Thank you so much for joining us today! This is our favorite holiday and we are so grateful to be able to share it by celebrating with our dear friends!

For those who are not Jewish, here are a few things to keep in mind:

1. Questions are Encouraged!  That's one of the big parts of Passover! Please feel free to interupt and ask questions at any point!

2. We'll have a few parts where we read aloud from this booklet. We traditionally go around the room and take turns reading. If you're a shy reader, you are free to pass along to the next person!

3. We'll have some prayers in Hebrew. We have both transliteration so you can recite them with us and also translations so you can see what is being recited. Feel free to participate in the prayers as much or as little as you feel comfortable.  

4. Seder is traditional, but it is also meant to be fun. So we will have some kookiness in this story. I've asked ChatGPT to write most of the non-traditional parts of the seder to help us tell the story and explain the holiday. 

Thank you so much for being a special part of our lives and for sharing this holiday with us!

--Jeff and Bernie

Long ago, at this season, a people - our people - set our on a journey.

On such a night as this, israel went forth from degradation to joy. We give thanks for the liberations of days gone by.

And we pray for all who are still bound.

Eternal God, may all who hunger come to rejoice in a new Passover.

Let all the human family sit at Your table, drink the wine of deliverance, eat the bread of freedom:

Freedom from bondage

and freedom from oppression,

freedom from hunger

and freedom from want,

freedom from hatred

and freedom from fear,

freedom to think

and freedom to speak

freedom to teach

and freedom to learn,

freedom to love

and freedom to share,

freedom to hope

and freedom to rejoice,

soon, in our days,

amen

To symbolize the joy which the festival brings into the Jewish home, the mistress kindles the lights and recites the following blessing:

‏בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יְיָ אֱלֹהֵֽינוּ מֶֽלֶךְ הָֽעוֹלָֽם אֲשֶׁר קִדְּשָֽׁנוּ בְּמִצְוֹתָיו וְצִוָּֽנוּ לְהַדְלִיק נֵר שֶׁל-(שַׁבָּת וְשֶׁל)-יוֹם טוֹב.‎

BORUCH ATTO ADONOI ELOHENU MELECH HO‘OLOM ASHER KIDD’SHONU B’MITZVOSOV V’TZIVONU L’HADLIK NER SHEL (on Sabbath add: SHABBOS V’SHEL) YOM TOV.

‏בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יְיָ אֱלֹהֵֽינוּ מֶֽלֶךְ הָֽעוֹלָֽם. שֶׁהֶֽחֱיָֽנוּ וְקִיְּמָֽנוּ וְהִגִּיעָֽנוּ לַזְּמַן הַזְּה׃‎

BORUCH ATTO ADONOI ELOHENU MELECH HO‘OLOM SHEHEḤEYONU V’KIY’MONU V’HIGIONU LAZMAN HAZZEH.

Praised art Thou, O Lord our God, King of the universe, who hast sanctified us by Thy commandments, and hast commanded us to kindle the (on Sabbath add: Sabbath and) festival lights.

Praised art Thou, O Lord our God, King of the universe, who hast kept us alive and sustained us and brought us to this season.

May our home be consecrated, O God, by the light of Thy countenance, shining upon us in blessing, and bringing us peace!

Company: Amen.

Prompt: please write an ode to the first glass of wine during the seder dinner

Oh, first glass of wine, how sweet you taste As we lift you high in honor and in grace You bring us joy, you bring us cheer As we gather 'round the table, year after year

With your crimson hue and your fragrant scent You remind us of the miracle, the moment we were sent From Egypt's land, where we were slaves To freedom, we marched, with hearts so brave

Oh, first glass of wine, you are a treasure A symbol of the past, a promise for the future As we sip from your cup, we remember and we pray For a world of peace, where justice will hold sway

You fill us with hope, you fill us with light As we celebrate this night, with all our might So let us raise our glasses high, and drink to life To freedom, to redemption, to a world without strife

Oh, first glass of wine, we sing your praise As we savor your taste, and cherish these days May your blessings flow, may your goodness shine As we journey on, to the end of time.

בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יי אֱלֹהֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם בּוֹרֵא פְּרִי הַגָפֶן

Baruch Atah Adonai, Eloheynu Melech Ha’Olam Borey P’ree Hagafen.

