Interfaith Passover in Singapore

Written By Nazhath Faheema

I was privileged to participate in a remarkable event that brought together leaders and friends from diverse religious backgrounds in Singapore. The occasion marked the inaugural interfaith Passover seder, thoughtfully organized by the Jewish Welfare Board. Adding to the significance, the event was graced by Mr. Edwin Tong, Minister of Culture, Community, and Youth, as the esteemed Guest of Honour.

Guided by Rabbi Mordechai Abergel, the gathering included esteemed religious leaders who took part in reciting passages centred around the theme of Passover. This cherished Jewish festival holds profound meaning as it honours Moses's legacy and commemorates the Israelites' liberation from their bondage in Egypt. The symbolic Seder plate, adorned with items like matzah (unleavened bread), bitter herbs, and a roasted shank bone, served as a poignant reminder of the historical journey from slavery to freedom.

Significantly, the Mufti of Singapore also contributed by reciting a verse from the Quran that narrates this pivotal historical event shared among the Abrahamic faiths. This poignant moment emphasized the interconnectedness of these faiths and underscored the importance of unity and shared values.

The narrative of the Exodus, deeply rooted in the Bible, resonates across Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Its teachings on faith, resilience, unity's strength, and the value of freedom hold a universal significance, binding these faiths together through shared values. This gathering served as a testament to the power of interfaith dialogue, fostering understanding, respect, and cooperation among different religious communities.

Passover, known as "Pesach" in Hebrew, is a significant Jewish holiday commemorating the biblical story of the Israelites' liberation from slavery in ancient Egypt. It holds religious and historical importance within Judaism and is celebrated with rituals, meals, and symbolic foods. Passover is described in the Book of Exodus, a foundational text in both Judaism and Christianity. While the Quran does not mention Passover, it references the story of Moses and the Israelites' liberation.

Passover in Judaism: The Passover story is primarily recounted in the Book of Exodus, chapters 1 through 15. According to the Bible, the Israelites were enslaved in Egypt for generations. In response to their suffering, God sent Moses as a prophet to lead them to freedom. After a series of plagues and divine interventions, the Pharaoh finally relented and allowed the Israelites to leave Egypt.

The central event of Passover is the "Exodus," which refers to the Israelites' departure from Egypt. The name "Passover" is derived from the last of the ten plagues described in Exodus—when God "passed over" the houses of the Israelites, sparing their firstborn children, while the firstborn of the Egyptians was afflicted.

The Passover celebration lasts for seven or eight days (depending on tradition) and involves various rituals and observances, including the removal of leavened foods (chametz) from the home, the consumption of matzah (unleavened bread), and the retelling of the Exodus story during the Seder meal—a ceremonial meal with specific foods and prayers. The Seder plate includes items like bitter herbs (maror), charoset (a mixture symbolizing the mortar used in building), and a roasted shank bone (z'roa), representing the sacrificial lamb.

References in the Quran: While the Quran does not explicitly mention Passover, it does include references to the story of Moses (Musa) and the Israelites' deliverance from Pharaoh's oppression. The story of Moses is recounted in various chapters of the Quran, including Surah Al-Qasas (Chapter 28), Surah Al-A'raf (Chapter 7), and Surah Ta-Ha (Chapter 20). These references emphasize God's guidance, the miracles witnessed by the Israelites, and the ultimate liberation of the people.

For instance, in Surah Al-Qasas, the Quran narrates how Moses was sent as a messenger to Pharaoh and how he was instrumental in releasing the Children of Israel from their captivity.

In summary, Passover is a central Jewish holiday commemorating the Exodus of the Israelites from Egypt. Its significance lies in retelling the story of liberation from slavery, a foundational narrative in Judaism. While the Quran does not mention Passover, it includes references to Moses and the Israelites' liberation, underscoring the shared scriptural themes across Abrahamic faiths.

Read the news coverage of this event at https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/parsley-in-salt-water-and-unleavened-bread-first-interfaith-passover-feast-in-waterloo-street

Nazhath Faheema

Nazhath Faheema, a Singaporean Muslim of Indian descent, actively promotes interfaith dialogue. She holds a full-time position at an NGO where she focuses on organizing interfaith charity events. Additionally, she plays an active role in community development, particularly in developing youth leadership to foster social harmony.

Furthermore, Nazhath serves as an external lecturer at ESSEC Asia Pacific in Singapore. She teaches students from Europe and Asia regions on "Race & Religion in Singapore" and "Islam in Singapore."

Nazhath earned her Master of Science in Asian Studies from the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies at Nanyang Technological University, Singapore. She also holds a certificate in the Comparative Study of Religions in Plural Societies. Her research interests span various areas, including youth interfaith movements in Southeast Asia, Jewish-Muslim relations, interactions between Muslim-majority states and Israel, and interreligious dialogue in diplomacy.

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