Many of the prayers in this haggadah will be presented in two versions with and option of non-traditional or traditional language. The non-traditional versions substitute Adonai (generally translated as “lord”) with Yah, a word that represents the name of the divine as a breath (see “Why YAH/YHWH” by Rabbi Arthur Waskow in Readings/Commentary at the end of this haggadah). Similarly, the non-traditional version substitutes Melech (“sovereign” or “king”) with ruach (spirit). Both versions do retain male-oriented language, but only because my Hebrew is not good enough to make those edits (look forward to updates next year!).

As we recite prayers throughout the evening, please participate in whatever way feels most comfortable and meaningful to you. This can mean choosing between the non-traditional or traditional text provided, reading the English translation rather than the Hebrew, saying the prayer silently or aloud, substituting other names that better fit your understanding of a higher power, or opting out entirely. Also, don’t feel like you need to commit to one choice throughout the night, but let the moments move you as they arrive.


haggadah Section: Kadesh