Kehilla Day 2017 on Easter

The day coincided with the eve of the last day of Passover and so many members of the kehillot could attend this day of celebration. Representatives from all the kehillot, from Jerusalem, Jaffa, Beer Sheba, Haifa, Nazareth, Tiberias and Latroun attended.

Father David, responsible for the Hebrew speaking Catholics in Israel celebrated mass and was joined at the altar by all the priests of the Vicariate as well as Father Alberto OFM. The music was magnificently animated by Benedetto, seminarian of the Vicariate, and Tiago, Brother of Sion, and the choir included the talented musicians from the Jerusalem, Haifa, Jaffa and Tiberias kehillot. Father David’s homily focused on the contrast between death in the tomb and life in the new world into which Jesus leads us. The introduction to his homily was an acting out of the three fundamental sentiments that characterize the passage from death to life at Easter time: fear, confusion and finally joy and hope as the horizons of a new world are revealed in the Resurrection.

After the mass, those present spread out picnic lunches and shared their food with those around them. After a lunch break, groups were formed for a time of games that brought people closer together. The children went off on a treasure hunt organized by the Tiberias kehilla while the adults passed through four stations: a quiz organized by Father David and Dima, a poetry practice organized by Father Roman, dance animated by Father Piotr and games proposed by Father Apolinary, Daniel and the youth of the Desert Flower group.

At the end of the day, everyone gathered again to give thanks to God for a glorious celebration and joyful day.