The Seder Plate

Maror  - The bitter herb. This symbolizes the harshness of lives of the Jews in Egypt.

Charoset  - A delicious mix of fruit, nuts, spices, honey, and grape juice that resembles the mortar used to build the many buildings the Jewish slaves built in Egypt.

Karpas - A green vegetable is a reminder of the green sprouting up all around us during spring and is used to dip into the saltwater.

Zeroah  - A roasted shank bone symbolizing the sacrifice made at the great temple on Passover. 

Beitzah - The egg symbolizes a different holiday offering that was brought to the temple. 

Tapuz - 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.

Matzah

Matzah is the unleavened bread we eat to remember that when the jews fled Egypt, they didn’t even have time to let the dough rise on their bread. 

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. 

Miriam’s Cup

This 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 God 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.


haggadah Section: Introduction
Source: Geoff Chesman (adapted)