Kadesh

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Tonight we will drink four ceremonial glasses of wine, and surely a few additional glasses as we enjoy our meal! The ceremonial glasses symoblize the four stages of the path to liberation: (1) Becoming aware of oppression, (2) Opposing oppression, (3) Imagining alternatives, (4) Accepting personal and communal responsibility to act.

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*pours first glass of wine*

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This will be our first official glass as part of our seder. But first, we say the Kiddush blessing.

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

Everyone together: We praise you, God, Queen of the Universe, who creates the fruit of the vine.

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

Everyone together: We praise you, God, Queen of the Universe, who has given us life, raised us up, and brought us to this happy moment.

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All Jewish celebrations, from holidays to weddings, include wine as a symbol of joy—not to mention a practical way to increase that joy. Kiddush is the opening act of every shabbat and holiday meal. 

Drink up!


haggadah Section: Kadesh