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Let us remember that the thirst for freedom exists in all people. Many centuries after the legendary time of Moses, African people were brought to America as slaves. These slaves longed for freedom, and they were inspired by the story of Moses and the ancient Israelites. When the slaves in America sang "Go Down Moses," they were thinking of their own leaders who were working to end slavery. Let us now sing this traditional spiritual. GO DOWN MOSES When Israel was...

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From COEJL’s “Preparing for Passover: Readings for the Seder Table” Stewart Vile Tahl, COEJL One of Passover’s lessons is learned to distinguish between more and enough. Dayenu means “it would have been enough for us.” Often, enjoying more wealth and comfort stimulates our desire for more – more attention, more comforts, more money, more, and more, and more. Passover and the Haggadah teach us to be mindful of what our real needs are, of what constitutes “enough.” What constitutes enough for...

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The great sage Hillel provided us with the tradition of constructing the Hillel sandwich, combining the bitterness of the maror with the sweetness of the charoset between the fortitude of the two pieces of matzah--the symbol of freedom. Through this ritual, we think about mortar and brick. We think of the Israelites traveling through the desert with no homes, no place to land and build up their strong communities, and only the matzah as a reminder of their freedom. It is...

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What a blessing to live in a world in which fruit on the vine can turn into wine. What a blessing to come from a culture that tells stories and celebrates the seasons. What a blessing to exist in a universe that, after billions of years, has arrived at this moment, here and now, with us gathered around this table.

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We are going to conclude our dinner tonight with a celebratory toast - a l’chaim. Rather than filling our own cup tonight, though, and focusing on us as individuals, let’s fill someone else’s cup and recognize that, as a family and group of friends, we have the resources to help each other and those in our community if we are willing to share our resources and collaborate – whether those resources are time, money, skills, or any of the other gifts...

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"Go Down Moses" (Late 19th Century African-American Spiritual) When Israel was in Egypt land: Let my people go! Oppressed so hard they could not stand: Let my people go!  Go down, Moses way down in Egypt land. Tell old Pharaoh To let my people go! Thus spoke the Lord, bold Moses said, Let my people go!  If not I'll strike your firstborn dead. Let my people go.  Your foes shall not before you stand: Let my people go! And you'll possess...

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It is now time to find and eat the Afikomen ( tzafoon | צָפוּן ). Through this act we balance our solemn memories of slavery with the playfulness of a children's game. As we eat the afikomen, our last taste of matzah for the evening, we are grateful for moments of silliness and happiness in our lives.

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After the meal we recite this blessing to thank God for the food we have eaten. ָ בּ ר וּ ךְ ַ א ָ ת ה ְ י ָ י ַ ה ָ ז ן ֶ א ת ַ ה ֹכ ל . Baruch atah Adonai, hazan et hakol. We praise You, O God, Source of food for all who live. We will now drink our 3rd cup of wine! Baruch Atah Adonai, Eloheinu Melech ha-olam, borei p’ree hagafen. We praise...