Sharing our Faith Journeys: Holy Days of April

Provided by Martin Luther Chaplain Linda

At Martin Luther we continue to explore ways to support all members of our community on their journeys of life and faith.  During April, three prominent religious traditions are observing significant holy days. 

ISLAM – This year Muslims observe the holy month of Ramadan from April 2 - May 2.

• Ramadan is the month when the Prophet Muhammad received the first revelations of the Quran from the Archangel Gabriel.
• The Quran was revealed as a guide for humanity to distinguish between right and wrong.
• Muslims are instructed to abstain from food, drink, and sexual activity from dawn until dusk. Muslims believe that the fasting is a practice of self-restraint that can lead to achieving righteousness.
  
  

CHRISTIANITY – This year Holy Week is celebrated from April 10 - April 17.

• Holy Week begins with Palm Sunday which celebrates Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem.

• Maundy Thursday commemorates Jesus' Last Supper where he instituted Holy Communion and modeled humble service by washing the disciple’s feet.
• Good Friday commemorates Jesus’ was crucified, died and buried.
• Easter celebrates when Jesus was raised from the dead and appeared to many for 40 days continuing his teaching before he ascended into heaven.
  
  

JUDAISM – Members of the Jewish faith will observe the Passover from April 15 - April 23.

• These celebrations traditionally center around a symbolic meal that helps the faithful to recall the story of the ancient Israelites who won their freedom in Egypt and began a generation of wandering “in the Wilderness.”
• Each night during Passover, people of faith gather to tell the ancient stories of liberation, light candles and share foods that are both symbolic and traditional in Jewish culture.