Passover Seder is a ritual meal of the Jews, which marks the beginning of the weeklong holiday of Passover. Held on the 14th day of Nisan, according to the Hebrew calendar, the Seder includes a variety of traditional Jewish foods. This intergenerational family ritual is prescribed under the Jewish law that is based on the interpretation of the Biblical verse commanding the Jews to retell the story of Exodus from Egypt. Families and friends gather for supper in the evening and read the text from Hagaddah, an ancient text describing the Seder service and the narrative of the Exodus. The text also includes special blessings and rituals, commentaries from the Talmud, and special Passover songs.
There are some customs that need to be followed during the Seder, as explained by the Hagaddah. Seder customs call for drinking four cups of wine, eating Matza and other symbolic foods that are kept on the Passover Seder plate. All the Jews of the world are obliged to follow the Seder customs and consume the symbolic food items from the plate, along with wine. Generally, one or two Seders are observed by the Jews. In Israel, a Seder meal is held on the first night of the Pesach. The orthodox Jewish communities may observe two Seder, as also the Diaspora Jewish communities. The Reform and Reconstructionist Jews also hold a second Seder on the second Passover night.
Seder Order
Passover is one of the most sacred festivals of the Jews. It is during this time that Jews and Christians celebrate the 'passing over' of the angel of death, from the houses of the Jews, while afflicting the Egypt with the tenth plague. During the festival, there is a certain order that needs to be followed strictly on the night of Seder.
Seder Wine
Pesach is a festival of enjoyment and merry-making. It is customary for every follower and believer of the festival to drink four glasses of wine during the traditional Seder meal. This rule applies to all - men and women, young and old. It has to be observed by every person, irrespective of his/ her economic background and social status.
Seder Plate
One of the most important and awaited festivals of the Jews, Passover is celebrated with great pomp and show by the Jewish community all over the world. Merriment and cheerfulness come across as the principle features of this religious festivity. One more thing that is of utmost importance during Passover is the Seder plate.
Seder Recipes
Passover Seder is a ritual feast of the Jews, which is held on the first two evenings of the festival. It marks the beginning of the week-long festival of Passover. This family feast is prescribed according to the Jewish laws. All the Jewish households prepare traditional Passover delicacies and enjoy the meal in the company of their family.
Seder Table
Passover Seder is a ritual meal of the Jews, held on the first day of the Passover week, which begins on the 14th day of Nisan. The feast is held on the first evening of Passover. Seder is prescribed under the Jewish laws. As Passover is celebrated to commemorate the freedom of Jews from their enslavement under the Egyptian emperor, it is obligatory for the Jews to narrate the story of Exodus at the Seder table and honor the event.
Seder, the religious feast of the Jews, marks the beginning of Passover holiday. Read on to know more on Pesach Seder meal.