Karpas is a vegetable and typically we use parsley. We use Karpas because it represents both the historic birth of Israel after the Exodus from Egypt and simultaneously, the rebirth of nature renewed with each spring . We dip it in salt water to represent the tears of the slaves.

בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יְיָ, אֱלֹהֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם, בּוֹרֵא פְּרִי הָאֲדָמָה

Baruch Atah Adonai, Eloheinu Melech ha-olam, borei p’ree ha-adama.

We praise God, Ruler of Everything, who creates the fruits of the earth.

Now it's time for some appetizers: gefiltefish!


haggadah Section: Karpas
Source: A Different Night, Oceanside Seder