Add Pineapple To Seder Plate? Reconstructionists Create Symbol Of Solidarity With Refugees
Image by YouTube
Attend a Reconstructionist Passover dinner this season, and there’s a good chance there will be a new addition to the Seder plate – pineapple, to represent support for refugees and immigrants.
“In American colonial times, the pineapple was a symbol of welcome and prosperity. They were special gifts because of the great labor and expense required to ship them from the tropics,” explains Rabbi Deborah Waxman, the president of Reconstructionist Rabbinical College, in a video posted to YouTube. “As we think about those in the midst of crossing through danger and into unknown lands, we aim to bestow upon them the gifts of hospitality and a sweet welcome.”
Many Jews already add modern symbols to the Seder plate depending on their pet causes – some use olives to represent peace in Israel-Palestine, some an orange to stand for women’s rights, some a tomato to call attention to contemporary slavery.
In addition to the video, RRC has released a Passover supplement about refugees and immigrants, complete with blessings and discussions questions. The Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society, or HIAS, has also been active in crafting inserts for the seder table, last year recommending that Jews place shoes in front of their doors in solidarity with immigrant populations.
Contact Daniel J. Solomon at [email protected] or on Twitter @DanielJSolomon
Hello, fellow Forward reader! I’m Joel Brown, a Forward reader and supporter for more than 15 years, and currently the chair of the board of directors.
I’m an avid Forward reader because it ticks so many of my essential boxes: excellent journalism, Jewish focus and diverse viewpoints. In today’s political climate, what I most appreciate is the Forward’s independence — made possible by the generosity of its membership.
The Forward is committed to bringing you unbiased, nuanced Jewish news. From my position as board chair, I see an exciting future as we expand our position as the definitive independent voice of contemporary American Judaism.
That’s why I’m paying it Forward, by matching $36,000 of reader gifts. It’s an investment in the Forward’s newsroom, to continue telling the American Jewish story with truth and independence.
— Joel Brown, Forward board chair
Support our mission to tell the Jewish story fully and fairly.
