At Passover we drink four glasses of wine to symbolize four promises God made to God's people:

"I will free you from the burdens of a narrow place"

"I will deliver you from the straits of that bondage"

"I will redeem you with an outstretched arm and a demonstration of my power," and

"I will take you to be my people, and I will be your God"

Our memory of the experiences of bondage across generations shed light on the scope and urgency for continued work towards liberation. We express gratitude for the ability to work as God’s partners in continual redemption as we recognize our opportunity to prevent further suffering. If we can heal what is broken, and prevent further destruction, we will truly be acting as God's people.

As our wine cups overflow in this time of fellowship, we hold out hope for the day when every person in search of a sustainable and just world can recall this story of deliverance from a narrow place. Blessed are You, God, who frees the oppressed.

בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יְיָ, אֱלֹהֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם, בּוֹרֵא פְּרִי הַגָּפֶן

Baruch Atah Adonai, Eloheinu Melech ha-olam, borei p’ree hagafen.

Blessed are You, Ruler of the Universe, who creates the fruit of the vine.


haggadah Section: Kadesh