Passover Seder Story
Many are prone to think of Passover as a somber holiday of deprivation. But really, it is a time to celebrate the liberation of Israelites from slavery. Dish by dish, the Seder plate uses symbolic foods to recount the inspiring story of the Exodus from Egypt. Here are the foods for thought.
Matzo (Unleavened Bread)
The Israelites fled Egypt in such haste, they didn't have time for their bread to rise so unleavened matzo was born. On Passover, the head of the household hides one piece of matzo – the Afikomen – to denote the slaves' tradition of stashing food for later.
Zeroa (Shankbone)
The shank bone is a decorative dish, but its story is essential. After God sent the tenth plague (death of each household's first born), he instructed the Hebrew people to paint their doors with the blood of a lamb, which told the Angel of Death to pass their homes.
Charoset (Fruit and nuts)
This sweet and spicy Seder dish is a favorite far beyond the Passover table. Charoset, which comes from the Hebrew word for clay, is a mixture of apples, nuts, spices and wine that represents the mortar used by the Jews when they toiled for Pharaoh.
Karpas (Vegetable)
Parsley is the traditional Passover vegetable thanks to its two-fold symbolism. It is dipped in salt water to mimic the act of dipping hyssop in lamb's blood and marking doorposts during the plague. Plus, its green branches represent spring and rebirth.
Betzah (Egg)
At funerals, eggs are often served as a symbol of life; so at Passover, eggs are served as a symbol of mourners lamenting the destruction of the temple. When it's time to dine, the eggs are often immersed in a small bowl of salt water, chopped up and eaten like a soup.
Maror (Bitter herbs)
The least palatable food on the plate is, appropriately, the bitter herbs. Modern day Maror – usually grated horseradish, although lettuce and endive are also acceptable – is often sandwiched in matzoh. Its harsh flavor signifies the embittered lives of the slaves.
Chazeret (Bitter Vegetable)
An optional addition to the Seder plate is the chazerat – usually romaine lettuce – which tells the same story as the Maror. Those who leave off the chazeret usually replace it with a small bowl of salt water, recognizing the tears shed during Egyptian slavery.
Wine
It is tradition to drink four cups of kosher wine at the Seder to symbolize the four promises made by God to lead the Israelites to freedom. Many Seders leave out a fifth an untouched glass for the prophet Elijah, who will bring word of the world's redemption.
