Karpas

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4SederFoods

Karpas is a ritual food used during the Passover Seder in the Jewish tradition. It is one of the symbolic foods on the Seder plate and is typically a vegetable such as parsley, celery, or potato. The word "karpas" itself is derived from the Greek word for "parsley."

Significance

During the Passover Seder, karpas is dipped into salt water or vinegar and then eaten. This act is performed early in the Seder and serves multiple symbolic purposes. The dipping of karpas into salt water is said to represent the tears shed by the Israelites during their enslavement in Egypt. Additionally, the green vegetable symbolizes the coming of spring and the renewal of life.

Ritual Use

The ritual of eating karpas is part of the Seder's sequence of events, known as the Haggadah. After the Kiddush (blessing over wine) and the washing of hands (known as Urchatz), the karpas is dipped and eaten. This is followed by the breaking of the middle matzah (known as Yachatz) and the recitation of the Maggid, the story of the Exodus from Egypt.

Types of Karpas

While parsley is the most common vegetable used for karpas, other vegetables such as celery, radish, or even boiled potato can be used. The choice of vegetable can vary depending on family traditions and regional customs.

Historical Context

The use of karpas in the Passover Seder has ancient roots, with references found in early Jewish texts. The practice is believed to have evolved from Greco-Roman dining customs, where appetizers were dipped in sauces before the main meal.

Related Rituals

Karpas is one of several symbolic foods on the Seder plate, which also includes maror (bitter herbs), charoset (a sweet paste), zeroa (shank bone), beitzah (egg), and chazeret (another form of bitter herb). Each of these foods has its own symbolic meaning and role in the Seder.

See Also

• Passover
• Seder plate
• Haggadah
• Matzah
• Maror
• Charoset