Adapted from Tikkun Ha-Lev Haggadah Insert by Rabbi Yael Levy

In the Passover story, we hear many times that Pharaoh’s heart was hardened and, despite Moses’ pleas and the ten plagues, he would not let the people go. Pharaoh’s hardened heart made it impossible for him to act with empathy, understanding or justice.

With all that is happening in our country and in the world, it is easy for us to fall into the habit of hardening our hearts. Anger, fear, frustration, disappointment, and despair can cause us to shut down and turn away. As we do, it becomes more difficult for us to respond to each other with patience, understanding, and compassion. With hardened hearts, we can’t fully appreciate life’s blessings or respond well to life’s challenges.

As we begin the Passover Seder, we set an intention to engage in  Tikkun HaLev, to soften our hearts in order to heal them. We do this for our own sake and for the sake of each other, to bring us back into connection with each other and the world.

With each cup of wine, we seek to soften and heal our hearts.

First CupHonoring Those Who Came Before Us

We lift the first cup of wine and remember those who are no longer with us. We remember family and friends whom we love and whose memory we cherish. And we remember people who have made a difference in our lives and in the world. 

May their lights continue to shine through us and may the words of our mouths, the love of our hearts, and the work of our hands honor their memory.

As we remember and honor those who came before us, we say:

בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה אַדָנָי אֱלהֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעולָם בּורֵא 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.

Drink the first glass of wine!


haggadah Section: Kadesh