SEDER (Sēdher "Order"). - A Hebrew liturgical term, which refers in particular to the "order" or ceremonial to be used for the Jewish Passover supper and which aims, according to Ex. 13:3, 8, to narrate in an understandable way the story of the exodus from Egypt.
In compliance with the teaching of Rabbân Gamaliel, the three constituent elements are explained: the paschal sacrifice (the lamb), the unleavened bread, the bitter herbs. There follows the recitation of Psalms 113-14, the blessing for deliverance and a series of additions of a homiletic character. The bitter herbs recall the sufferings endured in Egypt; a mixture of apples, nuts, etc. (v. HAROSETH) recalls the bricks made in Egypt (Ex. 1:14). The four cups of wine for each of the diners are explained as an allusion to the four expressions for "to liberate, to save" that recur in the sacred text. The supper begins with the blessing over the 1st cup, qiddâi (v.). There follows the washing of hands and the consumption of herbs dipped in salt water. Of the three unleavened breads prepared, the middle one is divided into two parts, one of which is destined to mark the conclusion of the supper later. This reserved bread (v. AFIQOMEN) is wrapped in a white cloth (Ex. 12:34). The 2nd cup is filled and a child asks four questions, with which he asks for the explanation of the historical remembrances to which the ceremonial refers. The washing of hands is done before the supper, the blessing over the bread is recited and the bitter herbs, the mortar and the unleavened breads are consumed (Num. 9:11). Eggs are eaten and the supper is consumed. God is then thanked for the meal and the 3rd cup is drunk. With the door open the following texts are recited: Ps. 79:6-7; 69:25; Lam. 3:66. The 4th cup is filled and Ps. 115-18 (v. HALLEL), 136 and various extra-biblical hymns are read. The 4th cup is drunk and the blessing (faith) over the wine is recited.
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Eugenio Zolli