Last Saturday the girls and I went to our very first Passover Seder. (J. ended up getting called into work which was a big bummer.) We arrived at 5:30 and set out our shared dishes on the buffet. I made roasted chicken with Greek olives and separate dish of roasted asparagus. Other dishes included: two carrot dishes (very yummy), brisket, kugel, sweet potato tsimmis, a layered matzoh-spinach-beef dish, gefilte fish (I eat most everything but...), several salads, and macaroons and chocolatey desserts. Most everything was delish although I realized I am just not a potato kugel fan. I dont know why—I love everything in it, but just not everything together. We started the meal with matzoh ball soup, and since it's something I make often, the girls devoured that. (Bunny ate 5 balls.)
We followed a Haggadah which included modern references (as I understand it). We opened the door not just for Elijah but for Miriam, too. I liked that part. The girls we so patient and good. They were kept busy by the coloring activities and being seated at a table with other kids. I worried as I flipped through the Haggadah noting that dinner wasn't served until several pages in. By the time the soup was served, my gals were both raising their hands for the vegan soup with vegetarian matzo balls which was brought out first. "Are you sure you don't want to wait for chicken," I asked them? They shook their heads "no," and commenced slurping up their soup. Also a big hit with them: the charoset and making their "hillel sandwiches."
The seder lasted almost three hours and was fascinating...interesting...and quite moving. All the adults took turns reading the Passover story. Bunny was picked to asked one of the four questions but was too shy to do it so another child stepped in. Because we had read a story about Passover Seder leading up to the event, the girls were very excited about finding the afikomen. They didn't—and by that point they were both so tired that I thought at least one meltdown would ensue—but no. They were smiley and genuinely happy for the little boy who ended up being the lucky one.
In all, we had a great time. I love sharing experiences like this with my girls because we can all learn together. I look forward to next year.
