Symbolism in the Seder

The Meaning of Passover Foods

Passover is a Jewish holiday that celebrates when the Jews escaped from slavery in Egypt. During Passover, each family eats a meal called a Seder. Each food in the Seder has a special meaning.

Matzoh (or Matzah)

This unleavened bread reminds Jews that they needed to leave Egypt very quickly, following God's final plague sent to convince the Egyptian Pharaoh to let the Israelites leave the country. Tradition says that the Jews left so quickly that the bread dough in their pans did not even have time to rise. It was quickly baked in its unleavened state and wrapped to go. Hence, the three matzahs that are eaten during the Passover Seder are also brought to the table wrapped in a napkin.

Maror

The Maror or bitter herbs that are on the Seder plate are there to symbolize the bitterness of the Jews' years of slavery in Egypt. In America, this is often either thin slices of horseradish or small pieces of various varieties of lettuce.

Harosset

This mixture of apples, figs, dates, nuts, cinnamon and wine (there are many recipes) is on the plate to remind Jews of the endless building projects they engaged in in Egypt.

Beitzah

A hard-boiled egg that is on the plate to symbolize the renewal of life and the Jews eternal existence as a people.

Karpas

In America, this is traditionally either parsley or celery that I served with a bowl of saltwater (is “tears”). The family dips the vegetable into the saltwater in memory of all the tears the Jews have shed.

Zeroah

The meal itself. It is often lamb and, even when it is not, there is often a lamb shankbone on the table to symbolize the traditional sacrificial offering. In America, the actual Seder meal is as likely to be a beef brisket or a roasted chicken, as it is to be lamb.

Wine

During a Passover Seder, four glasses of wine are consumed at very specific parts of the Seder celebration. On the fourth round, a special glass is also poured for the prophet Elijah – and the doors of the home are opened briefly to allow his spirit to grace them with his presence. Elijah prophesied the coming of the Messiah.