If ever there was a week that tests the usefulness of our fourth UU principle,"the free and responsible search for truth and meaning, " it would have to be March 28-April 4, 1999. After all, during that brief seven day period, we are faced with Palm Sunday, Passover, Good Friday, and Easter (among other Holy Week" observances such as Maundy Thursday). What's a UU to do? Let it all go by in a blur or adopt a "when in Rome" attitude? Mix matzo balls with Easter ham? Search out the "theme" of each holy day or look for comparisons from nature?

Truthfully, I don't have a definite answer to my own rhetorical question. However, as a member of an interfaith household and as a burgeoning UU minister, I think the question is an important one. What IS a UU to do? It strikes me that Holy Week this year (with its Jewish-Christian convergences) offers us a unique opportunity to clarify how we approach holidays of deep religious significance to mainstream adherents. Is it enough to hold up and affirm "liberation" and "freedom" as we honor Passover? Can the theme of resurrection (without any mention of Jesus), new buds on dry branches, or a tribute to the goddess Eostre, suffice on Easter morning?

As in previous years, First Parish will host a Passover Seder and I've happily agreed to lead the ritual service prior to the meal. Several years ago, I was asked to lead such a service at my home church, but I was encouraged to "keep it brief." In other words, a five-minute synopsis of the traditionally longer service followed by the main event -- the meal. Intially, I declined, but ended up leading an updated but reasonably authentic service that respected tradition and meant something to me and to the other attendees. Now, I'd be lying if I didn't admit that growing up Jewish I longed for the service to be over so we could move on to Grandma's succulent matzo balls and brisket. But, as a UU minister, I strongly believe that any Passover Seder, in a UU church or in a temple or home, that doesn't respect the essence of the ritual, is merely "Jewish-style" like packaged rye bread or deli corned beef...full of the taste, but without the blessing. The same holds true for Maundy Thursday "communion" services, in our churches or elsewhere, that offer up bread and wine without regard for its deeper significance to committed Christians.

This year, during Holy Week, we are lucky as UUs to have that freedom to search for individual and communal truth and meaning in the rich and hopeful holidays of Passover and Easter, and in the extraordinary people at the center of their formative stories, Moses and Jesus. Again, none of us has all the answers, but as we ponder the questions, let's not inadvertently wound our Christian or Jewish brethren with "Christian style" or "Jewish-style" observances in our UU churches. Rather, lets strive for substance over show and meaning over manner ,"UU-style," with integrity, reverence, and joy.

Good Pesach and Happy Easter.