The entire story of Passover is contained on the Seder plate. Throughout the evening we will be invited to eat these things as part of the ritual. The Seder plate includes the following items:

Zeroa- a roasted shank bone, beet, or yam to symbolize the Pesach offering, the lamb that the Hebrews sacrificed, using its blood to mark their doors so the Angel of Death would spare their firstborns during the tenth plague.

Beytza - a roasted egg that symbolizes the sacrifices made at the Temple. It is also a symbol of spring.

Maror - bitter herbs to remind us of the bitterness of enslavement and oppression.

Charoset, a sweet mixture of fruit, nuts, wine, and spices representing the mortar that Hebrew slaves used to make bricks in Egypt, as well as the sweetness of liberation.

Karpas- a green vegetable symbolizing hope, spring, new growth and renewal.

Orange, symbolizing feminist, queer and trans struggles against marginalization.


Beside the Seder plate you will see:

Matzah- (3 or more pieces) unleavened bread, baked quickly, signifying that there was not enough time for the dough to rise before the Hebrews fled Mitzrayim.

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- a cup of water to honor the Prophet Miriam. The tradition of Miriam’s cup is meant to honor Miriam’s role in the story of the Jewish people as well as the leadership of the countless women whose names have not been recorded.

Salt water- symbolizing the tears of the Hebrews oppressed in Egypt.


haggadah Section: Introduction