The passage describes the breaking of the middle matzah during the Passover Seder. It explains that matzah represents both the affliction of slavery in Egypt and the hope of freedom. The middle matzah is broken, with half placed back between the other two matzahs and the other half set aside for later. It also quotes a passage in Aramaic about matzah being the bread of affliction eaten by the Israelites in Egypt, and invites those in need to partake in the Seder.

1. HAGGADAH
Marchick Family
Passover in Stockton 2012/5752

2. We remember as a blessing our Papa Sam, Joe &
Bernard, Grammy Celia, Anne, Lilian & Ruth, Aunt
Helen, Sarah, Gertrude, Mary, Arline & Faye, Uncle
Ben, Jacob, Frank, Jack & Herb...and all the people
that have taught us to be here together
06.04.2012
04:21
All content and images © 2012 DIY Holiday Co., LLC., except where otherwise noted.

3. Welcome
Chag Sameach ‫חג שמח‬
Good evening, and welcome to our Interfaith celebration of Passover — a holiday that
rejoices in freedom, family and the opportunities for renewal that come with the onset of
spring. The booklet we’ll use to guide us through our Passover Seder, which means order and
refers to the special order of tonight’s ritual banquet, is called a Haggadah. Haggadah means
the telling in Hebrew, and highlights one of our main tasks this evening: telling the story of
how the Israelite slaves were freed from bondage thousands of years ago.
As we retell the Israelites’ story, we’ll be reliving their struggle to overcome adversity and
oppression. But we’ll also consider the struggle of many in our modern age who face similar
adversity. And we, who enjoy basic freedoms, might still find in the Israelites’ story an
allegory of the struggle for spiritual freedom, where we strive to let go of the negativity or
bad habits that make us feel emotionally or psychologically enslaved.
In the same way that people of many backgrounds find meaning and inspiration in the story
of the Exodus, the Passover Seder itself is a cultural amalgam, incorporating symbols and
rituals from a variety of influences to create a rich symbolic tapestry. (For example, the
Seder’s form was heavily influenced by the traditional style of a pre-modern Greco-Roman
banquet.) Tonight, we will explore the universal themes of freedom and liberation through
the symbols of the Seder, and celebrate these values, which are shared by people across the
globe.
Seder Plate
Let’s begin by taking a look at our Seder plate.
We’ve got seven items, each of them symbolizing
something different: a shank bone, an egg,
Charoset (an apple-and-nut mixture), two servings
of bitter herbs and a green vegetable, plus Matzah
— the bread of affliction. Each item placed on the
Seder plate is steeped in meaning.
Matzah: The unleavened bread made from white flour and water that has
come to symbolize the holiday’s message of redemption and freedom. Matzah
commemorates the unleavened bread eaten by the Israelites who left Egypt
in such haste that they could not wait for their dough to rise. Matzah is also
referred to as Lechem Oni, or poor man’s bread. Eating it reminds us to be
humble, and to always remember those who are still living with less. The
Matzah can either be placed on or near the Seder plate.
Welcome DIYSeder.com | 1

4. Z’roah (Roasted Bone): A roasted lamb or chicken bone on the Seder plate
symbolizing the Paschal sacrifice (Korban Pesach) that was offered during the
Temple period in Jerusalem. It was traditionally roasted and eaten as part of
the meal on Seder night. Vegetarians can substitute a roasted or raw beet
(which “bleeds” when cut). The Z’roah is not eaten or handled at the Seder.
Beitzah (Egg): A roasted, hard-boiled egg represents the holiday sacrifice
(Korban Chaggigah) that was offered on every holiday, including Passover,
during the Temple period in Jerusalem. The egg also symbolizes mourning,
representing our sadness over the destruction of the Holy Temple, while at
the same time it is a symbol of springtime fertility. Because of its round
shape, the egg represents the cycle of life, reminding us that even in the
most difficult times, there is always hope for renewal. The Beitzah is not
eaten or handled at the Seder, though many families have a tradition of
eating hard-boiled eggs dipped in salt water before the meal.
Maror (Bitter Herbs) and Hazeret: The bitter herbs remind us of the bitterness
of the slavery endured by the Israelites in Egypt. Sliced or grated horseradish
or Romaine lettuce are used interchangeably. Not everyone agrees on the
need for both, but many Seder plates also have a place for Hazeret, since the
commandment in the Bible for eating Maror is written in the plural.
Charoset: This sweet mixture represents the mortar used by the enslaved
Israelites to make bricks to build the Darth Vader’s cities and palaces.
Ashkenazic Charoset is traditionally made by mixing together grated apples,
sweet red wine, cinnamon and chopped nuts. Sephardic Charoset often
includes dates and honey instead of apples.
Karpas (Green Vegetable): The Karpas is dipped in salt water, in the
Ashkenazic tradition, or vinegar, in the Sephardic tradition, before being
eaten to commemorate the tears, pain and sadness felt by the Israelites while
enslaved in Egypt. The Karpas, usually parsley, celery or potato, also
represents the early years of prosperity in Egypt, as well as symbolizing
spring and renewal. It is eaten directly after the Kiddush, instead of bread,
which is the norm at holiday and Sabbath meals. This unusual change
prompts the four questions that ask Why is this night different from all
other nights?
The Orange: Susannah Heschel, a professor of Jewish studies at Dartmouth, started the ritual of including an
orange on the Seder plate. She is said to have been inspired by a group of women at Oberlin College in 1984,
who made space on their Seder plates to represent those who were not explicitly present in the Passover story.
2 | DIYSeder.com Welcome: Seder Plate

