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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Greetings everybody, and welcome to one of the longest dinners of your life. On your right, you will see four cups just waiting to be filled with wine, and on your left, you will spot a tray with mostly unappealing food, as well as a big, circular cracker that will be sustaining your appetite for the next eight days. It is most likely that if you look around the table, some of the children will be asleep, but don't be envious, in just a couple of hours, you will be able to rest as well! Brace yourself for countless songs, an extraordinary bowl of soup, and a very likely spillage of grape juice. As the night progresses, you will learn the exact reasons and events that have led up to you being at this exact place and time. Get ready to learn the marvelous story of the Jewish exodus from centuries of slavery. Get ready to learn the marvelous story of Pesach.
It’s been a crazy week. The world with all its worries and bothers is still clamoring for your attention. The first step is to forget all that. Leave it behind. Enter into a timeless space, where you, your great-grandparents and Moses all coincide.
The beginning of all journeys is separation. You’ve got to leave somewhere to go somewhere else. It is also the first step towards freedom: You ignore the voice of Pharaoh inside that mocks you, saying, “Who are you to begin such a journey?” You just get up and walk out.
This is the first meaning of the word, “Kadesh” -- to transcend the mundane world. Then comes the second meaning: Once you’ve set yourself free from your material worries, you can return and sanctify them. That is when true spiritual freedom begins, when you introduce a higher purpose into all those things you do.
Kiddush (the blessing over wine) | kadeish | קַדֵּשׁ
All Jewish celebrations, from holidays to weddings, include wine as a symbol of our joy – not to mention a practical way to increase that joy. The seder starts with wine and then gives us three more opportunities to refill our cup and drink.
בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יְיָ, אֱלֹהֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם, בּוֹרֵא פְּרִי הַגָּפֶן
Baruch Atah Adonai, Eloheinu Melech ha-olam, borei p’ree hagafen.
We praise God, Ruler of Everything, who creates the fruit of the vine.
We praise God, Ruler of Everything, who chose us from all peoples and languages, and sanctified us with commandments, and lovingly gave to us special times for happiness, holidays and this time of celebrating the Holiday of Matzah, the time of liberation, reading our sacred stories, and remembering the Exodus from Egypt. For you chose us and sanctified us among all peoples. And you have given us joyful holidays. We praise God, who sanctifies the people of Israel and the holidays.
בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יְיָ, אֱלֹהֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם, שֶׁהֶחֱיָנוּ וְקִיְּמָנוּ וְהִגִּיעָנוּ לַזְּמַן הַזֶּה
Baruch Atah Adonai, Eloheinu Melech ha-olam, she-hechiyanu v’key’manu v’higiyanu lazman hazeh.
We praise God, Ruler of Everything, who has kept us alive, raised us up, and brought us to this happy moment.
Drink the first glass of wine!
I found this clip particularly outstanding because of its in-depth explanation of Kadesh. Not only does it depict situations using imagery and figurative language, but it also provides information on Kadesh. It uses captivating language to connect the reader to the passage and keep the reader animated. it also includes the blessing pertaining to the step of Kadesh. i enjoyed reading it.
And I started thinking about unpredictability as it relates to Passover. In times of Egyptian slavery, life was predictable: each day as a slave is the same because you have no choices to make. No one would have predicted that Prince Moses would have killed an Egyptian taskmaster for oppressing a slave, forcing Moses to flee. No one would have predicted that Moses would return to Egypt to demand freedom from his people because a burning bush told him to. Every one of the ten plagues subverted predictions and expectations. And water, too behaves unpredictably: the Nile turns to blood, and the Red Sea - chaotically and unpredictably - parts.
In our Seder, we have one hand washing without a blessing, and one with a blessing. As we know from movies and from life, sometimes droplets run in one direction, and sometimes in the other. And when we encounter something unpredictable, it helps to know that it's part of a larger context, whether you call it a narrative, a belief system, a theory or a Seder.
honestly, this clip stood out to me mostly because of its inclusion of Jurrasic Park on the cover. However, while I did click because of the picture, I stayed for the passage and explanation. I was amazed at how the writer was able to connect Jurrasic Park to Urcatz in a way that made sense. The passage was honestly captivating, and the explanation of Urchatz and why wash hands with and without a blessing resonated with me.
[Greens held up for all to see.]
