To make Kiddush is to declare a moment holy. “Here I am, ready to perform the mitzvah of the first cup of wine and to dedicate this whole evening ‘to telling the story of miracles and wonders that were performed for our ancestors in Egypt on the night of the 15th of the month of Nisan’ more than 3,200 years ago. This is what the Torah commands us: ‘Remember the day of your Exodus from Egypt’ “ (Ex. 13:3; Maimonides, Chametz 7:1).

We say this to get ready for the seder, to set a Cavanah, or intention as a sort of mindfulness exercise. ​

We are about to drink our first cup of wine which will symbolize gratitude for life.                                       

Let us raise our cups to signify our gratitude for life, and for the joy of knowing inner growth, which gives human life its meaning. And with raised cups, we say together:

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.

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

We now drink the first glass of wine!


haggadah Section: Kadesh
Source: A Different Night, Jewish Boston, Ezter Haggadah