By Cailin Acosta in La Mesa, California
The Seder plate and its meanings: Typically, the Seder plate contains six symbolic items that represent the Passover story.
Maror (bitter herbs): symbolizes the bitterness and harshness of slavery. Most use horseradish; sometimes, I use the condiment version and squirt a bit on our plate.
Chazeret (another bitter herb), which symbolizes the memory of suffering. Most use romaine lettuce or endives, which are used in making the Hillel sandwich. I use romaine since it is a staple in our house, and Freckles, my angora rabbit, enjoys it on her own Seder plate.
Charoset (a sweet mixture of fruits and nuts) represents the mortar and bricks the Israelites used while enslaved. I use apples, walnuts, cloves, dried cherries, apricots, pomegranate juice, and slightly blend them. My kids love this spread on matzo and often ask why I can’t make this beyond Passover since it is a yummy dip.
Karpas (a green vegetable) represents spring and is dipped in salt water to symbolize the tears shed by the Israelites. I take a small sprig from Freckles’ daily breakfast and dinner supply and also include it on her Seder plate, but not dipped in salt water. She might not enjoy that.
Zeroa (shank bone): represents the sacrificed lamb on the eve of Exodus; it is displayed but not eaten. I use roasted beets, my twins call “beet fries.” I make extra since that is added as a side dish to our Seder meal. A friend asked me how this is used as a replacement and said it is red like meat, and even though we don’t eat shank bone, I still don’t want it in my house, haha.
Beitzah (egg): represents the cycle of life, including birth and renewal. Sometimes I ask a friend if I can have 3 eggs since I won’t eat one and will have a plastic egg on the plate. I often think of couples struggling with infertility and how this must be difficult and emotional. I pray for those suffering and for their prayers to be answered.
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UPCOMING EVENTS
Lawrence Family JCC presents its “On the Town’s Cabaret Night” at 7 p.m., Thursday, April 9. This lively night features songs from JCompany’s past productions, celebrating music, memories, and talent. Click here for tickets.
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Congregation Beth El’s Chai announces its “Chametz and Chill” at 8 p.m., Thursday, April 9. This event is for Chai Hametz and Chill – Event – Congregation Beth El members 20-30 years old to feast on all the carbs following Passover, including beer, pizza, and great company. Click here to register and receive the location.
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San Diego Center for Jewish Culture announces its “Yom HaShoah: Community Holocaust Commemoration” at 1 p.m., Sunday, April 12. This event includes honoring the courage of those who risked everything to save lives. At this year’s event, Heroes Beyond Borders: Stories of Diplomatic Courage will reflect on the extraordinary actions of the Righteous Among the Nations. Click here to register and to receive the address.
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San Diego Center for Jewish Culture and Lawrence Family JCC’s Mandelbaum Family Lecture Series announce “History Pop Art” at 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, April 15, at the Coronado Public Library. This event includes a lecture by Guri Stark, who will trace the pop art movements rise in the UK and US, the response to consumer culture, and highlight key artists from Andy Warhol and Roy Lichtenstein. Click here to register.
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Congregation Beth Israel Men’s Club Speaker’s Forum and Dinner presents “Does AI Have A Soul?” at 6:30 p.m., Wednesday, April 15. Rabbi Martin Lawson of Temple Emanu-El will lead this session and explore questions about the new intellectual technologies as well as the fears, uncertainties, and hopes that AI evokes. Click here to register.
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San Diego Center for Jewish Culture and Lawrence Family JCC’s Shalomaland present “A Walking Tour of San Diego’s Jewish History” at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, April 16. This event includes a walking tour of La Jolla through the eyes of Jonas Salk, Louis Kahn, and Roger Revelle. Click here to register.
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Jewish Community Symphony announces its “The Bear and the River Performance” at 3 p.m., Sunday, April 19 at the Lawrence Family JCC. The event includes music inspired by nature and storytelling. The program will open with Schubert’s Rosamunde Overture and Haydn’s Symphony No. 82 and then flow into Smetana’s Moldau. Click here for tickets.
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San Diego Center for Jewish Culture presents “Yom HaZikaron” at 3 p.m., Monday, April 20. This event includes commemorating the fallen soldiers and victims of terror. As a community, they will remember the lost lives, support grieving families, and share in a collective memory. Click here to register and receive the address.
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San Diego Center for Jewish Culture announces its “Scholar-in-Residence Series with Rabbi Matthew Ponak”, at 7 p.m., Thursday, April 23, until 7 p.m., Saturday, April 25, at the Lawrence Family JCC. Thursday, April 23, topic includes “Embodied Wisdom: Jewish Mysticism in Practice”. At 10 a.m., Friday, the 24th, the topic includes “Understanding Hebrew Letters as Forms of Divine Expression”. At 10 a.m., Saturday, April 25, the topic includes “The Four Worlds Service” and at 7 p.m., “An Evening of Jewish Mindfulness and Mysticism”. Click here to register.
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San Diego Center for Jewish Culture presents “Celebrate Israel: Yom Ha’Atzmaut Music Festival” at noon, Sunday, April 26. This event includes celebrating Israel’s 78th Independence Day with Israeli music, food, and culture. This event has activities for all ages, local artists, and a chance to share in the energy and spirit of Israel. Click here to register and to receive the address.
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CHABAD CENTERS’ HAPPENINGS
East County announces its “Moshiach Seuda” at 11 a.m., for Yizkor service, and 6:30 p.m., for Feast of Moshiach. This event includes celebrating the last day of Passover with tradition, inspiration, and songs. Click here to register.
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AROUND THE COUNTY
Jewish Federation of San Diego reports its “all in” campaign is live. It is a responsibility to carry forward by carrying one another, strengthening Jewish life, standing with Israel, and healing to ensure the community remains vibrant and secure. Click here to donate.
Cailin Acosta is the assistant editor of the San Diego Jewish World.
From one vegan to another, Chag Pesach Sameach!