Karpas: Parsley and Saltwater
We now dip karpas (parsley or another spring vegetable) in saltwater. The greens represent new life and growth, the reawakening of the earth after winter and the reawakening of a people emerging into freedom; the saltwater reminds us of the tears of our ancestors who were not free.
Just as we link our historical memory to the cycles of the seasons, so is every story of freedom and oppression rooted in the earth. Today, there are many people who are free from slavery but do not have the freedom to eat fresh, healthy food on a regular basis. Even as we enjoy our modern-day liberty and prosperity, we taste in this saltwater the bitterness of slavery and deprivation; we commit ourselves to working towards a day when everyone has access to affordable produce and education about nutrition.
בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יי אֱלֹהֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם, בּוֹרֵא פְּרִי הָאֲדָמָה
Baruch Atah Adonai, Eloheinu melech ha’olam, borei p’ri ha’adamah.
Blessed are you, Adonai our God, ruler of the universe, who brings forth the fruits of the earth.
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