Welcome to our Spring Celebration of Rebirth and Resurrection, a blending of the Jewish Passover Seder this year in April, the Christian celebration of Good Friday on March 29 and Easter on March 31, the Pagan practices for Spring Equinox on March 19, and Ramadan taking place this year March 10 – April 8. All four ceremonies focus on our yearly rebirth from the throes of Winter’s cold and darkness into the growth of plant-life, increase of daylight hours and warmth with the coming of Spring. We’ll begin by lighting the Sabbath candles.
Baruch Atah Adonai Elohaynu Mehech ha-olam, asher kid’shanu b’mitzvotav, vitzivhnu l’hadlik nayr shel shabot. Shabot Shalom!
Blessed art thou, Eternal our God, King of the Universe, who has sanctified us through thy commandments and instructed us to light the Sabbath candles. Peace on the Sabbath.
(lights candle) With this fire, I call upon Nature’s power for renewal and rebirth. Let Spring be reborn from Winter. So, mote it be!
Pagan practices of Rebirth and Resurrection are grounded in Love, beginning with the story of Demeter, Goddess of the Harvest, and her daughter Persephone. When Hades the God of the Underworld abducted Persephone, Demeter left her post to search for her and the world suffered famine due to the loss of grain. Demeter descended into hell to retrieve her daughter. Hades sensed Demeter’s approach and charmed Persephone into eating three seeds of a pomegranate. As Demeter departed with her daughter, Hades claimed his right to Persephone’s presence as his consort three months each year as payment for “taking” the seeds, thereby creating the cycle between Winter and Spring.
Christians celebrate Good Friday, the eve of Christ’s Last Supper and Easter Sunday which marks Jesus’ resurrection from his tomb. Quoting from Matthew: “My time is at hand; I will keep Passover with my Disciples.”
Muslims celebrate liberation from lower forces experienced by fasting and prayer during Ramadan. This is the 13th night of Ramadan which is commemorated with this prayer:
Allah, on this 13th night of Ramadan, purify me in body, mind and soul; make me patient over the events that have transpired, grant me the wisdom to keep company with Goodness and awake from darkness into light.
Let’s drink the first toast to liberation of all people on earth: Baruch Atah Adonai Elohaynu Melech Ha-olam, boray p’ri ha-gafen.
Blessed art thou, Eternal our God, King of the Universe, creator of the fruit of the vine. (Drink)
When Jesus passed his cup of wine to his disciples, he said, “Drink it, all of you, for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. Do this in remembrance of me.”
Before the Exodus from Egypt, Jews and Pagans alike celebrated the renewal of life each Spring. The tender greens and salt from the sea joined together to sustain life and as a symbol of rebirth. (Everyone takes a sprig of parsley, dips into salt water, holding it up while saying the prayer:)
Blessed art thou, Eternal our God, King of the Universe, creator of the greens of the earth.
(Jewish lead holds up plate) These three matzoh represent the three groupings of our people. The Cohanim serve as priests and rabbis; the Levi’s serve as cantors and keepers of the temple; and the Israelim are the rest of the congregation. This middle matzoh is the Afikomen. (Breaks it in two.) One part we keep here, the other is hidden so our children can hunt for it. Then we put the two halves together again as a sign that our hope is in our children to find what is lost, to bring together what was broken. Each of us add bitter herb (chrain) onto the matzoh and mortar (charoset) as a reminder of the bitterness of slavery leading to the sweetness of freedom.
Blessed art thou, Eternal our God, King of the Universe, who has instructed us to eat bitter herbs and sweet mortar.
When Jesus broke unleavened bread during the Last Supper, he said, “Take this, eat! This is my body. Do this in remembrance of me.”
Prophet Elijah visits every house celebrating a Seder. (Fills Elijah’s cup) We fill Elijah’s cup to prepare for his coming and open the door as a symbol that no one is shut off from his fellow man. (Someone opens a door.) During the era of the ghettos in Eastern Europe, legends spoke of Elijah appearing to any Jew in great trouble, perhaps coming as a beggar to save the soul of a wealthy man by giving him a last chance to be charitable. Let all who are hungered come and eat; whomever is in need, come celebrate Passover!
