TELLING THE STORY OF PASSOVER: Magid

Pour the second glass of wine for everyone.

Reader 1: The Haggadah doesn’t tell the story of Passover in a linear fashion. We don’t hear of Moses being found by the daughter of Pharaoh – actually, we don’t hear much of Moses at all. Instead, we get an impressionistic collection of songs, images, and stories of both the Exodus from Egypt and from Passover celebrations through the centuries. Some say that minimizing the role of Moses keeps us focused on the miracles God performed for us. Others insist that we keep the focus on the role that every member of the community has in bringing about positive change.

Reader 2: Passover is the celebration of Life. The story of the Jewish people is truly a triumph of life. Against the odds of history, the Jewish people have done more than survive – the Jewish people [we] have adapted creatively to each new time, each new place, from the birth of their [our] ancient nation to the present day. Even though death has pursued them [us] relentlessly, time and time again, they [we] have chosen to live.

Reader 3: During the many centuries of the Jewish experience, memories of destruction are tempered by the knowledge that the world can also be good. Jews [We] have endured slavery and humiliation. Jews [We] have also enjoyed freedom and power. Darkness has been balanced by light.