A Supplemental Reading For Your Seder

Last updated on: April 17, 2011 at 9:47 pm by Jeffrey L. Falick

A Supplemental Reading For Your Seder 2011-04-17T21:47:00-05:00 Jeffrey L. Falick

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

Passover is the number one most celebrated holiday on the American Jewish calendar. Even the least affiliated Jewish people celebrate it each year.

Today we know that the story of the exodus is a myth. Every reputable archeologist has ruled out its historicity. But it’s been replaced with an interesting idea: That the Israelites were native to Canaan.

That’s right. For the last twenty years or so the prevailing hypothesis, based on a growing number of corroborating sources, shows that the Israelites came together out of a social upheaval in Canaan. This is because, even without a shred of evidence for a conquest or massive settlement from abroad, they did find substantial growth in the Canaanite highlands in the mid-13th century C.E.

Why would a nation that was native to a land develop a foundational myth that made them foreigners?

There are a few reasons that I can think of. One is that there may have been Egyptian slaves who joined this upheaval. Another is that the upheaval could have been related to Egyptian dominance of Canaan’s chiefdoms. And perhaps as they brought divergent tribes together under a singular leadership, there was a need to posit a joint origin. More than any of these reasons, however, is the fact that from a theological point of view it made sense to see the land as a gift from God for which the Israelites — later the Jews — should be eternally grateful.

At my seder we use a supplement I wrote that acknowledges the historical findings even as we recount the legend. It’s appropriate for any modern seder, not just the humanistic type.

(If you’re interested in learning more about the real history of the Israelites, check out books by Israel Finkelstein and William Dever for a good start.)

You can download the supplement by clicking here.

Wishing all who celebrate, a happy and meaningful holiday!

Blog Entries

Holidays

Passover

Previous Post

April 15, 2011

Why Are These Goats Different From All Other Goats?

Next Post

April 18, 2011 Arrests In The Itamar Murders

Browse Our Archives

Select a Category Blog Entries

Select a Month January 2017 August 2016 July 2016 June 2016 May 2016 April 2016 February 2016 January 2016 December 2015 November 2015 October 2015 September 2015 August 2015 July 2015 June 2015 May 2015 March 2015 December 2014 February 2014 December 2013 October 2013 June 2013 May 2013 April 2013 March 2013 February 2013 January 2013 December 2012 September 2012 August 2012 June 2012 May 2012 April 2012 March 2012 February 2012 January 2012 December 2011 November 2011 October 2011 September 2011 July 2011 June 2011 May 2011 April 2011 March 2011 February 2011 January 2011 December 2010 November 2010 October 2010 September 2010

TAKE THE

Religious Wisdom Quiz

What does Jesus say about judging others?

Select your answer to see how you score.

Judge by appearance Seek revenge Do not judge Judge harshly