We know that the Seder is an opportunity for us to bring ourselves into the story of the Exodus. We can also bring the story of Exodus into our own lives. We continue with the recitation of ten contemporary plagues, and as with the Biblical plagues in Egypt, we remove drops of wine from our cups in recognition of the sorrow inflicted by our own modern plagues:

Poverty
Racism
Sexism and homophobia
Violence
Intolerance
Hunger 
Disease
Apathy
Ignorance
Environmental degradation

After the tenth plague, the killing of the firstborn across the land, Pharaoh relented, and the Hebrews departed Egypt in haste on the 15th day of the Hebrew month of Nisan. Tradition tells us that they did not even take the time needed for their bread to rise, and instead they left with only matzah, the unleavened bread we eat in solidarity with them during Passover. After three days, Pharaoh began to regret that he had permitted the slaves to leave. He mobilized his army in hot pursuit of the Israelites and reached them near the banks of the Sea of Reeds. 

Moses led the people from Egypt until they came to the very borders of the Sea of Reeds. Then God spoke to Moses, saying, "Lift up your staff, stretch out your hand over the sea and divide it. And the children shall go into the midst of the sea on dry ground." Moses did as God had commanded. Then a strong wind blew all night and the waters of the Sea parted. The Israelites marched along a dry path through the Sea until they reached the other side in safety. The Egyptians continued their pursuit, but the waters of the Sea of Reeds closed over them and drowned the army of Pharaoh.

Thus, God liberated the children of Israel from the Egyptians and they were born as a free people on the other side of the sea. 


haggadah Section: -- Ten Plagues