How to Follow the Rituals of the Night of Seder
During the first and second nights of Passover, Jewish families complete a set of rituals in a specific order, known as the seder. "Seder" literally translates as "order." This order is described in the Haggadah, the book that includes the story of the Israelites' exodus from slavery in Egypt. These rituals can take all evening, but they can also finish earlier, depending on the individual leading them.
- Difficulty:
- Easy
Instructions
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1
Gather your family for the seder the night that Passover begins as well as on the second night. It is considered a good deed to also take in anyone whom you know will not have a place to go for the seder.
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2
Recite the blessing over the wine, and drink the first cup. This blessing marks the official beginning of the seder.
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3
Wash your hands, but do not recite the blessing for hand washing as you usually would.
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4
Dip karpas, or vegetables, in salt water and eat them. The salt water symbolizes the tears of the Israelites.
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5
Break the middle of the three matzah placed on the seder table. Half of that matzah will become the afikomen, the ransom which will occur after the meal.
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6
Recite the story of Passover, and ask the youngest child present to chant the Four Questions. Follow the retelling with the second glass of wine.
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7
Bless the matzah and taste it without any other flavors. Bless the maror, or bitter herbs, and eat a bite of matzah. Add charoset--a mixture of apples, nuts and wine--to create a Hillel sandwich. This sandwich is named after the Rabbi Hillel.
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8
Serve the holiday meal, including any desert you have planned. This part of the night is not subject to any rituals, and any meal not containing leavened bread can be served.
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9
Ransom the afikomen from the children present and share a taste with each guest present. After the afikomen has been eaten, no other food should be consumed.
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10
Give the blessing after the meal and follow it with the third cup of wine. You should also recite the Hallel, a set of celebratory prayers recited on holidays.
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11
Bless and drink the fourth cup of wine and conclude the seder with traditional Passover songs, like "Chad Gadya" ("One Kid Goat").
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Tips & Warnings
There are many other traditions that some families follow. Add some of your own to personalize your observance.
