Daily Lessons Received at ‘Akká, January 1908/Feast
FEAST
[edit]One day a Feast was given for the Persian Jewish pilgrims. Miss M. Elizabeth Jack and we were invited by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá to partake of this Feast.
We were conducted to the large hall that was used for these occasions. It was filled with a great variety of growing plants. The table was laden with fruits and cakes, and nine large platters of pilau, and beautifully decorated with flowers.
We were placed at the head of the table, then afterward the men-pilgrims appeared. As they came in, one by one, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá graciously greeted them and poured water over their hands at a basin. Bashír, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s attendant, held the towel upon which they dried their hands. Afterward they seated themselves at the table.
‘Abdu’l-Bahá spoke to Mírzá Munír-i Zayn, who arose and chanted a Tablet. After he finished, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá served each one generously to the pilau. He walked up and down while the pilgrims ate. When all had finished, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá explained that this Feast was for the visiting Jews and said, “In this Great Day, God has manifested One Light, and to this Light are attracted these pilgrims from three great religions—Muḥammadan, Christian, and Jewish. We must all thank God for the privilege of sitting down at this table, for this gathering is a symbol of unity of the Kingdom when all nations, all creeds, all races, and
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all religions will gather in unity under one Tent, under the shade of one Tree, at one Table to partake of spiritual food.”
Then ‘Abdu’l-Bahá stood close behind us (three women) and said, “In the olden time, it was not possible for women to sit at table in equality with the men, but in this Day it is different, and the change has been largely brought about by the position given to women in free America.
“It is the power of Bahá’u’lláh that made it possible for these American women to sit at this Table with these pilgrims. This is to show that in the Kingdom of Abhá there will be equality established between women and men. They are equal.
“I am very happy to see you all gathered here, and I hope that the fragrances of this meeting will reach the nostrils of the believers all over the world and make them glad. Such meetings have an effect upon all the people.”
After ‘Abdu’l-Bahá had finished speaking, the cakes and fruit were partaken of; then the pilgrims arose, and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and those who had assisted Him in serving were seated. Then, in turn, Miss Jack and we were permitted to serve Him and the others, which to us was a great privilege—a wonderful experience.