The traditional Haggadah lists ten plagues that afflicted the Egyptians. We live in a very different world, but Passover is a good time to remember the plagues that we continue to experience in modern times. The biblical ten plagues were sent to Egypt as a warning. We should also recognize and respond to modern plagues as a warning of the dangers of inaction.

Although the list could certainly be longer, here are ten modern plagues that deserve our attention:

  • Wildfires
  • Temperature Extremes
  • Displacement of People and Animals
  • Drought
  • Flooded Cities
  • Acidic Oceans
  • Severe storms
  • Asthma and cancer epidemics in targeted neighborhoods
  • Mass Extinctions of plants and animals
  • Death of Humans

If we understand these plagues as warnings, what can be done to avert them? At your table, please think of 10 actions we can do to mitigate the damage (for example: transition to renewable energy, eat less meat, etc.).


haggadah Section: -- Ten Plagues