7 Modern Seder Plates That’ll Be Your New Heirlooms
Seder plates are always traditional in form — they have six indentations or ramekins to hold foods symbolizing different parts of Passover and the Exodus story. Many Jewish families have heirloom silver seder platters or porcelain dishes inscribed with Hebrew words, like beitzah, roasted egg symbolizing sacrifice and the cycle of life, but these holiday plates were never really meant to be eye-catching centers of attention … until now.
Last year, the brand Susan Alexandra, created and designed by founder Susan Korn, released two stunning seder plates that are colorful, playful, kitschy, and modern. One handblown blue glass plate resembles a pond with a frog and lily pads as the ramekins on top, and another is a wavy-shaped, dreamy ceramic beauty with six tiny matching bowls.
Sadly, both have since sold out, but they still made an impact on me. It was the first time that I — as a half Jew-ish Korean American adoptee, raised by a Jewish mom and grammy but never actively practicing — thought about seder plates as cool. Korn’s fun, funky, and whimsical Judaica inspired me to embrace that part of my identity and try to find more.
“I like the idea of taking something tired and old and transforming it into something juicy and joyful,” Korn explains of her Judaica makeovers. “Most people think of Judaica as something inherited from your grandma and maybe not your taste.” But now, “it’s so ripe for reinvention and creativity!” she says. “There can be a new life breathed into your seder plate and your traditions. Instead of just hauling it out for the holidays, you can use it all year and even just keep it on your table just to look at it.”
Korn loves the “newness and inspiration” potential of Passover, with seder plate options that “make the food more exciting and the table feel more inviting.” After a recommendation to check out the work of ceramicist Isabel Halley, who “made them cool before they were cool,” per Korn, I went down a rabbit hole to find the most stunning and stylish seder plates out there. The idea is for these plates to become modern heirlooms, so they’re priced accordingly. Check out my top splurges below.
The Seder Plate by Isabel Halley The Seder Plate by Isabel Halley
The six hand-pinched pots in this porcelain set are lined with 22-karat gold, adding a little sparkle and flair to an overall delicate, unique piece. There’s also Hebrew writing on the bottom of each to match them up with their proper places on the plate.
Blue and White Porcelain Seder Plate Blue and White Porcelain Seder Plate
Handmade in Israel, no seder plate is identical from SIND Studios. Each unique porcelain piece includes a plate and six gold-trimmed small dishes.
Colorful Pomegranates Seder Plate by Dorit Judaica Colorful Pomegranates Seder Plate by Dorit Judaica
This swirly pomegranate design will bring a pop of color and glee to your holiday table. The platter, created in Israel, is made of laser-cut metal with tempered glass saucers.
Courtly Seder Plate by Mackenzie-Childs Courtly Seder Plate by Mackenzie-Childs
Mackenzie-Childs is known for its signature check pattern, and this gilded version of that black-and-white motif adds an extra touch of elegance. The shallow dishes, all with different variations of checkers, would be great for spices, nuts, or dipping sauces for a chicken nugget smorgasbord.
Illustrated Modern Passover Plate and Matzo Box Set Illustrated Modern Passover Plate and Matzo Box Set
This round wooden seder plate has an inscription of the Hebrew words “Seder Pessah Plate.” Each of the six porcelain bowls features hand-sketched illustrations of the symbolic foods of seder and comes with a matzo box for Passover.
Cranberry Orange Swirl Seder Plate Cranberry Orange Swirl Seder Plate
Lovely lucite is the base of this rainbow sherbet-inspired seder plate. The design also features a 3D Star of David in the center of the six removable bowls.
Glass Rainbow Seder Plate by Amanda Charles Glass Rainbow Seder Plate by Amanda Charles
London-based glass artist Amanda Charles makes these vibrant rainbow plates. The six wells all have at least two colors per indentation, making for an eye-catching centerpiece.
