Preparing the Seder Table

The following symbolic foods should be placed near the leader of the Seder so that they can be used during the Seder.

On the Seder plate (use either a special one for this purpose or a regular dinner plate), include:

• zro’ah (Shank bone) symbolizes the lamb that was sacrificed in ancient days
• beitzah (Roasted Egg) represents the Passover offering of ancient days as well as the wholeness and continuing cycle of life
• maror (Bitter herbs, horseradish or romaine lettuce) reminds us of the bitter lives of the Hebrew slaves
• Charoset (the mixture of apples, nuts, sweet wine, cinnamon and sugar in the Ashkenazic fashion or dates, nuts and sweet wine in the Sephardic tradition), reminds us of the bricks and mortar made by the Hebrew slaves
• karpas (Greens) symbolizes the springtime of the year when Passover takes place

Also place on the table:

• Three matzot (pl. of matzah), on a plate with a cloth or napkin cover
• Salt water, a reminder of the tears shed by the Hebrew slaves
• Cup of Elijah—Kos Eliyahu

You may want to assemble a mini-Seder plate for each participant that includes the items they will need to participate in the Seder. Place a small amount of each of the following items on a decorative paper plate or regular small plate:

• Bitter herbs
• Charoset
• Parsley

Additionally, small bowls of salt water may be placed around the table(s) for dipping the karpas along with plates of matzah for participants to share.

How long should a Seder run? When will the brisket be ready?

Above all else, before your guests arrive be sure everyone has agreed on the length of the pre-dinner Seder. Decide when you want the chicken or the brisket, turkey and side dishes to be cooked and ready to serve. Count back from that fixed time around 45 minutes. Begin your Seder then. That way not one has to complain the Seder is too long or that the meal is ruined. If you want to create memories forever, let them be positive Jewish memories – not memories that trivialize your Seder.