I think we did a Seder in seminary but I really don't remember it. I know I've participated in pieces of seders in the past but don't remember any of the symbolism or traditions. I'd like to research these a little bit and come up with a kid-friendly/family friendly Seder for my nieces and nephews.
This is what I've learned: (source: http://home.byu.net/vll/passover/parts/sedsym.htm)
Elements on/around the Table:
- You need a Seder plate, placed near the head of the table, with the following
- A roasted shank bone of lamb: Reminder of the Paschal Lamb
- A roasted egg, symbol of the festival of sacrifice offered up in the Jerusalem temple
- Maror: These bitter herbs (horseradish) are a reminder of the bitterness of the Egyptian slavery.
- Haroset: (Ha-roe'-set) A mixture of apples, nuts, cinnamon, and wine, which represents the mortar the Israelite slaves used in Egypt.
- Karpas: usually Parsley (or another green herb such as watercress or lettuce) This is dipped into a dish of salt water before being eaten, which is symbolic of the coming of spring and the perpetual renewal of life. It also represents hope and redemption; served with a bowl of salted water to represent the tears shed.
- Three Matzahs: This is in commemoration of the unleavened bread which the Jews took with them when they fled Egypt.
- 4 cups of "wine" (aka. Grape juice and sprite): The drinking of wine by each participant at four points in the Seder service symbolizes the fourfold promise of redemption in Exodus 6:6-7 "I will bring you, . . . I will deliver you, . . . I will redeem you, . . . and I will take you."
- Cup of Elijah: This is usually a tall goblet which is placed with the special table setting for Elijah. It is filled during the Seder.
- A cushioned armchair: for the leader. This symbolizes the freedom enjoyed by the Israelites whent hey were redeemed from bondage. In ancient times only free men could enjoy the comfort of leisurely dining.
- Afikomen: (Ah-fee-ko'h-,men) or dessert. The middle of the three matzahs is broken in half. The larger half which is put away to be eaten at the close of the meal is called the afikomen. One of the customs connected with the afikomen is the leader bartering for its redemption, the leader good-naturedly takes no note of the spiriting away of the hidden matzah by the children. The child with it does not surrender the afikomen until the leader redeems it with a gift, deed, or a promise of a gift. After it is distributed and eaten, no other food is taken.
- This is where it gets complicated and has a lot of recitations. My brother has 6 kids at home ranging from 16 to 1year. There has to be a way to make this something the kids can learn from and enjoy.
RECIPES
Return to the Passover homepage.
Matzah-Unleavened Bread
3 cups matzah meal (or flour)
Pinch of salt
Water
Knead together until soft and fine. Divide into 3 parts. Roll out thin like pie crust. Set on teflon or lightly oiled (vegetable oil only, to be kosher) cookie sheet and use a fork to lightly puncture the dough. Bake immediately at 4000 until lightly browned. May be turned over; bake until brown. Don't break matzos. Cover and place at Seder table.
Haroseth
2 tart unpecled apples, grated or finely diced
1/2 cup walnuts or almonds, finely chopped
1/4 cup raisins (optional)
3 tablespoons honey (optional, or grape juice/wine)
1/4 tablespoon cinnamon
Mix and serve in bowls on table.
Kartoffel Latkes (Potato Pancakes)
6 medium-sized raw potatoes*
1 small onion
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 cup flour (or matzah meal)
Salt and pepper to taste
2 eggs, beaten
Vegetable oil for frying
Peer, then soak potatoes in cold water for one hour. Grate onion and potatoes. Drain off any excess liquid. Mix in other dry ingredients, then eggs. Heat vegetable oil for frying. Make into small pancake-size patties. Fry until golden on outside. Turn only once. Can be served plain or with gravy, applesauce, or sour cream. Serves 6 people.
*(Cooked, mashed potatoes may be substituted for raw potatoes.)
TERMS: see http://home.byu.net/vll/passover/terms.htm
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