The Seder Table
The Seder table looks like a dinner table, places are set for everyone (including all the children) and in front of the leader’s place (the leader can be anyone in the family) there is a large ornate plate that displays the five important symbols of Passover.
On the plate there is: -
-
MAROR – These are bitter herbs, eaten to remember the bitterness of Egyptian bondage. The power of the herb, which is often horseradish, is astounding.
- HAROSET – This is a brownish, unappetizing mixture, which is deceptive because it is delicious. It is supposed to look like the mortar that the Israelites used to build the Egyptian cities. It was made of apples, nuts, cinnamon, and wine; its sweetness represents the promise of a better world.
- Z’ROAH – Is a shank bone of lamb. This symbolizes the lamb eaten in haste when the Israelites fled from Egypt. The shank bone is used because “the Lord, our God, brought us forth with a strong hand and an outstretched arm.” The bone is a reminder of God’s arm.
- BEITZAH – Is an egg, which is a symbol of the animal sacrifice that was brought to the temple for each festival. It is usually in SALT WATER, which represents the tears of the slaves. It also represents the sea the Israelites crossed and therefore freedom.
- KARPAS – Fresh greens that are usually parsley, celery or lettuce. Karpas is a symbol of new life in nature and new life for the Jewish people when they were freed from bondage. It is usually dipped in SALT WATER, which represents the tears of the slaves. It also represents the sea the Israelites crossed and therefore freedom.
Matzah
Jews eat flat, bumpy bread, during the week of Passover (they don’t eat food with chametz in) to remember that their ancestors didn’t have time to let their dough rise before they fled from Egypt. Matzah was the plain, humble food of slaves, but it also recalls the great moment of freedom.
Leavened bread is puffed up and fancier than matzah; it symbolizes self-importance. Matzah teaches about the simplicity and humility of the poor, as Passover is a time to examine oneself for signs of being too proud.
The Four Questions
A child, not the leader, starts the story of the Exodus. The youngest person asks the leader four important questions about why this night is different from all others in the year. The questions are asked in Hebrew, and then they are repeated in English.
- Why is this night different from all other nights? On all other nights, we eat either leavened or unleavened bread; why, on this night, do we eat only matzah, which is unleavened bread?
- On all other nights, we eat vegetables and herbs of all kinds; why, on this night, do we eat bitter herbs especially?
- On all other nights, we never think of dipping herbs in water or anything else; why, on this night, do we dip the parsley in salt water and the bitter herbs in haroset?
- On all other nights, everyone sits up straight on the table; why, on this night, do we recline at the table?
Elijah’s Cup
One cup of wine stands alone in the centre of the table for Elijah, the prophet, who will announce the coming of the Messiah. The door is opened and the cup is carefully watched to see if he has come to drink the wine and bring us closer to a more generous world. This is the message of Passover: we will all be free when we are willing to share with one another.
Afikomen
The afikomen (“dessert”) is half a piece of matzah that the leader sets aside at the beginning of the Seder to be eaten at the end of the meal. The leader of the seder hides the afikomen, and the children hunt for it. When they find it, the leader asks for it back, and the children bargain for a treat before they return it.
Songs
Many songs are sung at Pesach, from traditional Dayenu, to the more modern songs below: -
There's No Seder Like our Seder
(sung to the tune of "There's no Business like Show business")
There's no seder like our seder,
There's no seder I know.
Everything about it is Halachic
nothing that the Torah won't allow.
Listen how we read the whole Haggadah
It's all in Hebrew
'Cause we know how.
There's no Seder like our Seder, We tell a tale that is swell:
Moses took the people out into the heat
They baked the matzah
While on their feet
Now isn't that a story
That just can't be beat?
Let's go on with the show!
Haggadah Wash that Man Right out of my Hair
Haggadah wash that man right out of my hair Because he's full of
chametz but he doesn't care.
That it's a custom now to be rid of that snare, I'll send him on his way.
Haggadah drink my wine and feel real free, Haggadah eat choruses,
matzah and tea, Haggadah keep the Seder, with joy and glee. I really love
that day!!
He doesn't like gefilte fish,
eat it up, eat it up.
He doesn't like the matzah dish
Heat it up, heat it up.
can't wait for him to change-
Hey buddy... (Repeat 1st verse).