The Classic Seder Plate vs. the 90’s Seder Plate

We place a Seder Plate at our table as a reminder to discuss certain aspects of the Passover story. Each item has its own significance.

Maror – The bitter herb. This symbolizes the harshness of lives of the Jews in Egypt. Tonight we use Warheads, the most sour of all of the 90’s candies.

Charoset – A delicious mix of sweet wine, apples, cinnamon and nuts that resembles the mortar used as bricks of the many buildings the Jewish slaves built in Egypt. Tonight we use the traditional snack pack version of these ingredients.

Karpas – A green vegetable, usually parsley or celery, is a reminder of the green sprouting up all around us during spring and is used to dip into the saltwater.  Tonight we have ants on a log to try to encourage us to eat our vegetables.

Zeroah – A roasted lamb or shank bone symbolizing the lamb’s blood we used to paint on the Israelites’ doorways so g-d would pass over their homes and not kill their first born. Tonight we use fun dip, as sugar is way tastier than lamb’s bones and blood.

Beitzah – The egg symbolizes rebirth and new things to come. Tonight we use a Wonderball to symbolize the joy of the new surprises we will find inside.

Orange - The orange on the seder plate has come to symbolize full inclusion in modern day Judaism: not only for women, but also for people with disabilities, intermarried couples, and the LGBT Community. Tonight we will be using orange soda, as Kel really loves orange soda.

Elijah’s Cup

The fifth ceremonial cup of wine poured during the Seder. It is left untouched in honor of Elijah, who, according to tradition, will arrive one day as an unknown guest to herald the advent of the Messiah. During the dinner is is customary to open the door as a welcoming to guests who need a place to go as well as Elijah.


haggadah Section: Introduction