Blessed are You, Lord our God, Ruler of the universe, Who creates the fruit of the vine.

ChatGPT Prompt: Explain what miriam's cup is as if you are college professor feeling irritated by your class and seriously contemplating leaving your profession to become a thespian

Ahem, class, today we will be discussing Miriam's Cup, a tradition that is often overlooked during Passover. Miriam was the sister of Moses and an important figure in the Exodus story, yet she is often left out of the traditional Seder. So, some people have started including a cup of water in honor of Miriam, to recognize her role in the liberation of the Jewish people.

Now, I know some of you may be wondering, "Why water? Why not wine like Elijah's cup?" Well, that's because Miriam is associated with water. In fact, legend has it that a well followed the Israelites in the desert thanks to Miriam's merit. So, the cup of water is a symbol of her strength and influence during that time.

But let me ask you, class, why is it that we have to create a new tradition to recognize the contributions of women like Miriam? Why is it that women's voices are so often left out of the narrative? It's a shame that it takes a special cup to remind us of the importance of women in our history.

Perhaps I should just leave this profession and become a thespian, where I can at least pretend that I'm making a difference. But, I digress. Let's get back to the lesson at hand. Miriam's Cup, while often overlooked, is a meaningful addition to the Passover Seder that allows us to honor the women who played a pivotal role in the Exodus story.

ChatGPT Prompt: Explain Elijah's cup and Elijah as if you are a wildlife observer on National Geographic observing Elijah and narrating his actions.

Welcome to National Geographic, where we're observing the elusive prophet Elijah during the Passover Seder. As you can see, Elijah's cup has been carefully placed on the table, just waiting for his arrival.

Now, Elijah is a bit of a mystery. He's known for his sudden appearances and disappearances, often leaving those around him wondering what just happened. But during Passover, he's said to make an appearance at every Seder, visiting homes around the world to check in on the Jewish people.

Here we see Elijah approaching the table, drawn by the promise of a cup of wine left out just for him. He's cautious, but also curious, as he approaches the cup and takes a sip. It's said that this sip represents the hope for redemption and the coming of the Messiah.

As Elijah takes his sip, he looks around at the faces of those at the table, almost as if he's taking stock of the state of the Jewish people. Then, just as suddenly as he appeared, he's gone, leaving nothing behind but an empty cup and a sense of awe.

It's truly remarkable to witness this tradition, to see how one figure can inspire such hope and anticipation. And who knows, maybe one day Elijah will return again, bringing with him the redemption that we all long for.

In the Torah, only the priests of the Temple are commanded to wash, and only before they partake of the sacrificial meal. Today, we have no Temple in Jerusalem, no altar, no priests and no sacrifices. Instead, every home can be a Temple, every table an altar, every meal a sanctified experience, and every Jew a priest. And eating, a mechanical biological function, can be transformed into a ritual filled with meaning. 

Washing hands is done before all meals at which bread is eaten and water plays an important part in the Passover story. We wash our hands twice at our Seder, but since we will not be eating yet, we do not recite any blessings at this time. As we pour water over our hands now, we ask that our hearts be touched by wisdom as our hands reach out to the world and touch those around us.

A pitcher of water with basin and towel may be passed around to all guests.

Chat GPT Prompt: Please write an explanation of the karpas for Passover in the style of a Jewish mother who wishes for her kids to eat more vegetables and who wants to move to Boca.
 

Oy vey, let me tell you about the Karpas! It's a small piece of green vegetable, like parsley or celery, that we dip in salt water during the Passover Seder. You know, it's like the Jewish version of a veggie tray, but with more symbolism!
 

Now, I know you kids don't always love your greens, but the Karpas is so refreshing and crisp, and it represents the springtime and new beginnings. Plus, dipping it in salt water is like a little flavor explosion in your mouth! And don't worry, it's not like those boiled vegetables your Boca neighbors are always bragging about - the Karpas is raw and crunchy, just the way you like it.
 

And listen, I heard that the word Karpas might come from the Hebrew words "Kefar Pasach," which means "a village of Passover." Imagine that, a whole village dedicated to this delicious veggie! Maybe we should move to Bocca and start our own Karpas village!
 

