Leader:We dip parsley, celery, or lettuce in saltwater and recite the prayer:

Together:

בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יי אֱלֹהֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם, בּוֹרֵא פְּרִי הָאֲדָמָה

Blessed are You, Lord Our God, King of the Universe, who creates the fruit of the earth.

Dipping the karpas is a sign of luxury and freedom. The saltwater represents the tears of our ancestors in Mitzrayim. This year may it also represent tears of Black parents and families mourning the loss of their Black youth at the hands of police brutality
- Yehudah Webster

We need two readers:

Reader 1: There is a tremor in the seed as Self-protection cracks, roots reach down and grab hold. The seed swells, and tender shoots push up towards light. This is 'karpas': spring awakening growth. A force so tough it can break stone.

Reader 2: Why do we dip 'karpas' in salt water?

Reader 1: At the beginning of the season of rebirth nand growth, we recall our tears when we were in bondage.

Reader 2: And why should salt water be dipped by 'karpas'?

Reader 1: To remind us that tears stop. Even after a painful struggle, spring comes.

"We call to mind the countless olive trees and citrusgone towaste, in Jayyousand through the Occupied Palestinian Territories, because ofrestrictions on Palestinian movement and Palestinian commerce. We remember the countless trees uprooted needlessly." Jewish Voices Kiddush


haggadah Section: Karpas
Source: Jewish Voices for Peace