Paper plates and plastic silverware were laid out, as well as napkins and paper cups. Traditionally, a formal Seder plate is used to hold the food items used in the ceremony. But at Allen Hall, there were styrofoam bowls set in a circle, each holding one of the ceremonial items. The charoset is prepared using wine, apples and walnuts. These food items, along with matzahs and grape juice lay waiting for the students who would take part in the meal.
Wine is a symbol of joy.
As students filled the table, the ceremony got underway. First came a round of introductions because some students who attended the Seder were not Jewish or had never been to a Seder. Every person at the table took turns reading from the Haggadah. Next, each person took a small piece of parsley, dipped it in salt water and ate it. The parsley is also supposed to symbolize spring.