Lighting the Candles

We begin our seder with the Kiddush, the sanctification of this moment in time. The text of the Kiddush reminds us that the choice to uphold the sacred is in our hands. We do not directly bless wine, or praise its sweetness. Rather, we thank God for the fruit of the vine. That fruit can also be used to make vinegar, which is sharp and bitter. Our actions determine whether this sacred moment in time inspires bitterness or sweetness, complacency or action.

May the festival lights we now kindle

Inspire us to use our powers

To heal and not to harm,

To help and not to hinder,

To bless and not to curse,

To serve You, O God of freedom.

Baruch Atah Adonai Eloheinu Melech ha-olam asher kid-shanu b-mitzvotav v-tzivanu l-hadlik ner shel Shabbat v-shel Yom Tov.

You are Blessed, O God, Ruler of time and space, who makes us holy with mitzvot and commands us to kindle the light of Shabbat and the festival day.

She'heckeyanu

Barukh atah Adonai Eloheinu Melekh Ha’Olam she’hecheyanu v’kiyamanu v’higiyanu lazman hazeh.

Blessed is the Eternal, for giving us life, for sustaining us and bringing us to this time.


haggadah Section: Kadesh
Source: OtherSide, MRT