THE THREE SYMBOLS OF PASSOVER

Rabbi Gamliel taught: Whomsoever does not mention the three symbols of Passover has not fulfilled one’s duty. They are: Pesach or Paschal Lamb, Matzoh and Morðr.

PARTICIPANT: (Pointing to Roasted Shank Bone on Seder Plate) What is the significance of the Pesach, the Paschal Lamb, symbolized by this SHANK BONE, which our ancestors ate in the days when the Temple was in existence? It served the homes as a reminder that the Lord "posach" — passed over — the homes of our parents when God smote the first-born sons of the Egyptians.

PARTICIPANT: (Holding up cake of Matzoh) What is the significance of this cake, this Matzoh? It is the flat, unleavened bread which our families ate during their departure from Egypt, for in their haste they could not wait for the dough to rise.

PARTICIPANT: (Holding up some Bitter-Herbs) What is the significance of these Bitter-Herbs? They serve to remind us that the Egyptians embittered the lives of our ancestors, as the Torah relates: "And they made their lives bitter with hard service, in mortar and in brick, and in all manner of service in the field; in all their service, wherein they made them serve with rigor.


haggadah Section: -- Cup #2 & Dayenu