Are you a traditionalist, or are you ready to add a bit of funk to your Pesach with a modern seder plate?
Passover has always been one of my favorite holidays (for the food!). One of the most important aspects of the Passover dinner is the seder plate, which holds symbolic foods that represent different parts of the Passover story. From the bitter herbs to the lamb shank bone, each item on the plate has significance and is meant to be discussed and contemplated during the seder.
Over the years, I’ve seen some really fun modern seder plates made from various materials, including glass, metal, and ceramic. Each material offers a unique aesthetic and feel, but they all serve the same purpose of holding symbolic foods.
Personally, our seder plate holds a special place in my heart. It’s a modern design that my husband and I received as a wedding gift many years ago. Its colorful design perfectly fits our style, and it’s become a cherished part of our celebration. Whenever we use it, it brings back memories of our wedding day and the start of our lives together.
If you’re in the market for a new seder plate or simply looking to add to your collection, there are countless options available. From traditional designs to modern interpretations, you’re sure to find something that suits your style and adds to the meaningfulness of your Passover celebration.
What’s on a seder plate?
Prominently placed in the center of the table, the seder plate is the focal point of the Passover meal. Simple or ornate, it can be made from wood, glass, metal, ceramic, paper, or just about anything. Whether it is a modern seder plate or a classic style, what’s on a seder plate remains the same.
Much of the traditional readings and ceremony feature the six foods found on the traditional seder plate:
- Roasted egg: represents the festival sacrifice or offering
- Roasted lamb: shank representing the paschal lamb sacrifice
- Karpas: (parsley) to be dipped in saltwater to represent the backbreaking work during slavery
- Charoset: (a mixture made of apples, nuts, wine, and cinnamon) symbolizes the mortar and brick used by the Hebrew slaves
- Maror: (bitter herbs, often horseradish) to represent the bitterness of slavery
- Chazaret: (romaine lettuce) a second bitter herb
Chabad, a pioneer of the Torah, Judaism, and Jewish information on the web, offers a detailed explanation as to the significance of each of the items on the plate.
Modern seder plates
Our collection of modern seder plates for Passover. Find the perfect addition to your holiday celebration with a range of styles and designs.
Pomegranate Shape Seder
Size: 13.5 inches
This stunning seder plate is not only a piece of art but also a symbol of the Passover story. Constructed in the shape of a pomegranate, it features a carved-out center with the Hebrew word "פסח" (Pesach) which adds a unique and expressive touch to your Seder table.
The set includes six glass plates/liners for the six traditional seder night foods, each labeled with the name of the symbolic food.
Sold by Zion Judaica
Carved Wood Seder Plate -"Exodus from Egypt"
Size 12.6 inches
This colorful seder plate beautifully depicts the crossing of the Red Sea. Each of the six small bowls (for the different seder ingredients) features scenes from the exodus from Egypt. Hand-painted on wood, it's hand washable.
Designed and crafted in Israel, in the Jerusalem studio of Yair Emanuel.
Our Passover Seder Plate
Size: 10.6 inches
Not necessarily modern, this colorful ceramic seder plate is the one we currently use at our house. While I love several of the others on this page, this one has been with us for a while and is a family favorite.
Each cup is individual and has the name of the traditional food in both English and Hebrew. In the center of the plate, the word "Pesach" is written in Hebrew.
Sold by Armenian Ceramic. Made in Israel.
Stained Glass Seder Plate
Size: 13 inches square
What I like best about this colorful stained glass plate is that it is so different from any others I have seen. Keeping with tradition, it has diamond-shaped impressions to hold each of the seder plate foods.
Sold by Rite Lite
Crumpled Leaf Design Seder Plate
Size: 10 x 10 x 4 inches
This leaf seder plate from Godinger is a true heirloom-quality piece. It boasts an exquisite design featuring embossed detailing and a sophisticated golden leaf motif.
Sold by Nixxi
Burning Bush Seder Plate
Size: large
Made from brass and copper, I just love the look of this modern seder plate.
Designed by Gary Rosenthal
Blue and Gold Marble Seder Plate
Size: 12 inches
This stylish seder plate comes with 6 glass liners labeled with the symbolic food names in Hebrew. Made of durable aluminum, it features a beautiful blue and gold marble-looking decal that's baked onto the surface. The 6 small glass plates have strong gold-colored lettering stickers indicating the names of the 6 foods in Hebrew.
Sold by Zion Judaica
Kate Spade Oak Street Seder Plate, 4.60 LB, White
Size: 13 inches
Bring some color to your table with this modern pastel seder plate. It is part of a series of similar color Jewish holiday necessities. Crafted in porcelain, it's hand wash only.
Designed by Kate Spade
While it is not traditional to bring Passover gifts to a seder, any of the modern seder plates above would make a wonderful wedding or Hanukkah gift.
Passover paper plates
Passover paper plates are also a modern holiday idea. With 25 waterproof plates in a pack (shown first in the grid below), they are ideal for kids or anyone. In fact, they are perfect for traditionalists that don’t have a set of kosher for Passover dishes. Check out these options, and as a bonus, get ready for quick and easy clean up this year.
Also on the seder table
In addition to the items on the plate itself, a traditional table will also have a matzah plate and wine or grape juice. The matzah plate will have three pieces of matzo, representing the Kohens, Levis, and Israelites.
The middle (called the afikoman) is broken early in the Passover readings, the other two will be used later. (Passover matzah is an unleavened bread available for a few months before the holiday begins. We, however, like to make our own matzo.)
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