So come on, give the Karpas a try. It's a fun and meaningful tradition that reminds us of our ancestors' journey to freedom. And who knows, maybe one day you'll be the ones telling your own kids about the joys of the Karpas!

Before we eat it, we recite a short blessing:

בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יְיָ, אֱלֹהֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם, בּוֹרֵא פְּרִי הָאֲדָמָה:

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

We praise God, Ruler of Everything, who creates the fruits of the earth.

ChatGPT Promt: Explain the yachatz as if you are an 18th century British explorer recording a set of scientific observations

As I sat at the Passover Seder table, I observed the Yachatz ritual with great interest. The Yachatz is a tradition in which the middle matzah is broken into two pieces and one half is wrapped in a cloth for later use in the Seder.

The matzot themselves were observed to be flat, unleavened bread made of flour and water. The middle matzah was distinguished from the other two by its placement and by its use in the Yachatz ritual.

The breaking of the middle matzah was performed with a great deal of force, resulting in a loud cracking sound that echoed throughout the room. The halves of the matzah were then handled with care, with one half being wrapped in a cloth made of linen or cotton.

Throughout the Yachatz ritual, a traditional Hebrew song was sung, which added to the overall ambiance of the event. The singing was accompanied by hand gestures and movements that seemed to convey a sense of reverence and solemnity.

In conclusion, the Yachatz ritual is a fascinating and unique tradition that is integral to the Passover Seder. It involves the careful handling of unleavened bread and the use of cloth, and is accompanied by a beautiful Hebrew song that is sung with great feeling and emotion.

ChatGPT Prompt: Write the story of the maggid as if two rabbis are having a spirited religious debate

Rabbi 1: The Maggid is one of the most important parts of the Passover Seder. It recounts the story of the Exodus and the miracles God performed to liberate the Jewish people from slavery in Egypt.

Rabbi 2: I agree that it's important, but I think we need to delve deeper into the meaning of the story. What can we learn from it?

Rabbi 1: Well, one of the key themes is the importance of faith and trust in God. The Jewish people had to trust that God would deliver them from slavery, and they had to follow his instructions to the letter.

Rabbi 2: Yes, that's certainly true. But I think there's more to it than that. The Maggid also teaches us about the importance of gratitude and thanksgiving. We should be grateful for the blessings we have and never take them for granted.

Rabbi 1: Agreed, gratitude is definitely an important theme in the Maggid. But I think it also teaches us about the importance of telling our story and passing down our traditions to future generations. By retelling the story of the Exodus, we keep it alive for ourselves and for our children.

Rabbi 2: Absolutely. And finally, I think the Maggid teaches us about the importance of community. We were not liberated as individuals, but as a nation. It was only through the collective effort of the Jewish people that we were able to overcome slavery and oppression.

Rabbi 1: That's a great point. The Maggid really is a rich and multifaceted part of the Passover Seder. It reminds us of the core values of faith, gratitude, storytelling, and community that are at the heart of Jewish tradition.

                 Maggid – Four Questions

מַהנִּשְּׁתַּנָה

?מַה נִּשְּׁתַּנָה הַלַּיְלָה הַזֶּה מִכָּל הַלֵּילוֹת

Mah nish-ta-na ha-lai-lah ha-zeh mikol ha-lei-lot?

Why is this night of Passover different from all other nights of the year?

שֶׁבְּכָל הַלֵּילוֹת אָנוּ אוֹכְלִין חָמֵץ וּמַצָּה, הַלַּיְלָה הַזֶּה - כּוּלוֹ מַצָּה

She-b'chol ha-lei-lot anu och'lin cha-meitz u-matzah. Ha-laylah hazeh kulo matzah.

On all other nights, we eat either leavened or unleavened bread, why on this night do we eat only matzah?

שֶׁבְּכָל הַלֵּילוֹת אָנוּ אוֹכְלִין שְׁאָר יְרָקוֹת, - הַלַּיְלָה הַזֶּה מָרוֹר

Sheb'chol ha-lei-lot anu och'lin sh'ar y'rakot. Ha-lai-lah h-azeh maror.

