Sunflower Seeds On Our Seder Plate…

This Passover, we have a small dish of sunflower seeds on our seder plate to show our solidarity with the people of Ukraine. Sunflowers are the national flower of Ukraine, and have become a potent symbol of resistance to the recent Russian military invasion. They have been grown in Ukraine since the 18th Century and have been associated with Ukrainian national identity since the early 19th Century. They symbolize unity, life and well-being, and can be seen across the countryside. 

After the Chernobyl nuclear disaster in 1986, sunflowers were widely grown in the area to help remove radiation contaminants from the soil. And in 1996, sunflowers were planted in celebration of Ukraine’s nuclear disarmament.

And so, with a dish of these powerful seeds on my seder table, I will say a blessing of peace and protection for all the brave people of Ukraine. 

Adapted from Rebecca Missel’s Sunflower Seeds On My Seder Plate. Rebecca is the Director of Partnerships and Content at Haggadot.com 


haggadah Section: Maggid - Beginning