KARPAS - Parsley and celery are symbols of all kinds of spring greenery. The second time, the salt water and the green can help us to remember the ocean and green plants and the Earth, from which we get the water and air and food that enable us to live.
Leader: N'-varekh `et pri ha-`Adamah.
Everyone:
Let us bless the fruit of the Earth.
[Please dip your parsley into salt water two times and eat it.]
This clip was straightforward in addressing the purpose of Karpas. It was not too wordy, yet still made sense and gave a clear explanation. However, in a more personal sense, this clip was short yet meaningful, which is something most people with small amounts of energy and patience (such as myself) appreciate. It included what we do, how we do it, and why we do it in a small quantity of words, and the conformation got across clearly.
WE’RE UNBREAKING UP
Reflect: Our world is broken and we are often unintentionally the source of that breaking. What’s something (object, relationship, etc.) you intentionally or unintentionally broke this past year?
The Jewish tradition teaches that it’s not up to us to finish the work of repairing all that is broken with the world, but that we still must engage and do all we can. What actions will you take this year to heal and repair?
Break the middle matzah of the three at the head of the table – the bigger half magically becomes the Afikoman (more on that later). See if you can snag it when the leader isn’t looking and hold it ransom – we can’t finish our #friendseder™ without it!
I selected this clip not just because I thought the picture looked like the target logo, but because The passage and explanation were short and informational. I enjoyed the inclusion of the rhetorical question because it gave me the ability to think about something other than Passover. In my opinion, it includes the correct information in the perfect amount of words, as honestly at this point in the seder I would start to have a headache from reading so much.
Cleaning and cooking and so many dishes
Out with the hametz, no pasta, no knishes
Fish that's gefillted, horseradish that stings
These are a few of our passover things.
Matzoh and karpas and chopped up haroset
Shankbones and kiddish and yiddish neuroses
Tante who kvetches and uncle who sings
These are a few of our Passover things.
Motzi and maror and trouble with
Pharoahs Famines and locusts and slaves with wheelbarrows Matzah balls floating and eggshell that cling
These are a few of our Passover things.
When the plagues strike
When the lice bite When we're feeling sad
We simply remember our Passover things
And then we don't feel so bad.
As an avid fan of the sound of music, I had to choose this clip. Especially if it is rewriting a song. I believe that the perfect way for me to consume information is by singing it, and what better way to do that than with one of the catchiest songs in all of the Broadway-world. The lyrics a clever and informational, and also set a nice mood for the Seder.
FOUR QUESTIONS
Traditionally, the youngest person present asks:
Why is this night different from all other nights?
1. On all other nights we eat either bread or matsah. Why, on this night, do we eat only matsah?
2. On all other nights we eat herbs of any kind. Why, on this night, do we eat only bitter herbs?
3. On all other nights, we do not dip our herbs even once. Why, on this night, do we dip them twice?
4. On all other nights, we eat either sitting or leaning. Why, on this night, do we eat while leaning?
A different guest readers each ANSWER:
1. MATZAH:
Matzah is the symbol of our affliction and our freedom. Legend has it that when Moses and his followers fled Egypt, they moved so quickly that the bread they baked did not have time to rise. However, scholars have noted that long before the Jews celebrated Passover, farmers of the Middle East celebrated Khag Ha-matsot, the festival of unleavened bread, at this time of year. This was a festival where unleavened bread was made from the new grain harvest that took place at this time of the year. The old fermented dough was thrown out so that last year's grain would not be mixed with this year's. Therefore, the new season began with the eating of unleavened bread--matsah. Later on, the Jewish people incorporated this agricultural festival into the celebration of freedom and renewal we now call Passover. Let us all eat a piece of matzah.
2. BITTER HERBS
Tradition says that this root is to remind us of the time of our slavery. We force ourselves to taste pain so that we may more readily value pleasure. Scholars inform us that bitter herbs were eaten at the Spring festival in ancient times. The sharpness of the taste awakened the senses and made the people feel at one with nature's revival. Thus, the horseradish is the stimulus of life, reminding us that struggle is better than the complacent acceptance of injustice. Let us all eat bitter herbs.
3. DIPPING
The first time, the salty taste reminds us of the tears we cried when we were slaves. The second time, the salt water and
the green help us to remember the ocean and green plants and the Earth, from which we get air and water and food that enable us to live. Let us all dip the parsley in salt water twice.
