Pesach Seder

What is Karpas ans what does it represent?

After Kiddush is recited at the Pesach Seder, the hands are washed in preparation for karpas . Karpas is the “station” in the Seder when a vegetable is dipped into salt water (1)  or vinegar. (2)  There is actually an opinion that the karpas should be dipped into charoset,(3)  though common custom is not in accordance with this view. (4)  The word " karpas " is said to be an acronym for the words " samech perech, " meaning "600,000 suffered in backbreaking labor."(5)

There are a number of interpretations as to what the salt water represents. The most well-known interpretation is that it represents the tears of slavery. There is also a teaching that the salt water represents the tears that are shed over the destruction of the Beit Hamikdash. Some suggest that it also represents the waters of the Red Sea through which the Jewish people crossed. According to some authorities, one should wash one's hands for karpas specifically at the Seder table, and not at another location, such as the kitchen sink. (6) In some families this is indeed the custom while in other families only the one leading the Seder washes his hands at the Seder table and all others wash their hands at the kitchen sink, and the like.

Most people use celery, potatoes, parsley, or radishes for karpas (7)  though ultimately any vegetable is acceptable. (8) However, it is best not to use a vegetable that could theoretically be used for marror . Indeed, one must be sure not to use the same vegetable for both karpas and marror . (9) 

The karpas should be dipped into the salt water in its entirety -- not merely a portion of it. One should also dip it with one's hands rather than with a fork.. (10) According to most authorities, one should eat less than a kezayit (about an ounce) of karpas so that one not be obligated to recite a bracha achrona .(11) Nevertheless, one who did eat a large amount of karpas should not recite a bracha achrona afterward. (12) Most people don’t recline when eating the karpas though some do have the custom to recline.(13)

There are a number of reasons why karpas is eaten at the Seder and what it represents. (14) One reason is that merely having the ability to enjoy a meal that includes vegetables and dip is in itself a sign of freedom, as slaves are not provided with such luxuries. The karpas also serves as an appetizer to suppress one’s hunger thereby allowing one to enjoy the Seder without any stomach grumblings. 

The karpas also serves to recall the fancy coat that Yaakov Avinu gave to Yosef, which ultimately led to our descent to Egypt and the subsequent slavery.(15) Indeed, fine linens, such as those that comprised Yosef's elaborate coat are referred to in Scripture as " karpas. "(16) Finally, the dipping of the karpas is intended to arouse the children's curiosity so that they should ask questions as to why this night is different from all other nights.(17)

Chag Kasher V'sameach!

[1] Taz, OC 473:3; Magen Avraham 473:5; Rema, OC 473:4; Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 119:3.

[2] Tosfot, Pesachim 114a; Beit Yosef, OC 473; Darkei Moshe, OC 473:15; OC 473:6. See also Aruch Hashulchan, OC 158:6.

[3] Rashi, Pesachim 114a; Rambam, Hilchot Chametz U’matza 8:2; Bach, OC 473; Darkei Moshe, OC 473:15.

[4] Beit Yosef, OC 473.

[5] Beit Yosef, OC 473; Magen Avraham 473:4; Mishna Berura 473:19.

[6] Rivevot Ephraim 1:300.

[7] Regarding the various vegetables that may be used for karpas see: Magen Avraham 473:4; Machatzit Hashekel 473:4; Shulchan Aruch Harav, OC 473:16; Chayei Adam 130:5; Kaf Hachaim, OC 473:49; Minhag Yisrael Torah, OC 473:15; Piskei Teshuvot 473:13; Rivevot Ephraim 7:349.

[8] OC 473:4.

[9] Mishna Berura 473:20, 475:25.

[10] Piskei Teshuvot 473:23.

[11] OC 473:6; Mishna Berura 473:55. 

[11] Shulchan Aruch Harav, OC 473:18; Mishna Berura 473:56.

[12] Rambam, Hilchot Chametz U’matza 8:2; Maaseh Rav.

[13] Rivevot Ephraim 4:113:3; Moadim U’zmanim 7:183.

[14] Bach, OC 473.

[15] Shabbat 10b; Sefer Hamano’ach, Hilchot Chametz U’matza 8:2; Ben Ish Chai, Tzav.

[16] Esther 1:6; Megilla 12a; Rashi, Bereishit 37:31.

[17] Pesachim 114b; Tur, OC 473:18.