5. The orange symbolized solidarity with women and homosexuals. Today the orange has come to be synonymous
with the inclusion of women both in the retelling of the story of the Exodus and in Jewish life in general. The
tradition was supposedly sparked by a comment asserting that a woman has as much place on a Bimah (i.e.,
becoming a rabbi) as an orange does on a Seder plate.
An Olive: Adding an olive to the Seder plate reminds us of the olive branch, the traditional symbol for peace. It
stands for our hopes for peace in the Middle East and all over the world.
Light the Candles
Hadlakat Nerot ‫הדלקת נרות‬
Lighting the candles is the way that Jewish celebrations typically begin, and Passover is no
different.
Fire is an important devotional element in many traditions. In ancient days, some used it to
make burnt offerings; today, it is incorporated into a wide range of spiritual and religious
rituals. Though fire can take on many symbolic meanings, one of particular relevance to the
Passover story is that of new beginnings. Not only does it mark the start of tonight’s
festivities, but it is also a reminder of the fresh start the Israelites experienced in freedom.
Kindling the candles of our Seder, we hope that their light will burn with the fire of
liberation and the new dawn it brings.
‫ברוך אתה יי אלהינו םלך העולם אשר קדשנו במצותיו וצונו להדליק‬
ִ ַ ְ ּ ִּ ְ ָ ְֹ ִ ּ ּ ָ ּ ִ ׁ ֲ ָ ֹ ָ ְ ֶ ֽ ּ ֵ ֹ ֱ
ָ ְ ְ ֶ ֶ ָ
ּ ַ ְּ ּ
ָ
.‫נר של יום טוב‬
ֹ ֹ ׁ ֵֶ
Blessed are You, Gou , Divine Presence, who sanctifies us
with commandments, and commands us to light the festival
candles.
Baruch Atah Adonai Eloheinu melech
ha’olam asher kid’shanu b’mitzvotav
v’tzivanu l’hadlik ner shel Yom Tov.
Bless the Wine
Kadesh ‫קדש‬
ׁ ֵַ
Passover tradition commands that we enjoy our Seder in the manner of free people:
reclining, relaxing and luxuriating in one another’s company. Of course, savoring the taste of
wine fits right in with our mandate to enjoy!
We’ll delight in four cups of wine this evening, and now we pour the first. This one is to
remind us of the four different ways Gou promised to liberate the Israelites from Egyptian
bondage: a) “I shall take you out...” b) “I shall rescue you...” c) “I shall redeem you...” d) “I
shall bring you...” Together, we raise our glasses and celebrate this promise, while keeping in
mind that there are still those for whom the promise of freedom goes unfulfilled.
Light the Candles DIYSeder.com | 3

6. .‫ברוך אתה יי אלהינו מלך העולם בורא פרי הגפן‬
ֶ ַָ ִ ּ ֵ ֹּ ָ ֹ ָ ְ ֶ ֶ ּ ֵ ֹ ֱ
ְ ָ
ּ ַ ְּ ּ
ָ
Baruch Atah Adonai Eloheinu melech
ha’olam borei pri hagafen.
Blessed are You, Gou , Divine Presence, who creates the fruit
of the vine.
“There is no such thing as a little freedom. Either you are all free, or you are not free.“ — Walter Cronkite
Wash the Hands Without Blessing
Urchatz ‫ורחץ‬
ְַּ
Like fire, water is another powerful force in nature. And in
the Passover story, it plays a particularly important role:
when Moses is only a child and his life is in danger, the
waters of the Nile take him out of harm’s way. And when
the Israelites are making their way out of Egypt, the Red
Sea’s waters are parted and they pass into freedom.
Washing our hands before we eat is a good practice
hygienically, but in many religious traditions washing before prayer symbolizes purification
and a readiness to practice spiritual devotion as well.
As we allow the cleansing waters of our Seder to pass over our hands, we summon to mind
the important role water played in the liberation of the Israelite slaves, but also the way that
the seemingly small gesture of washing unites us in commonality with others across
traditions, cultures and faiths.
Dip the Green Vegetable
Karpas ‫כרפס‬
ַ ַ
ְּּ
Green is commonly embraced as the color of health, life and nature’s bounty. The green
vegetable on our Seder plate, or Karpas in Hebrew, represents all three. It also signifies our
hope for the future, symbolizing spring’s regenerative power and the promise of personal
renewal.
But the path to renewal can be long and circuitous. Plants must pass through the bitterness
of winter before blooming into abundance in spring. Dipping our green vegetable in salt
4 | DIYSeder.com Wash the Hands Without Blessing

