Sacred Times/ Sacred Spaces
Pesach Haggadah & Seder
What does Pesach mean? Exodus 12
What does Hageddah mean?
What does Seder mean?
סֶדֶר
Order, Arrangement
Why would the number 7 be significant?
The pattern of the Menorah
Symbolic associations with the Menorah
Spring
Fall
The Presentation of the Haggadah
2. Urchatz: Wash hands
3. Karpas: Ask the question
4. Yachatz: Break Middle Matzah
5. Maggid: The Exodus Story *
7. Rachtzah: Wash hands again
7. Motzie: Blessing over Bread
8. Matzah: Unleavened Bread
9. Maror: Bitter Herbs
10. Korech: The Hillel Sandwich
11. Shulchan Orech: the Festive meal
12. Tzafun: Afikoman
13. Beirach: Closing Prayer *
14. Hallel: Songs of Praise *
15. Nirtzah: Acceptance
The Four glasses of wine in connection to the Covenant.
Pour the First Cup of Wine
6 Wherefore say unto the children of Israel, I am the Lord, and I will abring you out from under the bburdens of the Egyptians, and I will crid you out of their bondage, and I will redeem you with a stretched out arm, and with great judgments:
7 And I will take you to me for a apeople, and I will be to you a bGod: and ye shall cknow that I am the Lord your God, which bringeth you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians.
The 4 Promises
Across the generations, the doctrinal purposes of temple ordinances and covenants have been taught extensively by Church leaders... Information is available about following the Savior by receiving and honoring covenants to keep the law of obedience, the law of sacrifice, the law of the gospel, the law of chastity, and the law of consecration. Elder Bednar
Kiddush prayer/
Sanctify
TRANSLATION
Blessed are You, Adonai our God, Ruler of the world, Creator of the fruit of the vine.
Blessed are You, Our God, Sovereign of the universe, who has chosen us from among the peoples, exalting us by hallowing us with mitzvot. In Your love, Adonai our God, You have given us feasts of gladness, and seasons of joy; this Festival of Pesach, season of our freedom, a sacred occasion, a remembrance of the Exodus from Egypt. For You have chosen us from all peoples and consecrated us to Your service, and given us the Festivals, a time of gladness and joy.
Blessed are You, Adonai, who sanctifies Israel and the Festivals.
Urchatz: Washing
In ancient Israel, before entering the temple, the priests would ritually wash, first in a pool of running water called a mikvah, this was similar to a Baptismal Font. Then, prior to the priest officiating in the temple ordinances, they would once again wash their hands and feet in brass lavers that were lined with mirrors. This provided them with an opportunity to reflect upon their personal cleanliness before the Lord, as well and an opportunity to repent, and to be forgiven of their sins.
4 And Aaron and his sons thou shalt bring unto the adoor of the tabernacle of the congregation, and shalt bwash them with water.
The priests would then be anointed with oil that had been sanctified and they would be clothed in the garments of the Holy Priesthood. (Ex 29:4, 30, Lev 8, D&C 124:37-40)
Many ancient Temple traditions have been lost and forgotten over time. In Modern Sedars, Jewish observers focus on the washing of the hands during this part of the Seder.
“Our hands are the primary tools to interact with our environment. They generally obey our emotions: Love, fear, compassion, the urge to win, to be appreciated, to express ourselves, to serve, to dominate. Our emotions, in turn, reflect our mental state as well as our actions.
Water represents the healing power of wisdom. Water flows downward, carrying its essential simplicity to each thing. It brings them together as a single living, growing whole. We pour water over our hands as an expression of wisdom pouring downward passing through our heart and from there to our interaction with the world around us.” -Nathan Lopes Cardozo
3. Karpas: Our Appetizer
According to Rabbinical sources, karpas (is a Hebrew word for "greens", "vegetables", and “wool thread”). Read backwards ס' פרך forms an acronym of a phrase meaning "600,000 [were enslaved with] spirit-breaking labor," and the saltwater in which it is dipped are the tears they shed.)
