27 Mar THE AMAZING CUSTOMS OF LEIL HASEDER

Leil HaSeder
stands at the
heart of the
Pesach
experience.
Around the world, Jewish families
gather at their tables, united by the
same Haggadah, the same matzah, and
the same story of redemption. Yet
within that unity lies a beautiful
diversity—each community bringing
its own color and life to the Seder
through unique and meaningful
customs.
Among Persian Jews, the Seder takes
on a lively and memorable tone. When
reaching the section describing what
life would have been like had Hashem
not redeemed us, the room fills with
the song of Ma Nishtana—and with it,
a playful reenactment. Bunches of
scallions are passed around, and
participants gently “strike” one
another, symbolizing the harsh whips
of the Egyptian taskmasters.

Moroccan Jews elevate the symbolism
in a different way. The Seder plate is
lifted and passed over each participant’s
head, reminiscent of the Kaparot ritual,
as if each person is personally being
carried through the experience of
redemption.
In Tunisian communities, the
connection to Yetziat Mitzrayim
extends even beyond the table. A
portion of charoset is set aside, and at
the end of the Seder, it is placed near
the mezuzah on the doorpost—evoking
the blood that marked the Jewish
homes on the night of the Exodus.
Yemenite Jews highlight the role of
children with special warmth. The Ma
Nishtana is recited in the traditional
Yemeni dialect, and those who perform
particularly well are rewarded—often
with a simple but cherished prize, such
as a boiled egg.
Among Iraqi Jews, the Afikoman
becomes a mission of responsibility.
One child is appointed as its guardian

and warned that failure to protect it
will result in a “fine.” If they succeed,
however, they are rewarded
handsomely—turning the experience
into both a game and a lesson in
accountability.
Bukharian Jews share a similar custom,
but with a playful twist. If a child
manages to steal the Afikoman, the
head of the household “punishes” them
with light, humorous taps using a
towel—until a deal is struck and the
Afikoman is returned, usually in
exchange for a prize.
Syrian Jews bring the Exodus to life in
a deeply symbolic reenactment. After
breaking the Afikoman, it is placed in a
cloth bag, and each participant takes a
turn reliving the journey. With the bag
over their shoulder, they declare that it
represents the burden carried by their
ancestors. Asked where they are
coming from, they answer, “From
Mitzrayim.” Then, shifting the bag to
the other shoulder, they respond to the

next question—“Where are you
going?”—with a hopeful declaration:
“To Yerushalayim!” The entire table
joins together in calling out, “Next
year in Yerushalayim!”
Many Ashkenazim wear a kittel—a
white robe—to enhance the sense of
joy and to symbolize freedom.
These customs transform the Seder
from a recounting of history into a
living, breathing experience—one that
engages, inspires, and connects each
generation to the story of our people.
May we merit very soon to celebrate
together in Yerushalayim, b’ezrat
Hashem.