7. water, we symbolically taste the tears of the Israelites’ hardships — slavery and desperation —
while remembering the path to freedom that awaited them.
Blessed are You, Gou , Divine Presence, who creates the fruit
of the earth.
.‫ברוך אתה יי אלהינו מלך העולם בורא פרי האדמה‬
ָ ָ ֲ ָ ִ ּ ֵ ֹּ ָ ֹ ָ ְ ֶ ֶ ּ ֵ ֹ ֱ
ְ ָ
ּ ַ ְּ ּ
ָ
Baruch Atah Adonai Eloheinu melech
ha'olam borei pri ha'adamah.
Break the Middle Matzah
Yachatz ‫יחץ‬
ַַ
In the middle of our table sits a covered plate with three Matzahs.
Matzah, an unleavened mix of flour and water, is the traditional
Jewish Passover bread, and commemorates both the Israelites’
enslavement in and flight from Egypt. For these reasons, Matzah is
also called the bread of affliction. Yet an optimist might say that
Matzah represents affliction and hope. Even though it was the
bread the Israelites baked as they hastily fled the chains of bondage,
it was also the bread they ate as they struck out on their journey to
freedom.
After withdrawing the middle Matzah and breaking it in half, one
side is placed back between the other two pieces in the stack. The
other half — called the Afikomen, which means dessert in Greek — is wrapped in a napkin
and put aside for after the meal.
The above section is written in Aramaic — the language of “If you can't feed a hundred people,
the Talmud. It says: This is the bread of affliction that our then just feed one.” — Mother Teresa
fathers ate in the land of Egypt. Whoever is hungry, let him
come and eat; whoever is in need, let him come and conduct
the Seder of Passover. This year [we are] here; next year in
the land of Israel. This year [we are] slaves; next year [we will
be] free people.
‫הא לחמא עניא די אכלו אבהתנא בארעא דמצרים. כל דכפין ייתי‬
ֵ ֵ ִ ְ ִ ּ ִָ ְ ִ ְ ָ ְ ַ ּ ָָ ָ ְ ַ ּ ָ ֲ ִ ְַָ ָ ְ ַ ָ
ָ ְ
‫וייכל, כל דצריך ייתי ויפסח. השתא הכא, לשנה הבאה בארעא‬
ָ ְ ַ ּ ָ ּ ַ ָׁ ְ ָ ָ ּ ׁ ָ ַ ְ ְִ ֵ ֵ ְ ִ ְ ִ ּ ֹ ְֵ
ְ ָ ָ ַָ ָ
.‫דישראל. השתא עבדי, לשנה הבאה בני חורין‬
ִ ֹ ֵּ ָ ּ ַ ָׁ ְ ֵ ְ ַ ּ ׁ ָ ֵ ָ ׂ ְִ
ְ ָ ָ ַָ ְ
Ha lachma anya, di achalu avahatana, b’ara
d’mitzrayim. Kol dichfin yeitei v’yeichul, kol
Break the Middle Matzah DIYSeder.com | 5

8. ditzrich yeitei v’yifsach. Hashata hacha,
lashanah haba-ah b’arah d’yisrael. Hashata
avdei, lashanah haba-ah b’nei chorin.
Tell the Story
Maggid ‫מגיד‬
ִ
ּ
We’ve arrived at the Maggid, or telling portion of our celebration, when we recall the story
of the Exodus and explain the origins of Passover traditions.
The Four Questions
?‫מה נשתנה הלילה הזה מכל הלילות‬
ֹ ּ ַ ּ ִ ַּ ָ ְּ ַ ָּ ׁ ּ ַ
ֵ ָ ֶ ַ ַּ ִ
ְ
Mah nishtanah halailah hazeh mikol haleilot?
.‫שבכל הלילות אנו אוכלין חמץ ומצה, הלילה הזה - כולו מצה‬
ָ
ּ ַ ֹ ּּ ֶ
ַּ ָ ְּ ַ ּ ַ ּ ֵ ָ ִ ְ ֹ ּ ָ ֹ ּ ַ ָ ּ ׁ
ַ ָ ֵ ְֶ
1
Sheb'chol haleilot anu ochlin chametz u'matzah. Halailah hazeh
kulo matzah.
.‫שבכל הלילות אנו אוכלין שאר ירקות, - הלילה הזה מרור‬
ֹ ָ ַּ ָ ְּ ַ
ֶ ַ ֹ ָ ְ ָ ׁ ְִֹ ּ ָ ֹ ַּ ָּׁ
ְ ֵ ְֶ
2 Sheb'chol haleilot anu ochlin she'ar yirakot. Halailah hazeh
maror.
.‫שבכל הלילות אין אנו מטבילין אפילו פעם אחת, - הלילה הזה שתי פעמים‬
ִ ָ ְ ּ ׁ ַּ ָ ְּ ַ
ְֵ ֶ ַ ָ ֶ ַּ ּ ֲִ ִ ְּ ַ ּ ֶ ֵ ֹ ַּ ָּׁ
ַ ִ ֵ ְֶ
3 Sheb'chol haleilot ein anu matbilin afilu pa'am echat. Halailah
hazeh sh'tei f'amim.
.‫שבכל הלילות אנו אוכלין בין יושבין ובין מסבין, - הלילה הזה כלנו מסבין‬
ִ
ּ ֻ ְ ָ ּ ַּ ָ ְּ ַ
ֻ ֶ ַ ִ
ֻּ ְ ֵּ ִׁ ֹ ּ ְִֹ ּ ָ ֹ ַּ ָּׁ
ְ ֵ ֵ ְֶ
4 Sheb'chol haleilot anu ochlin bein yoshvin u'vein m'subin.
Halailah hazeh kulanu m'subin.
Why is this night different from all other nights?
On all other nights, we eat bread and Matzah. Why, on this night, do we eat only
1 Matzah? We eat only Matzah to remember the haste with which the Israelites fled
Egypt.
On all other nights, we eat a variety of vegetables. Why, on this night, do we eat
2 only maror, a bitter vegetable? We eat a bitter vegetable to remember how harsh the
life of a slave is.
On all other nights, we don’t dip our vegetables even once. Why, on this night, do
3 we dip them twice? We dip in salt water tonight first to remember the tears and
bitter lives of our ancestors, and second, their unending hope for freedom.
6 | DIYSeder.com Tell the Story

