Passover combines the celebration of a historical event with a recognition of the cycles of nature. As we remember the liberation from Egypt, we also recognize the beginning of spring and the rebirth happening in the world around us.

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Take a piece of parsley (representing our joy at the dawning of spring after a long, cold winter) and dip it in salt water (a symbol of the tears our ancestors shed as slaves). Before we eat it, we recite a short blessing.

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

Everyone together: We praise God, Queen of Everything, creator of the fruit of the earth.

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We all have aspects of ourselves that sometimes get buried under the stresses of our busy lives. What is an element of your own life that you hope to revive this spring?


haggadah Section: Karpas