Thursday, April 25, 2013

Samaritan Passover

Samaritans made their annual Passover sacrifice yesterday on Mt. Gerizim:
The Samaritan community conducted its annual Passover sacrifice Tuesday evening under the leadership of a new high priest, as 50 sheep were slaughtered on Mount Gerizim in an ancient ceremony that attracted more than 1,000 spectators from around the world.
High Priest Aabed-El Ben Asher was elevated to his position, which is reserved for the eldest member of the priestly family, following the death last week of High Priest Aaron Ben Ab-Hisda at age 84. Ben Asher, 78, is the 133rd high priest in a line that the Samaritans claim stretches back to Aaron, brother of Moses.
There are fewer than 800 Samaritans.  See more here.  One thing I learned from the article is that Samaritans are known for their tahini.  

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