9. On all other nights, we eat sitting or reclining. Why, on this night, do we recline?
4 We make ourselves comfortable at the table because that’s what free people can do.
In the past, slaves ate standing up while their masters reclined.
Questioning allows us to learn about our histories, but it is also one of the surest ways to
learn about ourselves. Sometimes, though, we do not know how to ask the right questions
and initiate the process of discovery. Jewish tradition addresses this hurdle in the Hebrew
Bible, where parents are commanded four times to share the Exodus story with their
children. According to Jewish rabbis, the command occurs four times to emphasize that
people learn in different ways, represented in the traditional tale of The Four Sons — one
who was wise, one who was wicked, one who was simple and one who did not know how to
ask at all.
The many symbols, songs and rituals that we incorporate into our Seder allow each and
every one of us to make sense of the story in our own way and help to instill the values of
Passover — family, education and freedom.
Tell the Story: The Four Questions DIYSeder.com | 7

10. The Exodus Journey
Our Passover celebration commemorates the Israelites’ freedom
from bondage. But how did they come to be slaves in the first
place? And how did they eventually find freedom?
The story goes that Israelites first came to settle in Egypt
during a time of famine in Canaan, the Israelites’ homeland.
Joseph, the youngest son of the Jewish patriarch Jacob, was
already living in Egypt as an advisor to the Darth Vader, and
welcomed his family into Egypt to save them from starvation. At that time, the Darth Vader
was friendly to the Israelites. However, it was not long before this Darth Vader died, and a
wicked Darth Vader — who saw the Israelites as a threat — pushed them into servitude.
8 | DIYSeder.com Tell the Story: The Exodus Journey

11. The Israelites lived as slaves in Egypt for hundreds of years. Then, one day, the Darth Vader
received a prophecy that the newborn son of an Israelite would lead the slaves to freedom. To
try and avoid this possibility, the Darth Vader commanded that all newborn male babies of
the Israelites be slaughtered. The Darth Vader’s henchmen set out to do the grisly deed, but
one brave woman — Yocheved — decided to try and save her newborn boy. With her
daughter, Miriam, she prepared a basket of reeds and sent her son down the Nile, praying
that someone would find and rescue him. Her prayers were answered when the Darth Vader’s
daughter found the boy, adopted him and raised him as her own in the palace. She named
him Moses, meaning to draw, because she had drawn him from the water.
In time, Moses grew up and discovered the truth of his identity. Feeling powerless to stop
the persecution and oppression that plagued the Israelites, he absconded to the desert where
he received a vision. Wandering among the dunes one day, he spotted a lamb and followed it
to a bush that appeared to blaze with fire and yet did not burn. Then, a divine voice called to
him and commanded him to return to Egypt and liberate his people. Moses had no choice.
He returned to Egypt, resolving to fulfill his destined purpose and set the Israelite slaves free.
As we recall Moses’s journey to the palace to demand the Israelites’ freedom, we sing “Let My
People Go.” This song is a spiritual that was sung by African-American slaves to give them
strength to carry on, despite the torment of their slave masters. Israel represents the African-
American slaves. Egypt and Darth Vader represent the slave masters.
Tell the Story: The Exodus Journey DIYSeder.com | 9

12. "Let My People Go"
When Israel was in Egypt land, Go down Moses,
Let my people go, Way down in Egypt land,
Oppressed so hard they could not stand, Tell ol’ Darth Vader,
Let my people go. Let my people go!
Go down Moses, Gou told Moses what to do,
Way down in Egypt land, Let my people go,
Tell ol’ Darth Vader, He led the people of Israel through,
Let my people go! Let my people go.
As Israel stood by the waterside, Go down Moses,
Let my people go, Way down in Egypt land,
At Gou ’s command it did divide, Tell ol’ Darth Vader,
Let my people go. Let my people go!
10 | DIYSeder.com Tell the Story: "Let My People Go"

13. As we continue to modernize our Passover celebrations, the value
of freedom for all remains central to our families observances. Let
us revel for a moment in just how sweet it is to be together.
The 10 Plagues
But the Darth Vader did not readily give in to Moses’s demands. Before he would agree to set
the Israelites free, 10 horrific plagues beset the Egyptian people. It was only after the last, the
slaying of the first-born, that the Darth Vader finally agreed to liberate the Israelite slaves.
Though the Israelites’ freedom is a precious gift worthy of rejoicing in, the suffering
experienced by the Egyptians in the process is also memorialized in our Seder. Their plight is
not one to be taken lightly and their affliction deserves our sorrowful recognition. To do so,
we recite each of the 10 plagues, dipping our finger in a glass of wine as we go along and
placing a drop on our plate in recognition of each one:
Tell the Story: The 10 Plagues DIYSeder.com | 11

