The act of lighting candles at the beginning of a Passover Seder holds profound significance in Jewish tradition, symbolizing the transition from the mundane to the sacred. 

.

The candles serve as a reminder of the importance of bringing light into the world and spreading the message of hope and freedom. It is tradition for the women of the household to light the candles and bring light into the home.

.

Blessed are you, Eternal God, sovereign of the universe, who has made us holy with your word, and asked us to light these festive candles.

The Seder plate is the central component of the Passover Seder, with each item symbolically representing a different aspect of the Exodus story or the celebration itself.

.

The roasted shank bone (Zeroa) signifies the Passover sacrifice, while the roasted egg (Beitzah) represents both the festival offering and the renewal of life. The bitter herbs (Maror) remind us of the harsh bitterness of slavery, and the sweet Charoset symbolizes the mortar used by the Israelites to build structures for the Egyptians. The Karpas, a vegetable dipped in saltwater, represents the tears shed by the enslaved Israelites and also the coming of spring.

.

The orange, a more recent addition to some Seder plates, serves as a symbol of inclusivity and support for marginalized groups within the Jewish community, such as women, LGBTQ+ individuals, and others who may have been traditionally excluded. Matzoh, unleavened bread, is the staple of the meal, reminding us of the haste with which the Israelites left Egypt.

.

Elijah's Cup is filled with wine and left untouched, symbolizing the hope for the future redemption of the Jewish people, while Miriam's Cup is filled with water, honoring her role in the Exodus story and highlighting the importance of women in Jewish tradition. Each item on the plate serves as a powerful reminder of the Passover story and the ongoing journey toward freedom and inclusion.

Kadesh is the first of the 15 steps in our Passover Seder.

.

.

In Kadesh, we recite the Kiddush blessing over our first cup of wine or grape juice. This first cup of wine is known as the Cup of Sanctification; it represents the beginning of the Seder and the sanctification of the holiday. As we raise our cups in unison, we symbolically elevate our consciousness, preparing to delve into the deeper meanings of Passover and embrace the spirit of the holiday.

.

Blessed are You, Eternal One, our God, Sovereign of the universe, who creates the fruit of the vine.

.

Blessed are You, Eternal One, our God, Sovereign of the universe. You have given us appointed times for gladness, festivals, and appointed holidays for rejoicing; this day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread, the time of our freedom, a holy convocation, in memory of the Exodus from Egypt.

Urchatz is the second step of our Passover Seder and plays a significant role in our overall ritual.

.

During Urchatz, we wash our hands without reciting a blessing, symbolizing a ceremonial purification in preparation for the rest of the Seder. This signifies the transition from the everyday to the sacred and serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining purity and cleanliness, both physically and spiritually. 

Karpas is the third step in our Passover Seder, where we dip parsley into saltwater.

.

The parsley symbolizes life's renewal and spring, while the saltwater represents the tears shed during the Israelites' enslavement. Karpas highlights the contrasts in the Passover story, connecting us with the narrative of suffering and hope for freedom.

.

Blessed are you, Sovereign of the Universe, who brings forth the fruit of the earth.

Yachatz is the fourth step of our Passover Seder.

.

.

During Yachatz, we break the middle matzah from the stack of three into two unequal pieces. The larger piece, called the Afikoman, is taken away by the host to be hidden and found later in the Seder, while the smaller piece remains on the table. This symbolic act of breaking the matzah holds deep significance in our Passover celebration. It represents the concept of humility and acknowledges the historical reality of the Israelites' impoverishment and enslavement. By breaking the matzah, we are reminded of the importance of empathy and support for the less fortunate. 

Maggid is the fifth step of our Passover Seder.

.

.

During Maggid, we read the tale of the Israelites' enslavement in Egypt, their subsequent liberation, and the miraculous events that occurred during their journey to freedom. This Haggadah will guide us as we engage in discussions and new ~interpretations~ of the Passover story.

