In this part of the Seder, we take the chance to be grateful for everything that we have. Our lives are full of restrictions and obstacles, that can feel daunting. We chase both superficial things to appease certain desires, but also spiritual things. We want friendship, love and community. Ultimately though, the key to happiness is gratitude for what you have. When you chase something, you can never get enough. You can always have more friends or more money. Gratitude, on the other hand, fills you up in it of itself. 

"For what's money without happiness?
Or hard times without the people you love
Though I'm not sure what's 'bout to happen next
I asked for strength from the Lord up above
Cause I've been strong so far
But I can feel my grip loosening
Quick, do something before you lose it for good
Get it back and use it for good
And touch the people how you did like before
I'm tired of living with demons cause they always inviting more
Think being broke was better
Now I don't mean that phrase with no disrespect
To all my n**** out there living in debt
Cashing minimal checks
Turn on the TV see a Rolex
And fantasize about a life with no stress
I mean this shit sincerely
And that's a man who was once in your shoes
Living with nothin' to lose
I hope one day you hear me
Always gon' be a bigger house somewhere, but feel me
Long as the people in that motherfucker love you dearly
Always gon' be a whip that's better than the the one you got
Always gon' be some clothes that's fresher than the ones you rock
But you ain't never gon' be happy till you love yours"

J. Cole, Love Yourz 

בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יְיָ, אֱלֹהֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם, בּוֹרֵא פְּרִי הַגָּפֶן

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

We praise God, Ruler of Everything, who creates the fruit of the vine.

Drink the third glass of wine!


haggadah Section: Bareich