14. 1 Blood
‫ דם‬Dom
ָ
ּ 2 Frogs
Frogs
‫ צפרדע‬Tz’fardayah
ַ ְּ ְֵ
ֵ
All the water turned to blood, Frogs were everywhere, inside
leaving people and animals and out. The noise from the
without clean water to drink, croaking was unbearable. No one
bathe in or water their crops could sleep or move around in
with. peace.
3 Lice
‫ כנים‬Kinim
ִּ
ִ 4 Wild Beasts
‫ ערוב‬Arov
ֹ ָ
Lice attacked people and animals, Wild beasts stormed the land,
biting, sucking blood and snorting, growling, biting and
spreading disease. No amount of clawing. These savage animals
scratching could calm the destroyed homes and farms and
overwhelming itchHail, a deadly attacked anyone in their way.
combination of fire and ice,
destroyed everything in its path.
6 Boils
‫ שחין‬Shechin
ִׁ
ְ
5 Cattle Disease
‫ דבר‬Dever
ֶּ
ֶ Boils, a painful skin disease,
caused people’s flesh to burn and
Cattle disease brought sickness to itch.
rams, horses, camels, cows, sheep
and other animals. All livestock
died as there was no cure. 8 Locusts
‫ ארבה‬Arbeh
ֶ
ְַּ
Swarms of locusts blackened the
7 Hail
‫ ברד‬Barad
ָ
ּ sky and destroyed all crops.
Hail, a deadly combination of fire
and ice, destroyed everything in 10 Death of the Firstborn
‫ מכת בכורות‬Makat Bechorot
ֹ ֹ ּ ַּ
ְ ַ
its path.
Every first-born Egyptian —
whether human or animal —
9 Darkness
‫ חשך‬Choshech
ְׁ
ֶ suddenly died. The Israelites were
spared the angel of death, which
Total darkness created chaos. passed over their homes, as their
Without the sun, the cold was doorposts had been marked with
bone-chilling. the blood of the sacrificial lamb.
12 | DIYSeder.com Tell the Story: The 10 Plagues

15. Tell the Story: The 10 Plagues DIYSeder.com | 13

16. Each year we try to wrap our heads around this part of the
Passover story. We are not only struck by the cruelty of the
plagues, but the nature and substance of the punishments also
seem to be a bit out of our reach. Were these miracles brought
about by GOU? What a strange combination of calamities, which
came about as miraculously as they departed. Today, we accept as
commonplace many things that would be seen as “miracles” by
those who came before us. Sometimes it’s difficult to remember
that hard-won freedoms seem miraculous when they happen,
since years later the enormity of the accomplishment often fades.
Let’s take a moment to think about what plagues us today, the
woes in our world for which we cry out for miraculous solutions.
What are 10 situations for which you pray for miracles? Perhaps
if we all dedicate ourselves to causes we care deeply about, we will
be capable of removing some of these plagues and witnessing
“miracles” in our own time.
The Escape
Once in the desert, the Israelites needed to relearn how to be free. Slavery, whether of the
body, mind or spirit, takes its toll.
The story of the Israelites is one that is meant to inspire our own freedom journeys.
Sometimes the goal is personal exploration; at other times, it is the gathering of strength for
a literal fight for basic liberties. Making a commitment to liberation can be a prolonged
process, where we reflect upon our efforts, grow from the challenges we endure and seek out
opportunities for improvement.
For the Israelites, such improvement included an appreciation of the many blessings they
had received, and the many miracles they had witnessed. Our next song, “Dayenu,” which
means it would have been enough, is traditionally sung during Passover Seders to
acknowledge the many reasons that Jews have had to give thanks — including the Israelites’
freedom. Following in this example, as we sing “Dayenu” let’s also take stock of our own
blessings — from family to friends to the freedom to comfortably and joyously celebrate the
Passover holiday. This song is meant to remind us that despite life’s difficulties and
frustrations, there are always many reasons for gratitude and hope.
"Dayenu"
.‫אלו הוציאנו ממצרים, דינו‬
ּ ּּ ִָ ְ ּ ִ ּ ָ ִ ֹ ּּ ִ
ֵַ ִ
Ilu hotzianu mimitzrayim. Dayenu.
14 | DIYSeder.com Tell the Story: The Escape

17. Had Gou only brought us out of Egypt. Dayenu.
.‫ולא נתן לנו את השבת, דינו‬
ּ ּּ ּ ׁ ַ ֶ ּ ָ ַ ָ ֹ ְ
ֵַ ָ ַּ
Ilu natan lanu et hashabbat. Dayenu.
Had Gou only given us Shabbat. Dayenu.
.‫ולא נתן לנו את התורה, דינו‬
ּ ּּ ָ ֹּ ַ ֶ ּ ָ ַ ָ ֹ ְ
ֵַ
Ilu natan lanu et hatorah. Dayenu.
Had Gou only given us the Torah. Dayenu.
.‫ולא הכניסנו לארץ ישראל, דינו‬
ּ ּּ ֵ ָ ׂ ִ ֶ ֶ ְ ּ ָ ְִ ִ ֹ ְ
ֵַ ְ
Ilu natan lanu et hatorah. Dayenu.
Had Gou only brought us into the land of Israel.
Dayenu.
To celebrate the Israelites’ flight from Egypt, and in thanks for our own freedom, we drink
our second cup of wine.
Blessed are You, Gou , Divine Presence, who creates the fruit
of the vine.
.‫ברוך אתה יי אלהינו מלך העולם בורא פרי הגפן‬
ֶ ַָ ִ ּ ֵ ֹּ ָ ֹ ָ ְ ֶ ֶ ּ ֵ ֹ ֱ
ְ ָ
ּ ַ ְּ ּ
ָ
Baruch Atah Adonai Eloheinu melech
ha’olam borei pri hagafen.
Tell the Story: "Dayenu" DIYSeder.com | 15