In the Tanach, the only time the word kapas is used is in the Book of Esther, to describe finely spun wool or linen, which was translated as “green”. However, scholars believe that the thread was most likely white.
The Jewish Scholar, Maimonides, referred to this word in connection with the threads that were used to make Joseph’s coat of many colors.
“After Yosef had received this garment from his father, the brothers sold him to the Egyptians. This was the precursor of the exile and slavery in Egypt. Whatever the deeper meaning of this hatred, it was unjustified and led to much pain. Had Yaakov not given the garment to Yosef, the exile and servitude in Egypt may not have come about. So the fighting over this garment, made from karpas, was seemingly the primary cause of the Egyptian enslavement.
When the Rabbis fashioned the blueprint for the Haggadah text, they looked for a way to draw attention to the fact that brotherly hate was what caused the Jews to end up in Egypt. Upon realizing that this infamous garment was made of karpas—fine woolen fabric—they decided to institute a ritual that would involve using a vegetable. On a deeper level, we realize that what identifies this ritual more specifically with the hatred of the brothers is the act of dipping the karpas in salt water. After all, the brothers took this “karpas garment” and dipped it into animal blood before they approached their father with the terrible news that Yosef had been killed.” - Rabbi David Codorzo
Joseph’s Coat was a symbol of the garments of the Holy Priesthood. When Jacob gave Joseph the coat, Jacob was indicating that Joseph would be given the birthright, which included the rights to officiate in the ordinances of the Priesthood and the leadership of his family. This is why Joseph’s brothers were so angry with Joseph, and why they wanted him dead. They believed that as Joseph’s elder brothers, that right should have been theirs.
Like Joseph, Adam, Eve, and the sons of Aaron, the daughters of King David also received similar coats of many colors. In the case of David’s Daughter, Tamar, she rips her coat as well, following a tragic incident with her step-brother that would tear her family apart.
Fighting between siblings leads to major fractures in the family.
יחץ
Breaking of the Middle Matzah
The bread of affliction, made in haste, had not yet risen.
During the Last Supper, Jesus taught that the bread represented his body.
The Family of God.
Matzah “search, find”
The breaking of the Matza into two parts.
Matzah is referred to as "the bread of affliction" because it symbolizes the hardship and suffering that the Israelites endured during their time in slavery. It also represents humility, as it is a simple and unadorned bread.
During the Passover Seder, three pieces of Matzah are placed on the Seder plate, and each piece represents a different aspect of the holiday: the past, the present, and the future. The Matzah is broken into two parts during the Seder. The larger piece, known as the Afikoman, is hidden, and the children at the Seder are encouraged to search for it. The breaking of the Matzah symbolizes the division of people, and our responsibility to search for those who are lost. It is a symbol of liberation as one searches for and finds a sense of unity and wholeness.
Magid
Pour 2nd cup. I will deliver you…
Do not drink yet
Cover Matzah
The 4 Questions?
Why is tonight different than any other night?
Ma Nishtana?
Asked by the youngest child…..
The Four Sons
The Wise Son:
What is the meaning of the testimonies, and the statutes, and the judgements, which the Lord has commanded you?
Alma’s son Helaman stands out as a wise son. In talking to Helaman, Alma mentions wisdom at least 8 times in Alma 37. Alma also explains the meaning of the laws and testimonies of God. He explains the importance of the scriptures, and of the Liahona. Alma explains that the scriptures were preserved for a wise purpose, and that Helman had an important role in continuing that mission. Alma teaches his son that his mission will affect future generations, and he explains the importance of allegorical interpretation.
Alma taught his children about the language and traditions of the fathers, (both good and bad). He was a good father, and Helaman was a wise son.
and the sons of Helaman
Answers in Parables
What does the wicked child ask?
What mean you by this service?
