3 Ways to Set Up Your Passover Seder Plate
The Seder plate is the most important part of any Passover Seder. It’s rich with symbolism, meaning, and history. And it’s what the holiday ritual is centered around. (Fun fact: Many Seder plate designs configure the six items into the six points of the Jewish star.)
If you’re not sure how to set it up, though, it can be very stressful. What if you forget something? What if you put something in the wrong place?
Whether you’re hosting a Seder this year or just going to one, you should know what goes on a Seder plate and why. Of course, there have been some changes over the years, and some families add, change, or rearrange items. But we swear that it’s really not all that complicated. See for yourself.
1. A Traditional Seder Plate
While there are plenty of new, modern twists or additions, there are traditionally six main items that go on the Seder plate. How the Seder plate is arranged differs by families and their interpretations; this setup is one common option.
Here’s what each item means: Learn About the 6 Elements of a Traditional Seder Plate
2. A Seder Plate for Vegans
Passover has been celebrated for thousands of years. But it’s 2018, you guys! If your family is up for a little adjusting for the times (or if you have a vegan on your Seder guest list), you might be interested in this take on a modern-day Seder plate.
Update your Passover: This Seder Plate Is 100% Vegan
3. A Seder Plate for the Socially Conscious
Every single item on the Seder plate is used to represent something from ancient Jews’ storied pasts. So it should be no surprise to learn that, as time continues to go on, families have begun swapping out items or adding new ones entirely to create a Seder plate that has an extra-special place at the table with a personalized touch. Check out these updates — all of them give a nod to the social issues going on in the world around us.
Learn about the items: Update the Traditional Seder Plate. Here’s How.
Bonus: A Rabbi’s Liquid Seder Plate
We present you with, what could possibly be, the world’s first all-juice Passover Seder plate. It’s the brainchild of Rabbi Josh Franklin of the Jewish Center of the Hamptons in New York, and he’s been adding it to his otherwise mostly traditional Seder for the last five years. “Each participant in the seder has a choice of liquid or solid form … most go with the juice,” he says.
Find out what’s on it: You Have to Check Out This Rabbi’s Liquid Seder Plate