Beitzah

Beitzah (also spelled Beitza or Beitze) is a term in Jewish law and Jewish tradition that refers to an egg. The term is most commonly used in the context of the Passover Seder, where a roasted egg (Beitzah) is one of the traditional items on the Seder Plate.

Etymology

The word Beitzah is of Hebrew origin, and it simply means "egg". In the context of Jewish tradition and law, however, it has a more specific meaning.

Role in Jewish Tradition

In Jewish tradition, the Beitzah is one of the six items traditionally placed on the Seder Plate during the Passover Seder. The other items are the Shankbone, Charoset, Maror, Chazeret, and Karpas. Each of these items has a symbolic meaning in the context of the Passover Seder.

The Beitzah, specifically, symbolizes the Temple sacrifice that was offered in ancient times on the holiday of Passover. It is traditionally roasted to represent the roasting of the sacrifice.

Role in Jewish Law

In Jewish law, the Beitzah has a number of specific rules and regulations associated with it. For example, there are laws regarding the status of an egg that is laid on a Jewish holiday or Shabbat, which are discussed in the Talmud and other Rabbinic sources.

See Also

• Passover Seder
• Seder Plate
• Jewish holiday
• Jewish law
• Talmud