Karpas: Rebirth and Renewal 

Reader 

If I am not for myself, who will be for me? But if I am for myself only, what am I? And if not now, when? 

- Hillel, Pirkei Avot 1:14. 

Group 

And if not with others, how? 

- Adrienne Rich, Blood, Bread, and Poetry. 

The Passover festival of freedom developed from an even more ancient holiday: a celebration of the spring harvest. 

Group 

Spring is a time of rebirth. The snow of winter has melted. Once again the bare trees have begun to bud. Already the flowers have started to bloom, filling the air with their scent, and our hearts with their life. 

Reader 

The fresh greens of spring serve a special purpose at this time in our Seder. As we dip these vegetables, the karpas, into salt water, a symbol of the tears of slavery, we remember all those who still suffer under the yoke of oppression. May we open our eyes, our hearts, and our hands, and help to remove suffering and want from our world. 

(Each person takes some greens and dips them in salt water) 

Baruch atah Adonai, Eloheinu Melech ha’olam, borei p’ri ha’adamah. 

We praise You, O God, Sovereign of the Universe, Who brings forth fruits from the earth. 

(Leaning to the left, the greens are eaten.) 

RAC: Invisible: Social Justice Haggadah


haggadah Section: Karpas