Because on Seder we are meant to relax, and recline, and feel the benefits of freedom, please allow someone else to fill your cup tonight. If you notice anyone in need of refreshment, please do them the same favour.

Kadesh, the first step in our Seder, consists of a blessing, and a glass on wine. But Kadesh is also a place, it is the area where Moses sent forth his twelve spies, when he knew that they were close to the Promised Land. We too are close to beginning our Seder, and with this cup of wine, let us enter into it. Let us transcend the everyday, and enter into this special night.

We have four cups of wine. These are meant to signify the four promises of deliverance God gave us. Tonight, we ask that everyone take a moment and think privately of four people, or groups of people that you would like to honour with each glass of wine tonight. It could be a lost loved one, a mentor, a friend, a marginalized community, or another person at this table. As we say the blessing, decide who you would like to dedicate this cup of wine to, and think of them. 

Finally, before we drink, let's each pour a small amount of our wine into Elijah's Cup so that he may feel welcomed by us all.

בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יְיָ, אֱלֹהֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם, בּוֹרֵא פְּרִי הַגָּפֶן

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

We praise God, Ruler of Everything, who creates the fruit of the vine.

We praise God, Ruler of Everything, who chose us from all peoples and languages, and sanctified us with commandments, and lovingly gave to us special times for happiness, holidays and this time of celebrating the Holiday of Matzah, the time of liberation, reading our sacred stories, and remembering the Exodus from Egypt. For you chose us and sanctified us among all peoples. And you have given us joyful holidays. We praise God, who sanctifies the people of Israel and the holidays.

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.


 


haggadah Section: Kadesh