The Lord brought us out of Egypt with a mighty hand. The ten plagues were the result of the volcanic eruption of Mt. Thera (1325 BC) which destroyed the island currently called Santorini in the Mediterranean 500 miles NW of Egypt. Similar to the destruction caused by Krakatoa, which exploded with miles of ash, toxic dust, debris, causing acid rain, blackened skies, iron oxide turning rivers red, killing fish, cattle and crops, giving people skin rash and boils.
Let us dip our pinky into our wine, throwing a drop onto our plate as we say each of the plagues: Darkness, Hail & Toxic Dust, Boils, Blood in Rivers, Frogs, Locusts, Vermin, Beasts, Cattle Disease, Killing the First Born.
God instructed the Jews in Egypt to sacrifice a lamb and smear the lentils of their doorposts with its blood so the Angel of Death would pass over their homes, killing only the first born in homes without lamb’s blood on the doorway. When Christ conducted His Last Supper, he likened His body to that of the sacrificial lamb. The horizontal beam on the Cross is analogous to the lentil on Passover doorways.
When Pharaoh’s first-born was killed by the Angel of Death, Pharoah allowed Moses to lead the Jews out of Egypt. But when they arrived at the Red Sea, Pharoah broke his word pursuing them with a mighty army. The Lord caused the waters to be divided so the Jews could pass over safely. When the soldiers tried to follow, the wall of water broke over them drowning them all.
Let us remember the martyrs, victims of the Roman Empire (Jews and Christians alike), the Inquisition, the Crusades, the Russian pogroms, the Third Reich, and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine; as well as the victims of all wars: for all killing is an outrage to God. Let us remember and never forget those who gave the world examples of courage: the Early Christians, those who fought in the ghettos, concentration camp survivors, and witches burned at the stake – remember; never forget.
She-ma Israel, Adonai Elohaynu, Adonai E-chod. Hear Israel, God is Eternal, our God is ONE.
Our Passover ceremony is now accomplished; may we celebrate Passover next year in a world of peace, a world of universal freedom.
Morris McClellan’s Let Peace Prevail:
The earth is home for everyone, A planet jewel, warmed by the sun,
Stranger and friend, reach out your hand, lift up your voices, and make a stand
Lift up your voices, throughout every land
Let peace prevail, over mountains tall, through hill and dale, for one and all,
Across oceans wide, love shall not fail, throughout the world, Let Peace Prevail.
Throughout the world, Let Peace Prevail.
This is a beautiful and meaningful interfaith service relevant to our changing times, when many of us choose to honour many paths to the One God. Thank you to those who created it and made it available. I would love to be part of a group to use this, maybe I can find a few interested persons near where I live.
This was very inspiring. Thank you!
love Morris’ song 🙂
I am moved by your sensitivity and incorporation of all ‘Rights of Spring’ celebrations.
As Christ so famously stated, “Whenever two or more are gathered in my name – there is Love!” The reason I published this blended ceremony is precisely so beloved Subud Brothers and Sisters could celebrate wherever they happen to be. Please, use my “script” with my blessings and by all means, add gems of your own.
I am willing to make myself unpopular here and I am sorry if my comments are hurtful, but I feel this piece needs to be thoroughly revised if it is to remain on the site. It is never pleasant to correct anyone’s works but I and all readers are invited to “Submit a Comment” so I will. Like many, I am for interfaith events (not mixing religious services though) and joint proclamations of peace and goodwill but their creation/organization requires the participation of the faiths concerned so that they are not misrepresented.
1. “All four ceremonies focus on our yearly rebirth from the throes of Winter’s cold and darkness into the growth of plant-life, increase of daylight hours and warmth with the coming of Spring. ” This most definitely is not the focus of Ramadan. Ramadan is a lunar month and passes through all seasons where there are distinct seasons. The transition from one season to another is never the focus of Ramadan – anywhere. The focus is on carrying out God’s command in the Qur’an to fast in the month of Ramadan and on prayer and purification.
