Passover Seder Jewish Religion
Passover Seder is an important occasion in the Jewish calendar marking the beginning of the Passover holiday on the fifteenth day of the first month ofNissan. It is a time of reflection, celebration and tradition when family and friends come together to read the Haggadah, remember the liberation of Jews from Egypt and share age old customs, traditional food and wine.
For those organising thePassover Sederit is a busy time not only on the day but also beforehand when the home has to be cleaned and preparations undertaken to ensure that the evening runs smoothly.
Cleaning the home
Traditionally before Passover the home needs to be thoroughly cleaned and any leavened products removed which may include searching through cupboards or pulling out furniture to find any hidden crumbs. To include children in the task the organisers can, after nightfall on the evening before Passover, undertake a formal search of the home and in line with tradition turn of the lights and a use a torch, feather and wooden spoon to seek out any crumbs. To prevent children becoming dissolution a few well placed small pieces of leavened bread can be left for them to be found and later burnt.
Guests
Consideration needs to be given to who is going to be invited to Seder and whether to send shop bought invites, make your own or email details. It is also important to check guest’s dietary needs particularly as the meal traditionally, includes lamb, nuts in theCharosetand alcohol which may not suit all participants. .Also if non Jewish guests are attending it may be wise to discuss with them what to expect or direct them to books or websites explaining Seder. Plus if children are attending don’t forget to make sure that activates such as crayons and papers available to keep them occupied.
Master of Ceremonies
As the host of Seder time will be spent between the kitchen and guests and it is important to arrange for an appointed person to be responsible for ensuring that the evening goes as planned and that traditions such as reading theHaggadahare completed. When appointing a maestro check whether they have aKittel(white robe) and have read the Haggadah before hand and know what is required of them. Remember that before Seder you need to have bought a Haggadah for each guest to follow whilst it is being read.
Table
Before the actual day it is important to check that there are sufficient plates, cutlery and glasses. Remember that a small glass or cup is needed for each guest and one extra for Elijah. Do you have aSeder plate, large bowl for salt water and a pitcher for Urchatz to wash hands? Don’t forget towels to dry hands.
Whether organising a traditional or modern day Passover Seder remember that it is a time of celebration and even if things are forgotten or the meal does not go to plan family and friends will enjoy coming together and taking part in an age old tradition.