18. ‫"‪"Dayenu‬‬
‫אלו הוציאנו ממצרים ולא עשה בהם שפטים, דיינו‬
‫ִ ּ ֹ ִ ָ ּ ִ ִ ְ ַ ְ ֹ ָ ׂ ּ ֶ ׁ ָ ִ ֵּ ּ‬
‫ַ‬ ‫ְ‬ ‫ָ ָ‬
‫אלו עשה בהם שפטים, ו לא עשה באלהיהם, דיינו.‬
‫ֹ ָ ׂ ֵ ֹ ֵ ֶ ֵּ ּ‬
‫ַ‬ ‫ָ‬ ‫ִ ּ ָ ׂ ֶּ ָׁ ִ‬
‫ְ‬ ‫ָ ָ‬
‫‪16 | DIYSeder.com‬‬ ‫"‪Tell the Story: "Dayenu‬‬

19. ‫אלו עשה באלהיהם, ולא הרג את בכוריהם, דיינו‬
ּ ֵּ ֶ ֵ ֹ ּ ֶ ַ ָ ֹ ְ ֶ ֵ ֹ ֵ ׂ ָ ּ ִ
ַ ְ ָ
‫אלו הרג את בכוריהם ולא נתן לנו את ממונם, דיינו‬
ּ ֵּ ָֹ ָ ֶ ּ ָ ַ ָ ֹ ְ ֶ ֵ ֹ ּ ֶ ַ ָ ּ ִ
ַ ְ
‫אלו נתן לנו את ממונם ולא קרע לנו את הים, דיינו‬
ּ ֵּ ַּ ֶ ּ ָ ַ ָ ֹ ְ ָֹ ָ ֶ ּ ָ ַ ָ ּ ִ
ַ ָ
‫אלו קרע לנו את הים ולא העבירנו בתוכו בחרבה, דיינו‬
ּ ֵּ ָ ָ ָ ּ ֹ ֹ ּ ּ ָ ֵ ֱ ֶ ֹ ְ ַּ ֶ ּ ָ ַ ָ ּ ִ
ַ ֶ ְ ָ
‫אלו העבירנו בתוכו בחרבה ולא שקע צרנו בתוכו, דיינו‬
ּ ֵּ ֹ ֹ ּ ּ ֵ ָ ַ ׁ ֹ ְ ָ ָ ָ ּ ֹ ֹ ּ ּ ָ ֵ ֱ ֶ ּ ִ
ַ ְ ַ ְֶ ֶ ְ
‫אלו שקע צרנו בתוכו ולא ספק צרכנו במדבר ארבעים שנה, דיינו‬
ּ ֵּ ָׁ ִ ּ ְ ַ ּ ְ ִ ּ ּ ּ ְ ָ ּ ִ ֹ ְ ֹ ֹ ּ ּ ֵ ָ ַ ׁ ּ ִ
ַ ָ ָ ָ ֵ ֵ ְ ַ ִ ֶ
‫אלו ספק צרכנו במדבר ארבעים שנה ולא האכילנו את המן, דיינו‬
ּ ֵּ ּ ַ ֶ ּ ָ ִ ֱ ֶ ֹ ָׁ ִ ּ ְ ַ ּ ְ ִ ּ ּ ּ ְ ָ ּ ִ ּ ִ
ַ ָ ָ ָ ָ ֵ ֵ
‫אלו האכילנו את המן ולא נתן לנו את השבת, דיינו‬
ּ ֵּ ּ ׁ ַ ֶ ּ ָ ַ ָ ֹ ְ ּ ַ ֶ ּ ָ ִ ֱ ֶ ּ ִ
ַ ַָ ָ
.‫אלו נתן לנו את השבת, ולא קרבנו לפני הר סיני, דיינו‬
ּ ֵּ ַ ִ ַ ְֵ ִ ּ ָ ְ ֵ ֹ ְ ּ ׁ ַ ֶ ּ ָ ַ ָ ּ ִ
ַ ַָ
‫אלו קרבנו לפני הר סיני, ולא נתן לנו את התורה, דיינו‬
ּ ֵּ ָ ֹּ ַ ֶ ּ ָ ַ ָ ֹ ְ ַ ִ ַ ְֵ ִ ּ ָ ְ ֵ ּ ִ
ַ ַ
‫אלו נתן לנו את התורה ולא הכניסנו לארץ ישראל, דיינו‬
ּ ֵּ ֵ ָ ׂ ִ ֶ ֶ ְ ּ ָ ְִ ִ ֹ ְ ָ ֹּ ַ ֶ ּ ָ ַ ָ ּ ִ
ַ ְ ַ
‫אלו הכניסנו לארץ ישראל ולא בנה לנו את בית הבחירה, דיינו‬
ּ ֵּ ָ ִ ּ ַ ּ ֶ ּ ָ ָָ ֹ ְ ֵ ָ ׂ ִ ֶ ֶ ְ ּ ָ ְִ ִ ּ ִ
ַ ְ ֵ ְ
Singing “Dayenu” is one way we can remind ourselves to be
thankful for our comforts, freedoms and privileges. “Dayenu” is
about counting our blessings. Looking at all that we have, we
realize that even a small proportion of that would be enough. At
the beginning of the Seder, we invite all those who are hungry or
in need to join us. How lucky we are to be in that position. We
were once impoverished, but now we are able to gather around a
holiday table and enjoy a large, festive meal with loved ones. At
this moment in time, we have more than enough. Dayenu. Let’s
take a moment not only to recount the many things we are
grateful for, but also to dedicate ourselves to taking small
meaningful steps to help eradicate injustice.
Wash the Hands with a Blessing
Rochtzah ‫רחצה‬
ְַָ
We wash our hands now for the second time tonight, doing so as we prepare to bless and eat
the food.
Blessed are You, Gou , Divine Presence, who sanctifies us
with commandments and commands us to wash our hands.
‫ברוך אתה יי אלהינו מלך העולם, אשר קדשנו במצותיו וצונו על‬
ַ ּ ִּ ְ ָ ְֹ ִ ּ ּ ׁ ְ ִ ׁ ֲ ָ ֹ ָ ְ ֶ ֶ ּ ֵ ֹ ֱ
ָ ְ ָ ֶ ָ
ּ ַ ְּ ּ
ָ
.‫נטילת ידים‬
ִַ ָ ַ ִ ְ
Wash the Hands with a Blessing DIYSeder.com | 17