2. The 13th night of Ramadan is not “commemorated” by Muslims. The prayer or dua included here is said only by those who choose to say a prayer (make dua) every night of Ramadan as they count it down to the Nights of Power (which most definitely are commemorated) and ultimately to Eid, which closes the fast as it were. Perhaps this prayer was taken from a website specializing in dua, giving one for each night of Ramadan but offering no context?
3. “Let us remember the martyrs, victims of the Roman Empire (Jews and Christians alike), the Inquisition, the Crusades, the Russian pogroms, the Third Reich, and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine; as well as the victims of all wars: for all killing is an outrage to God.” Why no specific mention of Palestine or Gaza? It might be better to simply give a general statement against wars, genocides and persecution rather than name some but not name others.
I am concerned how we present ourselves (Subud) to the world. I’m sorry to say but I imagine Muslims reading this would want to give Subud a wide berth. I cannot speak for the other religions or for paganism. We really do need to be more careful.
Here are some wise words from Ibu Rahayu:
Subud is not a religion, but it can be described as a ‘technique for religion.’ So, look for truth by practicing your religion, as that’s where you will find the truth. So, if you are a Christian, there is no need for you to follow Islam, if you do you will end up not knowing which way to go. So follow your path, and by following your path, through your resolve, find the proof that your religion is true.” 04 DPS 1
One final, minor point “The horizontal beam on the Cross is analogous to the lentil on Passover doorways.” A lentil is a small legume whereas a lintel is a beam of some sort placed above a door or a window.
It is with much sadness that I am moved to affirm the observations made above by Iljas Baker. Especially with regard to the appropriateness of this piece remaining on the SICA-USA website. As stated by Iljas, “their creation / organization requires the participation of the faiths concerned, so that they are not misrepresented.”
Clearly this has not happened with this piece, as demonstrated by the reasons that Iljas has provided. I affirm the statements made by Iljas, and also his reference to advice given to Subud members by Ibu Rahayu regarding the practice of our respective religions.
I would just like to add that I had very great discomfort with this material when it was presented on the SICA-USA website last year, for precisely the same reasons that are presented above by Iljas. I had not the words myself at that time to give an appropriate response. However, present current events makes these thoughts even more compelling at this time.
With love and respect to all of my Subud brothers and sisters who work with such devotion and dedication to Bapak and to Subud.
Sincerely,
Laura Paterson
Thank you Fayra, for a beautiful and thoughtful, ecumenically minded, ritual that succeeds in expressing our need to pull together to see what we commonly share in our worship in the latihan. Full disclosure: I’m the current chair of SICA-USA and as such I support all Subud member’s right to contribute creative material for all of us to enjoy, to consider and to reflect on. I appreciate all viewpoints and opinions that are courteous, kind and supportive of growth.
I don’t think Fayra’s point here was to accurately convey every aspect of each religious tradition she includes. I think it is more an effort to link the variety of religious ritual in the spirit of our practice of the latihan and she created it in her own religious context. We worship God together regardless of what religion the person standing next to us professes; regardless of the hat they wear.
With all due respect to Iljas and Laura. Although I can see the point you’re making about the tradition of fasting for Ramadhan not being associated with the preceding Hebrew, Greek and Roman practices, there is more to consider on a personal level that may be experienced by other Subud members as well, that make Ramadhan a legitimate inclusion here.
I have observed the Ramadhan fast for all but one of my fifty-five years in Subud and value the experience greatly. I have never felt the need to embrace Islam formally but still Idul fitre has become my New Year’s celebration. I have no interest in the January 1st Bacchanalian ritual practiced in the United States, it has no meaning for me or significance for my spirit. The closeness I feel to my creator at the end of the fast does, however. I feel renewed, forgiven and sanctified as well as physically healthier. I think that qualifies as a rebirth ritual, a celebration of an annual renewal on a very deep level.
