Seder Meal

Elements of the Meal (L to R): Lamb bone, Salt Water,
Haroseth, Horseradish Root, Parsley, Ceremonial Wine

We delighted in an invitation to attend a "Seder Meal." Our Sunday school teachers are a deeply wise, Christ-filled couple who opened their home to Hebrew custom. 

After agonizing, "What does one wear to a Seder?," we finally arrived sans baby, but towing an energetic, newly turned six-year old. He was well prepared. The conversation in the car ride over was instructive: "If you don't like what the food looks like, just say "thank you" and lay it on the edge of your plate. Don't worry. Mommy might be doing the same thing." 

As the youngest member at the table he had a role to play. Questions to ask. Oh dear. 

They tucked him tight between my husband and me. Four couples eyed our hosts curiously as they spoke their parts as "Father" and "Mother" in the Hagadah or "telling" of the ceremonial meal. 

It was time to hunt. Pieces of bread were hidden within the dining room. Our squirming son all but cheered at the idea of bread sport. This was to signify the removal of yeast in the home representing sin. The ceremony continued, the meal ensued and we were fascinated by the symbolism and savory surprises. (Although we learned quickly that parsley tastes terrible dipped in salt water.) 

A powerful moment filled the room when we recited together the ten plagues, pausing for "Father" to drip a drop of wine from his finger after each affliction. Dark words hung in the air until released by the blood-colored splash. Powerful, indeed. The full power of God.

The close of the meal nears. Our son is asked to open the front door. We are to welcome Elijah to the Passover. He hesitates, but finally pulls the door free peeking out to sidewalks and sunshine. Expectant. Confused. "Elijah?" The adults chuckle quietly. No chariots of fire today. 

I have not recounted all of the details (like my Dad calling in the middle of the meal holding the baby up to the phone who is crying for his pacifier and I need to translate). But, Seder does means 'order' since the meal and service are done in a particular sequence. So....how does it end? A traditional Seder is concluded with a toast declaring, "Next year in Jerusalem." Within our Christian version, we raised our cups of grape juice high proclaiming, "Next year in the New Jerusalem!" 

Thank you dear hosts for a Super Seder. 

Elements of the Meal: 

Lamb The word 'pesach' (passover) applies to the Lamb of sacrifice as well as to the deliverance from Egypt and to the feast itself.

Unleavened bread (Matzoh) called 'bread of affliction' because it recalls the unleavened bread prepared for the hasty flight by night from Egypt. Three large matzohs are broken and consumed during the ceremony. 

Bitter herbs (Moror) is a reminder of the bitterness of slavery and suffering in Egypt. 

Green herbs to be dipped in salt water. Salt water represents tears of sorrow shed during the captivity of the Lord's people. 

Haroseth (or 'haroses') represents the mortar used by Jews in building palaces and pyramids of Egypt during their slavery. (It is a mixture of chopped apples, dates, nuts, cinnamon and wine). 

Wine is dipped from a common bowl. The 'Four Cups' represent: Thanksgiving, Hagadah ('telling'), Blessing and Hope.