Posted 12:41 am Saturday, April 07, 2012
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What The Act Of Remembering Teaches Us
In the world of movie quotes, there’s one little gem that ranks among my applicable-to-life favorites. The line is from “An Affair to Remember,” the 1957 classic starring Deborah Kerr and Cary Grant.
“Winter must be cold for those with no warm memories.”
I think of this line when I remember a good memory.
Research from the University of Pennsylvania in 2006 found that thinking of good memories actually puts people in a better mood. There is something to be said for remembering the good things.
The two different religious holidays this weekend, Passover and Easter, are about remembering God’s provision for His people.
“Winter must be cold for those with no warm memories.”
I think of this line when I remember a good memory.
Research from the University of Pennsylvania in 2006 found that thinking of good memories actually puts people in a better mood. There is something to be said for remembering the good things.
The two different religious holidays this weekend, Passover and Easter, are about remembering God’s provision for His people.
Easter is about remembering Christ’s death on the cross as a provision for sin on Good Friday, and his resurrection three days later as a testament to his divinity and power over death. For Christians, the Easter weekend is the greatest reminder of the hope found in Christ.
Several places in the Torah, not just in Exodus, God gives a commandment to remember the story of the Exodus, said Rabbi Alan Learner of Congregation Ahavath Achim.
“It’s the way God reminds us that we were slaves and he brought us to freedom,” Learner said. “You have to remember where you have been to understand who you are and where you’re supposed to go.”
Rabbi Neal Katz, of Congregation Beth El, explained why remembering the Passover is important.
Several places in the Torah, not just in Exodus, God gives a commandment to remember the story of the Exodus, said Rabbi Alan Learner of Congregation Ahavath Achim.
“It’s the way God reminds us that we were slaves and he brought us to freedom,” Learner said. “You have to remember where you have been to understand who you are and where you’re supposed to go.”
Rabbi Neal Katz, of Congregation Beth El, explained why remembering the Passover is important.
“First there’s the biblical command to remember,” he said. “Later, Rabbis expand that to Jewish law, liturgy and stories. There are two pressing reasons we remember. Mainly, our message is once we were slaves and now we are free. … By remembering, it makes us more compassionate. There’s been an argument that Jews could be bitter about our history, but that’s not what we’re taught. We have taken those moments of oppression and exile and turned them into something beautiful.”
Not only does Passover call us to remember the bondage of the Exodus story, but it calls us to remember those in bondage worldwide today, Learner said.
“The design is to evoke an emotional response for those who don’t have it as good as we have it,” he said. “We have so much to be thankful for.”
Today, the holiday is celebrated with a special service and meal, known as a Seder.
A major part of Passover is educating younger generations. There are songs the children learn, and with each type of food for the Seder — the Passover meal — children ask questions about the symbolism so the adults can explain the story.
It’s good that God commands us to remember His love for us, and that we have special holidays to do so. Would the day-to-day business of life drown out the memories without these special days?
If you are interested in learning more about the Passover and participating in a Seder meal, the public is welcomed to attend the free educational Passover Seder at Congregation Beth El at 6:30 p.m. on Monday. Call 903-581-3764 or visit http://www.jewishtyler.com/seder for more information or to register.
Not only does Passover call us to remember the bondage of the Exodus story, but it calls us to remember those in bondage worldwide today, Learner said.
“The design is to evoke an emotional response for those who don’t have it as good as we have it,” he said. “We have so much to be thankful for.”
Today, the holiday is celebrated with a special service and meal, known as a Seder.
A major part of Passover is educating younger generations. There are songs the children learn, and with each type of food for the Seder — the Passover meal — children ask questions about the symbolism so the adults can explain the story.
It’s good that God commands us to remember His love for us, and that we have special holidays to do so. Would the day-to-day business of life drown out the memories without these special days?
If you are interested in learning more about the Passover and participating in a Seder meal, the public is welcomed to attend the free educational Passover Seder at Congregation Beth El at 6:30 p.m. on Monday. Call 903-581-3764 or visit http://www.jewishtyler.com/seder for more information or to register.
