Seder

In the time of the Bible, Passover started with the sacrificing of a lamb in the Temple in Jerusalem. After that, people ate a meal together. Passover is still celebrated at home with a meal, called the Seder.

The festive meal at home follows a strict order (Seder in Hebrew) of stories, prayers, songs and ritual actions. The different types of food on the table have a symbolic meaning. The bitter herbs are a reminder of the oppression of slavery, salt water of the tears of sadness and parsley of the springtime of liberation.

Children play a central role during the meal. Their questions, starting with the youngest child, guide the telling of the story of the exodus.

At the table a place is set and a full glass of wine is set aside for Elijah: as the one who announced the coming of the Messiah, he is a symbol of the final salvation (Malachi 4:5).

Just as God liberated his people from Egypt, he will save the people once again when he sends the Messiah.