The Steps of the Passover Seder
All of the Biblical holidays begin with Passover. On the first day of the month of Nisan, two weeks before the Exodus, God showed Moses the "new moon" and commenced the divine calendar (Exod 12:2) At the stroke of midnight on Nisan 15 God sent the last of the plaques on the Egyptians, killing all their firstborns, and freeing or redeeming the Israelites. Because of this, traditionally, there are 15 separate and distinct parts to the Passover seder:
- Nerot Lighting the candles
- Kadesh Sanctifying the wine (1st Cup)
- Urchatz Washing the hands
- Karpas Dipping the Karpas
- Yachatz Breaking the Matzah
- Maggid Telling the story (2nd Cup)
- Rachtzah Washing the hands
- Motzi Matzah Eating Matzah
- Maror Eating bitter herbs
- Korekh Eating the Hillel sandwich
- Shulchan Orekh Eating the meal
- Tzafun Eating the Afikoman (Hidden Matzah)
- Barekh Blessing after the meal (3rd Cup)
- Hallel Songs of Praise (4th Cup)
- Nirtzah Conclusion of the Seder and communion
Inspired to create
your own Haggadah?
Make your own Haggadah and share with other Seder lovers around the world
Have an idea
for a clip?
People like you bring their creativity to Haggadot.com when they share their ideas in a clip
Support Us
with your donation
Help us build moments of meaning and connection through
home-based Jewish rituals.
OUR TOP CONTRIBUTORS
Passover Guide
Hosting your first Passover Seder? Not sure what food to serve? Curious to
know more about the holiday? Explore our Passover 101 Guide for answers
to all of your questions.