Traditionally, a Seder is held only on the first two nights of Pesach.  And on the last day of Pesach we observe a Yizkor day, a memorial day in which we light candles to remember those we have lost, and perhaps go to synagogue and participate in a Yizkor service.  How much better to also have a Seder on the last night, and to welcome in the memories of those we have lost to celebrate a Passover Seder with them?

On the Last Night of Passover, if doing a Memorial Seder:

Light the Yahrzheit Candle and recite:

ברוך אתה '', אלהינו מלך העולם, דיין האמת
Baruch atah Adonai, Eloheinu melech ha-olam, dayan ha-emet.
(Blessed are you, Lord our God, ruler of the universe, the true judge.)

As we welcome in the final day of Pesach, we remember with love those who are no longer here to celebrate with us.  The journey of the ancient Israelites did not end with being freed, but had rather just begun, and the same can be said with the souls of our dearly departed.  May this light that shines upon us now remind us of their souls that shine upon us always.  May we feel their love as we remember all the Seders we held with them in the past, and as we celebrate a Seder with those memories in our minds tonight.  Truly, our Lord is ruler of the universe, of both the Heavens and the Earth, of all that we can see and all that we cannot.  Truly, the Lord is the True Judge.  May the Lord bless us with comfort after we lose loved ones, and watch over their souls once they have departed from their Earthly existence.

Optional:  Invite everyone present to share a Seder memory with someone they have loved and lost.


haggadah Section: Introduction