Seder Plate

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The seder plate holds most of the main symbols we talk about during the seder. There are many beautiful seder plates handed down through generations, and certainly many that are available for purchase with a wide variety of artistry and cost. A seder plate will usually have specific spaces, often named, for each item. Since there can be a bit of variation on what appears on a seder plate, some have five spaces, while others have six. Several things have been added in recent times to the seder plate (listed below) and are optional, but certainly meaningful. Although there might not be a designated place for these items on the average seder plate, feel free to add them where they fit, or just put them on the table.

Roasted egg (Beitzah): The roasted egg (yes, roasted!) symbolizes rebirth and springtime. Just as we grew into a free nation through our exodus from Egypt, the egg symbolizes growth and new life. Boil your egg first, then put it inside the oven (at about 350 degrees) and roast it until the shell starts to brown. (But if you use a simple boiled egg, no one is likely to know the difference.) Looking for a vegan substitute? Try plant seeds, an avocado pit or a large nut.

Spring greens (Karpas): This vegetable represents the spring season of the Passover holiday, and is used for the Karpas part of the seder. Most people use parsley, but some use celery, boiled potatoes or onions instead.

Bitter herb (Maror): Generally, this is horseradish, which embodies the bitterness of slavery. Traditionalists will tell you it must be the actual horseradish root. But many people use the chopped stuff from a jar, which can then do double-duty as a condiment for your gefilte fish. Note: A little horseradish goes on the seder plate, but everyone will eat a bit of bitter herb during the seder. You can either put it on individual plates or in a few little bowls on the table.

Chopped apples and nuts (Charoset): This is the fruit-based mixture that represents the mortar of bricks we laid as slaves in Egypt. It’s also sweet, like freedom. Just about every Jewish community in the world has its own take on charoset, so if you’re feeling ambitious, Google different recipes and make a few! Note: Like the horseradish, just a little bit of charoset goes on the seder plate. Put most of it in bowls around the table so everyone can enjoy it during the seder.

Shank bone (Zeroah): This is a symbol of the Passover lamb; our forefathers used its blood to mark their doorposts, and the angel of death passed over their homes in the Passover story. Often, you can ask your butcher for a piece of lamb shank bone. In the weeks leading up to Passover, kosher specialty stores will have shank bones available, but they can go fast. Before you put it on the plate, remember to roast it—you wouldn’t want raw animal parts on your table! (You can even throw it in the oven with the egg.) If you miss out or forget to purchase an actual lamb shank bone, you wouldn’t be the first to substitute a chicken leg bone. Want a vegetarian option? Steamed or roasted beets have a deep red color and serve as a popular alternative.

Optional modern additions:

• Orange for LGBTQ and gender equality

• Artichoke heart for the inclusion of interfaith families

• Fair-trade chocolate or cocoa beans for economic freedom (most of the world’s chocolate production relies on underpaid or slave laborers, often children)

• Tomato for solidarity with those suffering from slavery, underpaid labor and oppressive working conditions in American agriculture

• Olive for peace in the Middle East

• Cashews for support of American troops

• Banana for standing with refugees

• Pinecone to call out for criminal justice reform

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 Seder dinner, biblical verses are read while the door is briefly opened to welcome Elijah. In this way the Seder dinner not only commemorates the historical redemption from Egyptian bondage of the Jewish people but also calls to mind their future redemption when Elijah and the Messiah shall appear.

Miriam’s Cup

Another relatively new Passover tradition is that of Miriam’s cup. The cup is filled with water and placed next to Elijah’s cup. Miriam was the sister of Moses and a prophetess in her own right. After the exodus when the Israelites are wandering through the desert, just as Hashem gave them Manna to eat, legend says that a well of water followed Miriam and it was called ‘Miriam’s Well’. The tradition of Miriam’s cup is meant to honor Miriam’s role in the story of the Jewish people and the spirit of all women, who nurture their families just as Miriam helped sustain the Israelites.

Source: JewishBoston.com "The Wandering is Over Haggadah"

haggadah Section: Introduction

Source: https://cdn.jewishboston.com/uploads/2020/03/haggadah.pdf