SEDER

The name SEDER or "Pesach" (PAY-sahch, with a "ch" as in the Scottich "loch") comes from the Hebrew root Peh-Samech-Chet , meaning to pass through, to pass over, to exempt or to spare. It refers to the fact that GOD "passed over" the houses of the Jews when he was slaying the firstborn of Egypt. In English, the holiday is known as Passover. "Pesach" is also the name of the sacrificial offering (a lamb) that was made in the Temple on this holiday. (http://www.jewfaq.org/holidaya.htm)

• The Unleavened Bread (or MATZO) is more like a cracker than bread; It is easily available in most grocery stores. The people or ISRAEL had to leave Egypt in such hast that they did not heave time to allow their bread dough to rise. The unleavened bread is a reminder of this haste.
  

• Watercress or Parsley is again easily purchased at local stores. These greens are used to express the people's gratitude to GOD for food.
  

• The Salt Water represents the tears, which the people shed during the long years of their slavery.
  

• Moror (Horseradish) is used to recall the bitter life of slavery.
  

• Haroses is the mixture which represents the clay used in making briicks during the time of slavery. It is made by grinding up apples, almonds, and raisins.
  

• The Rosted Shank Bone is a symbol of the lamb eaten on the first passover night.
  

The Wine

The four cups of wine poured during the passover service are symbolic even as in the wine used in the communion service.

The four cups of wine stand for the four promises made to Israel:

• That she would be brought out of bondage
  

• that she would be delivered from slavery
  

• that she would be redeemed from egypt
  

• that she was chosen by GOD to bring the good news of HIS deliverance to all people
  

"This day shall be for you a MEMORIAL DAY, and you shall keep it as a feast to the LORD... forever". Exodus 12:14