Presentation Styles
There are three ways to hold this presentation in your church. Each way is equally effective; the difference is simply in how elaborate you desire the presentation or what your church facility allows.
Style #1, 50–75 minutes
The simplest form is a demonstration only. This is usually done in the sanctuary and requires congregational participation only for communion.
Style #2, 75–90 minutes
This is a "demonstration plus", usually held in a fellowship hall with the congregation seated at tables, tasting the various Passover elements and participating in communion.
Style #3, 130–150 minutes
Style #3 is the most elaborate version, featuring a full meal, whether catered, cooked on-site, or potluck. It is usually best for the meal to be served midway through the presentation, but it can also be served before or after. For a full Seder dinner, the choice of meat is up to the host; chicken, brisket, or lamb are excellent options, but pork should be avoided out of respect for Jewish guests.
Speaker Requirements & Setup
- 1 microphone (preferably a lapel/lavalier)
- 1 podium for Steven
- 1 small table next to podium for Steven to display Seder demonstration items
- 2 white candles in candlesticks, plus lighter/matches at Steven's demo table
- 3 whole UNBROKEN sheets of matzah on Steven's demo table
- 1 place setting as per other participants at speaker's table (Elijah's place)
- small prize or $1 for afikomen (styles #2/3 only)
PARTICIPANTS
Style #1 uses standard communion cups only.
Style #2/3 uses the following items:
- 1 plastic cup
- 1 small paper plate
- enough grape juice/wine in pitchers/bottles for 3 quarter cups per person; cups can be pre-poured
- common bowls on each table within reach of all seated or a small dollop of each element can be placed individually on place settings
- ground horseradish (preferably purple, but white is okay) – one spoonful per participant
- parsley sprigs (one per participant)
- charoset (a mixture of apples and nuts; recipes below)
- matzahs (approximately enough for 1/3 sheet per participant; usually available in supermarkets)
- bowl of salt water (for dipping parsley)
- one roasted (not raw) lamb shankbone (bone only; no meat) for Steven’s table (Steven may have one; ask ahead of time.)
We will use the matzah and grape juice/wine for communion at the climax of the presentation.
MINISTRY RESOURCES
Please set up an eight-foot table (or equivalent) for the display of Sojourner Ministries' resource materials and have a volunteer ready to assist Steven with sales.
RECORDING
Copyright guidelines allow one audio recording for archival purposes only, which can only be copied and distributed to those individuals who could not participate due to church duties (nursery, etc.).
Charoset Recipe #1
- 4 red apples, coarsely chopped
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
- 8 oz. raisins
- 1 Tbsp cinnamon
- 1 Tbsp lemon juice
- 1/2 cup red wine, sparkling grape juice, or regular grape juice
One day ahead of the event, chop the apples and walnuts and toss them with the lemon juice. Add in the raisins and cinnamon and mix well. You may use a food processor to blend the ingredients to enhance the consistency. Allow flavors to blend and congeal in the refrigerator overnight. If you have not used the food processor, just before the event, add in 1/2 cup of red wine or sparkling grape juice (or regular grape juice). If you have used the food processor, add the liquid during processing. The goal is for this mixture to resemble chunky mortar. However, there is no wrong way to prepare it as there are innumerable charoset recipes. If you do this, add the ½ cup of red wine or sparkling or regular grape juice during processing. If you do not use a food processor, add the liquid just before the event. Refrigerate overnight to allow flavors to blend and congeal.
The goal is for this mixture to resemble chunky mortar. However, there is no wrong way to prepare it as there are innumerable charoset recipes.
For a demonstration or for a seder meal, each person needs only a taste, so a tablespoon per person should be more than enough.
Charoset Recipe #2
- 6 peeled apples, coarsely chopped
- 2/3 cup chopped almonds
- 3 Tbsp sugar, or to taste
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- grated rind of 1 lemon
- 4 Tbsp sweet red wine
Combine all ingredients, mixing thoroughly. Add wine as needed. Blend to desired texture, either coarse and crunchy or made into a paste. Chill. Makes 3 cups.