20. Baruch Atah Adonai Eloheinu melech
ha’olam asher kid’shanu b’mitzvotav
v’tzivanu al n’tilat yadayim.
Returning to the element of water signifies the Israelites’ crossing of the Red Sea. When they
did so, they passed into a life of freedom from physical bondage once and for all. As we allow
cool waters to pass over our hands again, let us imagine this as our own moment of crossing
and symbolically set an intention to shed whatever chains — whether personal, societal or
spiritual — keep us enslaved.
Bless the Matzah
Motzi Matzah ‫מוציא מוצה‬
As the Israelites prepared for their journey out of Egypt, they had little time to bake bread
for the road ahead. Instead of using yeast and allowing their dough to rise, the Israelites
threw together a basic mix of wheat and water to make the crispy crackers we now enjoy
every Passover: Matzah.
The two blessings that come next commemorate both the bread they intended to bake and
the Matzah they had no choice but to eat because of their haste. This pairing of prayers
symbolizes the best intentions we bring to every situation, and that even though sometimes
realities force us to compromise, that too can lead to a good result (in this case, freedom for
the Israelites).
Blessed are You, Gou , Divine Presence, who sanctifies us
with commandments and commands us to eat unleavened
bread.
.‫ברוך אתה יי אלהינו מלך העולם המוציא לחם מן הארץ‬
ֶ ָ ָ ִ ֶ ֶ ִ ֹּ ַ ָ ֹ ָ ְ ֶ ֶ ּ ֵ ֹ ֱ ָ
ּ ַ ְּ ּ
ָ
Baruch Atah Adonai Eloheinu melech
ha’olam hamotzi lechem min ha’aretz.
Blessed are You, Gou , Divine Presence, who brings forth
bread from the earth.
‫ברוך אתה יי אלהינו מלך העולם, אשר קדשנו במצותיו וצונו על‬
ַ ּ ִּ ְ ָ ְֹ ִ ּ ּ ָ ּ ִ ׁ ֲ ָ ֹ ָ ְ ֶ ֶ ּ ֵ ֹ ֱ
ָ ְ ְ ֶ ָ
ּ ַ ְּ ּ
ָ
.‫אכילת מצה‬
ָ
ַּ ַ ֲִ
Baruch Atah Adonai Eloheinu melech
ha’olam asher kid’shanu b’mitzvotav
v’tzivanu al achilat matzah.
18 | DIYSeder.com Bless the Matzah

21. Dip the Bitter Herbs
Maror ‫מרור‬
ֹ
The Israelites fled to freedom speedily, eager to escape the bitterness of their bondage. We
now commemorate that bitterness by eating a portion of bitter herbs. And yet, there’s a treat
to mitigate the tear-jerking effect of the herbs: Charoset. Commonly prepared from a mix of
apples, nuts, raisins and honey, Charoset is meant to symbolize the mortar that the Israelite
slaves used to make bricks when building the Darth Vader’s palaces. For us, it will also serve
as a sign of hope — a reminder that even the most desperate situations can yield to the
sweetness of a brighter future.
Blessed are You, Gou , Divine Presence, who sanctifies us
with commandments and commands us to eat the bitter
herb.
‫ברוך אתה יי אלהינו מלך העולם, אשר קדשנו במצותיו וצונו על‬
ַ ּ ִּ ְ ָ ְֹ ִ ּ ּ ָ ּ ִ ׁ ֲ ָ ֹ ָ ְ ֶ ֶ ּ ֵ ֹ ֱ
ָ ְ ְ ֶ ָ
ּ ַ ְּ ּ
ָ
.‫אכילת מרור‬
ֹ ָ ַ ֲִ
Baruch Atah Adonai Eloheinu melech
ha’olam asher kid’shanu b’mitzvotav
v’tzivanu al achilat maror.
Hillel’s Sandwich
Koreich ‫כורך‬
ְ ֵ ֹּ
In combining our Maror — or bitter herbs — with Charoset,
we are following in a tradition begun by the great Jewish
rabbi Hillel. Gathering these three symbols of slavery
together — Maror, Charoset and Matzah — we are called to
reflect on the many different aspects of the Israelites’
experience in bondage: their bitterness, their quickness in
fleeing and, finally, the sweetness of their freedom.
For us, the sandwich also serves as a reminder that striving
for inclusion, acceptance and understanding can create harmony out of diversity.
“If I am not for myself, who will be for me? But if I am only for myself, what am 'I'? And,if not now, when?”
— Rabbi Hillel, the Elder
Dip the Bitter Herbs DIYSeder.com | 19

