The Passover Seder is one of the most important celebrations on the Jewish calendar. Even Jews that are not religious the rest of the year will attend a Seder. Seders also have a universal appeal because of the values being celebrated: freedom, striving against oppression, and the enhancing of liberty for all. These values are a source of inspiration for people fighting against their own oppression. The Haggadah, the book that serves as a guide to the Seder, comes in many ‘flavors’ to respond to different needs, historical circumstances and to many different people: Orthodox, Conservative, Reform, Reconstructionist and Secular Jews; feminists, gays and lesbians, even Christian-oriented. The rituals involve the use of certain symbolic foods. Below you will see a representation of a Seder plate on which many of these foods appear.

P'RI HA-GAPHEN "the fruit of the vine" - wine or grape juice

MATZAH unleavened bread

MAROR a bitter herb (horseradish, green onion, or romaine lettuce)

KARPAS parsley or celery Z'ROA an animal bone or a beet (for vegetarians)

BEITSAH an egg, hard-boiled then roasted

HAROSET a condiment made from fruits, nuts, spices, and wine

TAPPUZ an orange is a recent addition to the traditional Seder

A Seder is a participatory experience. Everyone is invited to share in telling this ancient story. Let us begin…


haggadah Section: Maggid - Beginning