THE ANONYMOUS HAGGADAH - Kadesh
We begin Kiddush by filling a 5 oz. cup with grape juice. It is important that the cup be
filled to the extent that the surface tension of the liquid forms a crown over the top of the
cup. The force which keeps the liquid together in this way, the surface tension, is an
effect of Natural Physical laws which are not our concern here. Nevertheless, without this
effect there would be no Life on the planet Earth, since water (whose molecular weight is
only 17 Daltons) would be a gas not a liquid. We hold in the palm of our hand a cup of
this magical liquid, whose properties we take so for granted, yet which are fantastically
providential. Looking at the light reflected off the edges of this crown, it is a good
moment to reflect on all the forces at work in our lives which have brought us to this
point. We celebrate the four elementary components of the grape: sunlight, wind, rain and
earth. We even celebrate the four forces that go to make up the atoms themselves.
Finally we acknowledge Hashem's hand in the creation of what we are about to drink.
The grape juice we hold is a pure example of Hashem's energy transubstantiated. E =
mc2 means that if you have enough energy you can make matter. Hashem has that energy
and we are the matter He has fashioned. This is the meaning of the first Blessing.
"Who creates the fruit of the vine."
The second part of Kiddush refers us to our chosen-ness. Those of us who are in
Recovery understand the mystery of being chosen. Why are we in Recovery?
What makes us special that we have been granted the grace of this gift?
This blueprint for action this program of life. The Torah, the Steps, the whole
concept of our Recovery? The answer, of course, is always a mystery. Hashem simply
said "Enough! You've suffered enough!" We are no better or worse, simply lucky. We
express our astonishment at the love and joy this festival represents and how different we
feel as a consequence.
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
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.