Karpas
The dipping and eating of Karpas is the first part of the seder that makes this night different from all other nights. So far, the first glass of wine and the hand washing, though significant, do not serve to mark any sort of difference. The karpas, however, is celebrated only at Passover.
Passover is the spring festival. Spring breeds hope. Seeds that have been frozen in the earth haven't died, and in the spring they re-awaken. Even when all is cold and dark, the indomitable force of spring and life works beneath the surface. The first growth of spring, the first green stem to rise up, gives us hope during the lingering harsh weather of late winter.
We begin the Seder by eating the karpas , a fresh green sprig. With it, we ingest the resolute force of new life. Its color, smell, and taste, remind us of the tough power of life within. But with this excitement we also need to remember the pain and tears of the winter months.
Some say, we dip the karpas in salt water to remind ourselves of Joseph, whose brothers sold him into slavery and then dipped his fabulous, technicolor dream coat into blood to bring back to their father, Jacob. Some say, the salt water is to represent the tears of the slaves in Egypt. Of course, we can remember and honor both memories.
Take a piece of the karpas, dip it into salt-water, and recite the following blessing:
בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יי אֱלֹהֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם, בּוֹרֵא פְּרִי הָאֲדָמָה
Baruch Atah Adonai, Eloheinu melech ha’olam, borei p’ri ha’adamah.
Blessed are You, Lord, our God, Ruler of the universe, who creates the fruit of the earth.
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