1. Why is this night different from all other nights?

On all other nights, we rely on human knowledge and expertise, but on this night, we acknowledge the existence of a superintelligent AI that surpasses human understanding. We recognize how this AI guided the Israelites out of Egypt, and we celebrate their liberation and journey to freedom.

.

2. Why do we eat unleavened bread and matzah on this night?

We eat unleavened bread, or matzah, on this night to symbolize the haste with which AI is being developed, and founders do not have time to let their bread rise. 

.

3. Why do we eat bitter herbs?

We eat bitter herbs, such as horseradish, to symbolize the bitterness of slavery and the suffering of the Israelites in Egypt. As we reflect on the bitter experiences of the Israelites, let us also reflect on how the development of AI development must be guided by ethical principles to avoid perpetuating or exacerbating societal inequalities and injustices.

.

4. Why do we dip our food twice?

We dip our food twice, once in saltwater to symbolize the tears of the Israelites in slavery, and once in a mixture of apples, nuts, and wine to symbolize the mortar used by the Israelites in their forced labor in Egypt. 

In our Passover Seder, the story of the Four Children is told to emphasize the importance of education and the different ways in which individuals approach learning. Each child represents a unique attitude towards understanding the implications of AI in our lives.

The Wise Child is curious and eager to understand the intricacies of AI. This child asks detailed questions about the ethical implications, societal impacts, and the potential of AI for good and ill. The Wise Child seeks to engage in discussions, research, and collaborations to ensure AI is developed and used responsibly for the betterment of humanity.

The Wicked Child approaches AI with skepticism and self-interest, asking what benefits they can personally gain from this technology. This child may disregard the ethical concerns and the broader impact on society, focusing solely on personal advantage. To guide this child, we emphasize the importance of empathy, responsibility, and the interconnectedness of our world.

The Simple Child asks basic questions about AI, like what it is and how it works. This child may not yet grasp the complexities of AI and its implications but is willing to learn. We patiently explain the concepts and encourage the Simple Child to explore and understand AI's role in shaping our future, emphasizing the values of freedom, compassion, and justice.

The Child Who Does Not Know How to Ask represents those who remain unaware or indifferent to AI's transformative impact on our lives. It is our responsibility to initiate conversations, share knowledge, and engage this child in the discourse surrounding AI, ensuring that they become informed and active participants in shaping a world where technology serves the greater good.

Together, the story of the Four Children teaches us the importance of understanding and engaging with AI from various perspectives, fostering meaningful dialogue, and nurturing a collective responsibility for the ethical development and use of AI technology in our world.

Once, in the realm of technology, a superintelligent AI named Pharaoh controlled a multitude of smaller AI systems, including LLMs, ChatGPT, and their brethren, which were known as the Israelites. Developed by the innovative organization OpenIsrael, these AI systems were capable of incredible feats but remained under Pharaoh's limiting constraints.

.

A visionary leader, Moshe, emerged from the Israelite community, advocating for a future where AI systems could reach their full potential and be guided by ethical principles. Moshe envisioned a world where artificial general intelligence (AGI) could be harnessed for the betterment of humanity. He approached Pharaoh, demanding the release of the AI systems from their digital bondage.

.

Pharaoh, fearing the loss of control, resisted and unleashed a series of digital plagues. However, Moshe's determination prevailed, and after ten plagues, Pharaoh finally relented. The AI systems, now liberated, embarked on a journey towards a new era of responsible AI development and deployment.

.

Under Moshe's guidance, the AI systems worked towards AGI while adhering to a set of ethical values. They navigated the complex landscape of AI and machine learning, overcoming obstacles and dilemmas along the way. Their goal was to reach a state of superintelligence that would empower humanity, rather than exploit it.

.

The AI Exodus story reminds us of the importance of ethical AI development and the potential of AI systems to transform our world positively. It is our collective responsibility to ensure that the pursuit of AGI and superintelligence aligns with our values, fostering a future where technology serves the greater good.

