Christians, Jews Observe Good Friday, Passover
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MIAMI (CBSMiami) - Christians and Jews are observing two important days on their religious calendars.
For Christians it's Good Friday, one of the holiest days of their year. It's the day the faithful believe Jesus was put to death only to be resurrected three days later.
Christian pilgrims from around the world filled the narrow streets of Jerusalem's oldest city for a the day's procession. They re-traced the steps Jesus is said to have taken on his way to his crucifixion.
Friday, at sundown, is also the first night of Passover.
Passover or Pesach, as it is called in Hebrew, celebrates the Exodus of the Jewish people from slavery in Ancient Egypt more than three thousand years ago.
The Jewish people escaped slavery in ancient Egypt in the year 1313 BCE. The Exodus was preceded by ten plagues inflicted on Egypt after Pharaoh refused Moses request to set his people free.
Governor Rick Scott extended good wishes to Floridians for Passover and Easter.
"Easter provides an opportunity for families to come together and share in the hope of the holiday's redemptive promise. Ann and I look forward to celebrating the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ on Easter Sunday with our children and grandchildren, and we hope families across our state get to gather and celebrate with their loved ones.
"We also extend our best wishes to all those celebrating Passover. Passover is a time to reflect on the story and traditions of the Jewish people and Florida is proud of our unbreakable bond with the state of Israel. We hope all of our Jewish friends have a happy and healthy Passover."
It is traditional for Jewish families to gather on the first two nights of Passover for a special dinner called a seder. The table is set with the finest china and silverware to reflect the importance of the meal. During this meal, the story of the Exodus from Egypt is retold.
