.עֲבָדִים הָיִינוּ — עַתָּה בְּנֵי חוֹרִין
Avadim hayinu — atah beney chorin.
Once we were slaves — now we are free.

Once we were slaves to Pharaoh in Mitzrayim, but Hashem took us out from there with a strong hand and an outstretched arm. If the Holy One had not taken our ancestors out from Mitzrayim, we and our children and our children’s children would still be enslaved there. Even if all of us were wise, understanding elders, knowledgeable about the Torah, it would still be our duty to tell the Exodus story. Anyone who adds to the telling of the Exodus story is praiseworthy.

“Once we were slaves to Pharaoh in Mitzrayim, but Hashem took us out from there with a strong hand and with an outstretched arm.

A strong hand, what does this mean? Through justice our hands are strengthened. 
"I, Hashem, have called you in justice, and strengthened your hand. I have sustained you and made you a covenant as a people to be a light for the nations—to open blind eyes, to bring prisoners out of jail, and those who dwell in darkness out of prison." (Isaiah 42:6-7)

An outstretched arm, what does this mean? With a mighty arm those sentenced to death are redeemed.
"Let prisoners’ cries reach you. With your great arm, save those who are condemned to death." (Psalm 79:11)


haggadah Section: -- Four Questions