THE SEDER PLATE
The Passover Seder is laden with tradition and symbolism. A significant part of this tradition is the "Seder Plate".
We take this opportunity to explain its detail, composition and significance in the hope that it will enhance the
appreciation and value of the Seder Night.
Central to the theme of the Seder Plate is the bitterness of exile and galling oppression of slavery.
The Maror and the Chazeres, both bitter herbs, carry this message to the participants of the Seder. Not just a
symbol to be viewed, but to taste, feel and empathize with the harsh beginnings of a fledgling nation. Twice these
bitters are eaten during the Seder, twice they are represented on the Seder Plate. Romaine lettuce and horseradish
are the traditional herbs most often used on the Seder Plate. The feelings they are meant to evoke and the
questions they stimulate help build the bridge from generations past to the generations of the future.
Charoses, a mixture of chopped or grated apples, chopped walnuts, cinnamon and red wine has the appearance
of mortar - a symbol of the harsh life our ancestors endured in hard labor with the bricks and mortar they used to
build cities for Pharaoh in Egypt.
Karpas, a lowly vegetable like a boiled potato or radish, (celery, cucumber or almost any vegetable may be used)
which grows below ground is used to epitomize the humble origins of an enslaved nation. The Karpas is placed
in prominence on the Seder Plate as a symbol of the aspirations of a nation longing for freedom and moral
leadership. A nation of slaves headed for Sinai and the Ten Commandments.
Long after the liberation from Egypt, in the Holy Temple in Jerusalem, two sacrifices were offered on the first
night of Passover. The meat of these sacrifices were roasted and eaten at the Seder Meal. The first was the Pascal
Lamb and the second was The Festive Offering. To commemorate these two sacrifices and their use as part of the
Seder, we place a roasted bone (sometimes referred to as a shank bone) on the Seder Plate to symbolize one of
these sacrifices and a roasted egg as the commemorative of the second offering. The roasted egg has another
significance in that the egg has been a symbol of mourning and serves as a sad reminder of the destruction of the
Temple. The roasted egg is referred to on the Seder Plate as Beitzah and the roasted bone as Z'Roa.
?Paul . Kohn and The Entire
Quality Kosher Catering Family
Extend a Wish to You and Your Family for
a Healthy and 'Happy 'Passover.
When you pick up your order . . .
You are invited to taste a selection of fine ealifornia wines, sample our unique
Passover pastries and choose from a variety of beautiful floral centerpieces
presented by Kay TVlesuda. These and other last-minute" items, including matzo,
will be available for your seder.
Carry-Outs Available
Throughout The Year
352-7758
■ 559-4610