A Woman Belongs on the Bimah Seder Plate made from recycled tin cans

Collection of The Jewish Museum, New York

Seder plate window frames constructed using pre-printed steel from vintage steel doll houses. Window scenes are constructed using recycled tin containers. Window panes are removable Plexiglas designed for utilitarian use. Sterling silver rivets, brass, and steel screws. 

Photo Credit: Philip Cohen.


The left side of the Seder plate with images of lambs, trees, egg and the sea/saltwater
 
 

The lamb images symbolizes the Pascal (Passover) lamb.

This is where the shank bone should be placed on the Seder plate.

 

The pictorial of green trees represents Parsley. This is where parsley is placed as a symbol of spring.

Egg
A roasted egg is as a reminder of the sacrifice which took place in the Temple.  Eggs are also a symbol of spring and rebirth of the Jewish people. Stars are in the background since the seder service takes place at night starting immediately after sundown.

 

Saltwater
Usually salt water is placed on the seder table for everyone to dip their parsley.  Salt water is to remember the sweat and tears of our ancestors. 

 

Grapes refer to the four cups of wine consumed during the Seder service.

 

Horseradish   This where you place the horseradish root, the bitter herb, a reference to the bitterness of the lives of   the Israelites.

 

Orange is a recent addition to the Seder plate. It represents feminist participation in Judaism, and a symbol of inclusion for leadership from all including gay, lesbian, transgender..

 

Charoset Is a combination of chopped apples and raisins soaked in wine resembles mortar used by the Israelites to make bricks for the pyramids. Other Jewish cultures from around the world make charoset from combinations of fruits and nuts.

The stars in the background represent the starry sky in the desert.

The stars also remind us that the seder service takes place at night starting immediately after sundown.

[If Charoset is to be put on this seder window, drain a symbolic amount on a paper towel so it won’t drip or put it in a little dish.]

The right side of the seder plate with images of grapes, horseradish,  orange and bricks.

Cover of 2010-2011 The Jewish Calendar by the New York Jewish Museum

The Jewish Museum in New York, NY included my Seder plate from their permanent collection in their 2010-2011 calendar. 


This Seder plate was the cover photo for The Women's Seder Sourcebook: Rituals and Readings for Use at the Passover Seder. 

CLICK on the image or text for information. This is an affiliate link. Purchase of this book may provide this web site with a few cents.


© Harriete Estel Berman, 2000-2001, 2021, 2023