Elements
There is a total of 11 elements suggested for your Passover Seder.
We have divided them into 2 categories:
Seder Plate Elements and Table Elements.
Seder Plate Elements
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The Seder plate is a main focal point when celebrating Passover. The Seder plate contains many of the elements needed to celebrate Passover.
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The Seder plate can be ornate, or it can be a simple disposable plate.
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Every participant can have their own individual Seder plate or there can be one for each table to share. What is important is you have the elements.
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If you are celebrating Passover at home or in a small group setting it is feasible for there to be one or two Seder plates and everyone share from it.
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If you are honoring Passover in a large group setting it might be best for everyone to have their own individual Seder plate. This might take a little more time to set up but makes it easier for everyone throughout the evening.
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The elements on the Seder plate bring tangible reminders throughout the service.
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There are 6 elements on the Seder plate.
Karpas
Parsley, called karpas, represents life that is created and sustained by God.
Charoset
Sweet charoset as a reminder of the love and mercy that we receive from God. Click her for the Recipe.
Bitter Herbs
We eat bitter herbs as a reminder of the sorrow and suffering the Israelites endured.
Plagues Coaster
We use the plagues coaster as an interactive moment as we say each plague God sent to set His people free. Click to print your Plague Coasters.
Matzah
Matzah is used a number of times throughout the Seder. It is an unleavened bread used to represent Christ. Click for a DIY recipe
Shank Bone
The shank bone that symbolizes the lamb that Jews sacrificed as the special Passover offering when the temple stood in Jerusalem. We know Jesus is our Passover Lamb.
**Note: many Passover Seders include an egg on their seder plate. We have removed the egg as it was add very late in adaptation and is attached to some pagan ideas. As well as to accommodate allergies in our large group setting.
Table Elements
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The table elements do add to the aesthetic of the evening, though there is more information on that in another section.
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These elements are necessary to ensure your seder is complete.
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As with the table elements, depending on the size of your group, will determine how many of these times you need.
Hand Washing Bowl
A simple bowl with clean water is sufficient. Each person will lightly dip their fingers and use a cloth to dry them. Hand washing for ceremonial cleanliness is throughout the Bible but it also reminds us to have clean hands and pure heart.
4 Cups
Each person can have 4 small cups of grape juice or wine. Or they can have one larger glass. Through the meal you will drink from 4 Cups symbolically representing what God did for the Israelites and does for us.
Candles
Each table needs 2 candles that will be lit at the beginning of the Seder by a woman.
Affikomen: Matzah
3 pieces of matzah are placed in a cloth. The middle piece is broken. It will wrapped and hidden for the children to find after the meal. This represents the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. And how Jesus died, was buried, and rose again 3 days later,
Salt water
Salt water can be made and placed in a small bowl on the table or you can give each person a small cup of it. You will use it to dip you Karpas in during the Seder.