"Passover and Easter constitute for Jews and Christians respectively the most important festivals of the year. Although sharing a common root, the feasts have developed in quite distinct ways in the two traditions, in part independently of one another and in part in reaction against the other. A group of distinguished Jewish and Christian scholars explores the history of the two celebrations, paying particular attention to similarities and connections between them as well as to differences and contrasts. They not only present a convenient summary of current historical thought but also open up new perspectives on the evolution of these annual observances." "Passover and Easter: Origin and History to Modern Times, focuses especially on the origins and early development of the feasts and on the ways that established practices have changed in recent years."--BOOK JACKET.