"Az Úr pászkája ez" (Kiv 12,11) (Egy ünnep változásai)
"It is the Passover of the Lord" (Ex 12,11) (Changes in a Festival)

Summary/Abstract: The first part of the essay provides an overview of the history of the Passover from its beginnings in the nomadic tradition to the hellenistic era. The different layers within the literary descriptions of this feastday correspond with the different stages in the interpretation of the Passover. What originally served as a shepherd-festival in a nomadic society underwent a major ransformation when it became integrated into the historical event of Israel`s escape from Egypt, thus taking up the role of the memorial of the Exodus. Even at times of suppression, this history-related interpretation of the feast nurtured the hope of God´s chosen people. The feast of Passover is not a representation of a myth: It is, rather, the celebration of an historical event and the proclamation of its power, effects, and significance. When describing celebrations of this kind, the Bible uses the term "remembrance". It is of decisive theological relevance that the synoptic gospels place the Last Supper of Christ within the framework of the Passover feast. Through his words at the Last Supper and through his death, however, Jesus not only fulfilled but he also exceded every former Passover sacrifice. Thus, on the one hand, the Last Supper of Jesus connects the christian Eucharist to the jewish Passover-celebration, on the other hand, however, it also signifies a major difference between the two.

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