jeebling wrote:That sounds really cool, especially in the mansion. I hope you and your wife enjoyed it. May I ask a stooopit question? It’s about the wine. I know it is ceremonial. Do you drink 4 full servings? Or do you just have a sip and that’s “good enough “. If there is an alcoholic or T-totaler, do they have an option that still gets them under the wire? Isn’t lamb the meat usually served?
I guess that’s a passel of stupid questions. You don’t need to answer them, I won’t be offended if you don’t.
I am not offended in any way at all.
Traditionally, one would drink four, filled-over-the-brim, ceremonial goblets (Kiddush cup), after a little too much is over-poured and rolls down the sides- it is a blessing for the symbolism that one's "cup runneth over. The four glasses would be consumed over about a four hour ceremonial meal. But, only Orthodox Jews would certainly drink four (cups).
We aren't Orthodox, and we definitely don't drink four glasses of wine. Just sips or gulps (if it's good!). As to an alcoholic or t-totaler: Simply use ceremonial grape juice ("fruit of the vine").
The roasted lamb shank symbolizes the lamb shanks Jews used to mark their doors with lamb blood before the 10th Plague so that they would be spared from: "The Death of the First Born." It is not eaten by anyone I know, but could be eaten by some Orthodox sects.