The Passover Seder is a special occasion that will take you back nearly 3,500 years in history to relive an experience of deliverance and freedom. This meal is meant to be an intimate experience so please gather at your comfort level, whether it be with your household, neighbors, close friends, extended family, Oikos, or other small groups.
What is a Seder?
Seder is a Hebrew word that means “set order.” It is the specific order of ceremony for a given event, and it has a specific association with the ritual revolving around the Passover meal. The Passover Seder is designed to recall, memorialize, and relive the events of the exodus of the Children of Israel from their slavery in Egypt.
The Haggadah
The Haggadah is the book that will guide you through the ceremony of the Seder. The word “Haggadah” is a Hebrew word that means “telling.” The Haggadah will tell you everything you need to know for this event as well as tell the story of the exodus. While the Haggadah will tell you what to say, what to do, and when to do it, it is a guide that will provide a basic framework for you to create your own unique experience. Feel free to make it your own.
*For the best experience, each participant should have a Haggadah to view or share with someone beside them.
Involved, full Seder guide:
Cup of Redemption: A Messianic Haggadah for Passover
Simplified and shortest Seder guide:
Pastor Josh’s and Family favorite:
Involved, full Seder guide:
Cup of Redemption: A Messianic Haggadah for Passover
Simplified and shortest Seder guide:
Pastor Josh’s and Family favorite:
The Messianic Passover Haggadah
Supplies Needed
For Leader:
For Each Person:
Traditionally, you will also create one extra place setting for Elijah.
*Haroset is a traditional apple relish that is used to remind us of the mortar that was used by the Israelites to construct the Egyptian cities.
To make haroset, mix together the following ingredients:
Using the Seder as a Full Meal
Here is a preparation guide full of traditional recipes and how to set up your table:
The Passover Seder can be as simple or complicated as you would like, but the story is the same, no matter how you choose to celebrate. It is a story of God’s great redemption. Let us never forget how the Lord brought us out of Egypt.
Supplies Needed
Because the Passover Seder can be detailed and overwhelming, especially if you’ve never hosted one before, here are some items you’ll want to have on hand:
For Leader:
2 candles (traditionally, white)
3 squares of matzah wrapped in large fabric napkin
Small reward (money, toy, or candy)
Roasted bone (often lamb or chicken)
For Each Person:
Sprig of parsley
Spoonful of haroset*
Wine glasses
Wine or grape juice (Each person will get four servings)
Bowl of saltwater (Can be shared)
Spoonful of horseradish
Matzah
Roasted or boiled egg
(Optional) Romaine lettuce as the other bitter herb
Traditionally, you will also create one extra place setting for Elijah.
*Haroset is a traditional apple relish that is used to remind us of the mortar that was used by the Israelites to construct the Egyptian cities.
To make haroset, mix together the following ingredients:
2 large apples - peeled, cored, and finely chopped
1 cup walnuts - finely chopped
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 tablespoon sugar
2 tablespoons wine or grape juice
Using the Seder as a Full Meal
If you are doing the Seder as a full meal, you’ll have an opportunity to enjoy a full meal together in the middle of the ceremony. The meal traditionally consists of roasted or boiled egg, brisket, fish, matzo ball soup, chicken soup, carrots, matzah kugel, sponge cake, and more.
Here is a preparation guide full of traditional recipes and how to set up your table:
The Passover Seder can be as simple or complicated as you would like, but the story is the same, no matter how you choose to celebrate. It is a story of God’s great redemption. Let us never forget how the Lord brought us out of Egypt.