The Seder Plate
The seder plate contains the symbols of the holiday, which may vary somewhat from culture to culture. Besides the seder plate, wine, salt water, maror, karpas, kharoset, and matzah should be available for all participants.
Z’ROAH (shankbone of lamb) – symbolizes the Pascal lam of Temple days. It also stands for the “mighty hand and oustretched arm” with which the Eternal delivered us from Egypt – the blood with which the Israelites marked their door so that the Angel of Death passed by.
KARPAS (greens, parsley) – represents Spring time and renewal.
MAROR (bitter herb, horseradish) – reminds us of the bitterness of slavery.
KHAROSET - represents the mortar (straw and clay) used in making bricks for the pharaohs in Egypt.
MATZAH (unleavened bread) – three matzot covered by a cloth are the bread of haste, made during the departure from Egypt. Having no time to let the bread rise, the Israelites fled Egypt with unbaked bread.
CUP OF ELIJAH – The spirit of this prophet is asked to enter out home, and fill us with wisdom and compassion.
SALT WATER – represents the tears of slavery.
BAYTZAH (hard boiled egg) – symbolizes spring and fertility. The roundness of the egg also mirrors the circle of life. And like the egg which hardens when boiled, so do an oppressed people harden their resolve for freedom.
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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.