How to be a proper guest and What to bring to Passover Seder Dinner

Passover, or Pesach, a Jewish holiday full of traditions and rituals, begins on April 5 and ends on April 13 in 2023. Typically, Passover is a time when families gather, feast, and reflect on the meaning of freedom and justice. In this article, you’ll get to know some of the traditions, rituals, and symbols which are associated with Passover.

What is traditional for Passover?

You will never meet Passover symbols on any other holiday. Here are some typical things associated with this holiday.

The Seder

The centerpiece of Passover is the Seder, a ritual meal that takes place on the first two nights of the holiday. The word "Seder" means "order," and the meal follows a specific order of symbolic foods, prayers, and readings from the Haggadah, a text that tells the story of the Exodus.

The Seder plate is a central component of the meal, and it contains six symbolic foods: maror (bitter herbs), charoset (a sweet mixture of fruit and nuts), karpas (a vegetable, usually parsley), zeroa (a roasted lamb bone or chicken wing), beitzah (a hard-boiled egg), and chazeret (a second type of bitter herb).

The Four Questions

The youngest person at the Seder table traditionally asks the Four Questions, which begin with the phrase "Ma nishtana ha-laila ha-zeh mi-kol ha-laylot" ("Why is this night different from all other nights?"). The questions prompt a discussion of the Exodus story and the meaning of the Seder rituals.

The Afikoman

During the Seder, a piece of matzah is designated as the Afikoman, which is hidden and then searched for by the children at the table. The person who finds the Afikoman receives a prize, and the matzah is then divided and eaten as the last food of the meal.

Matzah

Matzah, or unleavened bread, is a central part of Passover. It is eaten in place of bread and other leavened foods to commemorate the Israelites' hasty departure from Egypt when they did not have time to let their bread rise. Matzah is also a symbol of humility and simplicity.

Chametz

During Passover, all leavened foods, or chametz, are forbidden. This includes bread, cakes, cookies, pasta, and many other common foods. Before Passover begins, Jewish families will clean their homes thoroughly to remove any traces of chametz, and many will also sell or donate any chametz that they cannot consume or dispose of before the holiday.

The Exodus Story

Throughout Passover, Jews reflect on the story of the Israelites' liberation from slavery in Egypt. This story is retold during the Seder through the reading of the Haggadah and the discussion of symbolic foods and rituals. The story of the Exodus is a powerful reminder of the importance of freedom and the struggle for justice.

What can you bring to a Passover dinner?

Although Passover isn’t a holiday to give each other gifts, it will be nice of you to bring something for the hosts. If you have been invited to a Passover dinner, you may be wondering what exactly to bring to contribute to the meal. Here are some typical Passover things you can bring to bring a smile to your hosts’ faces.

Kosher for Passover Wine or Grape Juice

A bottle of kosher for Passover wine or grape juice is a traditional and appreciated contribution to a Passover dinner. During the Seder, people consume four cups of wine or grape juice as a symbol of the four promises of redemption that God made to the Israelites in Egypt.

It is customary to use a special cup, known as the "kos cup," for this purpose. Be sure to check that the wine or grape juice is exactly kosher for Passover, as it must be made without any grains or leavening agents.

Matzah

Bringing a box of matzah, or unleavened bread is a practical and useful contribution to a Passover dinner. You can also consider bringing flavored matzahs, such as chocolate-covered matzah or matzah with spices, for a more creative and unique contribution.

Charoset

Charoset is a sweet mixture of fruit and nuts that represents the mortar that the Israelites used to make bricks when they were enslaved in Egypt. Typically, people serve it on the Seder plate, but they can also enjoy it as a dip or spread.

There are many variations of charoset, including recipes that use apples, dates, figs, and other dried fruits. Consider bringing homemade charoset to share with the hosts and other guests.

Kugel

Kugel is a traditional Jewish dish that is typically served during holidays and special occasions. It is a baked casserole that can be sweet or savory and can include ingredients such as noodles, potatoes, vegetables, or fruit.

A delicious kugel can be a welcome addition to a Passover dinner, especially if it is made with kosher Passover ingredients.

Salad

A fresh and colorful salad is always a great addition to a Passover dinner. Consider bringing a salad that includes seasonal fruits and vegetables, such as spring greens, asparagus, strawberries, and avocados. Be sure to check that all ingredients are kosher for Passover.

Dessert

While many traditional Passover desserts are made with matzah meals or other Passover-friendly ingredients, you can enjoy many delicious non-traditional desserts during the holiday.

Consider bringing a flourless chocolate cake, fruit sorbet, or a fruit tart made with matzah meal crust. Again, be sure to check that all ingredients are kosher for Passover.

Is it Ok to bring flowers to Passover dinner?

While flowers are not traditionally a part of Passover, they can be a lovely addition to the table decorations for a Passover dinner. However, keep in mind that not all flowers may be appropriate for Passover.

Some flowers may have been grown with fertilizers or other products that contain grains or other non-kosher Passover ingredients. Additionally, some Jewish communities may have their customs and restrictions around the use of flowers during Passover.

If you plan to bring flowers to a Passover dinner, it is best to check with the hosts or the local Jewish community to ensure that the flowers are appropriate for the occasion. Alternatively, you can consider bringing a potted plant or a decorative centerpiece that does not involve cut flowers.

If you’re invited to a Passover dinner in Dallas, TX and you’re sure the hosts are ok with flowers, then you’re in luck.

You can choose an appropriate bouquet from the Flower Boom Dallas Passover flower collection. The collection includes a variety of spring flowers, such as tulips, roses, and orchids, arranged in beautiful boxes.

The arrangements can be customized to fit your preferences and dietary restrictions, ensuring that they are appropriate for Passover. Additionally, Flower Boom offers delivery services, making it easy to send Passover flowers to your loved ones. Remember to order your Passover flowers in advance to ensure availability during the holiday.

Now you’re familiar with the main Passover meaning and traditions. We hope, you’ll make the most out of the holiday together with your Jewish relatives. The symbols and flowers you’re going to bring with you are a sure sign of respect and honor for them.