The First Seder - Not Traditional

Ira was preparing for their first Passover Seder for Jacob, Aaron, Michael and himself. There were lots of first as to why this night was different than all other nights. It was Aaron's first Seder. The first time all four were together for a meal in Ira and Michael's home, The first family meal prepared since Ira began his new eating plan and did not want to subject his family to anything but a great evening with great food.

Michael could sense the tension, "It's gonna be great!" "How can I make a Passover meal without matzo meal?" "You'll find a way," as Michael rubbed Ira's head.

Four hours later, the doorbell rang. Michael ushered in Jacob and Aaron. "Something smells wonderful," Jacob announced. "Don't expect too much," Ira replied. The three just looked at each other until Michael smiled, "He just wanted the dinner to be perfect." "He inherited that from his mother," Jacob smiled.

Ira had a beautiful Seder Plate with horseradish (bitter herbs), symbolizing the bitterness and harshness of the slavery which the Jews endured in Egypt. Charoset (apples, honey and nuts) representing the mortar used by the Jewish slaves to build the storehouses of Egypt. Parsley dipped in salt water, mirrors the pain felt by the Jewish slaves in Egypt, who could only eat simple foods. A chicken wing bone representing the Passover sacrifice. A hard boiled egg a symbol of mourning of the first sacrifice in Egypt.

Everyone sat down and Ira poured the Mogan David wine. Next to the Seder Plate was a stack of matzo and one piece of manna bread for Ira. Ira handed out 3 kippahs (scull caps) put one his on his head and the others followed. He then gave the blessing over the wine and everyone drank. He grabbed the matzo plate, took his manna bread and instructed everyone to take a piece of matzo. After the blessing, everyone took a bite. "Do you have any extra Charoset?" Jacob asked, I like that on my matzo. Ira was prepared and brought a big bowl.

Aaron asked "What is so special about Passover" Before Jacob could answer, Ira said, "When Pharaoh sentenced the first born of Israel to be sacrificed, God sent death to the first born of Egypt. The Jews put lambs blood on the doors of each home so that death would 'pass over' the first born of Israel. After this plague, Pharaoh released the Jews from bondage." Jacob looked at his son as if for the first time, he could not have been prouder.

The rest of the meal was good, but paled in comparison to the question and answer between father and son.