Experiencing Passover in Jerusalem: A Roman's Perspective

The month of Nisan is upon us, and we're gearing up for Passover, hopeful that perhaps this year we'll be blessed with the arrival of the Messiah, enabling us to offer the Passover sacrifice in Jerusalem and witness the priestly duties firsthand.

But how does Passover look in Jerusalem?

Today we'll delve into an intriguing description penned by a Roman visitor who came to Jerusalem during Passover. His letter is cited in several famous books, including "The Scepter of Judah" by Rabbi Yehudah ben Virga and "The Prayer Book of the Yaavetz." The letter is quite lengthy, so we'll highlight a few sections related to the Passover festivities at the Temple as seen through a Roman's eyes: "Curiously, those Jews did not want to disclose anything about the Temple rituals, saying it's against their religion to reveal their practices... Yet, I witnessed some things that delighted me greatly. One particular event was the sacrifice made during their festival called Passover in Hebrew, which holds the highest importance compared to all their celebrations...

"When the month called Nisan begins, runners and messengers on behalf of the king and the judges are dispatched throughout the Jerusalem area to instruct all who own sheep and cattle to quickly bring them, so the many pilgrims find sufficient offerings and food, as the crowd is immense. Anyone failing to arrive by the designated time risked having all their possessions seized for Temple purposes. Consequently, the livestock owners hurried, and a nearby stream to Jerusalem was used to cleanse the animals of dirt. Upon reaching the hills surrounding Jerusalem, the sheer numbers were so vast that the grass appeared completely white from the wool.

"On the 14th of the month, everyone would gather to purchase the offering known as Passover, and it was a Jewish custom that no one should tell another 'Move aside' or say 'Let me pass,' even if it was King Solomon himself. When I inquired with the priests about this, finding it strange in terms of manners, they explained it symbolized that there is no arrogance before the Lord while preparing His ritual, making everyone equally noble in those times.

"Upon the 14th day of the month, people ascended a high tower and blew three silver trumpets, proclaiming to the people of Hashem that the time for the Passover sacrifice had arrived. On hearing the announcement, the populace donned festive attire. At the entrance of the grand courtyard, twelve Levites stood outside with silver axes, and twelve stood inside with silver axes. Those outside would urge the incoming people to avoid harm by the rush and prevent them from causing congestion, as there was once an incident where an elderly man was crushed alongside his offering due to the crowd.

"Once they deemed there was an adequate number, they closed the gates of the courtyard. Proceeding to the place of slaughter, rows of priests held silver and gold vessels; if a row began with silver, the entire row used silver, and the same applied to gold. This was all for decorum and splendor, with each priest at the row's start receiving one basin of sacrificial blood and passing it down the line until it reached the altar. There was no delay as they were so swift in their work that the basins seemed to fly between them like arrows from strong hands. For thirty days beforehand, they practiced this task...

"Two large columns held two priests with silver trumpets who would sound the beginning of each sacrifice, alerting the choir of priests to joyously sing the Hallel with gratitude and praise (Note: The singers were actually Levites, as the observer likely did not differentiate between priests and Levites). On this day, all instruments were played, and the sacrifice owner also recited the Hallel.

"After the sacrifice, people exited the courtyards, leaving with joy and glad hearts, feeling victorious as a disgrace and shame amongst Jews was continuous for anyone who failed to offer the Passover sacrifice at its time. During this work, the priests wore red garments (Note: This likely refers to the blue tint in their garments, possibly a translation error or simple mistake) and stood barefoot, with a small hat on their heads and a twisted turban three amot long around it.

"The ovens used for roasting the sacrifice were at their entrances, and I was told it was to publicize the faith and celebrate the festival. After roasting, they would eat with praise and cheer, their voices carrying far, with none of Jerusalem's gates closed throughout Passover night out of honor for travelers since they were so numerous..."

Thus ends this vivid account, where no more words are needed. May we soon be deserving of such experiences.