The Table

Haggadah Section: Introduction

The Table Setting: Set the table in a festive manner.  Candles should be provided for the Seder.  In front of the leader a place a special Seder plate.  On this plate arrange the following:

 Three separate pieces of matzah.  Three whole pieces of matzah should pe blaced in either a special cloth matzah cover with three sections or in a napkin folded over twice.  These three matzot represent the two traditional loves set out in the ancient Temple during the festival day and the extra matzah symbolic of Passover.

A roasted shankbone:  Burned or scorched, representing the ancient Passover sacrifice.

Marror or bitter herbs:  usually horseradish or romaine lettuce.  Symbolic of the bitterness that our forefathers experienced in Egypt, and in a contemporary sense, the lot of all who are enslaved.

Parsley or any green herbs: the growth of springtime, the green of hope and renewal.

Charoset: representing the mortar which our ancestors used in doing Pharaoh’s labor.

A roasted Egg: representing the hagigah or festival offering, a symbol of life itself, a triumph of life over death.

The Cup For Elijah: A special and fine cup filled with wine is placed prominently on the table.  In parable, the Prophet Elijah at some time during the Seder visits every Jewish home and tastes the cup set aside for him.

Symbolic foods for the participants:  Either a setting for each person or in serving plates around the table, there should be a wine glass, Charoset, prepared horseradish, salt water for dipping the parsley or green herbs, and matzah.

The Empty Chair: It is customary to leave an extra chair at the table denoting those of our people who live in lands where they cannot celebrate the Passover as free men.  The are remembered in the Jewish household on this night.

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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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