All Jewish celebrations, from holidays to weddings, include wine as a symbol of our joy (and a way to increase joy). The seder starts with wine and then gives us three more opportunities to refill our cup and drink.

The blessing praises every component for creating the "fruit of the vine." We recite the blessing, not over the singular grape, but over every process of creating wine — squeezed and fermented through human skill. We bless the gifts of sun, seed and soil transformed by wisdom and purpose to sustain the body and rejoice the soul. We even bless the gifts of the hangover that will ensue tomorrow.

The Hebrew word “Kiddush” means sanctification. The wine is a symbol of sanctity, preciousness, and the sweetness of this moment. We share this table tonight with one another and with all the generations who have come before us. Let us rise, and sanctify this singular moment.

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.

Praised are You, Lord, our God, Whose presence fills the universe, who has given us the gifts of life and strength and enabled us to reach this moment of joy.

Drink the first glass of wine!


haggadah Section: Kadesh