First Cup of Wine

Adonai said to Moshe,

“Now you will see what I am going to do…”    Exodus 6:1

Leader: 

As the Lord spoke these words of encouragement to Moses, he revealed to his servant the plan by which he would redeem the children of Israel.

All:     “…I will free you from the forced labor of the Egyptians…

          Rescue you from their oppression . . .

          Redeem you with an outstretched arm . . .

          I will take you as my people, and I will

          Be your G-d . . .”  Exodus 6:6,7

Leader:

At Passover, we celebrate these promises of redemption by drinking from our cups four times.  With each cup, let us remember the union that God desires.

All:

Our God and God of our ancestors, we thank You for enabling us to gather in friendship, to observe the Festival of Freedom. Just as for many centuries the Passover Seder has brought together families and friends to retell the events that led to our freedom, so may we be at one with those everywhere who perform this ancient ritual linking us with our historic past. As we relive each event in our people’s ancient struggle, and celebrate their emergence from slavery to freedom, we pray that all of us may keep alive in our hearts the love of liberty. May we dedicate our lives to the abolition of all forms of tyranny and injustice.

Reclining on our left side demonstrates our freedom from slavery. We hold our first cup of wine and we recite:

Blessed are you, O Lord our God, ruler of the universe who creates the fruit of the vine. 

Leader:

Baruch Atah Ado-nai Elo-heinu Melech Ha-olam Boreh Pree Ha-ga-fen.

(The First cup of wine is druk, and the cup is refilled.)


haggadah Section: Kadesh