Inside the Seder: Nycci Nellis Explains Passover Traditions

Nycci Nellis of TheListAreYouOnIt.com provides an overview of Passover and the traditions surrounding the Seder. She explains that Passover is an eight-day holiday commemorating the Israelites’ escape from Egypt, with the Seder serving as the ceremonial kickoff. The Seder is a structured, storytelling dinner guided by the Haggadah, where participants recount the Exodus while enjoying symbolic foods. A central aspect of Passover is avoiding leavened bread, leading to a week filled with matza-based dishes—from matza ball soup to creative modern takes like matza pizza and lasagna. During the Seder, a ceremonial plate features symbolic items such as bitter herbs to represent hardship, haroset as a symbol of hope, a roasted shank bone, and an egg—each contributing to the story being told throughout the evening. Nycci highlights that while the Seder is deeply rooted in tradition, it is also a celebration of comforting, meaningful foods like brisket, chicken, kugel, and matzo ball soup. For those looking for convenient options, she recommends several restaurants and markets offering Passover-ready meals and dishes, including full traditional spreads and Israeli-inspired offerings, as well as prepared family-style meals that can be pre-ordered and reheated at home. Overall, the Seder is described as a meaningful and communal experience that blends storytelling, tradition, and food into one memorable evening.