Seder Obligations: Pesach, Matzah, Maror
Rabban Gamliel used to say that whoever had not explained three things on Passover had not fulfilled their obligations. These three things are:
Pesach (the Passover Offering), Matzah, and Maror
Pesach
The Passover offering which our ancestors ate when the Second Temple stood: what is the reason for it? They ate the Pesah because the Eternal our God passed over the houses of our ancestors in Egypt because they were marked with the blood of a lamb, as it is written: “And You shall say, ‘It is the Passover offering for Adonai, who passed over the houses of the children of Israel in Egypt, when God smote the Egyptians and spared our houses." (Exodus 12:27)
Leader holds up the shank bone and says:
“When the Temple still stood” – nearly two thousand years have passed since that time. But on this night past and present merge, and we remember our beginnings. This bone helps us recall the Paschal Lamb our ancestors offered long ago.
Leader holds up the roasted egg and says:
This egg reminds us of the festival offering through which the priests, in Temple days, expressed their prayer for the well-being of the people. It is also a sign of rebirth. As all round us nature dances with new life, so may this season stir within us new strength, new hope, and new joy.
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Passover Guide
Hosting your first Passover Seder? Not sure what food to serve? Curious to
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