Preparing for the Passover Seder

A Brief Guide to the Passover Seder

Here is a brief guide to what you will need to put on a Passover Seder. Each item mentioned has a specific purpose and meaning. How much or how little you want to use in your Seder is up to the individual. Nevertheless, the Passover table should be set beautifully with the finest the household has to honor this glorious event.

The Haggadah

The most basic element of the Passover Seder is the special text called the Haggadah. The Haggadah tells the Exodus story and how we eat, drink, and make the Blessings throughout the meal. Since Seder means "order" the Haggadah ensures that the Seder is done accurately. One copy of the Haggadah will suffice although, it is advisable to have more than one copy, if not one for everyone at the table.

The Seder Plate

The Seder Plate is another important part of the Seder. This six compartment plate holds symbolic foods, each with a special significance to the Exodus story. A list of the six symbolic foods and their meanings will be found in the Haggadah and are arranged according to the labels on the plate.


Kosher Wine and the Kiddush Cup

Four cups of kosher wine are consumed at various stages in the Passover narrative. Each participant can drink the kosher wine from any type of cup. However, a traditional goblet called a Kiddush Cup is filled with wine and placed on the table for the prophet Elijah. 


Matzah Holders and Plates

Another symbolic item in the Seder is three matzots. Matzots are sheets of unleavened bread eaten throughout the Passover holiday. These are placed in a special three section Matza Holder or Tash or on a Matza Plate.

Passover Music

It is fun to have a CD of Passover songs and recorded blessings, particularly for families unfamiliar with the Passover Seder. These can only add to the atmosphere of fun and merriment.

The Passover Table you set for your family should be warm, spiritual, and beautiful. Be creative with your decorating -- add candles, homemade crafts and spring flowers are particularly relevant to the holiday. Strive to make your table the most beautiful you can each year. Your efforts will be rewarded!