The Seder, Step by Step
Kadesh
We start the Seder with the Holyday consecration and its official inauguration: the Kiddush. Upon concluding the Kiddush and the blessing shehecheyanu everyone shall drink his or her first cup of wine, while reclining on the left side. Each cup should be of at least 3 ounces and each time we should drink at least half a cup. Throughout the Seder we drink four cups of wine. Each cup symbolizes a celebration for the four expressions that the Torah for our freedom. If one cannot drink wine, it could be substituted by grape juice.
Urchatz
We wash our hands without saying any Berakha. In our community it is customary that the children help with the Netilat Yadaim, bringing a bowl of water and a towel. This is in order to eat the Karpas, dipped in vinegar. In ancient times it was common for affluent people to have an aperitif (celery or another vegetable) before the meal to induce the appetite. Our sages instituted that the night of the Seder we should dip the Karpas not once but twice, to awake the curiosity of the children and stimulate their questions. These questions are already integrated into the famous text: Ma Nishtana. One of the questions refers to the double dipping of the Karpas.
Karpas
Bore Peri haAdama. As we have explained all these deviations from the ordinary dinning
habits are meant toward one single goal: to motivate the children to ask questions
in order to ensure their active participation during the entire Seder.
NEW UPDATED FORM FOR SELLING YOUR CHAMETZ, WITH FAX INFORMATION:
http://www.mashadi.info/pdf/sellingofchametzform.pdf
What to do with your extra Chametz and an Experimental new Selling of Chametz
http://www.mashadi.info/pdf/ymjcchametz.pdf
Rabbi Yosef Bitton. YMJC | 130 Steamboat Rd. | Great Neck | NY | 11024
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