The Seder is so important to us, yet sometimes we find ourselves mystified as to what is actually going on. We have compiled this simple, straightforward and relevant guide to the Seder with brief explanations of the proceedings designed to infuse meaning and to stimulate conversation at your Seder table.
Please let us know how it went at your Seder. We would greatly appreciate your feedback.
Wishing you a joyous and meaningful Seder experience,
Rabbi Dovid and Chana Vigler
www.JewishGardens.com
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Why are we going on about these ancient People?!
The Seder is not just a heart warming tradition or an ancient ritual. It's actually deeply relevant to each and everyone of us.
You see, the word Egypt in Hebrew translates as Bondage. We all approach the Seder as slaves in Egypt- People who are struggling with inhibitions, fears, habits, cynicism or prejudices. We all are addicted to something: Some are addicted to drugs or alcohol, others to money, fame or lust. Still others are addicted to food, shopping or even to incessantly checking their cell phones constantly (they're the ones reaching for their phones as you read this :-)).
Now that we've realized that the Seder is actually all about yourself and how you can become a better, happier person, we can begin the journey 'out of Egypt', the epic oddysey which is the Seder.
The 15 Step program:
Just as alcoholics have a 12 Step program, People sitting around the Seder table facing their own struggles, need to experience the 15 step program, which is the Seder Guide to personal freedom and self improvement. Here goes:
- Kadesh (sanctify the evening through Kiddush)= CREATE A SPACE FOR CHANGE
Designate a special space in your life that is void from all the static, to allow for real change.
- U'rchatz (hand washing)=CHANGE THE WAY YOU BEHAVE
Clean your hands from dirty behavior- must cease bad habits asap to allow for real change to follow.
- Karpas (dipping vegetable in salt water): CHANGE THE WAY YOU THINK
The vegetable comes from the ground like the the body was created originally from earth. Water is a metaphor for Torah. The vegetable is dipped in water to show us that we can't allow our bodies, addiction and tendencies to rule us, we must rule over them and utilize them for greater good!
- Yachatz (Breaking the Matza in two): CHANGING THE FOUNDATION
Humility is the key to change- thinking you're perfect ( a complete Matza) is the root of the problem.
- Magid (Reading the Haggadah Story): CHANGE YOUR INTAKE AND ENVIRONMENT
Study, study, study!
- Rachtza (Wash again): CAUTION
Don't become arrogant after study. This is the bane of the wise! Cleanse yourself from negativity after you have grown in wisdom.
- Motzi (extracting the Matza for all to see): FOCUS ON POSITIVE ACTION- NOT JUST NEGATION OF BAD HABITS
Extract the good in everything you encounter, now you're ready to start changing the world.
- Matza (Bread that doesn't rise): EXPERIENCE HUMILITY
The greatest catalyst of change is humility, cannot be overemphasized
- Maror (Bitter Herbs): CATALYST TO KEEP YOU MOVING FORWARD
Whilst depression makes you down, Bitterness over the past is the great motivator. Make sure you are not depressed, but bitter.
- Korech (Sandwich of Bitter Herb, Bland Matzah and Delicious Passover roast)- SAGE ADVICE FOR THE TOUGH TIMES AHEAD
Realize that life is a mixture of rich, bland and bitter. Don't give up when you're having a tough moment. This too shall pass
- Shulchan Orech (Eat the Meal): ENERGIZE
Learn to enjoy life. Eat with zest. G-d put us here for a reason- savor and relish every minute for it's Divine purpose!
- Tzafun (Revealing the Hidden Afikoman): COURAGE TO FACE YOUR PAST
Don't be afraid of hidden skeletons and dirty laundry that will come to the open as you detox. Develop the tools and self confidence to be able to handle that.
- Beirach (Grace after Meals): CONNECTION TO G-D
Don't be ungrateful. Remember to thank G-d for all your blessings. Show gratitude. it makes you a more wholesome human being.
- Halel (Songs of Praise): VERBAL AFFIRMATION
Kabbalah teaches us the incredibly power of speech: Words become things. Speak of joy and faith and you will find personal redemption.
- Nirzah (Endorsement of your Seder by G-d): VALIDATION
Realise how important you are before G-d. He cares about your every next move!! Nothing is small in His eyes becuase you are the apple of his eye!
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In case you're rushing, these are the most important Mitzvahs of the Night, so try and make sure to fulfill them before you go:
- Tell the story of Exodus (the more the better)
- Eat at least half a shmurah matza or full machine matza
- Drink 4 cups of kosher wine
- Eat a bitter vegetable
- Eat a meal
- Sing songs of praise
- All the above after nightfall (8:20pm in Palm Beach Gardens)
- Repeat all the above on Tuesday Night,because the path to a better you doesn't happen inone sitting,it's all about consistency!