Passover starts this evening at sundown, in Altoona time that is 7:53pm! What better way to celebrate the Exodus from Egypt then a run-down of Seder plate. These items have made their way into the traditions of many Jews around the world. Lets begin with the classics!
Salt water Or Vinegar
Salt water or Vinegar represents the tears of salves before the Exodus from Egypt.
Elijah’s place setting or cup
Elijah’s place setting or cup is the extra cup of wine poured and plate placed out for the Prophet Elijah and before the door is opened to let him enter.
Roasted Beet Taken from “Crunchy Creamy Sweet: Roasted Beets”
Shank Bone Taken From Walmart.com
Zeroa : זרוֹע
Zeroa is traditionally a Shank bone but in the homes of vegetarian and vegan Jews often use a Roasted beet. This item is found on a Seder plate and represents the sacrifice of Passover. This the only item not handled or eaten at the Seder.
Hard Boiled Eggs taken from “Instant Pot® Hard-Boiled Eggs” on Allrecipes.com
Beitzah: ביצה
Beitzah is an hard boiled and then roasted egg. This item is found on a Seder plate and represents the sacrifice of Passover and is also a symbol of the cycle of life with its round shape. Beitzah is first of the edible items on the Seder plate it is eaten before the Passover meal. It shows how we are all apart of the cycle of life and death.
Beet Horseradish Taken From Reformjudaism.org
Maror: מָרוֹר
Maror are the bitter herbs that represent the bitterness of slavery. These are typically fresh grated horseradish and romaine lettuce, romaine lettuce leaves are not bitter but the stems are when left too long in the ground. Maror is the second edible item on the Seder plate it is eaten before the Passover meal either served together or served as just horseradish on top of matzah.
Charoset Taken from “My FAVORITE Passover Charoset” on Divascancook.com
Haroset: חֲרֽוֹסֶת
Haroset is a mixture of apples, pears, nuts and wine or grape juice. This is supposed to resemble bricks and mortar, a reminder of hard work the Jews were forced to do as slaves in Egypt. This is the third edible item on the Seder plate it is eaten before the Passover meal served on top of matzah.
Parsley Taken from Baliorganic,id
Karpas כַּרְפַּס
Karpas are the fresh herbs that represent the coming of spring. These are typically parsley and celery and are served before the Passover meal after being dipped in the salt water or vinager. This is the fourth edible item on the Seder plate .
Additions
There are some additions that have made their way on to the Seder plate and around it in recent years.
Orange Taken by Ivar Leidus on Wikipedia
Orange
The orange represents the inclusion of marginalized groups within the Jewish community such as LGBTQ+ individuals. A slice is served before the Passover meal showing how everyone deserves a sweet and happy community. The Seeds are spat out as a symbol of removing homophobia and ill will.
Olives taken from “Hydrophilic Antioxidants of Virgin Olive Oil” Lucie Kalvodova on Chemistryviews.org
Olive
The olive represents the a call to peace between Israel and Palestine.
Sunflowers taken from Amazon.com
Potatoes and Sunflower seeds
Potatoes taken from Solidstarts.com
Potatoes and Sunflower seeds has made its way to the Seder plate to represent refugees. The sunflower seeds are specifically to represent refugees from Ukraine.
Miriam’s Cup
The cup for Miriam is an empty cup that each women or attending member of the Seder to pours a bit of water into. This recognizes that women have always been an integral part of the Jewish community.
Happy Passover ! ! חַג שָׂמֵחַ