Passover

The celebration of Passover (Pesach) among the Samaritans is a profound and deeply traditional event that highlights their unique religious practices and beliefs. For the Samaritans, Passover is not only a commemoration of the Exodus from Egypt but also a central religious observance that takes place on Mount Gerizim, which they consider the holiest site on Earth. This contrasts with the Jewish tradition where the Temple Mount in Jerusalem is held as the most sacred site.

Key Features of Samaritan Passover:

1. Pilgrimage to Mount Gerizim: Similar to their Sukkot observance, the Samaritan Passover involves a pilgrimage to Mount Gerizim. This pilgrimage is of paramount importance as it is believed to be commanded by God, according to the Samaritan version of the Torah. Families travel from their homes to encamp around the mountain, preparing for the Passover sacrifice.

2. Preparation and Purification: In the days leading up to Passover, Samaritans engage in meticulous preparations, including cleaning their homes thoroughly to remove any leaven (symbolic of sin and impurity) and performing rituals of purification. These preparations are rooted in the commandments found in the Torah, emphasizing the importance of purity and readiness for the Passover celebration.

3. The Passover Sacrifice: The highlight of the Samaritan Passover is the sacrifice ceremony, which takes place on the eve of Passover. Families select lambs or goats for the sacrifice, adhering to specific criteria outlined in the Torah. The animals are slaughtered at twilight in a communal ceremony led by the Samaritan priests, following the ancient Israelite practice described in the Torah. The blood of the sacrificed animals is then painted on the doorposts of the Samaritans' homes, symbolizing the biblical Passover sacrifice and the angel of death passing over the Israelites' homes in Egypt.

4. Eating the Sacrificial Meal: After the sacrifice, the meat is roasted whole over open fires, as commanded in the Torah. Families gather in their ceremonial tents to eat the sacrificial meal together. The meal is consumed with unleavened bread (matzah) and bitter herbs, following the biblical injunction. This meal is eaten in haste, with participants dressed as if ready to depart, symbolizing the Israelites' readiness to leave Egypt.

5. Reading of the Torah: The Passover celebration also includes extensive readings from the Samaritan Torah, recounting the Exodus story and the commandments related to Passover. These readings reinforce the historical and religious significance of the festival and the Samaritan community's connection to their ancient heritage.

6. Community and Continuity: The Samaritan Passover is a vital community event that reinforces Samaritan identity, traditions, and continuity. It is a time of communal gathering, worship, and reaffirmation of their covenant with God. Despite their small numbers, the Samaritans maintain these traditions with great devotion, ensuring the transmission of their religious practices to future generations.

The Samaritan Passover thus stands as a vivid testament to the endurance of ancient religious traditions in the modern world. It showcases the Samaritans' commitment to their faith, history, and the sacred landscapes of their ancestors, distinguishing them as a unique religious community in the Middle East.