All Jewish celebrations, from holidays to weddings, include wine as a symbol of our joy – not to mention a practical way to increase that joy. The seder starts with wine and then gives us three more opportunities to refill our cup and drink.

The first cup represents the renewal of springtime, our love and gratitude for the natural world.

Traditional: Brukhim ha-adama ha-shemesh v’ha-geshem shehborim pre hagafen. Blessed are the earth, the sun, and the rains that bring forth the fruit of the wine. 

I've noticed the quarantine has made me appreciate my time outdoors and the small pieces of nature we have access to right outside our front door and close by. I've noticed the minute changes of springtime more than ever before. Has it been the same for you? What have you noticed in nature lately?

On Pesach the four cups of wine remind us of four words of Freedom in Hashem’s promise, and we drink them to show how happy we are to be free.

Write four things which make you feel happy or free.

  1. _____________________
  2. _____________________
  3. _____________________
  4. ______________________

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