4. RECLINING
This question goes back to ancient times in Rome, when it was the custom for rich people to eat while lying on a couch leaning on one elbow as slaves and servants fed them. The Jewish people thought of this relaxed type of eating as a sign of freedom and prosperity, so they would lean to one side eating at the Seder on Passover, the festival of freedom. Today, we who are free eat while sitting up, even at Passover, but the question remains in the service as a reminder of how it was when our people longed for freedom.
MORE QUESTIONS:
Reader: We have answered the four traditional questions, but there are still more questions to be answered. There are other special foods on our Seder plate: a sweet condiment (kharoset), a roasted shank bone (z'ro-ah), and a roasted egg (baytsa). Why are they here?
A different guest reads each answer:
Charoset: Apples, nuts, cinnamon, and wine are combined to make this sweet condiment. It is the color of clay or mortar. It reminds us of the bricks and mortar that the Israelites are said to have made when they built the Pharaohs' palaces and cities. At the same time, the taste of kharoset is sweet, and it reminds us of the sweetness
of freedom. Let us now all eat kharoset on a piece of matsah.
Shank bone: The bone represents the lamb that was the special Paschal sacrifice on the eve of the exodus from Egypt, and annually, on the afternoon before Passover, in the Holy Temple.
Egg: The egg represents life. Each of us begins as an egg and grows to adulthood. The egg reminds us of our evolutionary past and the gifts of human inheritance. But the egg is fragile. It represents potential that can be destroyed. Left alone, it would perish. Growing life needs warmth and love and security, guidance, hope, and vision. To achieve their full potential, human beings need the support and encouragement of family and community. The egg symbolizes the fragility and interdependence of life.
When one has four questions, it should be expected that there are four answers... and this clip did just that. It clearly addressed and explained each of those four questions. Along with those clearly addressed questions, came clearly addressed answers, and explanations to each of those answers. It also included additional information on what the other items on the seder plate are, and of course, though they do not pertain to the four questions, it never hurts to have additional information.
(source: edited from The Wandering is Over Haggadah)
As we tell the story, we think about it from all angles. Our tradition speaks of four different types of children who might react differently to the Passover seder. It is our job to make our story accessible to all the members of our community, so we think about how we might best reach each type of Beatle:
What does John, the wise Beatle, say?
The wise Beatle asks, What are the testimonies and laws which God commanded you?
You must teach this Beatle the rules of observing the holiday of Passover.
“Is there anybody ...to listen to my story…?” - John, “Girl”
What does Paul, the wicked Beatle, say?
The wicked Beatle asks, What does this service mean to you?
To you and not to himself! Because he takes himself out of the community and misses the point, set this Beatle’s teeth on edge and say to him: “It is because of what God did for me in taking me out of Egypt.” Me, not him. Had that Beatle been there, he would have been left behind.
“You got to give the other fella hell ... so live and let die” - Paul, “Live and Let Die”
What does Ringo, the simple Beatle, say?
The simple Beatle asks, What is this?
To this Beatle, answer plainly: “With a strong hand God took us out of Egypt, where we were slaves.”
“Oh what joy for every girl and boy, knowing they're happy and they're safe” - Ringo, “Octopus’s Garden”
What about George, the Beatle who doesn’t know how to ask a question?
Help this Beatle ask.
Start telling the story:
“It is because of what God did for me in taking me out of Egypt.”
-
“I don't know, I don't know” - George, “Something”
Do you see yourself in any of these Beatles? At times we all approach different situations like each of these Beatles. How do we relate to each of them?
As a comical Beatles fan myself, I couldn't resist choosing this clip. It includes a fun way of learning about the four children, especially if half the table is practically asleep. It gives us an easier way to understand this topic by bringing in well-known subjects. It also includes references to songs, which is always a fun inclusion. And hey, who doesn't like the Beatles?
Actually, there are some piteous people who don't.
Sefer Shemot illustrated through LEGOs
I knew from the very beginning that my baby brother was going to be special. We had to hide him from the crazy Egyptian soldiers who were seeking out and killing all the newborn Israelite babies due to Pharaoh’s command. Whenever they came to our house and we hid him, somehow, he knew to stay quiet. One time he farted really loud but the guard didn’t hear (or smell!) it. It was kind of a miracle now that I think about it. And also a plague... We actually didn’t even give him a name because we were so scared that he might be killed and didn’t want to become too attached.
