The Seder Plate

Maror (bitter herbs) are placed on the Seder plate to remind Jews of the bitterness of slavery. Horseradish is usually used as maror, but any sharp, bitter herb can be eaten. Charosset takes the next place. Also known as charosses, harosses and halek, this is a distinctive blend of sweet fruit and nuts. When mixed with wine, it becomes a tasty sludge, symbolizing the mortar used in the Hebrews’ forced labour. Sometimes, in Morocco and other Sephardic communities, charosset is rolled into sticky balls and eaten as a sweetmeat throughout the holiday.