| Traditional Passover Foods & Their Symbolism
Unleavened Bread -- In their haste to leave Egypt and
escape slavery, the Israelites had no time to let dough rise for bread. Their
only provision was matzoh, which is made of wheat but not allowed to ferment or
rise. Matzoh is a perfect example of how the food we eat is intricately woven
into history, traditions and culture. It is the bread of both slavery and of freedom.
Roasted Lamb Bone -- The roasted lamb bone symbolizes the lamb that
was sacrificed at the Holy Temple of Jerusalem on the eve of the exodus of the
Israelites from Egypt. The blood of that ancient sacrifice was used to mark the
doors of the Israelites, so they might be "passed over." Today, many families
substitute a chicken or turkey neck for the lamb. Whichever meat you choose, roast
it in the oven until done, then scorch over a flame, like a gas burner or grill.
Jewish vegetarians have been known to use a whole roasted beet instead of lamb.
Roasted Egg -- Eggs symbolize the perpetual cycle of life, from birth
to death to re-birth. To roast eggs, first hard boil them, then, using tongs,
hold over a gas burner or candle flame. Bitter Herbs -- Fresh horseradish,
without beets or vinegar, graces the Seder plate to symbolize the bitterness of
slavery. Greens -- Greens, usually fresh parsley or celery tops, represent
re-birth and spring. Salt Water -- The greens are traditionally dipped
in salt water, which symbolizes the tears of the Hebrew slaves. Charoset
-- A traditional Passover dish, charoset consists of a mixture of chopped fruits,
usually apples, nuts, raisins, spices and wine. The mixture represents the mortar
Hebrew slaves used to make bricks for the Pharaoh Ramses II. | 