Although the insertion of the Ramadhan fasting ritual may not fit snugly into Fayra’s ceremony, OK, so it doesn’t relate to popping daffodils and crocuses. But the spirit of it certainly does. I vote for a deeper interpretation and inner understanding of all spiritual experience that we access in the latihan and not dwell on the outer so much.
I also think Illjas contradicts himself in his comment about mentioning some, but not all, of the atrocities inflicted on societies by religion. Fayra didn’t have to stimulate or add to a divisive Gaza situation by including it in the piece. As you said you are concerned about “how we present ourselves (Subud) to the world. I’m sorry to say but I imagine Muslims reading this would want to give Subud a wide berth.” Would including a reference to the current Palestinian situation make it more appealing? I don’t think so.
I personally think Iljas interpretation of Ibu’s quotation is incomplete. I think she is saying that the truth to be sought is not more religion, not more strict adherence to traditions, but broader human spirituality and proximity to God underlying all religions.
It’s true we view cultural contributions such as Fayra’s piece, through our own experiential and interpretive lenses and that’s what makes us individuals. Your comments are all welcome. Love, LP
I presume we don’t want the comments section to turn into a debating chamber but please allow me a response.
Lawrence stated:” Although I can see the point you’re making about the tradition of fasting for Ramadhan not being associated with the preceding Hebrew, Greek and Roman practices, there is more to consider on a personal level that may be experienced by other Subud members as well, that make Ramadhan a legitimate inclusion here.”
In response to Fayra’s portrayal of Ramadan as a rite of Spring I wrote:
“ This most definitely is not the focus of Ramadan. Ramadan is a lunar month and passes through all seasons where there are distinct seasons. The transition from one season to another is never the focus of Ramadan – anywhere. The focus is on carrying out God’s command in the Qur’an to fast in the month of Ramadan and on prayer and purification.”
Well, that’s how you describe it, more or less Lawrence – not a rite of Spring. An annual renewal yes InshaAllah but not a rite of Spring because as I stated Ramadan is a lunar month and falls in all seasons.
Lawrence I hope you will allow that your interpretation of my interpretation of Ibu’s remarks may be wrong or incomplete. And your own interpretation of Ibu’s remarks may also be wrong or incomplete, or simply an over interpretation. I think Ibu is saying what she is saying, which is:
“ So, look for truth by practicing your religion, as that’s where you will find the truth. So, if you are a Christian, there is no need for you to follow Islam, if you do you will end up not knowing which way to go. So follow your path, and by following your path, through your resolve, find the proof that your religion is true.” It is worth reflecting on her actual words.
Lastly, I am not suggesting that the inclusion of a reference to the crimes against humanity perhaps genocide in Palestine and Gaza in Fayra’s article would make Subud more appealing but I do think that conveying a sense of balance and fairness might which is why I suggested perhaps making no reference to any specific conflict, or did you miss that part?
Your penultimate sentence Lawrence, “It’s true we view cultural contributions such as Fayra’s piece, through our own experiential and interpretive lenses and that’s what makes us individuals“ is something I agree with on one level but on another level there is a danger that it strays into postmodernism and we reduce all criticism to differences of opinion which absolves us of learning from our mistakes and biases.
Love, Iljas
Thanks for your follow-up response to my comment on your comment. I don’t have anything to add to the conversation and hope others will weigh in as well. blessings for a quiet and meaningful ramadhan to all who observe it. As always I look forward to the fast and the peace and renewal it brings. Love back, LP
I happen to agree with both comments in questioning the original post, but would hope that the intent of that post is not obscured by the extremely lengthy comments. On this second day of Ramadan I am pondering the benefits of expansion and inclusionof our many practices.
Since Ramadan is on the lunar calendar and rotates slowly through the yearthese will not always conincide as they did this year
Thank you all for the care and intention to respond, and than k you for your excellent responses, Lawrence..