On all other nights, we eat vegetables of all kinds, why on this night must we eat bitter herbs?

שֶׁבְּכָל הַלֵּילוֹת אֵין אֶנוּ מַטְבִּילִין אֲפִילוּ פַּעַם אֶחָת, - הַלַּיְלָה הַזֶּה שְׁתֵּי פְעָמִים

Sheb'chol ha-lei-lot ein anu mat-beelin afee-lu pa-am echat.Ha-lai-lah hazeh sh'tei p'ameem.

On all other nights, we do not dip vegetables even once,
why on this night do we dip greens into salt water and bitter herbs into sweet haroset?

שֶׁבְּכָל הַלֵּילוֹת אָנוּ אוֹכְלִין בֵּין יוֹשְׁבִין וּבֵין מְסֻבִּין, - הַלַּיְלָה הַזֶּה כֻּלָנו מְסֻ

Sheb’khol ha-lei-lot anu och-leem bein yo-shveen u-vein m’su-been, ha-lailah hazeh kulanu m’subeen.

On all other nights, everyone sits up straight at the table, why on this night do we recline and eat at leisure?

ChatGPT Promt: Explain the 4 children in the passover story as if it is being explained by dumbledore and being sorted into houses at hogwarts. Have him periodically be interrupted by the count from Sesame Street.

Dumbledore: Ah, the Four Children of the Passover Seder. A most intriguing subject. Now, let's begin with the wise child, who seeks to understand the meaning of the seder. I believe this one would fit perfectly into Ravenclaw!

Count von Count: Ah ah ah! One wise child!

Dumbledore: Now, the wicked child, who separates themselves from the community. Perhaps a difficult one to sort, but I believe Slytherin would be the best fit.

Count von Count: Ah ah ah! Two wicked children!

Dumbledore: Moving on to the simple child, who seeks to learn but struggles with comprehension. Hufflepuff, without a doubt.

Count von Count: Ah ah ah! Three simple children!

Dumbledore: And finally, the child who does not even know how to ask. This one would be a challenge, but I think Gryffindor would be most fitting.

Count von Count: Ah ah ah! Four children, ah ah ah!

Dumbledore: Ah, the Count! Always a pleasure to have your input. Now, where were we? Ah, yes. The Four Children of the Passover Seder, a true reflection of the diversity and complexities of human nature.

ChatGPT Prompt:  Please explain the 4 types of children and what we are commanded to do with them as if you are a set of school board members arguing over school policy

Alright, folks, let's get started on this discussion about the four types of children and how we're supposed to handle them during the Passover Seder. Now, the wise child, we all know them. They're the ones who have a deep understanding of the Passover story and are always eager to learn more. Our job with them is easy, we just engage them in conversation and make sure they get a thorough understanding of the story and its significance.

But what about the wicked child? They're the troublemakers, the ones who question the story and its meaning. Well, some of us believe that we need to challenge them, to ask them why they're questioning the story and its significance. Others argue that we need to be more understanding and try to explain the story in a way that makes sense to them.

Now, the simple child, they're the ones who need a more straightforward approach. We need to explain the story to them in simple terms so they can understand it. And then there's the child who doesn't know how to ask, the one who needs our guidance to understand the story. We need to take the initiative with them, to teach them and guide them through the story.

So, in summary, we need to be adaptable in our approach to these different types of children, making sure everyone is included in the conversation and that the message of freedom and redemption is passed down to all generations. Let's continue this discussion and make sure we have a solid plan in place for our Passover Seder.

ChatGPT Prompt: Please tell the passover exodus story in a series of limericks

In Egypt, the Israelites were slaves, Their toil was not what anyone craves, Then Moses did come, With God's will as his sum, To free them all and turn the tables.

Pharaoh refused to let them go, And faced with ten plagues in a row, He relented at last, But his anger held fast, And he chased them down to the sea below.

The sea was split wide open then, And the Israelites walked through like men, The Egyptians pursued, But the sea came unglued, And they all drowned there, now and again.

The Israelites sang and rejoiced, For they were now free, with Pharaoh's plans foiled, They ate unleavened bread, And with joy in their heads, They celebrated their new-found joys.

