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(4/2/2006)
Jews for Jesus Present Christ in the Passover in Dakotas Couple from Tel Aviv share Jesus in Passover celebration
By Bob Ellis Dakota Voice What do the Christian “Last Supper” and the Jewish Passover have in common? Today, Shlomy and Miriam Abramov of Jews for Jesus showed the people of South Canyon Baptist Church in Rapid City that the Passover is all about Christ.
The Abramovs used a visual display of traditional Passover accouterments to enhance the audience’s understanding of the Jewish background of Christian Communion. They discussed both ancient and modern Jewish customs that emphasize the work done by Jesus Christ when he died on the cross some 2,000 years ago. During the ceremony, a table was set with traditional Passover items, including some of the foods normally eaten, though they were not consumed during the presentation. There was a ceremonial Seder plate, in which the unleavened bread (matzoh) and other foods are placed, and five cups, including the traditional cup of Elijah which were presented with insights to their connection with Christ. The traditional Jewish Passover, which celebrates the deliverance of the Jews from the angel of death in Egypt, and their subsequent freedom from captivity in Egypt, also points toward the redemptive work which would be accomplished by Jesus, or Y'Shua as he is called in Hebrew. Christians, both Jew and Gentile, believe that the Old Testament sacrificial lamb pointed toward Y'Shua who would become the "once and for all" sacrifice for the sins of all humanity, as John the Baptist proclaimed when he saw Y'Shua: "Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!" The followers of Christ at South Canyon Baptist Church had a communion service a bit more familiar to Gentiles following the Abramov's presentation. Jews for Jesus is a ministry committed to the proclamation of Jesus as the Messiah of Israel and Savior of the world. "What could be more Jewish than following the Messiah?" says Abramov, who considers himself 100% Jewish and 100% Christian. Shlomy grew up in a traditional Jewish home in Israel, but pursued a secular lifestyle as a young adult. Eventually he grew dissatisfied and started attending synagogue again. Later, with the help of Miriam, Shlomy came to realize that the Bible backs up the claims of Christianity and decided to commit his life to Y'Shua. Now Shlomy calls himself a "completed Jew." Shlomy also said he was a bodyguard for former Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon when he was Defense Minister of Israel. Jews for Jesus was founded by Moishe Rosen, a Jew who has believed in Jesus for over 35 years. The organization has permanent branches in eight North American cities (San Francisco, Los Angeles, Boston, Chicago, Toronto, New York City, Washington D.C. and Fort Lauderdale) as well as over 127 volunteer chapters in some 41 states and five countries. The Abramovs also gave their presentation at Zion Lutheran Church in Rapid City Sunday evening, and will be presenting in numerous locations over the coming week around South Dakota and North Dakota. Passover begins at sundown on April 12 this year, and Easter is celebrated on April 16.
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