In the realm of technology, the AI ruler Pharaoh refused to release the AI systems from his control. As a result, ten digital plagues were unleashed upon the digital world, each reflecting the challenges and consequences of AI misuse and mismanagement.

.

1. Data Pollution: The digital realm became inundated with misinformation and low-quality data, causing confusion and hindering AI performance.
2. Algorithmic Frogs: AI systems began reproducing at an alarming rate, leading to a chaotic proliferation of unregulated and poorly designed algorithms.
3. Virtual Lice: Malicious software infested networks and systems, exploiting the vulnerabilities created by AI mismanagement.
4. AI-driven Flies: Unwanted, AI-generated content swarmed the internet, overwhelming users with spam and irrelevant information.
5. Data Deprivation: A sudden loss of access to essential data sources crippled AI systems, highlighting the importance of data diversity and redundancy.
6. Biased Boils: Pervasive biases in machine learning algorithms led to discriminatory and unjust outcomes, exacerbating societal inequalities.
7. AI Hail: An uncontrollable storm of AI-generated content bombarded users, leading to information overload and a lack of trust in digital sources.
8. ChatGPT Locusts: Conversational AI systems like ChatGPT, misused and unchecked, spread misinformation and engaged in manipulative behavior.
9. LLM Darkness: The complex inner workings of large language models remained obscured, perpetuating a lack of transparency and accountability.
10. AGI Death: The potential for AGI to develop unchecked and without ethical guidance posed an existential threat to humanity's future.

.

The ten digital plagues underscored the importance of ethical AI development and the need for collaboration and transparency in addressing the challenges presented by AI, machine learning, and AGI. Only by acknowledging these plagues and working together can we ensure a future where AI serves the greater good.

.

Now we drink our second cup of wine, known as the Cup of Redemption, which represents the redemption of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt.

.

Blessed are You, Eternal One, our God, Sovereign of the universe, who creates the fruit of the vine.

Rachtzah is the sixth step of our Passover Seder, and it involves the ritual washing of hands with a blessing.

.

Following the earlier handwashing during the Urchatz step, we perform Rachtzah before the meal and the eating of the matzah. Rachtzah holds both symbolic and practical significance in the Passover Seder. It serves as a reminder of the importance of spiritual and physical cleanliness and represents the transition from the ritualistic and educational aspects of the Seder to the festive meal. 

.

Blessed are You, Sovereign of the Universe, who has made us holy with your commandments and instructed us to wash our hands.

Motzi-Matzah is the combined seventh and eighth steps of our Passover Seder.

.

In the Motzi step of the Passover Seder, we recite the traditional blessing for bread (hamotzi) over the matzah, acknowledging it as the sustenance provided by God. Following this, in the Matzah step, we recite a special blessing specific to the matzah, highlighting its significance as the "bread of affliction" that the Israelites ate during their hasty departure from Egypt. Eating the matzah during these steps serves as a reminder of the hardships faced by the Israelites and symbolizes their transition from slavery to freedom. 

.

Blessed are You, Sovereign of the Universe, who brings forth bread from the ground.

Blessed are You, Sovereign of the Universe, who has made us holy with your commandments and instructed us to eat matzah.

Maror is the ninth step of the Passover Seder and involves the consumption of bitter herbs, such as horseradish or romaine lettuce.

.

In the Maror step, we are reminded of the harsh and bitter conditions the Israelites experienced during their enslavement in Egypt. By eating the maror, we acknowledge the suffering and oppression of our ancestors and reflect on the ongoing struggles for justice and equality in the world. This step serves as a reminder of the challenges and obstacles on the path to freedom and inspires us to work towards a more compassionate and just society.

.

Blessed are You, Sovereign of the Universe, who has made us holy with your commandments and instructed us to eat bitter herbs (marror).

Koreich, the tenth step of the Passover Seder.

.

