KADESH - The blessing over wine
All Jewish celebrations, from holidays to weddings, include wine as a symbol of our joy – not to mention a practical way to increase that joy. The seder starts with wine and then gives us three more opportunities to refill our cup and drink. This is a symbol of transcendence and sancification.
Reader: Traditionally, the four cups represent God’s four promises to the Israelites. God’s first promise, “I will bring you out from under the burdens of Egypt” (Exodus 6:6), reminds us of the Jewish commitment to social justice and social welfare.
Blessing: Baruch Atah Adonai, Eloheinu Melech ha-olam, borei p’ree hagafen.
GROUP: We praise God, Ruler of Everything, who creates the fruit of the vine.
Reader: We praise God, Ruler of Everything, who gave us a heritage that endures through the ages, ever changing and ever meaningful. We thank You for the opportunities for holiness, the obligations of Your commandments, and the happiness of joyful holidays. Together we celebrate the Holiday of Matzah, the time of liberation, by reading our sacred stories, remembering the Exodus from Egypt, and raising our voices in song.
Blessing: Baruch Atah Adonai, Eloheinu Melech ha-olam, she-hechiyanu v’key’manu v’higiyanu lazman hazeh.
GROUP: We praise God, Ruler of Everything, who has kept us alive, raised us up, and brought us to this happy moment.
