Long before the struggle upward begins,
there is tremor in the seed.
Self-protection cracks,
Roots reach down and grab hold.
The seed swells, and tender shoots
push up toward light.
This is karpas: spring awakening growth.
A force so tough it can break stone.

Why do we dip karpas into salt water?
To remember our ancestors’ sweat and tears.

Why should salt water be touched by karpas?
To remind us that tears stop. Spring comes.
And with it the potential for change.

— adapted from “Karpas” by Ronnie M. Horn

בְּרוּכָה אַתְּ שְׁכִינָה, רוּחַ הָעוֹלָם, בּוֹרֵאת פְּרִי הָאֲדָמָה

(Fem:) Brucha at Shechinah, ru’ach ha-olam, boreyt p’ree ha-adamah.

בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יי, אֱלֹהֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם, בּוֹרֵא פְּרִי הָאֲדָמָה

(Masc:) Baruch atah Adonai, Eloheinu melech ha-olam, borey p’ree ha-adamah.

Blessed are You, who creates the fruits of the earth.

Dip and eat the karpas. 
 


haggadah Section: Karpas
Source: Min Ha-Meitzar: An Abolitionist Haggadah from the Narrow Place by Noraa Kaplan