When baby bro Moses (I like to call him “Chalupa Batman”) got so big that we couldn’t hide him anymore (it’s not like our slave accommodations were so spacious… they were more like an individual WeWork office), my mom suggested that the only way to save him was to send him down the Nile in a basket, hoping that he might find a better future downriver.
I followed Chalupa down along the banks of the river, and watched as Pharaoh’s daughter, Daenerys Targarean, pulled him out of the water and decided to keep him! She was a Mother of Hebrews, and the one who named him Moses – an Egyptian name meaning “I drew him from the water.” I’m not quite sure how I got through her personal security guard, Paul Blart, but I ran up to her and let her know that if she needed a nursemaid for the baby, that I could help find her one. And just like that, my mom became her own son’s nursemaid!
When he inevitably was weaned (Mom would’ve kept nursing til his Bar Mitzvah if she could’ve) we went back to slave life, with no real interaction with him for decades, until one day my big brother Aaron disappeared, and then we heard murmurings around town about an Egyptian man who had come out as being a Hebrew. And he was advocating for us. And bringing miracles. And that Aaron was his press secretary ... er … spokesperson. And wouldn’t you know it, but that out and proud Hebrew man was my baby brother.
Along the way he seemed to have picked up a speech impediment – hence the need for Aaron’s support – as well as a few magic tricks and a personal unbreakable relationship with a God who self-described as “I am that I am” – sounds like a kind of sweet potato if you ask me ... I Yam that I Yam … We are starving after all. Is it time for the festive meal yet?
It turned out Pharaoh was crazy stubborn! Despite some crazy plagues he just wouldn’t agree to either just let us go, or to shift to a sharing economy – he called it Democratic socialism … the fiery hail didn’t quite make him “feel the Bern.” But, in the ultimate twist of irony, his own firstborn was killed along with the firstborn children of man and beast in all of Egypt – except for ours. Schadenfreude – taking pleasure in the pain of another. A great word I learned from Avenue Kuf! Have you seen Avenue Kuf? I learned what the internet is for.
That last night in Egypt we painted our doorposts with blood, quickly shared a roasted lamb with our neighbors (how we had lamb to eat despite being slaves I’m not quite sure…), and ate bitter herbs (we had dried and packed all the delicious ones!). Because we weren’t sure if there were bathrooms in the desert where we were going, we made sure to make our bread in such a way that we’d be sure to not need to use the bathroom for at least a week – hopefully we make it to the Promised Land by then.
If you ask me, the Egyptians would’ve gotten off way easier had they had a female leader. The palace would have been more of a safe space. Pantsuits would have been introduced way earlier into historical garment records.
I should mention: while Mom was nursing Moses for Pharaoh’s daughter I got tight with two of her royal helpers from the local dance academy. They inspired me to take moments to just dance – it’ll be okay – and so one of my most noteworthy moments was leading all of our women – like a million of us! – in dancing after we passed through the Red Sea. We couldn’t do the electric slide due to being so close to water, and everyone knows that Hebrews are incapable of square dancing – no one is willing to follow instructions – so circles it was!
In the end, I’m actually described as a prophetess in the Bible – pretty sweet. I have a mystical well that follows me (and the Israelites) as we wander in the desert – you know you’re jelly. Many families put a cup on the Seder table filled with water in my honor due to my story’s close association with it. While I end up dying before both Moses and Aaron, which admittedly is a bummer, at least I had the chance to have it all, rolling in the deep.
When I first read the title of the exodus story told by Miriam, I was expecting a boring old story with Shakespearean language. However, I actually found it quite funny. I enjoy the way that the story was told almost from a modern point of view. There was use of words that no doubt had never been introduced at the time of Moses. I specifically enjoyed how Miriam called Moses "Chalupa Batman". It adds a comedic side to the seder and gets people more animated.
On a side note, I added the lego picture because I kind of found it funny how Moses looked like Albus Dumbledore mixed with the dude from Lord of the Rings.
It’s not a barbarous jape, Moira Rose. It’s the Ten Plagues. Which, actually, do seem barbarous. But are certainly not a jape (a practical joke).
So. The Plagues. There’s Blood in the water, Frogs everywhere, Lice (or maybe gnats), Wild Beasts/Swarm, Pestilence, Boils, Hail, Locusts, Darkness and Death of the First Born.
I selected this clip for two reasons. Primarily of course, because it featured Moira Rose, one of my favorite characters in Schitt's Creek (I am a big fan of Schitt's Creek). There was also the fact that it was short and sweet. It got straight to the point, and perfectly told all of the ten plagues.
