SEASON'S GREETINGS
The American Jewish Committee this month sponsored a pre-Passover Seder for the Latino-Jewish community at the Lawrence Family Jewish Community Center. The Passover holiday begins at sundown April 19, remembering the Israelites' exodus from bondage in Egypt as told in the Hebrew Scriptures.
The Seder, a centerpiece of the observance, is a ritualistic meal whose foods symbolize parts of the story – a roasted egg to symbolize sacrifice in biblical times, a mixture of apple, nuts, spices and wine to symbolize mortar used by the slaves to build things for the Egyptians, saltwater for tears shed during slavery and so forth.
In the U.S., Passover lasts seven or eight days, depending upon which branch of Judaism is followed.
PRAISE MUSIC
While a Catholic choir from Washington, D.C.-area churches is practicing hymns for Thursday's papal Mass at National Stadium, some of the biggest stars of contemporary Christian music are warming up for a weekend gig with the Holy Father in New York.
Third Day and tobyMac are set to perform April 19 at a papal youth rally on the grounds of St. Joseph's Seminary in Yonkers. “American Idol” winner Kelly Clarkson also will sing.
But the real headliner is Pope Benedict XVI, who will encourage young people to go into religious vocations. The pope arrives Tuesday – his first papal visit to the U.S.
WORTHY OF NOTE
Public radio's “Speaking of Faith” series has won a Peabody Award for its conversations about religion and ethics. The segment honored was on Rumi, a 13th-century Islamic poet from Persia whose work is currently experiencing an upsurge in popularity.
“Speaking of Faith” is produced by American Public Media and is hosted by Krista Tippett, who created the series.
THE LAST WORDS
“I find it refreshing when a young person says, 'I think life is more complex than you're trying to paint it.' ”
– The Rev. Adam Hamilton speaking in San Diego on April 2, the same day his book, “Seeing Gray in a World of Black and White: Thoughts on Religion, Morality and Politics,” was released by Abingdon Press. Hamilton is senior pastor of the United Methodist Church of the Resurrection in Leawood, Kan.
