All Jewish celebrations, from holidays to weddings, include wine as a symbol of our joy (and a way to increase joy). Passover is basically a drinking game of 4 glasses of wine. Now imagine, that wouldn't even be considered Alex's pregame drinking quantity. Her poor liver. 

We drink to remind us of the sweetness of victory. Every Dodger season begins with dreaming of the champagne pops in the locker room after winning that final World Series game. 

We recite this blessing, not over the singular joy of winning a World Series, but over every process of winning, from Juan Uribe practicing bunts in spring training to Kenley Jansen trying to convince himself he can still be the closer. We bless the gifts of sun, seed and soil transform the grapes in alcohol. We even bless the gifts of the hangover that will ensue tomorrow.

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.

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

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

Praised are You, Lord, our God, Whose presence fills the universe, who has given us the gifts of life and strength and enabled us to reach this moment of joy.

Drink the first glass of wine!


haggadah Section: Kadesh