April 18, 2019
Posted by Haggadot
Sybil Kaplan, Canadian Jewish News, April 8, 2019
What Passover seder symbol is found in the traditions of all Jewish communities, but is not mentioned in the biblical passage that enjoins us to eat the paschal offering, matzah and bitter herbs? Haroset.
We define haroset loosely as a paste of fruit, spices, wine and matzah meal that’s symbolic of the mortar used by the Hebrews when they were slaves in Egypt.
The word is of unknown origin, but may come from the word “heres,” meaning clay, because of its colour. The custom of eating haroset is thought to have come from the time of the Babylonians, who dipped food in relishes or sauces to add flavour.
Different versions of haroset appear in the Ashkenazic and Sephardic traditions.
The New York Times Passover Cookbook, edited by Linda Amster, says that the Iraqi version is one of the oldest and most time-consuming recipes, dating back to the Babylonian exile of 579 BCE. Made into a jam from dates, grapes, pomegranate and honey, it was a sweetener in the ancient world and is still used by Iraqi, Burmese, Syrian and Indian Jews.
The Talmud says that haroset must be sharp in taste and similar to clay in substance and colour, thus the recipe varies among different communities.
Ashkenazim tend to use apples, chopped almonds (or other nuts), cinnamon, red wine and sometimes matzah meal. Sephardim and those from Middle Eastern countries tend to use fruits that grew in the Land of Israel in biblical times, such as grapes, figs, dates, almonds and pomegranates. Israelis often turn haroset into a dessert by adding bananas, dates, orange juice and sugar.
Because the maror or bitter herb is so strong, some say the real purpose of haroset is to allay the bitterness. As part of the ritual seder, the haroset and maror are placed between matzot to make a sandwich, which is said to have been invented by Rabbi Hillel in the first century CE, hence the name, Hillel’s sandwich.
Different Jewish communities have variations on the ingredients. Jews from the Island of Rhodes use dates, walnuts, ginger and sweet wine. The Jews of Salonika, Greece, add raisins. Other Greek Jews use walnuts, almonds, pine nuts, raisins, cinnamon, cloves and red wine, and spread it thickly on matzah. Turkish Jews include oranges.
Moroccan Jews sometimes make haroset paste and roll it into balls. This is a legacy from the Jews of medieval Spain, who made the balls of apples, dried fruit, almonds, cooked chestnuts, sugar and cinnamon, and then drizzled the balls with white vinegar before serving.
The Jews of Venice use chestnut paste, dates, figs, poppy seeds, walnuts, pine nuts, orange peel, dried apricots, raisins, brandy and honey.
The Jews of Bukhara, Uzbekistan, use almonds, dates, raisins, apples and wine.
Egyptian haroset contains dates, nuts, bananas, apples, wine, cinnamon and pomegranate seeds.
Instead of haroset as we know it, some Iraqi Jews use a date syrup call halek – which is made by boiling dates, straining the liquid and then reducing it over a low flame until thick – and sprinkling chopped nuts on top of it.
In Holland, they make a chunky mixture with more apples and less nuts, combined with cinnamon, sugar, raisins and sweet wine. Jews from Surinam, in Dutch Guiana, use seven fruits and coconut.
Following the edict to have a sharp taste, Persian Jews use dates, pistachio nuts, almonds, raisins, apples, oranges, bananas, pomegranate seeds, sweet wine, cloves, cardamom, cinnamon, vinegar and black pepper.
Likewise, Yemenite Jews use dates, raisins, almonds, nuts, figs, dates, sesame seeds, apples, pomegranate seeds, grape juice, ginger, cinnamon, cardamom, cloves and black pepper.
Jews from Afghanistan pound haroset in a mortar with a pestle and use walnuts, hazelnuts, almonds, apples, sweet wine, pomegranate seeds, dates and black pepper.
However you make haroset, be inventive and make several different kinds to serve.
My Mom’s Haroset
2 apples, chopped
75 ml (1/3 cup) ground nuts
1.25 ml (1/4 tsp) cinnamon
15 ml (1 tbsp) honey
30 ml (2 tbsp) sweet red wine
Place chopped apples in a bowl. Add nuts, cinnamon and honey and mix until smooth.
Add wine and mix well.
Makes 6 servings.
