for Passover meal preparations.
Who said this was going to be a drama free Passover?
Anyway, all of the foods we are not permitted to eat is now out of the house. What was open, I either used or threw away.
What wasn't open, I gave to my upstaairs neighors for thier use. It is a custom to sell our leaven, but I rather give it to the Food Bank or to someone who could really use the food.
Well, break time over. Heading for the main stetch.
The Dinningroom.

Passover Care Package.

Shalom:
This afternoon the weather was lovely. In the 70's. But still a slight chill.
I went all for a few things and...well, you know how it sometimes go.....
I ahead and did most of my Passover/Shabbat shopping, though I do have to pick up Challah tomorrow.
While shopping, I went ahead and picked up some Passover goodies for Mark since when he recieves this box, it will be the Feast of Unleaven bread.

Mark love Almond Macaroons. This brand, Shabtai Gourment is one I found several years ago. It is hard to believe that these macaroons which are gluten, lactose, casein, soy and dairy frre taste so good. But they do.

This is a macaroon, firuit and chocolate plate. Yummy.

Yes truffies are kosher.

I added some dried fruits and dates. Of course it will also contain several love letters from "his pookie" as well as a few Passover cards. Enough for Mark to share the High Holy Days with his fellow soldiers and still enjoy a sweet taste of home.
I didn't sleep well last night and plan to turn in early.
All and all it has been a very good day. The only thing that would make it better is a card from Mark.

The Birds Have Returned

Boker Tov;
While the tree just outside our bedroom window hasn't begun to blossom, the birds have returned.
This morning, just as the sun was rising, I heard the birds singing.
I just laid there for awhile, enjoying their song.
Ah Spring.
Today I start preparing for Passover. I haven't decided about inviviting folks over. While it would be a good idea, both my doctor and Mark have caution me about doing too much, too soon.
So I shall play it by ear.
The bedroom needs to be dusted and then the bathroom will recieve a going over. It's tiny, so it won't take long. Since the weather is nice, I am also opening the windows.
Then to the little Shul. I need to dust, put away books and tidy up the desk.
That's the beauty of list....
As I write this, I smell the coffee that just finish brewing and eyed the menorah that needs cleaning and polishing.
Menorahs added to the polish list.
But I don't plan to work all day. The weather remain lovely and I do intend to go for a walk this aftenoon.
With my cell-phone in me pocket.
After all, I just might get a call from Afghanistan.

Making A List, Checking it Twice

Shalom:
This morning was cloudly and yucky.
But this afternoon the sun is out.
I had a visitor; a dear friend who brought soup, tea and juice. I am able to handle more than sop these days. We even had a cup of coffee together.
My voice is still raspy, but it is coming back.
I cleaned the bedroom today, the only thing left is to dust and then it is ready for Passover.
Next is the bathroom and then the study.
Yes, I am taking it slow and easy, refusing to stress. It is a time of celebration and joy. Yes, much is to be done, but there is indeed joy in the preparations.
So I am making my list: cleaning list, shopping list and checking it twice. Making sure bases are covered and I enjoy this blessed time.
Mark is preparing for Passover in Afghanistan as well. He has his shank bone and the rabbi from Fort Dix is gone ahead to prepare the place where the Hebrew soldiers will celebrate Passover.
The unit has recieved the pre-made meals for the Hebrew soldiers, kosher for Passover, for they can observe the Passover and the seven days that follow.
OK, Laini, what does that mean?
Well, during Passover we do not eat anything with leaven. That means, breads and any other baked goods that uses yeast. Today there are wonderful bakery goods that we enjoy and one wouldn't believe it was actully a Passover cake or cookie (in the past, these products were known to have no taste) This includes no pasta (i.e no cous-cous). It is a pure, fresh diet. And depending on your tradition, no rice, corn or beans. In our traditon (Sephardic) corn, rice and beans are permitted. But since most of our friends aren't Sephardic, we tend to keep things simple, so we can fully enjoy this time with those we love.
In a few days I have a doctor's appointment, so I will stop and order my lamb. It is going to feel so strange celebrating Passover without my beloved by my side. Our first Passover apart.
But I also know G-d will see me through this, like He has everything esle.

Preparing to Leave Egypt

Boker Tov;:
Before I begin, I would ask all my readers to pray for my friend Beth, author of the blog Nutwood Junction. Her father had a massive stroke and hard choices have had to be made. Having faced this with my own mother ten years ago, (in our case, mother has gone to live another ten years) I know what first hand the emotions Beth is going through and I am asking all who know Beth, even if you don't, please prayer for her, her dad, mum, hubby and sisters.

I can honesty say I am beginning to feel better. I am not wheezing as much and while I hate having to take all of this medication, it is for a short time and it is appearing to be working. The compact Nebizler is awesome, just sits on a nearby table with the rest of my medication.
I made even try a cup off coffee this morning.

It is a beautiful sunny moning. I haven't opened the door, so it could be chilly. Either way, it is still pretty.
Soon, it shall be Spring.
I shall be able to open the window and let all the winter air out and the spring in.
It is also time to prepare for Passover.
In a few days it will be the Hebrew month of Nissan.
Already, many a hebrew home, the house is being clean, preparing for this grand celebration. In fact, if I haven't sick, my would be well on the way as well.
This is the time that with a Stronge Arm, The Holy One kept that long made promise to free the hebrews of their bonds and bring them back to the Land He had Promised them.
Because the Delieverance was sudden in one night, there was no time for the bread to rise. Because yeast (leaven) is spoken of in Torah as sin, all of the leavn was to be removed from the house as well. They were to eat the lamb, roasted with spring greens, dressed and ready to leave.
It was a Night to Remember always.
Today, we continue to remember this night, this is a teaching time for our children and all who wish to know how this Holy Day fits into their own faith. It is now a meal of Freedom and Rejoicing.
For once we were slaves, but now we are free.
Once we ate in haste, now, we relax, enjoy and remember.
And we pray. We pray for all who still long for freedom, the freedoms we as a Holy people and yes, even Americans enjoy.
This year, with a break of tradition because Mark isn't here, we will not have a Sedar. I hope to be well enough to attend one. But I will as my strenght returns, will prepare our home for this holy time. It is truly holy, because we are "cleaning our homes and our bodies" of the sins that have crept in during the year.
I opened the back door; it is very pretty outside.