Some Thoughts on Kadesh

Haggadah Section: Kadesh
  • Literal Meaning:    This is the “sanctification” of our Seder. Hebrew words always have a 3-letter root which gives a clue to their meaning. In this case the 3 letters are Kuf (K) Dalet (D) and Shin (SH), which we also find in the following words:
    • Kiddush            (sanctification of Shabbat or a holiday by blessing and drinking wine)
    • Kodesh (or Kadosh)    Holy
    • Kaddish            Sanctification of God in remembering those who have died
  • Reasoning:        By sanctifying this holiday at the outset we are delineating the parameters which separate the mundane from the sacred, and also making sacred the mundane. Observant Jews have always made sacred the mundane, for example by blessing before a meal, or by thanking God upon waking up. Interestingly enough, when looking for sources for this sanctification, the only reason given in the Torah is “you shall be holy because I (i.e. God) am holy”
  • Relation to Passover:    The reason for sanctifying this specific holiday, as we’ll do very soon, is that we are remembering our slavery and freedom, followed by the giving of the Torah. Can you think of a better reason to sanctify?
  • Our hosts:        The Weiner family is a living example of sanctification, as their practice to thank God when the family gets together, and to bless as a group when coming or going fills me with pride. I can think of no better way to express our love for God and Judaism
Source:  
Michael Abadi

Inspired to create
your own Haggadah?

Make your own Haggadah and share with other Seder lovers around the world

Have an idea
for a clip?

People like you bring their creativity to Haggadot.com when they share their ideas in a clip

Support Us
with your donation

Help us build moments of meaning and connection through
home-based Jewish rituals.

OUR TOP CONTRIBUTORS

contributor image
Esther Kustanowitz
4 Haggadahs41 Clips
contributor image
JQ International
1 Haggadah40 Clips
contributor image
MAZON: A Jewish Response to Hunger
5 Haggadahs109 Clips
contributor image
18Doors
1 Haggadah13 Clips
contributor image
JewishBoston
1 Haggadah78 Clips
contributor image
Truah: The Rabbinic Call for Human Rights
1 Haggadah36 Clips
contributor image
American Jewish World Service
1 Haggadah44 Clips
contributor image
JewBelong
3 Haggadahs57 Clips
contributor image
Repair the World
12 Clips
contributor image
HIAS
5 Haggadahs48 Clips
contributor image
Be'chol Lashon
2 Haggadahs27 Clips
contributor image
PJ Library
1 Haggadah17 Clips
contributor image
Jewish World Watch
3 Haggadahs42 Clips
contributor image
Secular Synagogue
10 Clips
contributor image
SVIVAH
1 Haggadah9 Clips
contributor image
The Blue Dove Foundation
12 Clips
contributor image
ReformJudaism.org
24 Clips
contributor image
Jewish Emergent Network
1 Haggadah22 Clips

Passover Guide

Hosting your first Passover Seder? Not sure what food to serve? Curious to
know more about the holiday? Explore our Passover 101 Guide for answers
to all of your questions.

Haggadot

Haggadot.com by Recustom, is a free resource for all backgrounds and experiences. Consider making a donation to help support the continuation of this free platform.

Copyright © 2024 Custom and Craft Jewish Rituals Inc, dba Recustom, dba Haggadot.com.
All Rights Reserved. 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization. EIN: 82-4765805.