The Seder plate sits at the center of the Passover table, holding symbolic foods that help tell the story of the Exodus from Egypt. It represents our ancestors' journey to freedom. Many families also incorporate modern additions that connect the traditional teachings and themes to contemporary social justice issues. Here's how to build a Seder plate that honors both tradition and our ongoing responsibility to advocate for those who are still not free.
Traditional Elements of the Seder Plate
Every traditional Seder plate includes six symbolic items:
Maror (Bitter Herbs) – Typically horseradish, representing the bitterness of slavery experienced by the Israelites.
Chazeret (Additional Bitter Herb) – Many people use romaine lettuce, though some use endives or mustard greens instead.
Charoset – A sweet mixture of fruits, nuts, and wine, representing the mortar used by enslaved Israelites to build structures in Egypt.
Karpas (Vegetable) – Usually parsley, dipped in salt water to represent the tears shed during slavery.
Zeroa (Shankbone) – The shank bone of a lamb is roasted and put on the Seder plate to symbolize the Passover sacrifice. Some use the bone from a different animal, and vegetarians use a roasted beet instead.
Beitzah (Egg) – A hard-boiled egg reminds us of the sacrificial offering and also spring and renewal.
Modern Seder-Plate Additions for Social Justice
Many contemporary Seders now include additional items that connect the Passover themes of freedom and justice to modern concerns:
Orange – The orange represents the inclusion of LGBTQ+ individuals and others who have been marginalized within Jewish communities.
Olive – Symbolizes the hope for peace in conflict regions, particularly in the Middle East, and advocating for those displaced by war.
Fair Trade Chocolate or Coffee Bean – Represents the fight against modern slavery and exploitative labor practices in global supply chains.
Banana – Represents refugees: specifically, the fatal journey that two child refugees took to flee their war-torn home of Syria.
Tomato – Added by some to recognize the plight of agricultural workers and immigrants who face unjust working conditions.
Pine Cone – Used to acknowledge environmental justice and our responsibility to protect the planet for future generations.
Artichoke – Symbolizes the complexity of interfaith families and the multifaceted nature of modern Jewish identity.
Small Cup of Water – Represents access to clean water as a human right and stands in solidarity with communities lacking this basic necessity.
Engaging Guests with Your Seder Plate
The Seder plate isn't merely decorative—it's a powerful educational tool. As part of the Seder, you'll point to the traditional items to explain them. Be sure to include your modern additions into those explanations!
- Explain how each item connects to the Passover themes of liberation and justice.
- Ask guests to reflect on what each symbol means to them personally.
- Encourage discussions about how ancient teachings apply to current social justice issues.
- What is missing? Consider inviting guests to suggest their own symbolic additions.
By thoughtfully combining traditional elements with contemporary additions, your Seder plate becomes not just an important tradition, but a catalyst for meaningful conversations about freedom, justice, and our collective responsibility to advocate for those who are not yet free. As we retell the story of the Exodus, these symbols remind us that the work of liberation continues in our own time, challenging us to take action against modern forms of oppression.