Everyone pours a half-glass of wine.

The second cup of wine is the Cup of Redemption. Now, we toast the Israelites for escaping from slavery in Egypt.

The Midrash relates that when the Egyptians were drowning in the Red Sea, angels wished to join in Israel's song of victory, but God rebuked them. In this spirit, we fill our second cup only half way, because our gladness is diminished by the suffering of others, even the suffering of our enemies.

בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יְיָ, אֱלֹהֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם, בּוֹרֵא פְּרִי הַגָּפֶן

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

Thank you, God, for grapes, so we may drink this wine.

Everyone drinks their second glass of wine.


haggadah Section: -- Cup #2 & Dayenu