The Hebrew name for Egypt, Mitzrayim, literally means “the narrow place.” Within oppression, our choices seem few and our hopes seem slim, and our narrow minds fail to see any way out. Hagar, Abraham’s Egyptian slave whose mistreatment foreshadows B’ney Yisrael’s oppression in Mitzrayim, was cast out into the desert with her son. Dying of thirst, Hagar cried out in despair. An angel appeared, and “opened her eyes, and she saw a well of water.” (Genesis 21:19) May our eyes also be opened, to see a way out of the narrow place into the wide expanse of possibility. 
What would it mean to be free?

.בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יי, גָאַל יִשְׂרָאֵל
Baruch atah Adonai, ga’al Yisra’el.
Blessed are you, who redeems the Jewish people.

.בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יי, אֱלֹהֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם, בּוֹרֵא פְּרִי הַגָפֶן
Baruch atah Adonai, eloheynu melech ha-olam, borey p’ree ha-gafen.
Blessed are you, who creates the fruit of the vine.
 


haggadah Section: -- Cup #2 & Dayenu