Passover, like many Jewish holidays, combines the celebration of a biblical or historical event with the recognition of nature’s cycles. As we remember our liberation from Egypt, we also recognize the stirrings of spring and rebirth happening in the world around us. We look forward to spring and the reawakening of flowers and greenery. They haven’t been lost, just buried beneath the snow, getting ready for reappearance when we most need them.

We now take a vegetable, a symbol of our joy at the dawning of spring after a long, cold winter. We now dip it into salt water twice, a symbol of the tears our ancestors shed as slaves.

Before we eat it, we recite a short blessing:

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

We acknowledge the Unity of All, and we express gratitude for the fruit of the earth.

What elements of your life do you hope to revive this spring?


haggadah Section: Karpas