The Seder Plate as a Catalyst for Conversation and Education

The Passover Seder has become a popular way to spread the word about Jewish faith and culture to friends outside of the community as well as a site for reinterpretation of tradition. Whether you lead a traditional Seder meal or one with contemporary accents, the Seder plate itself is the focal centerpiece of the meal and a departure point for discussion about the significance of the Seder meal.

The History of Exodus Embedded in Traditional Designs

Traditional offerings are a great way to go because the story of the Jewish Diaspora at different times and geographic locations is embedded into their aesthetic. Among Judaica Webstore's traditional offerings are plates that employ folk designs such as traditional 18th century Jewish-German embroidery or 18th century Jewish-Dutch ceramics. We also offer replicas of Seder plates from 19th century Alsace and Vienna. These plates that replicate older European designs come with certificates of authenticity from the Israel Museum in Jerusalem as well as a short description of their respective historical backgrounds.

A number of upscale options that also tap into the European crafts tradition are Seder plates crafted by Hazorfim Silver. Hazorfim is a world-renowned silversmithing shop founded in Israel in 1952 by artisans from Eastern Europe. Hazorfim items can be found in the personal collections of Russia's Vladimir Putin and King Hussein of Jordan.

Up to Date Variations on an Age-Old Ritual

Contemporary designs by Israeli artisans are a great way to support the ongoing reinterpretation of our culture. Artisanal options include several hand-painted wooden designs by Bazalel Academy-trained and Jerusalem-based artist Yair Emanuel. We also offer the modernist designs of Shraga Landesman who works in cut and cast metal. Particularly appealing is his Sedar plate of cast aluminum whose form suggests a parted Red Sea. Don't forget to check out artist Lily Shohat's painted glass Seder plates that employ tasteful contemporary color schemes and playful motifs.