Easter in Israel

The crucifixion of Jesus Christ is commemorated on Good Friday. Easter is celebrated two days later, as it marks the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. Easter Sunday is marked as the most significant festival for Christians after Christmas. The occasion also observes the arrival of the spring season and is thus celebrated with great pomp and show throughout the world. The Israelis celebrate Easter with great intensity and emotion to share the pain of Jesus Christ. The Holy City of Jerusalem is visited by millions of worshippers every year for Easter celebrations, who remember Jesus' rebirth. Various Christian rituals are carried out in Jerusalem on Easter. Read through the following lines to know more about the Easter traditions and celebrations in Israel.

Easter Celebrations In Israel
The ancient church of the Holy Sepulcher in Jerusalem's walled Old City is decorated and prepared for Easter celebrations. The priests and monks wear white robes and chant the liturgy, while the fragrant incense rise above the tomb where Christians believe Jesus was buried and rose from the dead. While in the mainland Israel Orthodox Jews celebrate Passover, Messianic Jews celebrate Easter along with the rest of the Christians across the world. The reason for the differences is that Orthodox Jews do not consider Jesus to be their Messiah and hence, they do not celebrate His crucifixion or resurrection.

Carrying out of various processions is one the major Easter traditions in Israel. People gather in groups and travel to Golgotha to mark the route of Jesus Christ's journey. This route is known as the 'Twelve Stations' of the Cross. Many tourists and worshippers from across the world participate in these processions, as it is considered to be a holy practice. The processions finally gather at the tomb of Jesus. On Easter Sunday, at one o'clock, the priest enters Jesus Christ's tomb and doors are shut after him. The entire town's lights are lit off and later, when the church bells rings, the priest comes out with a blazing torch. People present in the procession light their candles from this holy fire.

Shops and stores in and around Israel are brightly lit and displayed with Easter eggs, Easter bunnies and Easter cakes. The major traditional delicacies prepared on Easter in Israel include charoset, matzah balls, kosher, matzah brei and chocolate cakes. People in Easter are more devoted towards Jesus Christ's sacrifice for the freedom of mankind from sin and eternal death. Easter in Israel is considered to have more religious significance rather than feasting and celebrations.