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Passover Primer - The Setup

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There are a few things you should have on hand before you start your observance of Passover – wine, of course, as well as the following:

- SEDER PLATE -

  1. MATZAH: at least three whole pieces
    Significance: Represents the 3 subgroups of Judaism – Kohein, Levi and Israel – of which every Jew is a descendent and reminds us that upon being freed from slavery in Egypt, the Israeliltes fled without before even allowing their to dough rise.
  2. Z'ROA: a roasted bone
    Significance: Represents the traditional "Passover Offering" and reminds us of the lamb whose blood marked the homes of the Israelites so that the Angel of Death would pass-over them.
  3. BEITZAH: a roasted egg
    Significance: Signifies life, and renewal.
  4. MAROR: bitter herbs – i.e. horseradish
    Significance: Represents the anguish of our slavery in Egypt.
  5. CHAROSET: chopped almonds, apples and cinnamon
    Significance: The consistency represents the mortar and bricks that Jews were forced to use as slaves in Egypt; the sweetness represents our freedom.
  6. KARPAS: any vegetable – i.e. parsley, lettuce or celery
    Significance: Represents a flourishing, prosperous way of life.
  7. SALT WATER
    Significance: Represents the tears of our forefather as slaves in Egypt.
  8. ELIJAH'S CUP
    Significance: Elijah the Prophet is thought to be the Messiah, who will arrive as we approach the climactic era of universal peace and brotherhood. On this holiday, we invite him into our home.

  9. PILLOW
    Significance: Using a pillow and reclining at the Seder is an outward display of freedom.