As we begin tonight's seder, let’s take a moment to be thankful for being together. We make a small community of storytellers, and together we will retell the story of our exodus from Egypt. But why are we telling this story again? Most of us already know it. The answer is that we are not merely telling a story - we are being called to the act of empathy. We are told that "In every generation a person is obligated to see themselves as if they left Egypt" (Pesahim 10:5). This means that we should not only hear the story of the Exodus, but we should feel as though we too are being set free.

This is an odd Passover. Some of us had a virtual Seder last year, but this year we're half in person and half virtual. But we're doing our best and very grateful to all be together, whether in this physical room or this virtual room. So let's say the blessing for experiencing something for the first time. We invite you all to say the Shehecheyanu blessing together:

בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יְיָ, אֱלֹהֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם
 שֶׁהֶחֱיָנוּ וְקִיְּמָנוּ וְהִגִּיעָנוּ לַזְּמַן הַזֶּה

Baruch Atah Adonai, Eloheinu Melech ha-olam,
she-hechiyanu v’key’manu v’higiyanu lazman hazeh.

We praise God, Ruler of Everything,
who has kept us alive, raised us up, and brought us to this happy moment.

Like a puzzle with a missing peice, we are not complete without each and every one of you. We welcome each one of you with open arms and hearts. Together we will create community through storytelling, singing, poems, discussion, memories, and many different family traditions.

Freedom is at the core of each of our stories. All who are in need, let them come celebrate Passover with us. Now we are here. Next year in the land of Israel. Next year everyone in person.


haggadah Section: Introduction