Infinity Stone Dayenu by Deborah Missel and Esther Kustanowitz
How lucky we have been to have been gifted memorable moments with Earth’s mightiest heroes! If the Marvel Cinematic Universe had done but one of these kindnesses, it would have been enough (and more than we deserved!) — Dayenu!
If Captain America had retrieved the Tesseract and defeated Red Skull, it would have been enough.
If Thor had saved the Nine Realms and protected the Reality Stone, it would have been enough.
If Peter Quill and the Guardians of the Galaxy had won the Power Stone in a dance-off, it would have been enough.
If Doctor Strange had mastered the Time Stone, it would have been enough.
If the Avengers had used the Mind Stone to destroy Ultron and create Vision, it would have been enough.
If the Avengers had suited up and searched all of time and space for the Infinity Stones, it would have been enough.
If the Avengers had assembled against the odds to fight Thanos, it would have been enough.
If Black Widow had sacrificed herself for the Soul Stone, it would have been enough.*
If Ant-Man had become large, then small, then a baby, then an old man, then back to regular Scott Lang, it would have been enough.
If there had been an Endgame time heist that allowed Steve Rogers a second chance at love, it would have been enough.
If Tony Stark had just said, I love you 3000, it would have been enough.
*(actually maybe this was too much, but we did get a Black Widow movie after...)
[Image source: GIPHY]
When the cover of something includes Stephen strange, and Stephen Strange is your favorite Marvel superhero, it is most likely you are going to click on the said "something". At least that's what I did. The definition of Dayenu means "would have been enough". I enjoyed the connection made to the avengers (even though some made me a bit sad). It adds a special something to the seder, especially when your whole family loves Marvel.
I chose this clip for two main reasons. Firstly, the picture basically demonstrated what we are doing in rachtzah, washing our hands. Secondly, it includes the blessing and translation of the blessing. It was very clear on what was to happen during this time (we wash our hands and say a prayer).
Hamotzi thanks God for bringing bread from the earth. This bread results from a partnership between God and humanity: God provides the raw materials and people harvest, grind, and bake. So too must we remember that combating human trafficking requires partnerships: among survivors, allies, lawyers, social workers, law enforcement, diplomats, people of faith…the circles of involvement are ever-expanding.
Baruch Atah Adonai, Eloheinu Melech ha’olam, hamotzi lechem min ha’aretz.
בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה ה' אֱלֹֹהֵינוּ מֶלֶך הָעוֹלָם הַמּוֹצִיא לֶחֶם מִן הָאָרֶץ.
Blessed are You ETERNAL our God, Master of time and space, who brings forth bread from the earth.
I honestly was kind of amazed by this clip. I found it impressive how the writer was able to connect Matzah with human trafficking, but honestly, they make a valid point. As everybody should, I am a firm advocate of combating human trafficking. Not just that, but the clip also included the prayer and a deeper insight into the idea of Motzi-Matzah. It mentions the important aspect of gratefulness towards Hashem and our partnership with god.
Harry Potter had much bitterness in his life. Deprived of his parents at a young age, his life at the Dursleys was miserable. At Hogwarts, through no fault of his own, he was the target of both students and teachers. And of course he was always in life threatening peril from the man who had killed his parents. If anyone had the right to feel embittered, it was Harry. And yet, he showed that you can experience bitterness without becoming embittered. You can take the lessons of your suffering and use them to appreciate your blessings and to spare others suffering. This is how we experience the bitter herb at Passover. We recognize the bitterness of our servitude, but as we are about to see, we use it as a prelude to sweetness and as a lesson to prevent others from suffering like we did.
Before I say anything, let me start off by saying that I am a huge, die-hard Harry Potter fan. So obviously, I had to choose this clip. I think connecting the bitterness of marror to the bitterness in Harry's life was honestly brilliant, and something I never would've thought of. I love the prospect of "you can experience bitterness without becoming embittered". It is a message that I deeply resonate with, and honestly something I have needed to hear.
With Koreich we make a ceremonial sandwich in honor of a legendary sandwich assembled during Talmudic times. At least Jewish people come by our food-centric customs honestly.
We know, Johnny. Pizza is basically the greatest sandwich combo, but that’s not what Koreich is. First of all, we use matzah, because, hello, it’s a seder. OK?
