This blessing is said whenever 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 Pesach. Now is also a great time to welcome everyone who is at their first Seder!

Opening Prayer

All read the bold text together

Long ago at this season, our people set out on a journey.
On such a night as this, Israel went from degradation to joy.
We give thanks for the liberation of days gone by.
And we pray for all who are still bound.
Eternal God, may all who hunger come to rejoice in a new Passover.
Let all the human family sit at Your table, drink the wine of deliverance, eat the
bread of freedom:
Freedom from bondage/ and freedom from oppression
Freedom from hunger/ and freedom from want
Freedom from hatred/ and freedom from fear
Freedom to think/ and freedom to speak
Freedom to teach/ and freedom to learn
Freedom to love/ and freedom to share
Freedom to hope/ and freedom to rejoice
Soon, in our days/ Amen.iii