We want to take a moment to clarify the meaning of the plagues. In some progressive settings the ten plagues are contextualized with modern equivalents. Participants of the seder may be asked to think of the 'modern plagues' that affect our society. Poverty, disease, and structural violence quickly come to mind in this framing. But the plagues in the passover story were not inflicted upon the Israelites. The plagues were inflicted upon the oppressors, and can be understood as acts of retribution. With respect to the context of the passover story we can reflect on the meaning of a plague inflicted upon the powerful. Protest, the strike, sabotage, and self love, these might be examples of a modern plague inflicted by the people upon their oppressors.


haggadah Section: -- Ten Plagues