Your first Passover seder

Passover recalls the Exodus from Egypt and begins at sunset. The seder takes place on the first night and, outside Israel, many communities hold it on the second night as well. Confirm the date, time and length with your host: it may be a short conversational dinner or several hours of reading.

Ask what to bring before shopping. Passover has special rules for chametz and processed products; something kosher year-round may not work for the holiday, and family customs also vary.

The Haggadah orders the story, questions, blessings, songs and meal. There are traditional, family, illustrated and contemporary-commentary editions. All of them aim for the story to be told and discussed, not merely read straight through.

The seder moves through stages: Kiddush, questions, storytelling, matzah, maror, the meal and the close, among other steps. The seder plate gathers symbolic foods whose exact selection may vary by custom.

You do not need to read Hebrew. You can follow a translation, ask a question, read a passage in your language or listen. The Four Questions exist precisely to open conversation; asking does not interrupt the seder—it gives it purpose.

There may be four cups of wine or grape juice, matzah and bitter herbs at specific moments. If you cannot consume something, say so: health and safety come first, and the host can guide you without exposing details at the table.

Melodies, recipes, pronunciations and stories reflect each family’s origins. Some tables add new readings or symbols, while others follow a traditional text without additions. Respectful participation does not require them all to look alike.

If you are organizing your first seder, start with a clear Haggadah, choose the parts you want to discuss and make sure the food works for your guests. A comprehensible, welcoming table matters more than rushing to complete every page.