In Alma 39, Alma addresses his son, Corianton. Corianton had left the ministry. He was rebelling against the Church. He had been seduced by a harlot, and was engaging in wicked and immoral practices of a company that was worshiping idols. Rather than attacking Corianton, Alma lovingly addressed the questions Corianton had. These were questions that caused Corianton to deviate. Because Alma showed great love and respect to his son, Corianton eventually saw the error of his ways, repented, and came back. Corianton became a great teacher and did much good among the people.
This is a question the child directs to the parent and not to himself. By asking the question in this manner, the child intentionally excludes himself from the company, demonstrating his rejection of the covenant.
This child is depicted in Jewish literature as one who is guilty of religious and social crimes. He is one who rejects the promises of the Lord, and as such he will have to answer for his own sins. In Jewish literature, the parent answers the son, “This is done because of that which the Lord did for me when I came out of Egypt.” This statement implies that if the son had been in Egypt, he would not have been saved, because he was unwilling to follow the voice of the Lord
What does the simple child ask?
What is this?
When Alma addresses his son, Shiblon, Alma teaches Shiblon the importance of being diligent. Alma instructs Shiblon about the commandments and the importance of the Law. He teach Shiblon about living a high code of conduct, and counsels Shiblon to be patient, to trust in the Lord and in his timing. Alma bares his testimony, and warns Shiblon to beware of pride. Alma promises Shiblon that if he does these thing, Shiblon will be received at the Last Day.
This is an ambiguous question, demonstrating that the child in uninformed. It is the responsibility of the parent to teach the child the principles of the Gospel, including how to ask questions, and how to find answers.
As for the child who is too small to ask a question,
Prompt him,
Bare your testimony,
Teach him,
& be an example
The Story of the Exodus When we were slaves in Egypt 5783 years ago...
Wine spilling ceremony
Pouring out the anger, wrath, and judgement of God
Scholars suggest that the plagues were specifically chosen to represent different Egyptian deities, to demonstrate that Jehovah controlled the elements, not the idols of Egypt
Plague | |
Water turned to blood | Hapi “Nile river god, the water bearer” |
Frogs | Heket “goddess of fertility” |
Lice | Geb “god over dust” |
Flies | Khepri “god of creation, resurrection” |
Cattle & Livestock | Hathor “goddess of love” |
Boils | Isis “goddess of health & medicine” |
Hail & Fire | Nut “goddess of the sky” |
Locust | Seth “god of mischief, chaos” |
Darkness | Ra “sun god” |
Death of Firstborn | Pharaoh “the son of Ra” |
It would have been enough...
6. Rachtzah
Again this reminds us of a period of cleansing and refinement. Once the Israelites crossed over the Red Sea, symbolic of baptism, there was more to be done. They wandered in the wilderness for 40 years during a period of refinement before they were ready to enter into the Promised Land.
7. Motzie: Blessing over Bread
Matzah is the most important item in the Seder, and eating it fulfills the central mitzvah of Passover.
The matzah fulfills the role of the two whole loaves of the Challah Bread that are the mainstay of every Shabbat and festival meal.
Challah: bread that is traditionally braided out of 12 strands of dough, each loaf has six strands. Each strand represents one of the Tribes of Israel.
Shew bread and wine.
8. Matzah: Unleavened Bread
What does the unleavened bread represent?
Through partaking of the matzah we experience both the poverty and humility that matzah represents (the broken matzah) and the freedom and healing we can have through God.
Through God, all who are broken, can be made whole (the whole matzah), both individually as well as collectively.
Reflections on the Sacrament:
O God, the Eternal Father, we ask thee in the name of thy Son, Jesus Christ, to bless and sanctify this bread to the souls of all those who partake of it, that they may eat in remembrance of the body of thy Son, and witness unto thee, O God, the Eternal Father, that they are willing to take upon them the name of thy Son, and always remember him and keep his commandments which he has given them; that they may always have his Spirit to be with them. Amen.
O God, the Eternal Father, we ask thee in the name of thy Son, Jesus Christ, to bless and sanctify this water to the souls of all those who drink of it, that they may do it in remembrance of the blood of thy Son, which was shed for them; that they may witness unto thee, O God, the Eternal Father, that they do always remember him, that they may have his Spirit to be with them. Amen.
