Reader: As we bathe in the light of these candles, we remember all the candles we’ve lit as Jews, as LGBTQI people and allies, and as those who struggle for freedom. Shabbat candles. Yahrtzeit candles. Candles at AIDS vigils. And candles at Take Back the Night Marches.

Reader: As we share in the light of these candles, we rededicate the flame each of us carries within, that small reflection of the Creator’s light that is ours to use as a beacon in our work of tikkun olam—repairing the world.

Reader: We rededicate this small spark that we can use as a match to give light to the hopes and dreams of all people.

בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה אֲדֹנָי אֱלֹהֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם אֲשֶׁר קִדְּשָׁנוּ בְּמִצְוֹתָיו וְצִוָּנוּ לְהַדְלִיק נֵר שֶׁל  יוֹם טוֹב

Baruch Atah, Adonai Eloheinu, Melech haolam, asher kideshanu b’mitzvotav, v’tzivanu lehadlik neir shel Yom Tov. ְ

Blessed are You, Eternal our God, sovereign of the universe, who sanctifies us with commandments and commands us to kindle the festival lights. 


haggadah Section: Kadesh
Source: Congregation B’nai Jeshurun’s The Stonewall Shabbat Seder (June 27, 1997)