Olive trees mature slowly, so olive trees can only bear fruit during long periods of peace and justice. Olive trees, as well as olive branches, have become symbols of peace. In Palestine and Israel, this symbol is a reminder of occupation: the destruction of one olive grove is the destruction of hundreds of years of work as well as the destruction of the livelihood of Palestinians.

Today, olives are a symbol of our hope for peace: we hope to replant the olive trees destroyed to make way for Israeli settlements in the West Bank. This year, we have olives on our seder plate to remind us that not only are we not free until everyone is free, but we are not free until there is peace in our homes, in our community, and in our world. To celebrate Jewish freedom and deliverance requires discussing oppression in Jewish communities and by Jewish communities, including in Israel.

How will we, as Jews, bear witness to the unjust actions committed in our name? Will these olives inspire us to be bearers of peace and hope for Palestinians?

Traditional

Feminine

Gender-Expansive

בָּרוּךְ אַהָּה יְיָ אֱלֹהָינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם בּוֹרֵא פְּרִי הָעֵץ

בְּרוּכָה אַתְּ יָהּ שְׁשִנָה אֱלֹהֵינוּ מָלְכַּת הָעוֹלָם בּוֹרַא פְּרִי הָעֵץ

בְּרוּךֶ אָתֶה יי אֱלֹתְהֵינוּ מַלְךֶ הָעוֹלָם בּוֹרֶאֵ פְּרִי הָעֵץ

Baruch atah Adonai, Eloheinu Melech ha’Olam, borei p’ri ha-eitz.

Brucha at Yah, Shechina, Eloteinu Malkat ha’Olam, bora p’ri ha-eitz.

Bruche ateh Adonai, Elot’heinu Melche ha’Olam, bore’e p’ri ha-eitz.

Blessed are You, Adonai our God, Ruler of the Universe, who created the fruit of the tree.

Blessed are you, Shekhinah, Queen of the Universe, creator of the fruit of the tree.

Blessed are You, Adonai our God, Ruler of the Universe, who created the fruit of the tree.


~

Dip the parsley in salt water and eat.


haggadah Section: Yachatz
Source: HaggadahOfOurOwn.com