The Seder

       This book is a Hagadah. which means “telling.”  By reading the Hagadah tonight we are telling the story of Passover, which refers to the tenth plague that befell on Egypt but passed over Israelite homes.  Tonight we will be having a seder, which means, “order”.  Through this traditionally ordered ritual, we will retell the story of the Israelites’ journey out of Egypt, eat special foods that symbolize Pesach's many messages, and teach each other the traditions of Pesach, first celebrated more than 3,000 years ago.

       Telling the story of Passover is one of the most important mitzvot in Jewish life.  As the Torah tells us, “You shall tell the Pesach story to your children in the days to come.” (Exodus 13:8)

        Tonight’s Seder is not just the retelling of an ancient and compelling story.  Rather, we are asked to actually experience the bitterness of oppression and the sweetness of freedom so we may better understand the hope and courage of all men and women, of all generations, in their quest for liberty, security, and human rights.

       An ancient rabbinic text instructs us, “Each person in every generation must regard himself or herself as having been personally freed from Egypt.” (Mishnah Pesachim) for the seder to be successful.

       We have before us: friends, a beautifully prepared table, a great feast, and a traditionally arranged Seder plate.  Let us recline, enjoy, learn, and relive the dramatic and miraculous Pesach.