The Shank Bone

A piece of roasted meat represents the lamb that was the special Paschal sacrifice on the eve of the exodus from Egypt, and annually, on the afternoon before Passover, in the Holy Temple.

Since we can’t offer the Paschal sacrifice in the absence of the Holy Temple, we take care to use something that is relatively dissimilar to the actual offering. Accordingly, many communities have the custom to use a roasted chicken neck or the like.

Preparation: Roast the neck on all sides over an open fire on the stove. Afterwards, some have the custom to remove the majority of the meat of the neck.

Role in the Seder: The shank bone is not eaten. After the meal it is refrigerated, and used a second time on the Seder plate the following night.

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March 26, 2013

Lamb Bone

Please excuse my ignorance. I mean no disrespect. Before Passover, last week, my local grocery store had a basket of lamb bones wrapped in plastic wrap. No sign, no price. I thought maybe they were giving them away to make homemade soup. I brought two over to the deli worker who brought it in to the butcher. He said it is for Passover. What do they do with it I asked? No one knew.

I returned one to the bin thinking maybe I shouldn't be taking this, but I kept one for my soup. Walking down another isle I saw a young dark skinned woman with a shopping cart filled with Passover goodies. I decided to "help" her. Do you need one of these? I asked. I held up the bone. She looked like she had just seen an apparition. I directed her to the lamb bones "And they are free!"

What are they for and what do you do with them?
Thank you.

Karen
Long Island, NY

March 24, 2013

responce to the easter question

Catholics refer to Pascal when refering to Easter because Easter occures on first Sunday after first Pasach night.

Anonymous

March 17, 2013

So does anyone are how long the shankbone is?

I asked last year and I'll ask again. Does anyone know how long it has to be?

Superyalda
Netanya

March 17, 2013

To Rachel

The current wording is correct :), we are not allowed to bring sacrifices nowadays, so most communities do not serve roasted meat or poultry at the seder, so that it doesn't appear that we are trying to "replace" the Paschal lamb. For more information on this please see Can I Serve Roast Chicken at the Seder?

Mrs. Chana Benjaminson
mychabad.org

March 16, 2013

Shank Bone

The above post says: "we take care to use something that is relatively dissimilar to the actual offering." Should it not say to use something SIMILAR to the offering? I don't want to argue about language use; I want to be sure to put my best foot forward as I prepare to host my (large!) family for my first Seder :)

Rachel
Montreal

April 3, 2012

Shank bone size?

How long does the shank bone need to be? I never know what to tell my butcher

Superyalda
Netanya, Israel

March 23, 2012

shankbone

If one is vegan/vegetarian what does one use for a substitute for shankbone?

paula.cn
Richmond, VA

May 5, 2011

Re: Why no lamb?

Once the Temple was built in Jerusalem, it became forbidden to offer sacrifices in any other place. The prohibition is derived from the following verses (Deuteronomy 12:5-6):

Only at the place where the Lord, your God, shall choose to cause His Name to dwell, may you seek Him at his dwelling...There, you shall bring your burnt offerings and your sacrifices.

Rochel Chein for chabad.org

April 30, 2011

Why no lamb?

I was curious as to why there is not lamb at a passover meal...I see that it says because there was no temple but there was no temple at the original passover so why would you need one for this?

Perplexed
Phoenix

April 17, 2011

@ Easter

The word Pascal is derived from the Latin Pasca which stems/ is the Latin spelling of the Jewish word for Passover- Pesach.

It is used to describe Easter matters as well, but know that it's origins are Jewish.

I am a Catholic, but very much embrace the Jewish faith. May you all have a lovely start to your Pesach tomorrow!

Ling
Elk Grove, CA

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