Passover Seder Guide: The 15 Steps and Haggadah Overview

The Seder (meaning 'order') is the ritual feast held on the first night of Passover (first two nights outside Israel). We retell the story of the Exodus from Egypt, fulfill mitzvot of eating matzah and bitter herbs, drink four cups of wine, and engage children with questions and songs. The Haggadah is the text that guides us through this 15-step journey.

The Seder plate holds six symbolic items: 1) Zeroa (shankbone) - representing the Passover sacrifice. 2) Beitzah (egg) - representing the festival offering. 3) Maror (bitter herbs) - recalling the bitterness of slavery. 4) Charoset - sweet paste symbolizing the mortar used by slaves. 5) Karpas (vegetable) - dipped in salt water for tears. 6) Chazeret (additional bitter herb) - for the Hillel sandwich.

1) Kadesh - Kiddush over wine. 2) Urchatz - wash hands without blessing. 3) Karpas - eat vegetable dipped in salt water. 4) Yachatz - break middle matzah. 5) Maggid - tell the Exodus story. 6) Rachtzah - wash hands with blessing. 7) Motzi - blessing over bread. 8) Matzah - blessing and eating matzah. 9) Maror - eating bitter herbs. 10) Korech - Hillel sandwich. 11) Shulchan Orech - festive meal. 12) Tzafun - eating the afikoman. 13) Barech - Grace After Meals. 14) Hallel - songs of praise. 15) Nirtzah - conclusion.

The youngest child traditionally asks the Four Questions: 'Why is this night different from all other nights?' The questions highlight four distinctive practices: 1) Eating matzah instead of bread. 2) Eating bitter herbs. 3) Dipping foods twice. 4) Reclining while eating. These questions set the stage for the telling of the Exodus story that follows.

Maggid (telling the story) includes several key passages: 'Avadim Hayinu' (We were slaves) - the core narrative. The Four Sons - how to explain Passover to different types of children. 'V'hi She'amdah' - God's promise that has sustained us through persecutions. The Ten Plagues - with drops of wine removed for each plague. 'Dayeinu' - recounting God's kindnesses ('it would have been enough').

Tips for a meaningful Seder: Prepare discussion questions in advance. Involve everyone, especially children. Don't rush the Maggid section - it's the heart of the Seder. Use visual aids and props. Tell additional stories of redemption. Sing songs enthusiastically. The Seder should feel like a personal journey from slavery to freedom, not just a ritual to complete.