Secondly, we use maror, because we enjoy pain. Oops, I mean, we are supposed to symbolically remember our ancestors’ pain in Egypt. There’s also charoset, a sweet chutney-ish side dish made from some of the following: apples, wine, raisins, dates, nuts and various other things; the recipe kind of depends on where you’re from. But basically, people put charoset on their maror and often in the Korech sandwich, which helps with the bite. It’s not pizza, but it’s something.
This clip stood out to me in particular because I am a huge Schitts Creek fan, along with many other people in my family. The inclusion of this clip adds a playful aspect to the step of Korech. Not just that, but Johnny is one of my favorite characters. It also includes the appropriate information on the step, such as what to do and why we do it. It gives in depths explanations about the story behind the sandwich and is also an exciting addition!
Break some bread (or matzah!) and enjoy the festive meal!
Talk about the things that matter in life: family, global refugee policies / solutions, what’s happening with the Star Wars expanded universe!
When you’re wrapping up, take 5 minutes to reflect on the things in life you’re grateful for (go beyond health, family and friends), and try to summarize them all into a single sentence that you write down to share later.
For me, Shulchan Oreich is supposed to be a time when we put our Haggadot down and dive into the marvelous food (mainly Matzah ball soup). It is a break from all the information we have consumed and all the sentences we have read. This clip giving tips and advice on what to do rather than added information is a very important factor to me. This time of the seder is not just to discover how many times you can burn yourself with spilled matzah ball soup, but also to share conversation with those around you. And of course, its inclusion of Star Wars makes it 100 times better!
https://i.ytimg.com/vi/wpzLKo3diWk/hqdefault.jpg
I honestly deeply enjoyed this clip as an addition to my Haggadah. As a theatre kid, I just could not resist. I believe this was a marvelous take on "masters of the house". It takes a Judaic topic and turns it into a musical. It adds a comedic aspect to the Seder and also includes added animation for people who are resisting the urge to fall asleep.
Have a participant open the door for Elijah. Make sure that all participants have an extra wine glass that has not been used for the previous three cups of wine and will not be used for the fourth cup of wine. Pour a cup of wine into the additional wine glass. Raising the additional cup of wine and read as a group:
Gathered around the Seder table, we ultimately pour four cups, remembering the gift of freedom that our ancestors received centuries ago. We delight in our liberation from Pharaoh’s oppression.
We drink four cups for four promises fulfilled.
The first cup as God said, “I will free you from the labors of the Egyptians.”
The second as God said, “And I will deliver you from their bondage.”
The third as God said, “I will redeem you with an outstretched arm and with great judgments.”
The fourth because God said, “I will take you to be My People.”
We know, though, that all are not yet free. As we welcome Elijah the Prophet into our homes, we offer an additional cup, a cup not yet consumed.
An additional cup for the more than 68 million refugees and displaced people around the world still waiting to be free – from the refugee camps in Chad to the cities and towns of Ukraine, for the Syrian refugees still waiting to be delivered from the hands of tyrants, for the thousands of asylum seekers in the United States still waiting in detention for redemption to come, for all those who yearn to be taken in not as strangers but as fellow human beings.
This Passover, let us walk in the footsteps of the One who delivered us from bondage. When we rise from our Seder tables, may we be emboldened to take action on behalf of the world’s refugees, hastening Elijah’s arrival as we speak out on behalf of those who are not yet free.
Place this additional cup of wine down untasted.
I resonated with the statements and messages conveyed in this clip. Not only did it include information on the actual step, but also connected it to real-world situations with slavery-like conditions, which I specifically connected to. It reminds us that there are still people being put in the same position as the Jewish people were put in all that time ago in Egypt. All in all, it contained information regarding what to do in the actual step of Bareich, such as filling Elijah's cup and also brought in significant contemporary situations.
Translation:
The Word “Hallel” is the Hebrew word for praise.
What is it?:
In the Hallel step, we sing special songs of praise to god and pour and drink the final cup of wine.
What happens/what we do:
The first thing we do is pour the last cup of wine for ourselves, as well as pour the cup of wine for Eliyahu Anavi, and set it in the middle of the. Then, some kids go open the door as if to let Eliyahu in. Now, sing songs of praise, or “Hallel”, from your Haggadah, and after saying a blessing, drink the final cup of wine while reclining.
Purpose:
The purpose of this is said to be able to spiritually open the door to every Jewish person, as well as to take to opportunity to praise God.
Importance:
This is important because it gives us an opportunity to reach the highest of spiritual levels.
