Jessica, my dearest friend since high school is a newlywed. This year her and her husband Evan took on the family duty of hosting the first night of Passover at their home. Planning a seder dinner for 14 people is not the simplest undertaking and I was in awe that they would take on such a big event! The following photos are from their beautiful holiday celebration.

The Passover Table

Setting the table for 14 people in itself is a big step. 14 sets of silverware, 14 sets of plates, 14 Haggadahs which tell the story of the Jews escape from slavery in Egypt, matzo and the special Afikoman bag that holds them, the seder plate filled with 6 symbolic foods, wine, candles, and a small bowl of salt water representing tears.

The Seder Plate

The Afikoman with Matzo inside

After getting the table all setup, there is the food. The Passover seder meal is important both for religious and cultural reasons. A Jewish tradition continued on for generation after generation, many of the dishes served are quite traditional as well. However, there are more modern takes on them as well these days. Jessica and Evan made homemade, from scratch Matzo Ball Soup, Potato Kugel Gratin, Sweet and Sour Brisket, Evan’s grandmother’s Matza Farafel Kugel recipe and traditional Charoset which is a mixture of dried fruits and nuts.

Matzo Ball Soup from scratch!

Potato Kugel Gratin

Charoset being mixed

Grandma’s Matzo Farfel Kugel (Recipe below)

Here is the recipe for the wonderful Matza Farfel Kugel that Evan’s grandmother passed down to her daughter and is now being carried on by her grandchildren:

Matzo Farfel Kugel