Tonight we will drink not one cup but four, as we recount the journey from exodus to liberation, a journey that stops in many places along the way. We come first to the recognition of slavery, of degradation, of narrowness. Until we know the ways in which we were enslaved, we can never be free. We drink this first cup in honor of awareness.

Recite on Shabbat

Vayhi erev vayhi voker yom hashishi: Vayehulu hashamayim veha'aretz vechol tzeva'am vayechal Elohim bayom hashevi'i melachto asher asah vayishbot bayom hashevi'i mikol melachto asher asah. Vayvarech Elohim et yom hashevi'i vaykadesh oto ki vo shavat mikol melachto asher bara elohim la'asot.

There was evening and morning, the sixth day. Heaven, earth, and all their beings were finished. God completed on the seventh day the work that had been done, and ceased upon the seventh day from all the work that had been done. God blessed the seventh day and set it apart. For on it God had ceased from all the work that had been done in carrying out Creation.

Recite the following on Shabbat, as well. On a weekday, recite only this portion.

Baruch atah Adonai Eloheinu Melech ha'olam borei p'ri hagafen.

Blessed are you, Eternal One our God, sovereign of all worlds who creates the fruit of the vine.

Blessed are you, Eternal One our God, sovereign of all worlds who has called us to your service, and made us holy with your mitzvot, and given us, Eternal One our God, in love [the Shabbat for rest], the festivals for happiness, the holidays and seasons for rejoicing, this day of [the Sabbath, and of] the festival of matzot, time of our freedom [with love], a holy convocation, a remembrance of the going-out from Egypt.

For you called to us, and made us holy for your service, and [with love and favor, the Shabbat and all] your holy Festivals, in happiness and joy, have given us, to have and to hand on. Blessed are you, Eternal One, who raises up to holiness [Shabbat,] the people Israel and their festive times.

On Saturday night, insert Havdalah here. On each night, conclude the Kiddush with the following:

Baruch atah Adonai Eloheinu Melech ha'olam shehecheyanu vekiyemanu vehigi'anu lazeman hazeh

Blessed are you, Eternal One our God, sovereign of all worlds, who gave us life, and kept us strong, and brought us to this time.

DRINK 1ST CUP OF WINE WHILE RECLINING


haggadah Section: Kadesh
Source: A Night of Questions: A Passover Haggadah