We have come together to celebrate the oldest holiday on the Jewish calendar.  During this Seder service we shall recall and retell the thrilling story of our ancestors going out from slavery to freedom.    As we remember this moving chapter in our people’s past, may we learn to appreciate more deeply the freedom we enjoy.  May we also learn to care about all those who are not yet free.  May we join in working for the day when all people everywhere shall be free from tyranny, from poverty, and from war. 

In gratitude to God, who wants all people to be free and has put a love of freedom in our hearts, we raise our glasses to recite the Kiddush over the first of the four cups of wine.

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.

רוּךְ 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.

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

Drink the first glass of wine!


haggadah Section: Kadesh