NANA SAYS USE EASTER AND PASSOVER TO TEACH HUMAN VALUES TO CHILDREN

Not everyone goes to church or synagogue during the holy season. So sometimes children only learn about chocolate or a seder dinner. Easter and Passover have very powerful human lessons teaching concrete values. Take the time to revisit the stories and lessons. There are many books that can help. If you do not attend regular services than it is okay to be a once a year attender. Take the children. You may discover that there is fellowship and you may want to attend more often. There are Bible story books that can be read along with many other books during the year. Parables stand the test of time! Look at the Cain and Abel lesson from the Old Testament! Sibling rivalry! However you plan to celebrate the holidays, family time is always a way to come together!

PASSOVER IN CANADA

As usual Passover occurs near our Easter week celebrations. It is a time to respect and watch our Jewish neighbours and friends celebrate their Seder dinner-honouring them. As Christians, we can understand the Passover story-Moses and his hope of taking his people to a new land. The old testament is our Bible too. Canada is a land of religious tolerance and acceptance. In Thornhill- a little community above Toronto- there are many different churches and faith institutions. A Mosque and Synagogue are side by side sharing the parking space at the back. They are located on Bayview Avenue. Near us on Yonge Street is a Hindu Temple. So as our Jewish Canadians celebrate, let us send a message of love and peace to other corners of the world. There are many challenges being culturally and religiously diverse. However, making the effort to learn and accept others can be an universal goal.

SPRING CLEANUP

When the weather becomes warmer and sunny, there is a urge to clean and exercise. Yes I went for my power walk with weights Sunday. Spring with its renewel is always a time to reflect. For many, like myself, it brings a new sense of life- brighter days and longer nights. There is aways a chance for another snow storm or colder weather but if one more we do not get discouraged. One last big gas bill before the furnace is used less. Almost time to put away the boots and jackets-almost! Another month than the spring/summer clothes come out. Delayer! Declutter! Clean the house for the Easter celebrations! Or if you celebrate Passover- cleaning is in the air! I love the sound of the Spring birds chirping. Our red cardinal sits and sings in his tree. The red robin is trying to find some worms. Spring and its message of hope!

EASTER THURSDAY AND PASSOVER

A holy time of year for Christians and Jews. A time to stop and remember the significance of the stories. Religious, spiritual or otherwise, there is so much to include in our lives from the Bible and the parables told. May we continue to count our blessings and pray for a peaceful world. To those suffering today, may others reach out to you and aid you! Take time to make the holidays joyous! Especially when you have little children to pass on the traditions. Whether it be the special food you may make or a time to have a special dinner together- it is a time of celebration and reflection! Do you have traditions you follow? Tell me what they are. I was fortunate in 1991 to visit Jerusalem and follow the steps Jesus took. A wonderful local Rabbi was our guide. A holy city for- Jews, Muslims, and Christians. Something to think about!