Historians say that traditional meal would include:
- Maror- bitter herbs; such as horseradish
- Charoset- sweet mixture of nuts, apples and cinnamon; such as apple sauce
- Karpas- vegetables dipped in salt water
- Zeroah- roasted meat such as lamb or chicken
- Beitzah- roasted eggs
- Matzot- a stack of flat bread such as matzah
- Wine- for children we would offer grape juice
Some scholars suggest that the Last Supper-Passover connection was created in part by early Christians who want to connect Jesus’ martyrdom to the redemption of the Jews from Egypt. This symbolic moment dovetails perfectly with the figure of the Passover lamb, which ancient Jews sacrificed to commemorate their salvation from slavery in Egypt.
We can share this rich history with our children by hosting a mini-Seder meal. Maybe it could look like more like appetizers for a typical meal. It might be fun to include a menu of; horseradish, apple sauce, parsley dipped in salt water, a chicken drumette, boiled egg, matzah and juice.
This tradition represents a story of flight, candle-lit prayers over enemies that were vanquished and unleavened bread and wine to help us remember the grace Jesus offered to all people.
Check out this week's Sunday School lesson which includes menus, recipes and prayers to help families retell this rich history through a simple meal. “Do this in memory of me.”