Leader: Even before we entered into Egypt, our Ancestors celebrated the return of Spring and their liberation from the darkness of Winter. “Arise my Beloved, my fair one, and come away; for lo, the                           winter is past. Flowers appear on the earth  and the time of singing is here.” Let us each take a piece of parsley and dip it into saltwater, a reminder of the sorrow that comes when we are not free to rejoice in the light. Let us eat and say together:

 ALL: Baruch atah Adonai, Eloheinu melech ha’olam, borei p’ri      ha-adamah. Blessed are you, Adonai our God, the sovereign of the universe, who creates the growing things of the earth.

 Leader: Joy comes to those who are able to partake in the fruits of their labor, but tears flow from those who are forced to work without return. By tasting the salt water, we remember the tears of our ancestors enslaved, and of all those who are suffering today. May we each be grateful for the blessing of work, ever mindful of our holy obligation to ease suffering wherever we can by giving charity freely and our ability to enjoy the harvest that both work and charity will bring. May our gratitude for the blessings we enjoy help to soften the pain of sorrow and transform all tears from those of  bitterness to those of joy.

 


haggadah Section: Karpas
Source: Original