The Seder continued, with Matzah passed round and each taking a small piece, eaten with the Maror, or bitter herbs, represented by Horseradish sauce. The Korech, or Hillel Sandwich followed. This consisted of the Maror accompanied by Charoset (a mixture of apple, nuts, cinnamon and wine), in a sandwich of Matzah. The Charoset symbolizes the mortar used by the Jews when building during their slavery.
Beverley, Chris and Doreen
Beverley held up a roasted lamb shankbone, representing the Paschal lamb which of course is no longer sacrificed. At this point in a family or community Seder, the actual meal would be served. The egg represents a food which does not melt when heated, but becomes hard, and this was eaten with drops of salted water.
The hidden piece of Matzah, or Afikomen, was then sought by Catherine, to be eaten as dessert. The third cup of wine was poured, and grace after the meal recited. This is similar to the grace that would be said on any Sabbath. When the fourth cup is poured, one cup is set aside for the prophet Elijah, and the door is opened for him to enter. We sang the song telling the story of the four sons to the tune of “Clementine”, the closing reading expressing the hope that next year’s Pesach would be celebrated in Jerusalem.
The evening concluded with Chris Hairs thanking Beverley for bringing the Passover meal alive for us. Fr Bryan reflected on the meaning for us as Christians of what we had witnessed and his belief that what we have in common with our Jewish brethren far outweighs the differences. He thanked Chris and Doreen for all the hard work, and others who had given their assistance.
Revd David Camilleri | Tel: 01689 827100 | 281a Crescent Drive, Petts Wood, Orpington, BR5 1AY