We light candles to symbolize the division of one day from another, to sanctify our space and time, and to remind us of the necessity of being a light in the darkness, an especially pertinent message during Passover. As we light the candles, we recite this blessing:

Barukh atah Adonai Eloheinu melekh ha’olam asher kid’shanu b’mitzvotav v’tzivanu l’hadlik ner shel yom tov.

Blessed are You, Lord our God, Ruler of the Universe, who has sanctified us with commandments, and commanded us to light festival candles.

An added invocation, for social justice:

"Baruch atah Adonai, eloheinu Melekh ha-olam, asher kid’shanu b’mitzvotav v’tsivanu lirdof tzedek

Blessed is the Source, who shows us paths to holiness, and commands us to pursue justice."


haggadah Section: Introduction
Source: Susannah Goya-Pack