Additional information:
It is said that we drink four cups of wine to be able to see Eliyahu more clearly.
Sources:
https://www.chabad.org/holidays/passover/pesach_cdo/aid/117125/jewish/14-Hallel-Psalms-of-Praise.htm
Nirtzah:
Translation:
“Nirtzah” is the Hebrew word for “Closing”.
What is it:
Nirtzah is the last song of the seder.
What happens/what we do:
We sing the last song or statement in the seder, then follow it up with a wish that next year, we can celebrate in Jerusalem (that Mashiach will come next year). Followed by various hymns and stories.
Purpose:
We sing it to show our gratefulness for being free, not just from Egypt, but free in general.
Importance:
Freedom is an important part of Pesach. The whole reason that we are here is that we are free. It is important to recognize this and be grateful.
Additional information:
Most people are drunk, asleep, full or very bored by this time. Or all at the same time.
Sources:
https://www.haggadot.com/clip/nirtzah-explanation-kt-students
https://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/the-passover-seder
https://www.chabad.org/holidays/passover/pesach_cdo/aid/117126/jewish/15-Nirtzah-Accepted.htm
You have finally done it, it is finished. You look around and everyone is either drunk, asleep, gone, or all of them. You look down at the table that started off as a beautifully organized piece, that now is full of spilled grape juice, countless cups and plates scattered over, half-eaten soups, and matzah crumbs. And you think to yourself, thank god. Not just "thank god this is over I want to leave", but thank God that all of the events you had just learned about occurred. Thank God that we have freedom in our lives, thank god that every moment you have ever lived has led you to this very table.
| Echad mi yode'a Echad ani yode'a Echad Elokeinu shebashamaim uva'aretz. Shnaim mi yode'a Shnaim ani yode'a shnei luchot habrit echad elokeinu shebashamaim uva'aretz. Shlosha mi yode'a, Shlosha ani yode'a. Shlosha avot, shnei luchot habrit echad elokeinu shebashamaim uva'aretz. Arba mi yode'a arba ani yode'a arba imahot Shlosha avot, shnei luchot habrit echad elokeinu shebashamaim uva'aretz. Chamisha, mi yode'a Chamisha, ani yode'a Chamisha chumshei torah arba imahot Shlosha avot, shnei luchot habrit echad elokeinu shebashamaim uva'aretz. Shisha, mi yode'a? Shisha, ani yode'a Shisha, sidre mishna Chamisha chumshei torah arba imahot Shlosha avot, shnei luchot habrit echad elokeinu shebashamaim uva'aretz. Shiv'ah mi yode'a shiv'ah ani yode'a. shiv'ah yemei shabatah Shisha, sidre mishna Chamisha chumshei torah arba imahot Shlosha avot, shnei luchot habrit echad elokeinu shebashamaim uva'aretz. Shmonah mi yode'a shmonah ani yode'a shmonah yemei milah shiv'ah yemei shabatah Shisha, sidre mishna Chamisha chumshei torah arba imahot Shlosha avot, shnei luchot habrit echad elokeinu shebashamaim uva'aretz. Tish'ah mi yode'a tish'ah ani yode'a. tish'ah chodshei leidah shmonah yemei milah shiv'ah yemei shabatah Shisha, sidre mishna Chamisha chumshei torah arba imahot Shlosha avot, shnei luchot habrit echad elokeinu shebashamaim uva'aretz. Asara mi yode'a asara ani yode'a asara dibraya tish'ah chodshei leidah shmonah yemei milah shiv'ah yemei shabatah Shisha, sidre mishna Chamisha chumshei torah arba imahot Shlosha avot, shnei luchot habrit echad elokeinu shebashamaim uva'aretz. Achad asar mi yode'a achad asar ani yode'a achad asar kochvaya asara dibraya tish'ah chodshei leidah shmonah yemei milah shiv'ah yemei shabatah Shisha, sidre mishna Chamisha chumshei torah arba imahot Shlosha avot, shnei luchot habrit echad elokeinu shebashamaim uva'aretz. Shneim-asar mi yode'a shneim-asar ani yode'a shneim-asar shivtaya achad asar kochvaya asara dibraya tish'ah chodshei leidah shmonah yemei milah shiv'ah yemei shabatah Shisha, sidre mishna Chamisha chumshei torah arba imahot Shlosha avot, shnei luchot habrit echad elokeinu shebashamaim uva'aretz. Shlosha-asar mi yode'a Shlosha-asar ani yode'a Shlosha-asar midaya shneim-asar shivtaya achad asar kochvaya asara dibraya tish'ah chodshei leidah shmonah yemei milah shiv'ah yemei shabatah Shisha, sidre mishna Chamisha chumshei torah arba imahot Shlosha avot, shnei luchot habrit echad elokeinu shebashamaim uva'aretz. |
