Seder Prep

If you want to host a Seder,
You had better be aware
Of the hundred little chores to do
In order to prepare.

I’m not discussing Orthodox –
No searching with a feather –
Just the basic things that must be done
Before you get together.

It doesn’t really matter
If you’re having 5 or 20;
The preparation is the same
And man, there sure is plenty!

Of course, you have to shop and clean –
Those chores you cannot shirk –
But once you’re in the kitchen,
It is time to get to work.

Boil the eggs, form matzo balls,
Then make your chicken soup;
Add some extra carrots –
That part’s done in one fell swoop.

Open up your jar of fish
And shove those carrots in.
It won’t taste like your grandma’s,
But will look just like its twin.

Chop your apples, add some nuts
And wine to make charoses.
Steal a sip of wine – it’s good
To calm down your neurosis.

Time to make the brisket
And the kugel and the chicken.
Think of all you’ve got to do
And feel your heartbeat quicken.

Veggies have to be prepared
And matzo wrapped and ready.
Fill the glasses up with wine –
Don’t drip – keep nice and steady.

Find the Seder plate and place
The foods in an array;
With roasted egg and bitter herbs,
It’s quite a fine display.

What about the baking?
Favorite recipes appear –
The farfel cookies and the brownies
Made just once a year.

The coffee pot is set to go
Before you even sit.
You can’t relax at all –
It really wouldn’t be legit.

And yet, when all is said and done,
Exhaustion set aside,
You look at your accomplishments
And feel quite satisfied.

You’ve organized a Seder
With your family gathered near;
And all your work is over
‘Til it rolls around next year!

Ilene Bauer
April 18, 2011

P.S. I really must admit
My husband helped with all of it!