Avi Finegold’s 4 tips on how to host a seder for the first time

Focus on your audience and tailor it to them

Will the guests be family members who’ve done the same thing for years? Try changing-up their customs and expectations—but don’t take it too far. Or will it be a “friendseder” with everyone coming together for the first time? You know what they’re into and their tolerance for communal singing, so plan accordingly. Don’t expect people to young kids to be attentive into the night. Create something light but full of active participation by all.

Recognize that there are very few essential parts

The Four Questions. The 10 Plagues. The afikoman. Whatever they happen to be, find the parts that are important to you and your audience and focus on those. Do some research into their meaning and history and find creative ways to present them. As for the rest of the haggadah? You can skim some, you can skip some, but make sure to straddle the line between treating the seder as a big event and treating it as a boring prelude to the food.

You don’t need to have an elaborate seder meal

Focus on dishes you know well and can make without a sous chef and three interns. Maybe add one dish that wows the crowd. Elevate the karpas from a sad sprig of greens to a full-on spread—anything that can be dipped to fulfill a blessing is fair game: Crudites and Bagna Cauda? Chips and salsa? Strawberries and balsamic glaze? All will be welcomed and get you into the hagaddah with so few complaints that people won’t be hungry along the way.

Expensive props aren’t necessary for the experience

Any wineglass is fine for Kiddush or Elijah’s Cup. No special plate is required for symbolic foods. Get creative for the ritual items and you’ll be surprised how they end up cherished. (And if they don’t on the first try—then just buy one new thing a year going forward.) A good rule of thumb is to mix heirloom items with modern ones, get one from a friend or make an item rather than buying. Something old, something new, something borrowed, something glued.

The Great Canadian Seder

Bonjour Chai continues its annual tradition of asking prominent Canadians to share their thoughts about Passover. Join us at the podcast table for a supersized April episode designed to get you in the holiday spirit—or to keep you tuned in during the week. thecjn.ca/seder