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I really forgot to add something about the Seder. I'd like to remember the thought...

Having studied the history of biblical Judaism, however barely, the entire "Passover" experience was fully different from what it would probably have been otherwise. As we went through the ceremonies and little speeches from the "head of the house", and skipped over some very long speeches, and heard the specifics of what this feast celebrates and emphasizes, I felt an overwhelming sense of victory and belonging. Part of it was based the obvious-in-a-Christian-era implications, but most of it was on behalf of the Israelites alone. I think I understand just a little bit now -- why it was so hard for the early Christian Jews to accept Gentiles. They'd been the favorite son, the special people. That was who they were.