The subtitle to this very interesting book is "A Guide to Understanding the Jewish Feast for Latter-day Saints." Monson-Burton took up the study as she became more involved in finding messianic meaning within both the Passover story and its observance throughout the centuries. There's certainly plenty of material for an ambitious student.

The author begins with a rationale for a Latter-day Saint interest in this most important of Jewish feasts. She reviews the story of the exodus and the institution of the Passover celebration. Her recounting of the story is very nicely done, clear and crisp.

She then embarks on a most ambitious study -- a survey of how the Passover has been celebrated across the centuries. I had some inkling of this aspect of the story, but her insights and information were a real eye-opener for me. It is amazing how such celebrations mature and evolve over the years.

Another chapter studies the observance of the Passover in the time of Jesus Christ. It, too, is well written and informative. Following this is a study of allusions to the Passover in the Book of Mormon. Although the Passover is not specifically mentioned in the Book of Mormon, the author sees places where the feast may be referenced.

The balance of the book is a "how-to"manual for planning a Passover celebration from a Latter-day Saint perspective. It is filled with recipes for preparation of the food, and a complete Hagaddah (liturgy book for the Passover meal, the Seder) from a Latter-day Saint perspective.

One theme that permeates the book is the relationship between Passover and Easter, and how the celebration of the Passover morphed into the Easter celebration. There is some historical evidence for this being true.

I enjoyed this book. My own Jewish background made me ever aware of how the author would treat the observance and ritual. In the end, it is done with a sense of deep affection and respect for the Passover celebration, and the grand meaning behind it.

I recommend this book for anyone wanting to study this interesting subject.

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Jeff Needle
January 8, 2005