I need help with Passover!

Since we've had SO many issues with passovers past with FH's family, we might be hosting a seder this year so that we can include the family in something that makes us comfortable. I have NEVER hosted a passover seder and I've actually only been to 2 or 3, so I need help. We have a seder plate that we got as an engagement gift. What else do I need?

I'm a vegetarian (this is one of the reasons we're hosting our own, his family has really not been respectful and accomodating about this), so we need some good parve or diary recipes!

Is there a non meat alternative to a shank bone?

Please help me out! I really want to do a good job and have this be meaningful for FH, but I really have no clue!

ETA: I know I'm starting early, but I really want a lot of time to plan. Passover is really early this year!

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Posted by mrswask

I was going to write that - Passover's actually the latest I ever remember it being! Doesn't start until April 23rd I believe.

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It's the first time in my life that my b-day is on passover (4/30)!


I'm not sure about the alternative for the shank bone...it is symbolic and I don't know what would be a good substitute.

As for other dishes, you can make matzah stuffing, matzah kugel, mashed potatoes...i'm naming all the starches, but i 'm having trouble thinking of a vegetarian main course!

I think your biggest problem will be finding a Kosher for Passover main dish.

Although, my friend says she rather likes Tofurkey. If has no grain in it, and is only tofu and seasonings, it should be okay.

Also, is your FH sephardic? If so, rice products are okay.

Finally, I agree that replacing the shankbone is not acceptable. HOWEVER you might find the idea and symbolism of putting an orange on the seder plate interesting and meaningful.

QUICK version of the story. A woman, the daughter of a very respected Rabbi, wanted to go to the Jewish Theological Seminary to study to be a Rabbi. The JTS, while they agreed that her application was very impressive, laughed at her and told her that a woman has as much place in the Rabbinate as an orange has on a seder plate. Many modern women now put oranges on their seder plates for that reason.

Your FH may or may not be cool with this. It's something I'd discuss with him. Defer to him on this.

You'll also need a matzah cover (different than a challa cover), and a special Kiddush cup for Elijah.

Rach, I've never heard that story, but I love it!

Tofu is Kosher for Pesach? I never knew that...I just assumed it wasn't b/c it comes from soybean, and beans aren't kosher for pesach unless you're sephardic.

Jenn, just a thought:

How Kosher do Doug's parents keep for Passover? My family uses all separate dishes, pots, pans, silverware, etc...we keep it very strictly. If Doug's parents do too, it's going to be a really tough job for you. Making a seder is difficult no matter what, though!

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Posted by Jax430

Rach, I've never heard that story, but I love it!

Tofu is Kosher for Pesach? I never knew that...I just assumed it wasn't b/c it comes from soybean, and beans aren't kosher for pesach unless you're sephardic.

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You know you're absolutely right. MY BAD.

I was raised Reform, so we kinda follow sephardic rules in my house even though we aren't sephardic. Tee Hee. I just think of beans as vegetables anyway.