Spoon: New to the Seder Plate

Haggadah Section: Introduction

This year, what if we put something new on our seder plates?

The term “spoon theory” was coined by Christine Miserandino in 2003 to describe the very limited units of energy sick and disabled people have to meet our basic needs each day. In her essay, Miserandino says each spoon represents a task of living, like taking a shower or getting out of bed. Because able-bodied people typically aren’t concerned with the energy expended during such everyday tasks, spoon theory helps others empathize with the impacts of chronic illness or pain on daily living. Spoons are widely discussed online, and many chronically ill and disabled people identify as “spoonies.”

A spoon placed tenderly on the seder plate holds multiple meanings: It represents sick and disabled people, as well as elders, but it also represents the need for everyone to tend to their energy in this time of shelter.

A spoon on your seder plate is also a symbol of nourishment and care.

Excerpt from:

Disability during a pandemic: Why you should put a spoon on your seder plate this year 

BY RABBI ELLIOT KUKLA | APRIL 1, 2020

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