"It is not incumbent upon us to finish the task, but neither may we refrain from beginning it." - Pirke Avot

We dedicate this fifth cup to our hopes that the Israelis and Palestinians will be released from the bondage of hatred and violence; that the descendants of Isaac and Ishmael may live as brothers, not enemies.

Issac Luria taught that, when the world was made, God's infinity was too great to be contained, and creation shattered. The world that we know consists of broken vessels, with sparks of God trapped inside. We bless this cup to remind us of our obligation to find the holy sparks in our broken world, and to fix what must be mended. 

As we raise our fifth cup of chocolate milk we recite

.בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יְיָ, אֱלֹהֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם, בּוֹרֵא פְּרִי הַגָּפֶן

Baruch Atah Adonai, Eloheinu Melech ha-olam, borei p’ree hagafen.

We praise Adonai, Ruler of the Universe, who creates the fruit of the vine.


haggadah Section: Nirtzah