1 - who knows 1 1 - I know 1 1 is Our God who is in the heavens and on earth. 2 who knows 2 2 I know 2 2 are the tablets of the commandments 1 is Our God who is in the heavens and on earth. 3 who knows 3 3 I know 3 3 are our forefathers 2 are the tablets of the commandments 1 is Our God who is in the heavens and on earth. 4 who knows 4 4 I know 4 4 are our matriarchs, 3 are our forefathers 2 are the tablets of the commandments 1 is Our God who is in the heavens and on earth. 5 who knows 5 5 I know 5 5 are the books of the torah, 4 are our matriarchs, 3 are our forefathers 2 are the tablets of the commandments 1 is Our God who is in the heavens and on earth. 6 who knows 6 6 I know 6 6 are the orders of the mishnah 5 are the books of the torah, 4 are our matriarchs, 3 are our forefathers 2 are the tablets of the commandments 1 is Our God who is in the heavens and on earth. 7 who knows 7 7 I know 7 7 are the days in a week till Shabbat 6 are the orders of the mishnah 5 are the books of the torah, 4 are our matriarchs, 3 are our forefathers 2 are the tablets of the commandments 1 is Our God who is in the heavens and on earth. 8 who knows 8 8 I know 8 8 are the days to the brit milah 7 are the days in a week till Shabbat 6 are the orders of the mishnah 5 are the books of the torah, 4 are our matriarchs, 3 are our forefathers 2 are the tablets of the commandments 1 is Our God who is in the heavens and on earth. 9 who knows 9 9 I know 9 9 are the months before birth, 8 are the days to the brit milah 7 are the days in a week till Shabbat 6 are the orders of the mishnah 5 are the books of the torah, 4 are our matriarchs, 3 are our forefathers 2 are the tablets of the commandments 1 is Our God who is in the heavens and on earth. 10 who knows 10 10 I know 10 10 are the commandments 9 are the months before birth, 8 are the days to the brit milah 7 are the days in a week till Shabbat 6 are the orders of the mishnah 5 are the books of the torah, 4 are our matriarchs, 3 are our forefathers 2 are the tablets of the commandments 1 is Our God who is in the heavens and on earth. 11 who knows 11 11 I know 11 11 are the stars in Joseph's dream 10 are the commandments 9 are the months before birth, 8 are the days to the brit milah 7 are the days in a week till Shabbat 6 are the orders of the mishnah 5 are the books of the torah, 4 are our matriarchs, 3 are our forefathers 2 are the tablets of the commandments 1 is Our God who is in the heavens and on earth. 12 who knows 12 12 I know 12 12 are the Tribes of Israel 11 are the stars in Joseph's dream 10 are the commandments 9 are the months before birth, 8 are the days to the brit milah 7 are the days in a week till Shabbat 6 are the orders of the mishnah 5 are the books of the torah, 4 are our matriarchs, 3 are our forefathers 2 are the tablets of the commandments 1 is Our God who is in the heavens and on earth. 13 who knows 13 13 I know 13 13 are the attributes of God 12 are the Tribes of Israel 11 are the stars in Joseph's dream 10 are the commandments 9 are the months before birth, 8 are the days to the brit milah 7 are the days in a week till Shabbat 6 are the orders of the mishnah 5 are the books of the torah, 4 are our matriarchs, 3 are our forefathers 2 are the tablets of the commandments 1 is Our God who is in the heavens and on earth. |
I included the song "Echad mi yodea" because it is a catchy and captivating song. It includes multiple Jewish aspects and important bits of information. On a more personal note, five years ago, I went to Panama to celebrate Passover with my cousins for the first time in nearly a decade. It was a very memorable experience for me, and a fun fact is that my cousin and I actually made a handshake to go along with this song. So for a while, every time I heard this song, I thought about the best Passover of my life, and it brought a smile to my face. Thankfully, I am going to be spending this Passover with them in Panama for the first time in five years. Who knows, maybe we will rehash the past and break out our old handshake to this song.
