In a message dated 9/11/00 4:21:33 AM Eastern Daylight Time,
[log in to unmask] writes:

> Why was it proseletyzing, and what was offensive about it?

There are many people that do not choose to surround themselves with
these
myths. The relationship to history is interesting and can be discussed
without the associated hocus-pocus.

Mary's Question:

  Bread was one of the central items and themes of importance for the
Egyptians. The Jewish holiday of Passover commemorates their leaving
Egypt
and everything Egyptian---the prohibition against bread and grains of
all
sorts for one week each year is related to this desire for clearcut
delineation from that culture.