The Seder Plate — Passover Guide

The Seder plate is the centerpiece of the Passover table. It holds six symbolic foods, each telling part of the story of the Exodus from Egypt.

The Six Items

Zeroa (זְרוֹעַ) — Shank Bone

The roasted shank bone represents the Paschal lamb sacrificed on the eve of the Exodus from Egypt. It is not eaten during the Seder.

Beitzah (בֵּיצָה) — Roasted Egg

The roasted hard-boiled egg symbolizes the festival sacrifice brought to the Temple in Jerusalem and the cycle of life.

Maror (מָרוֹר) — Bitter Herbs

Bitter herbs represent the bitterness and suffering of slavery in Egypt. Horseradish or romaine lettuce is most common.

Chazeret (חֲזֶרֶת) — Additional Bitter Herb

A second bitter herb used for the Hillel sandwich (Korekh) — matzah, maror, and charoset eaten together.

Charoset (חֲרֹסֶת) — Sweet Paste

A sweet paste of apples, nuts, wine, and cinnamon representing the mortar used by Israelite slaves.

Karpas (כַּרְפַּס) — Green Vegetable

A green vegetable dipped in salt water, representing spring, renewal, and the tears of slavery.

Also on the Table

Four cups of wine, three matzot, and a bowl of salt water.