Ceil Rosen (1932–2009)

Originally published in the Christian Library Journal in January 1996.

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The Jewish Passover, explain Ceil and Moishe Rosen, is God’s object lesson to teach, first the Jews and then the whole world, about his plan for salvation. Because people will remember an object lesson better than something read in a book, God gave the ancient Israelites the Passover feast as a concrete reminder of their redemption from Egypt. The Passover is also an object lesson for Christians.

In Christ in the Passover: why is this night different?, the Rosens give Christians a historical and spiritual understanding of the Passover and demonstrate that Christ is the Passover Lamb. The book begins by recounting the first Passover when God called his people out of Egypt. The following chapters describe how Israel celebrated the Passover feast throughout the ages.

In one chapter, the authors compare the first-century seder meal to the Last Supper. Jesus changed the feast. Traditionally, nothing was to be eaten after the Passover Lamb. Jesus introduced the new covenant by breaking bread after the meal and by declaring that this feast would now be in remembrance of him.

Throughout the book, the Rosens show how each of the Passover symbols not only represented Israel’s redemption from slavery but also looked forward to the future Messiah. In the last chapter, the authors give a gospel message and call the reader to join the marriage feast of the Lamb.

Although the authors draw information from several experts on the Passover and cite several Scriptural references, they make this seemingly dry topic enjoyable to read by describing historical events and celebration styles with dramatic scenarios.

This book would be a valuable resource to any Christian who wishes to better understand his spiritual roots in Judaism but doesn’t want to wade through scholarly writings. Those who are reaching out to Jewish friends will also find this book useful.… (more)

I first encountered this book when I was a student at a Christian college in the early 1980s. A member of the Jews for Jesus organization gave a presentation and offered this book for sale. At that time, I remember really thinking the book was a wonderful presentation on the symbolism of the various parts of the Seder and showing how everything in the observance of Passover pointed to Christ. I wanted to read this book again this year. I began looking for my copy, but I could not find it. However, I was able to locate a copy in the library where I am employed. I was not quite as captivated by the read this time. I don't know if it was because I had just seen a similar presentation by another Messianic Jewish group or if my standards for book quality have changed over the years. The edition I read was published in 1978. The illustrations are definitely dated in this edition. I know that the copies currently for sale have a 2006 copyright date so I hope that this problem has been resolved. This is still a useful book on this topic, but I recommend that persons interested see a presentation of the topic which is far more engaging. I really prefer the presentation as done by Jews for Jesus over the other one I've seen, and I've noticed they have a 40-minute video available for viewing on their website.… (more)