Passover, like many Jewish holidays, combines the celebration of an event from Jewish history with a recognition of the cycles of nature.  As we remember our liberation from bondage in Egypt, we also recognize the stirrings of spring and the rebirth happening in the world around us.  The symbols on our table bring these events together.

We now take a green vegetable, representing the hope and optimism of spring, and dip it into salt water, which reminds us of the tears we shed as slaves in Egypt.  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.

Praised is God, Ruler of Everything, who creates the fruits of the Earth.


haggadah Section: Karpas
Source: From Jewish Boston