The Seder plate is a central component of the Passover Seder, a Jewish ritual meal that commemorates the liberation of the Israelites from slavery in ancient Egypt. It is customary to arrange various symbolic foods on the Seder plate, each of which holds historical and religious significance. These items, along with the retelling of the Exodus story, create a multisensory experience that helps participants connect with the ancient narrative and the enduring themes of freedom and redemption.
- Maror / Chazaret (Bitter herbs): Maror refers to bitter herbs, typically horseradish or romaine lettuce, which represents the bitterness of slavery endured by the Israelites in Egypt. The obligation to eat bitter herbs during the Passover meal is mentioned in the biblical text itself: “They shall eat the meat [of the Passover lamb] with matzah and bitter herbs” (Exodus 12:8). The Mishnah in Pesachim 2:6 and the Gemara in Pesachim 39a elaborate on the specific types of herbs that can be used.
- Charoset: Charoset is a sweet mixture made from a combination of fruits, nuts, and spices, such as apples, walnuts, cinnamon, and wine. It symbolizes the mortar used by the Israelite slaves to construct buildings in Egypt. The Gemara in Pesachim 116a describes the ingredients and preparation of charoset, with varying recipes depending on regional customs.
- Karpas: Karpas refers to a vegetable, usually parsley or celery, which is dipped into saltwater during the Seder. The saltwater represents the tears shed by the Israelites during their time of bondage. The Mishnah in Pesachim 10:3 discusses the practice of dipping vegetables during the Seder but does not specify the use of karpas explicitly.
- Zeroa (Roasted shank bone): Zeroa is a roasted chicken bone, representing the lamb that was sacrificed during the times of the Temple in Jerusalem. It serves as a reminder of the Korban Pesach (Passover sacrifice) offered on the eve of the Exodus and the divine protection bestowed upon the Israelites. Although the Zeroa is not explicitly mentioned in the Mishnah or Gemara, its significance is derived from the biblical commandment regarding the Passover offering (Exodus 12:3-8). Notably, it is the only item that is not eaten, and should not even be eaten optionally. It represents the Korban Pesach which cannot be performed these days without the Temple, so until it is rebuilt we make sure to distance outselves to an extent, using a different type of animal—usually involving chicken instead of the lamb—and not consuming it as one would the real korban.
- Beitzah (Hard-boiled egg): The Beitzah is a hard-boiled egg, which is a symbol of both mourning and new life. It represents the festival offering brought during Temple times and serves as a reminder of the destruction of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem. The Mishnah in Beitza 2:8 discusses the laws related to preparing and consuming eggs on festivals.
- Matzah: While not part of the Seder plate itself, the Matzah is a central element of the Passover ritual and is typically placed nearby. It is unleavened bread, symbolizing the haste with which the Israelites left Egypt, as they did not have time to let their dough rise. The obligation to eat Matzah on Passover is derived from the biblical text (Exodus 12:8). The Mishnah in Pesachim 5:1-3 and the Gemara in Pesachim 36a delve into the details of the Matzah and its preparation.
It’s important to note that the Mishnah and Gemara do not provide extensive descriptions of the Seder plate as a whole. The specific arrangement and composition of the Seder plate have evolved over time, influenced by regional customs and rabbinic interpretations.
Overall, the Seder plate and its components serve as tangible reminders of the historical and religious significance of the Exodus story, emphasizing the themes of slavery, liberation, and redemption in Jewish tradition.