My Sephardic Haroset
250 ml (1 cup) chopped dates
125 ml (1/2 cup) raisins
1 chopped apple
125 ml (1/2 cup) finely chopped nuts
5 ml (1 tsp) ginger
60 ml (1/4 cup) red wine
Combine all ingredients.
Yields 500 ml (2 cups).
Sephardic Haroset
250 ml (1 cup) chopped walnuts
60 ml (1/4 cup) chopped almonds
125 ml (1/2 cup) raisins
125 ml (1/2 cup) chopped dates
60 ml (1/4 cup) red wine
30 ml (2 tbsp) lemon juice
0.5 ml (1/8 tsp) cinnamon
apricot halves
Combine walnuts, almonds, raisins, dates, wine, lemon juice and cinnamon.
Form into balls.
Spoon onto apricot halves.
Sabra Haroset
2 peeled and cored apples
6 peeled bananas
1 lemon, juiced
1 orange, juiced
20 pitted dates
250 ml (1 cup) peanuts
250 ml (1 cup) dry red wine
matzah meal, as needed
10 ml (2 tsp) cinnamon
sugar, to taste
Put fruit and nuts though a grinder (or blender or food processor).
Add wine, lemon juice and orange juice.
Add enough matzah meal to form the consistency you want.
Mix in cinnamon and sugar.
Courtesy of Be'chol Lashon. Originally published here: https://www.cjnews.com/holiday-recipes/haroset-from-around-the-world
April 16, 2019
Posted by Haggadot
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April 11, 2019
Posted by Haggadot
A modern twist with a roasted beet instead of the lamb shank, and an avocado seed instead of the egg.
A Second Seder Plate
Why have just one? Jewish World Watch asks us to consider the plight of over 65 million displaced persons around the world with their #SecondSederPlate activity guide.
A Chili Pepper
This fantastic Jewish Mexican Haggadah encourages us to add the pepper to "honor the abuelas, the bisabuelas, the chignonas, the curandras, and the other femme Moshes, Miriams, Tziporahs and Aarons in our lives who taught us who we are..."
A Pine Cone
Temple Israel of Boston invites us to remember the mass incarceration crisis in America.
An Artichoke
Interfaith Family notes, "Jewish people have been thorny about this question of interfaith marriage" and has chosen an artichoke to spark conversation towards inclusiveness at our seder tables.
An Olive
Olive branches are traditionally known as a symbol of peace, so this author reminds us "we are not free until there is peace in our homes, our community and in our world"
Coconut & Fruit Salad
JQ International has a full LGBTQ Haggadah with a seder plate that includes a coconut for those "still in the closet and their struggle in coming out" and fruit salad for "our collective potential and recognition"
Pineapple
This author asks us to be mindful of depression and anxiety that reside within us, adding "May the source of all deliver all who suffer from their own personal Mitzrayim (narrow places)"
An Oyster
Kosher? No! But it is a great conversation starter about our reliance on oil and the effects of drilling.
Bitter Chocolate
Some host Chocolate seders to entertain the kids, while others eat fair-trade chocolate to honor workers' struggles. In their "Revenge of Dinah" haggadah, a group of activist teens have created a Bitter Chocolate Ritual for us to consider the pervasiveness of rape culture in our Jewish communities.
And for something completely different, try The Science Seder Plate. It's a great coloring activity with science facts about the traditional seder symbols. We LOVE it!
https://www.haggadot.com/clip/
Do you have a new symbol on the seder plate that you'd like to share? Let us know! Post it to the site, or email us at info@haggadot.com
March 23, 2018
Posted by Haggadot
Lately it seems as though smart phones are taking over our lives, shortening our attention spans or even making us more self-absorbed - but is it possible that the practice of selfies can move beyond narcissism to be instructive, even connective? We think so.
Recently, Haggadot.com learned of The Selfie Seder, shared by a group of Jewish educators on Facebook, which encourages participants to capture selfies of each aspect of the seder as a scavenger hunt / performative educational tool. We love that it merges the seemingly ubiquitous practice of taking selfies with instructive learning. After all, the Haggadah states that "In every generation, each person must regard himself or herself as if he or she had come out of Egypt" and the Selfie Seder is taking that to a new level of creativity.
