UR-HATZ, Washing the Hands

Leader

Traditionally, the high priests in the Temple washed their hands before all holy duties. We will wash our hands now to help us feel that holiness, but since we will not be eating just yet, we won't recite the hand-washing blessing.

KARPAS, Rebirth and Renewal

Leader

All holidays have their origins in nature and the seasonal changes, and people throughout the world celebrate similar festivals at roughly the same time throughout the year. Like all people, our people in ancient, pastoral times celebrated the liberation of the earth itself from wintry darkness, and rejoiced in the yearly rebirth of nature. In the spring of the year, the season of rebirth and renewal, on the festival Pesach, we read from the Song of Songs.

Participant

Come, my beloved, my lovely one, come.

Behold, winter is past, the rains are over and gone.

Flowers appear on the earth. The season for singing has come, and the song of the turtledove is heard in our land. The fig tree is forming its first green figs and the blossoming vines smell oh so grand. Come then, my beloved, my lovely one, come.

Participant

Come, my beloved, let us go to the fields. We'll spend the night in the village, and in early morn we'll visit the vineyards. We'll see if the grapes have blossomed, if the pomegranate trees are in flower.

For then shall I give you the gift of my love.

Group

O women of Jerusalem,

Swear by the wild field doe That you will not disturb us Till we fulfill our love.

Leader

We dip karpas, greens, symbol of the renewal of the earth at springtime, into salt water, symbol of the bitter tears shed by the slaves in Mitzrayim. This, the first dipping of the Seder, evokes the imagery of the birth of the Jewish people at the time of the Exodus.

Group

Baruch Atah Adonai Eloheinu Melech ha-olam, borei p 'ri ha-adamah.

We praise You, Adonai, Sovereign of Life, Who creates the fruit of the earth.

(Each person takes some greens, dips them in salt water, and eats them.)


haggadah Section: Urchatz