2011 Lent Study Guide - University Presbyterian Church

Haroses
Special Activity: Seder Meal
This is a basic recipe and can be increased according to the number of participants in the Seder.
1 apple, cored and finely chopped (may leave skin on)
¼ cup finely chopped walnuts, almonds or pecans
1 tsp. honey
1 tsp. cinnamon
2 tbsp. grape juice or cooking wine
Grated rind of ½ of a lemon
Mix all ingredients. Add enough grape juice or wine to blend the mixture (should be somewhat like
paste). Approximate yield: 1 tablespoon serving for 8 persons.
Some Words to Remember
Haggadah—Haggadah means “narration” and is the name given to the text which is used to retell the
Exodus story during the Seder meal.
Kiddush or Blessing—Kiddush is the word for consecration. The Seder begins with the traditional
blessing using wine which is a symbol of the joy which is ours in salvation (Ps. 104:15).
Karpas or Green Herb—This consists of parsley which each person will dip in salt water and eat.
It symbolizes the marking of each house with lamb’s blood as well as the fact that God brought the
people across the Red Sea (salt water) and made them a new nation (green herb).
Betzah or Hard-Boiled Egg—The egg was used by the Rabbis to symbolize the “voluntary peace
offering” made on the second day of Passover. For us it symbolizes Christ who voluntarily offered
himself, making peace for us with God. It may also represent the hardness of Pharoah’s heart and may
be dipped in salt water symbolizing the tears of the Hebrew slaves. It can be eaten at the beginning
of the actual meal while the rest of the food is being served.
Shankbone—The shankbone (or sometimes a joint bone from whatever is being served for the meal)
is placed on the Seder plate as a symbol of the Passover lamb. In modern times Jews have usually not
followed the tradition of preparing and eating an entire lamb for the Passover meal.
Maggid or Questions—The four questions which are traditionally asked by the youngest at the meal
during the retelling of the “Story of Deliverance” are not the only questions which might be asked
by the children during the meal. What should be stressed is the fact that God has accomplished our
redemption and has set us free. Therefore we celebrate this special meal.
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