Check out The Selfie Seder here: https://goo.gl/4mZU7a
Whether or not you do it at your actual seder, or stage this activity beforehand is up to you.
And if you're interested in bringing a performative activity to your seder (with or without selfies), you can also check out SIJCC's Human Tableau, a Passover Play, or other impromptu performance activities.
Whatever you choose, let us know how it goes!
March 20, 2018
Posted by Haggadot
Most of us know about the orange, Miriam's Cup, and even a beet in place of a shankbone for vegetarian-friendly seders. But have you heard about the pine cone, the coconut or the banana? Here's our growing list of every seder plate addition that we've seen on the site.
A Second Seder Plate
Why have just one? This year, Jewish World Watch asks us to consider the plight of over 65 million displaced persons around the world with their #SecondSederPlate activity guide.
A Chili Pepper
This fantastic Jewish Mexican Haggadah encourages us to add the pepper to "honor the abuelas, the bisabuelas, the chignonas, the curandras, and the other femme Moshes, Miriams, Tziporahs and Aarons in our lives who taught us who we are..."
A Pine Cone
Temple Israel of Boston invites us to remember the mass incarceration crisis in America.
An Artichoke
Interfaith Family notes, "Jewish people have been thorny about this question of interfaith marriage" and has chosen an artichoke to spark conversation towards inclusiveness at our seder tables.
An Oyster
Kosher? No! But it is a great conversation starter about our reliance on oil and the effects of drilling.
An Olive
Olive branches are traditionally known as a symbol of peace, so this author reminds us "we are not free until there is peace in our homes, our community and in our world"
Coconut & Fruit Salad
JQ International has a full LGBTQ Haggadah with a seder plate that includes a coconut for those "still in the closet and their struggle in coming out" and fruit salad for "our collective potential and recognition"
Pineapple
This author asks us to be mindful of depression and anxiety that reside within us, adding "May the source of all deliver all who suffer from their own personal Mitzrayim (narrow places)"
Bitter Chocolate
Some host Chocolate seders to entertain the kids, while others eat fair-trade chocolate to honor workers' struggles. In their "Revenge of Dinah" haggadah, a group of activist teens have created a Bitter Chocolate Ritual for us to consider the pervasiveness of rape culture in our Jewish communities.
Ruth's Cup
Many consider Ruth to be the original convert and model for the diversity in Jewish life. To honor her and represent an inclusive vision of Judaism, some have added a new cup to the table rituals.
A Banana
Religious Action Center also asks us to consider the refugee crisis, this time with a banana, considered a luxury in war-torn Syria.
A Tomato
Those who stand in solidarity with workers' rights issues ask us to add the tomato to consider the struggles of farm workers.
Ready to get creative at your seder? Try our Alternative Seder Plate Activity to draw your own symbols on the plate. And for something completely different, try The Science Seder Plate. It's a great coloring activity with science facts about the traditional seder symbols. We LOVE it!
Do you have a new symbol on the seder plate that you'd like to share? Let us know! Post it to the site, or email us at [email protected]
January 17, 2017
Posted by Haggadot
It's true that Pesach doesn't have the pop cultural cachet of, say, Hanukkah. But as one of the most important holidays on the Jewish calendar, there is an impressive range of pop cultural depictions of Passover. Read on to learn about four of the best-loved depictions of Passover and the Exodus story.
The Ten Commandments
No list of Passover entertainments would be complete without this momentous film. To modern eyes, Cecil B. DeMille's retelling of Exodus may seem a little hokey. But the film boasts an all-star list of excellent actors, and the sets and on-location filming (in Egypt and Mt. Sinai) are genuinely impressive. What's more, its special effects (especially the parting of the Red Sea) earned it an Academy Award -- as well as a reputation as the most expensive film ever made at the time.
'A Rugrats Passover'
Rugrats isn't just the favorite TV series of many a '90s kid: it also portrayed the Jewish faith of the character Didi (and her son Tommy) with sensitivity and grace. In this episode, the show's babies find themselves trapped in an attic with Didi's father, Boris. To while away the time, Boris tells the babies the Passover story -- and the babies imagine themselves as part of the story. The episode won considerable critical acclaim, as well as the highest ratings in Nickelodeon's history.
