IvduesHashem
“Also, who’s to say that the christians didn’t get their idea from us?”
The dating of the practice by us and lehavdil by them. It isnt even close
“But would you suggest that due to the proximity in time of pesach to lehavdil easter, it means that the rabbit was taken from the christians?”
No Yaknehaz sounds similar to “jag da has” or German for hunt the Rabbit. If the bunnies were dancing around with painted eggs, i might be suspicous.
Also keep in mind Rabbits for yaknehaz predates Easter bunnies (By over 3 centuries believe it or not! Hare hunting is found as early as 1350 in the Sarajevo Hagadah while the Easter Bunny doesnt show up until 1682.) . So not to worry.
“At least one explanation is that the key is to remind us that we have the “key” to unlock great spiritual achievements in this great time leading up to matan torah.”
That can be said at any time of year: Elul is time for teshva, we blow the Shofar, then Aseres Yemei Teshuva, then the rest of Tishrei a month packed with mitzvos. cheshvan as the rain begins to fall, rain is symbol for Parnassa, Kislev has Chanukah the final Gmar Din according to the Bnei Yissaschar. Teves and Shevat is the end of the rain season one last chance for parnasa. Adar has Purim a time of Geula etc etc etc