SEDER (sēdher “order”). – A Hebrew liturgical term referring in particular to the “order” or ceremonial procedure to be followed for the Jewish Passover meal, whose purpose, according to Ex. 13:3, 8, is to recount in an intelligible manner the story of the exodus from Egypt.
In accordance with the teaching of Rabbân Gamaliele, the three constituent elements are explained: the paschal sacrifice (the lamb), unleavened bread, and bitter herbs. This is followed by the recitation of Psalms 113–14, the blessing for deliverance, and a series of homiletic additions. 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 participants are explained as an allusion to the four expressions meaning “to liberate, to save” that occur in the sacred text. The meal begins with the blessing over the first cup, qiddâi (v.). This is followed by the washing of the hands and the eating of herbs dipped in salt water. Of the three unleavened loaves prepared, the middle one is divided into two parts, one of which is intended to mark the close of the meal later on. This reserved bread (v. AFIQOMEN) is wrapped in a white cloth (Ex. 12:34). The second cup is filled, and a child asks four questions, requesting an explanation of the historical memories to which the ceremonial refers. The hands are washed before the meal; the blessing over the bread is recited, and the bitter herbs, the mortar, and the unleavened bread are eaten (Num. 9:11). The eggs are eaten and the meal is consumed. God is then thanked for the meal, and the third cup is drunk. With the door open, the following texts are recited: Ps. 79:6–7; 69:25; Lam. 3:66. The fourth cup is filled, and Ps. 115–18 (v. HALLEL), 136, and various extra-biblical hymns are read. The fourth cup is drunk, and the blessing (faith) over the wine is recited.