What to Expect at the Humanist Seder
WHY? This dinner is a celebration of the best in the human spirit, celebrating the courage of humans who have led others out of slavery, out of the dark places we all find ourselves in from time to time. Most who attend find themselves uplifted by the messages.
DINNER PLAN -
5:30. Doors open. Come early for a close-up seat, or to make sure all are seated together.
5:30-6:30 Set your table, open your wine, arrange your potluck dishes, chat with friends.
6:30. The hour-long ceremony-hand-washing, candle-lighting, reading, singing- begins. Some small snacks available during the ceremony. (SO, feeding kids-or yourself!-a substantial snack before coming might be wise).
7:45. Eating begins. Food is shared, more singing and and closing.
CHILDREN The children have a special place at the seder, asking the four questions, hunting the affikomen for the prize, and engaging in the washing of hands at the beginning. We will also have some goody bags to keep the children engaged. If they get really antsy, or noisy, please make use of our lovely playground. We have made an extra effort to make this year's seder more interactive.
BRING YOUR OWN DISHES We ask that you bring your own dishes, utensils, and wine glasses. This makes for a very festive table. The tables will be already set, with candles and flowers. (Some paper plates will be available for those who cannot bring any).
WINE- LOTS! Four cups of wine are traditionally drunk at various points in the ceremony. For children and abstainers, it is fun to have fizzy grape or apple juice or fizzy water.
FOOD - OFTEN KOSHER, LEAVENED with EGG WHITES Leavening is not used, in honor of the need for the Hebrew people to leave their homes quickly, and hence taking only flatbread with them to eat. So, frequently, the desserts and bread-type items are egg-, almond- and fruit- based. The Washington Post had some nice flour-free almond-crusted Passover desserts in a recent Food Section to add to the ever-popular meringues, brownies and Pavlova pies, links at end.
DRESS People often dress in party clothes, since it is a nice sit-down dinner.
(Chocolate Tart) https://www.washingtonpost.com/recipes/passover-chocolate-tart-chocolate-chip-crust/15795/?utm_term=.0a29e48913ae
(Linzer Tart) https://www.washingtonpost.com/recipes/passover-linzer-tart/15793/?utm_term=.8c1ed788d307
(Blueberry Pie) https://www.washingtonpost.com/recipes/blueberry-pie/15794/?utm_term=.147f5de14291