***Eat and drink the Matza and 2nd Cup of “wine”
Matthew 26:22, 24–25. Compare Matthew 26:26–28; JST, Mark 14:20–25
Yoni Matza: Find Rest
You, dear Shabbat,
are always here for me;
How fragrant
you linger in my awareness.
Noah’s dove found rest and so can we,
Weary ones from the toil of the week.
Honored are you by us,
the believers,
Parents and children,
who keep you with zeal.
Powerful is its message
on the Tablets of stone;
We sing your praises
in prayer and at meals.
When at the Mount Sinai
in covenant we pledged
We promised in one voice
to do and to listen,
Responding to Your challenge
we answered together:
You God are the One
who imbues us with strength.
Dear and Holy at Sinai
You spoke to us;
“Remember and Keep
this Day one of Seven,
When fully you keep
the Shabbat together,
You will be refreshed
and with vigor imbued.
How just like a lost sheep,
so aimless, you wandered
Remember the Shabbat
your promise and pledge
No evil will hurt you
if you keep the Shabbat
My rainbow will hold you
in safety forever.”
9. Maror: Bitter Herbs
Grab some of that bitter herbs, and dig in!
Maror: bitter herb (broken families)
Chazert: bitter herbs (scattered)
Charoset: symbolic of mortar
Our bitterness in Egypt was/is the key to our redemption. We never got used to Egypt. We never felt we belonged there. We never said, “They are the masters and we are the slaves and that’s the way it is.” It always remained something we felt bitter about, something that was unjust and needed to change.
If it hadn’t been that way, we probably would never have left. In fact, tradition tells us that 80% of the Jews said, “This is our land. How can we leave it?” And they stayed and died there.
But as for the rest of us, when Moses came and told us we were going to leave, we believed him. It was our bitterness that had preserved our faith.
Everyone has his Egypt. You’ve got to know who you are and what are your limitations and boundaries. But heaven forbid you make peace with them or compromise them. The soul within you knows no limits.
This is the sweetness we apply to the bitter herb: Bitterness alone, without any direction, is self-destructive. Inject some life and optimism into it, and it becomes the springboard to freedom.
10. Korech: The Hillel Sandwich
The word B’nai means children. This word comes from the root word Banah, which means builder. It is related to the word Binah, which means understanding.
As we build our Korech, our Hillel sandwich, we are reminded that life is made up with the sweet and the bitter. As we learn about the Atonement, as we learn to find joy even in times of sorrow, we can find peace, we can be made whole, and we can learn wisdom, as we strive to be God’s builders. This concept reminds us of building temples, families, relationships, and God’s kingdom.
It's customary to begin the meal with the hard-boiled egg on the Seder Plate (commemorating the festival offering), dipped in salt water.
To the Jews boiled egg is a sign of mourning. On every festive occasion, we remember to mourn for the destruction of the Temple and Jerusalem. But eggs also represent new life. This is why Christians adopted the symbol of Easter eggs.
Retrieval of the hidden matzah. This reminds us to look forward to the Messiah.
This reminds the Jews of the day when the Temple would be rebuilt and the blessings of the Temple would be restored.
13. Beirach - Grace After Meals
It is traditional to Pray after the meal.
Pour the third cup of grape juice.
I will deliver you… Law of Chastity. This reminds us that we need to be faithful to our spouse, our families, our covenants, and to the Lord
14. Hallal Songs of Praise
Pour and drink another cup of grape juice (#4).
I will take you for me as a Nation, and I will be for you, the Lord"… The Song of Moses, The new song of the Lamb, The Law of Consecration.
Traditional songs include Psalms 113-118, 136
Be still. This is His job now. This reminds us of the Millennial Day, it reminds us of the peace we can receive through exaltation and the Promised Blessings of the Celestial Kingdom where we can abide in the Glory of the Lord forever