As we remember the liberation from Egypt, we also recognize the stirrings of spring and rebirth happening in the world around us. The symbols on our table bring together elements of both kinds of celebration. Parsley or a boiled potato representing our joy at the dawning of spring after our long, cold winter. We now dip it into salt water, a symbol of the tears our ancestors shed as slaves.

Before we eat it, we recite a short blessing: בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יְיָ, אֱלֹהֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם, בּוֹרֵא פְּרִי הָאֲדָמָה Baruch Atah Adonai, Eloheinu Melech ha-olam, borei p’ree ha-adama. Blessed is the spirit of freedom who who creates the fruits of the earth. We look forward to spring and the reawakening of flowers and greenery. We all have aspects of ourselves that sometimes get buried under the stresses of our busy lives. What elements of our own lives do we hope to revive this spring?


haggadah Section: Karpas