The Hebrew word “Kiddush” means sanctification. But it is not the wine we sanctify. Instead, the wine is a symbol of the sanctity, the preciousness, and the sweetness of this moment. Held together by sacred bonds of family, friendship, peoplehood, we share this table tonight with one another and with all the generations who have come before us. Let us sanctify this moment:

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

בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יְיָ, אֱלֹהֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם, בּוֹרֵא פְּרִי הַגָּפֶן

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

Baruch Atah Adonai, Eloheinu Melech ha-olam,she-hechiyanu v’key’manu v’higiyanu lazman hazeh.

בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יְיָ, אֱלֹהֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם,
שֶׁהֶחֱיָנוּ וְקִיְּמָנוּ וְהִגִּיעָנוּ לַזְּמַן הַזֶּה

We praise God, who sanctifies the people of Israel and the holidays.

We praise God, Ruler of Everything, who has kept us alive, raised us up, and brought us to this happy moment. We praise God, who sanctifies the people of Israel and the holidays.

Drink the first glass of wine.


haggadah Section: Kadesh
Source: Deborah Miller