Now we move to Karpas. Karpas is the Hebrew word for green vegetable. Traditionally, the karpas is either parsley or lettuce and represents the renewing of the seasons. Passover takes place during spring, and the karpas represents the beginning of a new season and the beginning of nature’s flowering. We hope the American Jewish community will renew its commitment to freedom and dignity for all peoples.

The Karpas is also dipped in salt water to remind us of the bitterness of slavery. The salt water is also similar to tears which the Jewish slaves cried during their time in slavery. Today, we also think of the tears shed by Palestinians living under occupation. For all those who are denied basic human rights daily, for all those have lost loved ones, for all those who have been imprisoned unjustly, for all those who fear for their life and their family constantly, we say a blessing over the karpas.

[Lift up the karpas, dip in salt water, and eat after saying the blessing.]

Baruch atah adonai eloheinu melech ha’olam boreh pri ha’adamah.

Modified from IfNotNow's original text.


haggadah Section: Karpas
Source: IfNotNow