The seder officially begins with a physical act: lighting the candles.  In Jewish tradition, lighting candles and saying a blessing over them marks a time of transition, from the day that is ending to the one that is beginning, from ordinary time to special time.  Lighting the candles is an important part of our Passover celebration because their flickering light reminds us that there is light in the world, and that we can create it.

ברוך אתה ה אלוהינו מלך העולם אשר קדשנו במצוותיו וציוונו להדליק נר של יום טוב

Baruch Atah Adonai Eloheinu melech ha'olam asher kid'shanu b'mitzvotav, v'tzivanu l'hadlik ner shel Yom Tov.

Blessed is the Source, who shows us paths to holiness, and commands us to light candles that honor holidays.

As we light the candles, we acknowledge that as they brighten our Passover table, good thoughts, good words, and good deeds brighten our days.


haggadah Section: Introduction