The Prince of Egypt
This 1998 animated musical is another '90s favorite, and it retells the Exodus story with fun and flair. DreamWorks' stunning animation drew both critical and audience acclaim, and the film's cast consists of A-list talent like Val Kilmer, Michelle Pfeiffer and Ralph Fiennes. A pop soundtrack by composer Stephen Schwartz keeps things moving and grooving. Keep an ear out for Mariah Carey and Whitney Houston's "When You Believe," which charted in the U.S. and won an Academy Award for Best Original Song.
Shalom Sesame: It's Passover, Grover!
Sesame Street loves to teach kids about traditions from a variety of cultures, and the Shalom Sesame series focuses on sharing Jewish traditions with children who may not otherwise encounter them. In this special, Grover and his friends dash across Sesame Street, looking for horseradish to round out their Seder plates. Meanwhile, fun interstitials teach kids about the Hebrew alphabet and calendar, and various Passover traditions, including Mimunah. It's upbeat, educational and respectful, and a great addition to the Passover traditions of any family with little kids.
March 18, 2016
Posted by Haggadot
It turns out that Jews aren’t the only ones with a plate full of ritual items in the springtime. Persian new year, Nowruz, comes in the springtime (this year it falls on Sunday March 19th). And as part of the preparations for Nowruz, Persian families--Jewish, Muslim, and Christian--prepare haft-seen.
Haft means seven, and seen is a letter in the Persian alphabet that makes the s sound. Haft-seen is a plate or table that has seven things that start with the letter seen. Each item has a symbolic significance, and many are generally related to spring and rebirth.
Haft-seen contains
- seer | garlic | medicine
- samanu | wheat-based pudding | affluence (or fertility, depending on who you ask)
- seeb | apple | health and beauty
- serkeh | vinegar | old age and patience
- sabzeh | sprouts or greens (usually sprouted lentils or wheat sprouts) | rebirth
- senjed | wild olive | love
- somagh | dried sumac berries | sunrise
And that’s not all. Many haft-seen tables include a slew of other objects that are related to the season. You might find:
- sekkeh | coins | prosperity
- sonbol | hyacinth | spring
- goldfish | life
- colored eggs | birth, new life, etc.
- candles | light
- a mirror | also light
- a sacred book
Haft-seen is not a religious holiday, so it is celebrated by nearly all Persians, including Jewish Persians, who will be setting up their seder tables in just a few weeks. And these Persian Jewish families are getting a head start on cleaning for Passover, because besides haft-seen, another way families prepare for Nowruz is by khooneh takooni. This translates literally to "shaking the house" and is basically a thorough spring cleaning.
Want to see some beautiful pictures of haft-seen tables? Check out our pinterest board with some gorgeous examples, and take some inspiration for your own seder table.
Looking to update your seder plate? Over time, the most basic components of the seder plate have been joined by some new friends. There’s an orange, symbolizing the struggle by Jews who used to be ignored by our tradition—like gays and lesbians, and women, and Jews by choice. A tomato, to represent modern day slavery. An olive for peace in Israel and Palestine. A roasted beet “bleeds” to provide a vegan alternative to a shank bone. Find more on all aspects of the seder plate over in the clip library.
Wishing you a happy Nowruz!
April 08, 2014
Posted by Haggadot
Passover is a few days away, and you’re probably putting the finishing touches on your Haggadot. If you’re looking to add some striking visuals to your Haggadah, we’ve got you covered with over 400 options. Here are some of our favorite pieces of art that you can add to your Haggadah.
This striking stained glass-like image gives a dreamy feel to the miracle that kicked off the whole story.
You can’t have the traditional song about a goat without an adorable picture of a baby goat, can you?
This picture of a seder held in Europe in 1943 depicts dozens of soldiers taking a break from fighting the Nazis to eat some matzah and have the customary four cups of wine.
The Israelites suffered greatly under Pharaoh, and this Lego image is surprisingly evocative. Use it as a challenge to the Lego movie lovers in your midst: who can create the most impressive Lego scene from the Exodus?
This is just a taste of all the art we have at Haggadot.com. Choose your favorites for your own Haggadah here.
