Rites and Symbols of the Seder

Haggadah Section: Introduction

Passover is a holiday about freedom. The Passover seder is a special ceremonial dinner in which we gather together to retell the story of the Israelite's freedom from bondage in Egypt. The Hebrew word for this Holiday, "Pesach" has two meanings. The first is "Passing over" and refers to the fact that the angel of death passed over the Israelite's homes. Pesach can also refer to the pascal lamb -- which was ritually sacrificed to protect the Israelites from the angel of death and then became part of early celebrations of Passover. We tell the story of Passover using a "Haggadah" a special book which serves as the narrative for the seder, and means, "Telling" in Hebrew.

The Seder Plate

We place a Seder Plate at our table as a reminder to discuss certain aspects of the Passover story and the meaning of this holiday. Each item has its own significance.

Maror  – The bitter herb. This symbolizes the harshness of lives of the Jews in Egypt.

Charoset  – A delicious mix of sweet wine, apples, cinnamon and nuts that resembles the mortar used as bricks of the many buildings the Jewish slaves built in Egypt

Karpas  – A green vegetable, usually parsley, is a reminder of the green sprouting up all around us during spring and is used to dip into the saltwater

Z’roa  – A roasted bone.  The Z’roa reminds us of the special lamb which was offered on Pesach in the ancient Temple in Jerusalem

Beitzah  – An egg (roasted). Is the symbol of the free will burnt-offering brought on every day of the feast, during the existence of the Temple in Jerusalem,

Matzah

The unleavened bread or the bread of affliction reminds us of the hardships that our fathers endured in Egypt, and of the haste with which they departed.  Having no time to bake their bread, they had to rely for food upon sun baked dough which they carried with them.

Traditionally there are three pieces of matzah that represent the two loaves of bread which are used on each Shabbat and Yom Tov, plus a special piece of Matzah for Pesach.  Tonight we include a fourth piece as an expression of solidarity with persecuted immigrants and refugees who face the same struggles today that our ancestors endured.

Elijah’s Cup

A large wine cup is in the center of the table in honor of the prophet Elijah.  We shall explain why before we welcome Elijah towards the end of the Seder.

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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.

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