The Ten Plagues—Spilling the Wine

Reader 12:  A full cup of wine symbolizes complete happiness.  The triumph of Passover is diminished by the sacrifice of many human lives when ten plagues were visited upon the people of Egypt.  In the ancient story, the plagues that befell the Egyptians resulted from the decisions of tyrants, but the greatest suffering occurred among those who had no choice but to follow.  It is fitting that we mourn their loss of life, and express our sorrow over their suffering.  For as Jews and as Humanists we cannot take joy in the suffering of others.  Therefore, let us diminish the wine in our cups as we recall the ten plagues that befell the Egyptian people.  

[As each plague is named, everone dips a finger in wine and then touches a plate to remove the drop]

All: 


haggadah Section: -- Ten Plagues