A Passover Seder in the Light of Christ

DIPPING OF THE PARSLEY (KARPAS)

The parsley greens stand for the branches of hyssop that were used to place the lamb’s blood on the door posts and lintels that first Passover night, and for the new life which was given us in our Redemption. Hyssop was used as a symbol of purification by David in the Psalms: (Ps 51)

Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.

And it was also on a hyssop branch that Jesus was given His bitter last drink: (John 19:28+)

After this Jesus, knowing that all was now finished, said (to fulfill the scripture), “I thirst.” A bowl full of vinegar stood there; so they put a sponge full of the vinegar on hyssop and held it to his mouth. When Jesus had received the vinegar, he said, “It is finished”; and he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.

So it is fitting that the parsley should be dipped in salt water representing tears ­ tears for the sadness of the bondage in Egypt, tears of repentance for our sin, and tears for the suffering Jesus went through to free us from our sin.

Baruch Attah Adonai Eloheinu Melech haoolam,
borei p’ri haoadamah.

ALL: Blessed are You, O Lord our God, King of the universe,
You create the fruits of the earth.

(All dip the greens in salt water and eat them.)

Previous: Washing of Hands       Next: Breaking Matzoh

(From The Hebrew Catholic, #73, Winter 2000-2001. All Rights Reserved.)

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