Eating a sandwich of matzah and bitter herb | koreich | כּוֹרֵךְ

When the Temple stood in Jerusalem, the biggest ritual of them all was eating the lamb offered as the Pesach or Passover sacrifice. The great sage Hillel would put the meat in a sandwich made of matzoh, along with some of the bitter herbs. While we do not make sacrifices any more, we honor this custom by eating a sandwich of the remaining matzoh and bitter herbs. Some people will also include charoset in the sandwich to remind us that God’s kindness helped relieve the bitterness of slavery.

We remember also, those who still live in many different forms of bondage around the world who don't have the opportunities and privileges we have been given living in this country. As Jews, it is our duty, Tikkun Olam, to find ways in to help relieve their bitterness.

Finally, as we eat this mix of bitter and sweet in a symbolic gesture, we reflect on our own lives.

Rabbi Andrea Steinberger explained "Throughout each year and throughout our lifetimes, we challenge ourselves to remember that even in times of strength, it is better to sense our vulnerability, rather than bask in our success. We all have memories of times in which bitter and sweet were mixed in our lives, all in the same bite. Judaism says, sometimes life is like that. We can celebrate and mourn all at the same time. And somehow, everything will be ok. "

What is your koreich (mixing the bitter with the sweet) moment?

Eat the sandwich while discussing. 


haggadah Section: Koreich
Source: Parts adapted from jewishboston.com