HOSTING A SEDER

LEt's talk Seder, tater

If you'd rather listen, we wrap this page up in a concise video.

Where to start

What even is a Seder?

In the exact translation, it means 'order'.

In Leviticus, we are commanded to remember the Exodus story, when God rescued us from the oppression of the Egyptians. To help keep the commandment of remembering the Exodus story, we've adopted the tradition of a dinner called a 'seder' during the time of Passover and Unleavened Bread.

the main elements in a seder

There are a few common components you will probably see at any Seder dinner you attend. You will notice a plate with similar ingredients, and a book called a Haggadah.

Seder Plate

Haggadah

The Seder Plate holds the different ingredients that are used in the haggadah to prove a specific point in the Exodus story and make it really come to life. For example, horseradish is eaten to experience the same bitterness that the Israelites felt.

The Haggadah is the book that is used to help retell the Exodus story partnered with the ingredients on the special seder plate. You eat and drink throughout the story to make it really come to life. Usually, everyone has their own copy so they can follow along.

learn more about the elements on a seder plate here

Learn more or download your free haggadah here

What else goes on the table?

Honestly, whatever you want! Many Jewish traditions start with lighting candles, and most haggadahs have a spot for you to light candles and say a blessing. So, you might want to have some candles.

Go through your haggadah and make sure you have the ingredients for the specific sections you want to do. Want to dip the parsley in salt water to remember the tears of the Israelites? Make sure you have a bowl of salt water.

The first seder I ever did by myself, we paused multiple times so I could run to the kitchen and grab the ingredient we needed for that section reading. It's still special and definitely memorable!

Keep in mind, the seder itself, along with the haggadah are not Biblically commanded. This is you making traditions with your family, not perfectionism.

The Seder meal

At some point during the seder, a meal is usually served. Your haggadah will usually have a spot where you're instructed to eat your meal, but remember, the haggadah is not the Bible. Because I have small children at my seder, we usually start with dinner so tummies are full and minds can concentrate. Then we do the full seder, and then end with some edible plagues for dessert!

The seder plate and haggadah take care of the Biblically commanded aspects of the food: the bitter herbs and unleavened bread.

For the meal itself, you can have whatever your family likes. Just make sure nothing contains leavening!

Think about what makes holidays special for you now. Green bean casserole screams "special occasion" around here. We have it every Passover, and that's a personal tradition my family loves.

Some people like to have foods you might have found during the last supper to try and make the history really shine.

more seder meal planning