Seder Meal

A couple years we celebrated our first Seder Meal at our home. It was so cool to participate in the same Jewish tradition that Jesus did. The whole Seder itself is beautiful with so many wonderful illustrations and retelling of God’s faithfulness to the Israelites.

So what do you need to have your own Seder Meal? You need a Passover Haggadah – a guide that walks you through what you need, what to say, etc. There are many out there! As Christians we wanted to make sure to have a Messianic Passover Haggadah. I can’t find the link to where I got ours, but this {FREE} Passover Haggadah looks great!

When we decided to have our first Seder Meal I wanted it to be as authentic as realistically possible – I wanted our kids know without a doubt this wasn’t any “normal” meal. So I looked on the internet to find an inexpensive Seder Plate, 4 cups, and Matzah holder. There are so many choices including disposable plates with labeled spots like the Seder Plate! You can also easily make your own Seder plate (here is an example or here is another) and Matzah holder with 3 compartments (sew together white napkins).

So what’s in a typical Seder Meal?

lighting candles

drinking wine or grape juice from 4 cups: Cup of Sanctification, Cup of Deliverance, Cup of Redemption, Cup of the Kingdom

reading of scripture throughout from when God used Moses to bring His people out of Egypt

traditionally they washed hands, but we wash each other’s feet as Jesus did (John 13-17)

Eating of Karpas (elements from your Seder plate)

parsley or celery which represents the hyssop that was used to apply blood to doorframes of Hebrew homes in Egypt

Salt water reminds us of the tears shed as a result of their slavery

Matzah – unleavened as the Israelites were sent out in haste without time for their yeast to rise. You will use 3 pieces (one in each compartment) to represent the Trinity: God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit.

Bitter herbs (horseradish) to symbolize bitterness of slavery and sin. You will eat together with Matzah to remember the bitterness that Jesus suffered on our behalf

Charoset (apple, walnut, grape juice) symbolizes mortar used by Hebrews in building with bricks. You eat together with Matzah & bitter herbs. The charoset reminds us of the sweetness that Jesus overcomes the bitterness of death

Hiding the Afikoman (symbolic piece of Matzah) – Pull out Matzah from middle compartment (God the Son) and break in two. Wrap one part in white napkin and hide (as in the tomb). Later in the evening the children will go find it.

The Four Questions (making sure children understand what the Seder Meal is all about)

singing of the Dayenu

Passover Meal (we serve lamb in our house; I highly recommend serving with a parsley/mint Pesto Sauce)

I hope this was helpful in understanding a little more about what is in a Seder Meal. It is a wonderful, memorable experience for your family to share. The Old Testament passages will come together with the promised Messiah with various different symbolisms. It is a vey cool experience I think every family should share at least once. We celebrate ours on Maudy Thursday as Christ would have done.