We are here to remember the old story of the liberation of the ancient Hebrews from slavery in Egypt - a great struggle for freedom and dignity.
We are here because the struggle for human freedom never stops.
We are here to remember all people who are still struggling for their freedom.
As we feel how wonderful and important it is for diverse peoples to come together, let us recite and then sing the words of HINNEH MAH TOV.
HINNEH, MAH TOV - BEHOLD, HOW GOOD! (Adaptation* of T'hillim / Psalms 133.1)
Everyone:
Hinneh, mah tov u-mah naim
shevet ahim gam yahad!
Behold, how good and how pleasant it is
when people dwell together in unity!
We say the shehechianu when we do something for the first time, or for the first time in a while. Tonight is the first time this particular group has gathered together in community to celebrate Pesakh. We are so glad we could all be together!
Barukh ata adonai, elohaynu melekh ha'olam shehekheyanu v'kiy'manu v'higiyanu lazman hazeh.
Blessed are you, our source, light of the universe, who has given us life, sustained us, and enabled us to reach this season.
Light the candles
Barukh ata adonai, elohaynu melekh ha'olam, asher kidshanu b'mitzvotav v'sivanu l'hadlik ner shel yom tov.
Blessed are you, Adonai our God, who has made of one earth, one flesh, all the peoples of the world who did exalt Humankind by breathing the life of the mind and the love of freedom into us; who did sanctify us so that we might know and say what was holy and profane, what was freedom and what slavery.
On this night we have gathered to celebrate the holiday Pesakh, the holiday commemorating the liberation of our people. We extend heartiest greetings to you all. Gut yom tov to all—gut yom tov!
