As we have already discussed, since illiteracy affects a third of the world, being able to read this Haggadah is a deep privilege. But in some ways the language we are able to speak is a privilege in and of itself, spoken or in text. As much as language allows us to communicate and understand one another, it has the power to drive a wedge between us as well. It is often used to separate peoples, classes, social identities, and the list goes on. Tonight, we must be aware of the ways in which the language we use includes and excludes specific groups from sharing in our tradition.

This Haggadah has made a deliberate choice in many sections to prefer English to the traditional Hebrew—in an attempt at including as many people as possible. As we ponder language as a means of including or excluding, ask yourself: what are some other ways in which I may unknowingly include or exclude certain individuals or groups?


haggadah Section: -- Ten Plagues
Source: Seder for Radicals