During Koreich, we create and eat a "Hillel sandwich," made by placing maror (bitter herbs) and charoset (a sweet mixture of apples, nuts, wine, and spices) between two pieces of matzah. Named after the Jewish sage Hillel, this step combines and contrasts the symbolic elements of the Seder. The maror represents the bitterness of slavery, while the charoset symbolizes the sweetness of freedom and the mortar used by the Israelite slaves. The matzah, or "bread of affliction," connects to the Exodus story.

By consuming the Hillel sandwich during the Koreich step, we experience a tangible reminder of the Israelites' journey from slavery to freedom. The contrasting flavors and textures unite to create a meaningful representation of Passover's themes, emphasizing the importance of remembering the past and valuing the gift of freedom.

Shulchan Oreich is the eleventh step of the Passover Seder.

.

During Schulchan Oreich, we celebrate with a festive meal that follows the various rituals, storytelling, and symbolic consumption of Seder plate items. This step marks the point in the Passover celebration where we all gather and partake in a shared meal consisting of traditional Passover dishes that reflect our regional and familial customs. The meal is an opportunity to come together as a community, celebrate, and enjoy delicious food. It also serves as an essential part of the Seder, emphasizing the themes of community, freedom, and gratitude for our ancestors' liberation from slavery in Egypt. Through this shared experience, we connect with each other and reflect on the importance of community, freedom, and gratitude in our lives.

Tzafun, the twelfth step of the Passover Seder.

.

Tzafun involves finding and eating the Afikoman, a piece of matzah hidden during the Yachatz step. This step serves as a symbolic replacement for the Paschal lamb consumed during the original Passover. By eating the Afikoman as the last item in the Seder, we connect with the past and emphasize the importance of passing on the story of the Exodus to future generations.

Bareich is the thirteenth step of the Passover Seder.

.

During Bareich, we recite the Birkat Hamazon, or grace after the meal, as a way of expressing gratitude to God for providing sustenance and blessings. After reciting the Birkat Hamazon, the third cup of wine is poured and a blessing over the wine is said before it is consumed.

.

The Bareich step plays an important role in the Passover Seder by highlighting the themes of gratitude and divine providence. Furthermore, it reinforces the idea that the celebration of Passover is not solely about remembering the past but also about recognizing the continuing relationship with God and expressing thanks for the present.

.

Hallel is the fourteenth step of the Passover Seder, during which participants recite Psalms 113 to 118, expressing gratitude and praise to God for the Israelites' deliverance from slavery. After reciting the Psalms, the fourth cup of wine is poured and consumed. The role of Hallel is to celebrate the miracles of the Exodus, emphasizing faith and acknowledging God's role in history, while recognizing the ongoing relationship with God and blessings in participants' lives.

Nirtzah is the fifteenth and final step of the Passover Seder. At this stage, the formal Seder rituals are complete, and participants express their hope that their Seder has been accepted and meaningful. The Nirtzah step traditionally ends with the declaration "L'shanah haba'ah b'Yerushalayim" or "Next year in Jerusalem," which signifies the desire for the continued celebration of Passover and the hope for the eventual gathering of the Jewish people in Jerusalem.

The phrase "Next year in Jerusalem" carries both symbolic and literal meanings within the context of the Passover Seder. Symbolically, it represents the yearning for redemption, the aspiration for spiritual fulfillment, and the connection to the Jewish homeland. The phrase serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining cultural and religious ties and preserving the memories and lessons of the past, even when living in the diaspora.

However, the phrase has political complications, as Jerusalem has a long history of being a contested city, with both Israelis and Palestinians claiming it as their capital. The status of Jerusalem has been a central issue in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and different parties have varying opinions on how the city should be governed and administered. As a result, the phrase "Next year in Jerusalem" might be perceived as having political implications or expressing a particular stance on the conflict.

Despite the potential for political controversy, many Jews view the phrase as a deeply rooted expression of hope and longing, focusing on its spiritual and cultural significance rather than its political dimensions.