Illustrated Journeys: Reimagining the Seder Plate

Haggadah Section: Commentary / Readings

The Seder plate is a special plate that holds symbolic foods significant to the retelling of the story of the Israelites’ exodus from Egypt – the Passover story. From the maror (horseradish) representing the bitterness and harshness of slavery to the karpas (green vegetable) representing hope and renewal, each food helps tell this ancient story.

This year, we have an opportunity to re-envision the Seder plate, connecting the Jewish experience of flight from persecution toward safety to the journeys of today’s refugees and asylum seekers. What items might we place on the plate to recount this story and make
connections between the Biblical exodus, other Jewish migration experiences, our own families’ experiences, and the stories of those who comprise the 80 million people who are forcibly displaced today?

Use the guiding questions to determine what 6 objects you would put on the plate. Kids (of all ages!) can draw their objects,
and adults can have a group conversation about why you chose the items on your Seder plate. You could also consider asking guests to share an object from their re-imagined Seder plate at a moment in the Seder they think is thematically or symbolically appropriate.

Think of an object or two from the original Seder plate that you think best represents the themes of the Passover story and add that to your Seder plate. Or, consider whether there is another object you might add to represent the biblical Exodus story. 

Think of an object or two that represents your family’s story of migration. It could be a family heirloom or it could be symbolic of some piece of your family’s particular journey.

Think of an object or two that represents the journeys that today’s refugees and asylum seekers make from danger to safety. Use some of the specific stories you have heard (like the ones in the HIAS Haggadah) to help guide you.

Throughout history, the Jewish people have been expelled from many of the places we have called home due to our religion. Think of an object or two that represents this repeated displacement to add to your Seder plate.

After your Seder, consider sharing your Seder plate on Instagram. Tag @hiasrefugees and use the hashtag #sederplate

Source:  
https://www.hias.org/sites/default/files/hias_illustrated_journeys_seder_plate.pdf

Inspired to create
your own Haggadah?

Make your own Haggadah and share with other Seder lovers around the world

Have an idea
for a clip?

People like you bring their creativity to Haggadot.com when they share their ideas in a clip

Support Us
with your donation

Help us build moments of meaning and connection through
home-based Jewish rituals.

OUR TOP CONTRIBUTORS

contributor image
Esther Kustanowitz
4 Haggadahs38 Clips
contributor image
JQ International
1 Haggadah40 Clips
contributor image
MAZON: A Jewish Response to Hunger
5 Haggadahs109 Clips
contributor image
18Doors
1 Haggadah13 Clips
contributor image
JewishBoston
1 Haggadah78 Clips
contributor image
Truah: The Rabbinic Call for Human Rights
1 Haggadah36 Clips
contributor image
American Jewish World Service
1 Haggadah44 Clips
contributor image
JewBelong
3 Haggadahs57 Clips
contributor image
Repair the World
12 Clips
contributor image
HIAS
5 Haggadahs48 Clips
contributor image
Be'chol Lashon
2 Haggadahs27 Clips
contributor image
PJ Library
1 Haggadah17 Clips
contributor image
Jewish World Watch
3 Haggadahs42 Clips
contributor image
Secular Synagogue
10 Clips
contributor image
SVIVAH
1 Haggadah9 Clips
contributor image
The Blue Dove Foundation
12 Clips
contributor image
ReformJudaism.org
24 Clips
contributor image
Jewish Emergent Network
1 Haggadah22 Clips

Passover Guide

Hosting your first Passover Seder? Not sure what food to serve? Curious to
know more about the holiday? Explore our Passover 101 Guide for answers
to all of your questions.

Haggadot

Haggadot.com by Recustom, is a free resource for all backgrounds and experiences. Consider making a donation to help support the continuation of this free platform.

Copyright © 2024 Custom and Craft Jewish Rituals Inc, dba Recustom, dba Haggadot.com.
All Rights Reserved. 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization. EIN: 82-4765805.