Revised Edition © 2002,2003,2019,2020 by D.D. Sharma (a.k.a. Lorne Gould) and Penny Winestock
Blessed art Thou, Divine Source, whose essence is embodied in the inner nature of all creation.
We welcome into this house and at this table all those who wish to share in our celebration of the sacredness of life and who wish to participate in this commemoration of freedom and liberation from suffering.
This ritual symbolizes the biblical story of the emancipation of the Jewish people from their slavery in Egypt, using the allegory of these six foods: (by way of introducing the seder plate)
EGG: The symbol of spring and of the potential for new life.
AVOCADO PIT: A seed that represents the mystery of life, in the way it contains the blueprint for the entire tree and its fruit. In the same way, each of our cells contains the DNA that is the blueprint for our entire body and that of all of our offspring.
GREEN VEGETABLE: A reminder of the sacredness of life and the holiness of the food that we eat, which becomes part of our bodies and sustains our life and our spirit.
HORSERADISH: The bitter taste that reminds us that in life we sometimes experience the bitterness of suffering.
HAROSETH: The sweet taste that reminds us that despite the bitterness of suffering, life is worthwhile, worthy and full of joy.
ORANGE: Representing the fullness of life, including previously marginalized people: Woman, gay, lesbian, trans, poly, black and brown.
And as to the elephant wearing the kippah in the room this year, the symbolism of Passover has a special relevance. The word Passover refers to the Angel of Death passing over the homes of the Israelites, protecting their first-born children from death. It reminds us of our own personal prayers that the Corona Virus pass over our own homes, leaving all of our family and friends untouched. Also, when we remember the plague of locusts that descended on Egypt, let us remember with compassion that swarms of locusts are invading countries right now all over North-Eastern Africa. Because of this, we may be called to action to help avert starvation in that region, and suffering in many other places like Syria, Yemen, and Afghanistan.
Instead of telling the biblical story of the Hebrew slaves in Egypt, the 10 plagues that befell the Egyptians (water turning to blood, frogs, lice, flies, livestock pestilence, boils, hail, locusts, darkness and the killing of firstborn children), and the Exodus, which we have personally heard 68 or 69 times before, let’s move on to drinking some wine!
The Kiddush – Blessing of the first cup of wine Blessed art Thou, Divine Source, Creator of the fruit of the vine. The grapes from which this wine was made grow and ripen every autumn on the same vine, and are then harvested, leaving the vine bare and empty. But the following spring, a new crop of grapes springs forth from the empty vine, to grow and ripen again in a never-ending cycle.
Eating a Green Vegetable Blessed art Thou, Divine Source, Creator of the fruit of the earth. Just as the plants, grains and fruits that grow on planet Earth are freely available to people and animals for their nourishment, we dedicate our actions to bringing benefit and sustenance to all other living beings that share this planet with us. The eating of green vegetables symbolizes longevity and vitality in our lives.
The Symbolism of the Matzah - The Passover Story Matzah is the bread that was baked in haste when the tribes of Israel were preparing to leave their lives of slavery in Egypt to journey to the Promised Land, to live in freedom. Because they urgently had to flee from Egypt, where they had lived in bondage for 400 years, as strangers in a strange land, there was no time to wait for the bread to rise. Matzah is a reminder to us to appreciate the gift of freedom, to have compassion for those who are still denied this gift, and to remember to appreciate the time for quiet meditation that we can now enjoy, without haste, as free men and women.
Let all those who are hungry or needy come and share in our abundance, and celebrate with us. Now we are here, dwelling in this physical body, bound by the limitations of human existence; but one day we will experience liberation from this world.
Why is this night different from all other nights? - The Four Answers
1. On this night, we eat only unleavened bread. This serves as a symbol and a reminder of the haste with which our ancestors fled from slavery. Let’s appreciate the time we do have in life to step back from busyness, to enjoy life’s abundant and natural beauty, and to spend time with our families and loved ones.
2. On this night, we eat bitter herbs. Let’s remember that the suffering, not only of slavery, but also of war, hunger, and harm from natural disasters, still exists in our world, so we must do what we can to heal it.
3. On this night, we dip food in salt water. The salty taste reminds us of our tears because of the hatred and suffering that still exists on this planet. To overcome hatred, we must turn up the volume on forgiveness, compassion, and love
4. On this night, we relax as we eat this symbolic meal together. Tonight, we do not have to rush to complete our meal. We have the luxury of taking our time to enjoy this celebration together, at our leisure. We have the freedom to rest and to enjoy..
Drink the second cup of wine At this time, before we drink our second cup of wine, let us meditate and direct our thoughts to mercy, compassion and loving-kindness for anyone who might be suffering, including ourselves.
The Motzi – Blessing of the bread
Blessed art Thou, Divine Source, who brings forth bread from the earth. The soil and minerals that the planet Earth is made of are the raw materials of life. But we are more than the atoms and molecules that make up our bodies. We are alive, and that life energy that animates us is the Divine magical force that we all share. Just as the wheat that bread is made from is alive and growing, so we too are more than just dust – we are the spiritual equivalent of the bread that Divine power brings forth from the inanimate earth. What we are is God’s gift to us. What we become is our gift to God.
(The Passover meal is served)
Drink the third cup of wine and honor Elijah and Miriam
We now fill two extra cups, one for the prophet Elijah, and one for Miriam, sister of Moses. The first cup symbolizes our gratitude and honor for the patriarchs and spiritual teachers whose wisdom has contributed to our lives. The second cup symbolizes the miracle of Miriam's well, which sustained the Israelites during their long journey in the desert, and is one tribute to the matriarchs and women in our lives who have nurtured us and given us life.
In Praise of Divine Love and light
Blessed art thou, the eternal source of divine love and light, who sustains the whole universe with goodness, grace, loving kindness and mercy.
Aum Namah Shivaya - Sh’ma Yisrael, Adonai Elohaynoh Adonai Echod. In the name of the Divine (Shiva) - Hear O Israel, The Lord Our God, The Lord is One.
GO TELL IT ON THE MOUNTAIN
(Traditional spiritual adapted by John Wesley Work)
Chorus:
Go tell it on the mountain, over the hill and everywhere Go tell it on the mountain, to let my people go
Who's that yonder dressed in red, let my people go Must be the children that Moses led, let my people go
(Chorus)
Who's that yonder dressed in white, let my people go Must be the children of the Israelites, let my people go
(Chorus)