This is one of the oldest continually observed festivals in the world, commemorating the delivery of the Jewish people from slavery in Egypt. The Seder brings family, friends, and even an occasional stranger or two, together to eat, drink, sing, tell stores. It's a time for children to ask "The Four Questions" about the reason for this special spring celebration and recite from the Haggadah-the book that tells the story of Passover.
This is a time to use your heirlooms-your grandmother's china service or your great aunt's hand-blown crystal. They will add beauty and history to your table. Include a few new items each year so that in time you'll have added your own history to pass on to your children and their children. Bring the season to the table through the color of your table linens and napkins. Spring flowers such as roses, tulips, and irises will add a fresh, beautiful tone. Don't forget the extra touches like white candles in an antique candelabra to light; lovely napkin rings (can be as simple as satin ribbon tied into a bow around the folded napkin); gold, silver, or colored glass chargers; place-card holders; hand-crafted wine goblets for the ritual glasses of wine throughout the Seder; and silver cups for the customary children's sips of grape juice.
On the Seder table you will see bitter herbs, the symbol of the bitterness of enslavement in Egypt; Haroset, a sweet mixture of fruits, nuts and wine which represents the mortar used by Jewish slaves used in the pyramids, and the sweetness of the Jews' freedom; a roasted egg which symbolizes both morning and renewal; parsley, a symbol of the "sixty myriads" of Israelis oppressed with labor; and a roasted lamb shank which memorates both ancient sacrifice and the mark made with lamb's blood on the Jewish slaves' door-posts. After dinner, the children look for the hidden matzo, called afikoman, meaning "dessert," and the winner ransoms it for a prize. The rowdiness of the search sets the tone for the remaining of the evening which ends in songs of praise and thanksgiving.
We have shared other Seders on www.diabetic-recipes.com. Go there if you want to try one of our recipes for Haroset. This year we are doing an American style Seder meal, with traces of our own families. Many of the recipes can be partly or completely made ahead to save work on the big day-and allow the hostess to spend more time with the family. Be sure to set the table the night before-that's the rule for any stress-free dinner party.
(for the recipes, click on The Recipes or click on the individual recipe above)
BSP
