קַדֵּשׁ Kadesh

We begin our seder with the Kiddush, the sanctification of this moment in time.

The text of the Kiddush reminds us that the choice to uphold the sacred is in our hands. We do not directly bless wine, or praise its sweetness. Rather, we thank God for the fruit of the vine. That fruit can also be used to make vinegar, which is sharp and bitter. Our actions determine whether this sacred moment in time inspires bitterness or sweetness, complacency or action.

Bless and drink the first cup of wine/grape juice.


בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה ה’ אֱלֹהֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם בּוֹרֵא פְּרִי הַגָּפֶן.

Baruch atah Adonai Eloheinu Melech haOlam boreh pri hagafen.
Blessed are You ETERNAL our God, Master of time and space, creator of the fruit of the vine.


haggadah Section: Kadesh
Source: The Other Side of the Sea: A Haggadah on Fighting Modern-Day Slavery by T’ruah: The Rabbinic Call for Human Rights