April 02, 2014
Posted by Haggadot
Sure, seder means order, but that doesn’t mean you can’t play around at your seder. In fact, we have over 60 games and activities that will help give your seder a healthy dose of fun. Some of these games are great for young children, but we also have lots that are fun for grown ups, and intergenerational groups, too. Here are some of our favorites:
Afikomen Treasure Hunt by Adam Hopkins
Don’t just hide the afikomen, send your guests on a treasure hunt all over the house, tracking down clues that come straight from the story of the Exodus. A nice way to add something new to the traditional afikomen search.
Yoga for Your Seder Table from Marcus J Freed
Marcus Freed runs Bibliyoga.com, and he has a series of clips to add to your haggadah that bring some deep movement into your feast of freedom. These yoga poses can be adapted for any body, and some can even be done while seated at the table. Want to bring a little freedom into your body during the seder? This is a great way to start.
A Guided Visualization for Healing from the Kalsman Institute
We are all slaves to something, and this guided visualization allows the leader to bring seder participants through a meaningful and deep visualization of slavery, and of releasing the bonds of slavery. A great way to bring some intense energy to your seder.
A Passover Play by Rabbi Daniel Brenner
This 10-minute play is the perfect way to get guests of all ages involved in the story, and get through the Maggid section without putting anyone to sleep. It has 13 parts in it, so it works for big groups, too.
Four Children Drawing Activity by Made it Myself Books
Made it Myself Books has several options for pages you can include with space for kids to draw their own illustrations. If you’re not comfortable with drawing at your seder send it to kids ahead of time, and make sure to pass around their works of art during the seder so everyone can ooh and ah.
We also recommend this extensive list of activities that will spice up your seder. You can even add your own!
If none of these float your boat, don’t worry, there are dozens more. Check out our full clip library here!
March 26, 2014
Posted by Haggadot
You’ve probably been to some pretty famous seders in your day. The year your toddler cousin accidentally head-butted your dad while searching for the afikoman, and you had to take your dad to the ER to get his nose looked at. The time the roast was completely raw in the middle. The time your uncle drank more than four cups and said some things you all regretted.
Throughout Jewish history, Jews have been having epic seders of all kinds. You may want to forget raw roast, but we’ve got some great clips that will help you bring the spirit of some famous seders to your seder. Here’s hoping that this year your seder will be famous for being so awesome.
Famous Seder: The Last Supper
Famous Because: Jesus led it (though it's debatable as to whether it truly was a Seder as we know it)
Clip recommendations: Spring, Time for Choices and Family by Rabbi Kerry Olitzky examines some of the ways we can approach an interfaith seder respectfully and thoughtfully, bringing many different traditions to one (seder) table
Haggadah and Liberation by Mark looks at the history behind the seder, and explains some of the different understandings of the Last Supper in both Judaism and Christianity.
Famous Seder: The Seder in Bnei Brak
Famous Because: The traditional Haggadah text uses this seder as the paradigm for all long seders—it lasted through the night til dawn
Clip recommendations: Seder in Bnei Brak by Daniel gives the historical context behind the epically long seder, explaining that its length was due in part to the rabbis using the ritual as a cover for some strategic planning they were doing to try to overthrow the emperor Hadrian. Sneaky!
Maaseh bBnei Brak by Bangitout.com is a smart alecky look at this seder, with plenty of rabbinic wisdom mixed in to boot. Why did all those rabbis come spend Passover with Rabbi Akiva? And why did the rabbis lie??
Famous Seder: The Last Seder in Warsaw before the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising
Famous Because: In just a few days the remaining Jews in the ghetto would put up one last fight before being shipped off to death camps by the Nazis
Clip recommendations: Yad Vashem has put together this poignant video that collects the testimony of a handful of survivors who experienced that fateful seder.
Shefoch Hamotcha by Rabbi Michael Lirner considers the Warsaw seder, and the ways that those in the present who choose to testify to the possibility of transformation become the focus of everyone’s anger and displaced frustrations, and eventually their murderous rage.
Famous Seder: The First Freedom Seder
Famous Because: Just a year after Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated, Jews and Africans American joined together for a seder to celebrate the freedom they fought for together, and to steel themselves for the journey to come.
Clip recommendations: Some video footage from the original Freedom seder still exists, and you can watch it with your seder. We especially love the emotional singing of “Let my people go.”
Texts on Social Justice by AJWS gives you a lot of great civil right and social justice sources to examine as a seder. What resonates with you? What’s the civil rights cause that you find yourself thinking about at your seder?