The bone primarily represents two things; the Paschal lamb that was used as a special sacrifice in the days of the ancient temple in Jerusalem and God’s “mighty arm” that convinced the Egyptians to free the slaves. As a vegetarian, you are probably very happy that we no longer sacrifice lambs as religious offerings, but that said, what can you use to represent that? As Passover is full of symbolism, you have some license to use your imagination to come up with something appropriately symbolic that doesn’t involve animal parts. Let us know what you decide on.
Rabbi Reuben responds to Lori’s question:
A Passover Seder is a Jewish ceremonial act which retells the Exodus through story and food. There are many parts to the traditional Seder, 15 in all. And, one of the steps is the Passover meal. Other parts include prayers, ritual foods, and singing. The cookbook, therefore, assists with only one part of the Seder (but, in my opinion, one of the most important parts – the dinner). The Haggadah, on the other hand, the book that lays out the steps of the Seder, is an integral part of the entire Seder. Unlike the Haggadah, a Passover cookbook can be used during all of Passover, all eight days. The holiday of Passover mandates strict dietary restrictions. The #1 rule is no “chametz,” bread or bread products. So, go ahead and buy the cookbook, follow the ‘kosher for Passover’ recipes, and enjoy your Seder meal.
Rabbi Sadie Reuben
The bone primarily represents two things; the Paschal lamb that was used as a special sacrifice in the days of the ancient temple in Jerusalem and God’s “mighty arm” that convinced the Egyptians to free the slaves. As a vegetarian, you are probably very happy that we no longer sacrifice lambs as religious offerings, but that said, what can you use to represent that? As Passover is full of symbolism, you have some license to use your imagination to come up with something appropriately symbolic that doesn’t involve animal parts. Let us know what you decide on.
1What can a vegetarian substitute for a bone on the seder plate?
2Rabbi Reuben responds to Lori’s question:
3A Passover Seder is a Jewish ceremonial act which retells the Exodus through story and food. There are many parts to the traditional Seder, 15 in all. And, one of the steps is the Passover meal. Other parts include prayers, ritual foods, and singing. The cookbook, therefore, assists with only one part of the Seder (but, in my opinion, one of the most important parts – the dinner). The Haggadah, on the other hand, the book that lays out the steps of the Seder, is an integral part of the entire Seder. Unlike the Haggadah, a Passover cookbook can be used during all of Passover, all eight days. The holiday of Passover mandates strict dietary restrictions. The #1 rule is no “chametz,” bread or bread products. So, go ahead and buy the cookbook, follow the ‘kosher for Passover’ recipes, and enjoy your Seder meal.
Rabbi Sadie Reuben