Now every year, Jews gather 'round, To retell the story, so it's never unfound, They remember the pain, And the triumph they gained, And celebrate freedom, that always abounds.

ChatGPT Prompt: Tell the exodus story as if you are my Jewish father-in-law who is giving driving directions to moses and keeps digressing into quirky stories

Alright, so you're gonna wanna take a right at the burning bush up ahead, Moses. Speaking of bushes, did I ever tell you about the time I accidentally set my neighbor's bush on fire with my BBQ grill? Oh boy, he was not happy with me.

Anyway, after you turn right, you're gonna come to a split in the road. Take the left, unless you want to end up at the Pharaoh's palace. And let me tell you, I've been there before, and it's not a fun place to be. I once got into a heated argument with the Pharaoh over who made the best matzah balls. Can you believe it?

Now, where was I? Oh right, so after you take the left, you'll come across the Red Sea. Don't worry though, God's got your back. He'll part the sea so you can cross on dry land. And let me tell you, that's gonna be one heck of a sight to see. I remember one time when I was fishing in the Red Sea and I caught the biggest fish you've ever seen.

But back to the directions, after you cross the Red Sea, you'll come to Mount Sinai. That's where God is gonna give you the Ten Commandments. And let me tell you, Moses, you better listen carefully. I once got lost in the desert because I didn't follow directions.

So there you have it, Moses. Just follow these directions and you'll make it out of Egypt in no time. And if you need any more advice or quirky stories, you know who to ask. Your Jewish father-in-law.

It's time for a game of charades!!  We'll take turns acting out each plague and the rest of the guests have to guess what it is!

ChatGPT Prompt: Recite the story of the 10 plagues as if you are witnessing them as a WWE commentator

Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the ultimate showdown between Moses and Pharaoh! We're about to witness an epic battle between the forces of good and evil, as God unleashes His power to deliver the Israelites from the clutches of slavery in Egypt. Hold on to your seats, folks, because things are about to get intense!

And here we go, the first plague: blood! The Nile turns red and the fish die, leaving the Egyptians in utter chaos! Pharaoh's magicians try to replicate the miracle, but they're no match for the power of God.

Up next, we have the frogs! They're everywhere, folks! In the streets, in the houses, even in the beds! Pharaoh's heart is hardened, but Moses and Aaron are persistent in their demand for freedom.

The third plague is lice! These tiny creatures are causing a lot of discomfort for the Egyptians, and even Pharaoh's magicians can't seem to get rid of them. Moses and Aaron are making their presence felt, folks!

And here comes the fourth plague: swarms of flies! The Egyptians are in complete disarray, and Pharaoh is starting to feel the heat. But will he give in to Moses and Aaron's demands?

Oh my goodness, folks, it's the fifth plague: diseased livestock! The cattle, sheep, and camels are all dropping dead, and the Egyptians are in a state of panic. Will Pharaoh finally relent and let the Israelites go?

Next up, we have the sixth plague: boils! The Egyptians are covered in painful sores, and even Pharaoh's magicians are unable to stand before Moses and Aaron. The power of God is undeniable, folks!

And now, the seventh plague: hail! This is no ordinary storm, folks. The hailstones are huge, and they're destroying everything in their path. Pharaoh is starting to get the message, but will he act on it?

The eighth plague is locusts! These insects are devouring everything in sight, leaving the Egyptians with nothing to eat. Pharaoh is feeling the pressure, but will he let the Israelites go?

And here we have the ninth plague: darkness! It's pitch black, folks. The Egyptians can't see a thing, and they're terrified. Will this be enough to finally convince Pharaoh to let the Israelites go?

And finally, the tenth plague: the death of the firstborn! This is the ultimate showdown, folks. God is about to deliver the final blow to Pharaoh and the Egyptians. The Israelites are spared, but the Egyptians are devastated. The power of God has prevailed!

What an incredible series of events, folks! It's been an absolute pleasure to witness these miracles unfold. Until next time, this is your WWE commentator signing off!

Let's check out the seder plate!  Who can explain the symbolism behind some of these ingredients?

Hold up the second cup of wine and say:

We praise God, Breath of Life, who redeemed us and our ancestors from Egypt, enabling us to reach this night. May we continue to reach future holidays in peace and happiness.

בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יְיָ, אֱלֹהֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם, בּוֹרֵא פְּרִי הַגָּפֶן

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

Blessed is God, spirit of the Universe, who creates the fruit of the vine.

Drink the second glass of wine!

ChatGPT Prompt: Write a haiku to the second cup of wine:

Second cup of joy,

Deepening our liberation,

Sip by sip we sing.

Dayenu

רחצה

Rachtzah

Wash hands while reciting the traditional blessing for washing the hands:

בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יי אֱלֹהֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם, אֲשֶׁר קִדְשָׁנוּ בְּמִצְוֹתָיו וְצִוָּנוּ עַל נְטִילַת יָדַיִם.

Baruch atah Adonai Eloheinu melech ha-olam, asher kid'shanu b'mitzvotav, v'tzivanu al n'tilat yadayim.

Praised are you, Adonai, Lord our God, Ruler of the universe, who has taught us the way of holiness through commandments, commanding us to wash our hands.

The upper Matzo is broken and distributed. All then read in unison:

BORUCH ATTO ADONOI ELOHENU MELECH HO‘OLOM HAMOTZI LEḤEM MIN HO’ORETZ.

Praised art Thou, O Lord our God, King of the universe, who bringest forth bread from the earth.

BORUCH ATTO ADONOI ELOHENU MELECH HO‘OLOM ASHER KIDD’SHONU B’MITZVOSOV V’TZIVONU AL ACHILAS MATZO.

Praised art Thou, O Lord our God, King of the universe, who hast sanctified us through Thy commandments, and ordained that we should eat unleavened bread.

Eat the Matzo.

ChatGPT Prompt: Explain maror as if it is a debate between gordon ramsay and the swedish chef

Gordon Ramsay: Alright, let's talk about maror. This is a crucial element of the Passover seder, and it's important that it's done right.

Swedish Chef: Bork bork bork!

Gordon Ramsay: Oh, great. Another language barrier. Anyway, the maror is bitter herbs, typically horseradish or lettuce, that represent the bitterness of slavery in ancient Egypt.

Swedish Chef: Yee hoo!

Gordon Ramsay: Yes, exactly. So the question is, how do you prepare it? Do you grate it fresh, or do you use prepared horseradish? 

Swedish Chef: Bork bork bork!

Gordon Ramsay: Alright, alright, calm down. Look, the key is to balance the bitterness with other flavors. You want to add a little bit of sugar, or maybe some lemon juice, to cut the bitterness.

Swedish Chef: Bork bork bork!

Gordon Ramsay: And for the love of god, don't overdo it. You don't want to be choking on horseradish all night.

Swedish Chef: Yee hoo!

Gordon Ramsay: Okay, that's enough out of you. The bottom line is, the maror is an important part of the seder, and it's important to get it right. So take your time, taste as you go, and don't be afraid to experiment a little.

We now eat the matzah with the horseradish

ChatGPT Prompt: Explain korech as if you are Julia Childs chastising a poorly trained assistant

Oh dear, dear, dear! This won't do at all. I asked for a korech, not a mess on a plate.

Now listen carefully, my dear assistant. To make a proper korech, you'll need matzah, and bitter herbs. And no, you cannot just throw them all together any which way!

Now, why do we eat korech during Passover? Well, my dear assistant, it's to symbolize the sacrifices made during the time of the Temple in Jerusalem. The matzah represents the unleavened bread that the Israelites ate during their hasty departure from Egypt, and the bitter herbs represent the harshness of their enslavement. By combining them in a sandwich, we are reminded of the hardships our ancestors faced and the ultimate freedom they achieved

Firstly, you'll need to break the matzah in half, but break it evenly please!  And those bitter herbs? They need to be arranged nicely on the matzah.

Now, here's the most important part. We need to layer the maror on the matzah in a neat and orderly fashion. No haphazard placing or sloppy assembly! This is a traditional dish that deserves the utmost respect and attention to detail.

And there you have it, a perfectly executed korech. Remember, my dear assistant, precision and attention to detail are the key to any successful dish. Bon appetit!

!בתאבון

Let's eat!

Dig in!

Bon Appetit!