As we celebrate Passover, I am reminded of the beautiful seder plate illustrations that I came across recently. Each element on the plate symbolizes a part of the Passover story and serves as a reminder of our ancestors’ journey to freedom. Let’s take a closer look at these stunning illustrations:
The Shankbone
The shankbone represents the Passover lamb that was sacrificed in ancient times. It is a symbol of sacrifice and reminds us of the hardships our ancestors endured while in slavery.
The Egg
The egg is a symbol of new beginnings and reminds us of the Israelites’ new beginning after they were freed from slavery in Egypt. It is common to eat the egg during the seder as a reminder of the sacrifices made in the past.
The Bitter Herbs
The bitter herbs symbolize the bitterness and harshness of slavery. It is common to eat the bitter herbs during the seder as a reminder of the hardships our ancestors faced and as a reminder to be grateful for our current freedoms.
The Charoset
The charoset symbolizes the mortar used by the Israelites when they were forced to build the pyramids in Egypt. It is made of fruit and nuts and is a sweet reminder of the hope and promise of freedom.
The Karpas
The karpas is a green vegetable, usually parsley, and represents the spring season and new growth. It is dipped in saltwater during the seder as a reminder of the tears shed during slavery and as a symbol of hope for the future.
As we continue to celebrate Passover, let us remember the sacrifices and hardships our ancestors endured. Let us also give thanks for the freedoms we have today and remember those who are still fighting for their freedom.