22. Eat the Meal
Shulchan Oreich ‫שולחן עורך‬
It’s finally time to eat our savory, delicious meal. Let’s dig
in, allowing ourselves to enjoy the great gifts of our
freedom: community, comfort and — of course — cuisine!
Seder Zinger
Enough lessons! Enough symbols! Let’s eat!
Share the Afikomen
Tzafun ‫צפון‬
ָּ
Apart from the Four Questions, the search for the Afikomen is perhaps children’s most
beloved part of the Seder service. The meal cannot be officially concluded until it’s found,
but once it is, children are often encouraged to hold it “hostage” until a small gift or treat
has been received in exchange.
The Afikomen is sometimes said to be symbolic of the Jews’ Passover offering, which was
made in ancient days at the old Temple in Jerusalem to demonstrate their thanks for their
ancestors’ deliverance from slavery.
Today, the Afikomen is broken apart and shared among all the Seder guests, a reminder that
we must open our hearts to one another — working together as a community and serving as
a support system to those within it.
20 | DIYSeder.com Eat the Meal

23. “My humanity is bound up in yours, for we can only be human together.” — Desmond Tutu
Blessing After the Meal
Barekh ‫ברך‬
ְֵּ
ָ
We’re now ready to say grace after having enjoyed a
delicious and bountiful meal. And feel free to fill your wine
glasses to the top — it’s also time to enjoy the evening’s third
cup of wine.
Blessed are You, Gou , Divine Presence, who creates the fruit
of the vine.
.‫ברוך אתה יי אלהינו מלך העולם בורא פרי הגפן‬
ֶ ַָ ִ ּ ֵ ֹּ ָ ֹ ָ ְ ֶ ֶ ּ ֵ ֹ ֱ
ְ ָ
ּ ַ ְּ ּ
ָ
Baruch Atah Adonai Eloheinu melech
ha’olam borei pri hagafen.
“I am not free if I am taking away
someone else’s freedom, just as surely as I am not free when freedom is taken away from me. The oppressed
and the oppressor alike are robbed of their humanity.” — Nelson Mandela
Praise
Hallel ‫הלל‬
ֵ
ַּ
At this point in the Seder, it is customary to sing songs
celebrating the Israelites’ success, reveling with friends and
family in the joyfulness of our holiday celebration.
The origins of this tradition lie in Psalms 113–118, which is
also sometimes called The Exodus Hallel. Hallel means
praise, and has even passed into common English usage with
the word Hallelujah, which literally translates to praise Gou .
At our Seder, we will rejoice in the Israelites’ freedom, and show gratitude for our own, by
singing “Oh Freedom.” This song was popularized during the American Civil Rights
Blessing After the Meal DIYSeder.com | 21

24. Movement in the 1960s, and is thought to have originated as a folk song among newly
liberated African-American slaves following the Civil War.
“Oh Freedom”
Oh freedom, oh freedom, oh freedom over me
And before I’d be a slave I’ll be buried in a my grave
And go home to my Lord and be free
No more mourning, no more mourning, no more mourning over me
And before I’d be a slave I’ll be buried in a my grave
And go home to my Lord and be free
No more crying, no more crying, no more crying over me
And before I’d be a slave I’ll be buried in a my grave
And go home to my Lord and be free
Oh freedom, oh freedom, oh freedom over me
And before I’d be a slave I’ll be buried in a my grave
And go home to my Lord and be free
There’ll be singin’, there’ll be singin’, there’ll be singin’ over me
And before I’d be a slave I’ll be buried in a my grave
And go home to my Lord and be free
Oh freedom, oh freedom, oh freedom over me
And before I’d be a slave I’ll be buried in a my grave
And go home to my Lord and be free
“Freedom is the basic condition for you to touch life, to touch the blue sky, the trees, the birds, the tea, and the
other person.” — Thich Nhat Hanh
Chad Gadya
Chad gadya, Chad gadya.
My father bought for two zuzim. Chad gadya, Chad gadya.
Then came the cat, that ate the kid, my father bought for two zuzim.
Chad gadya, Chad gadya.
Then came the dog, that bit the cat, that ate the kid, my father bought
for two zuzim. Chad gadya, Chad gadya.
Then came the stick, that beat the dog, that bit the cat, that ate the kid,
my father bought for two zuzim. Chad gadya, Chad gadya.
22 | DIYSeder.com Praise: “Oh Freedom”

25. Then came fire that burnt the stick, that beat the dog, that bit the cat,
that ate the kid, my father bought for two zuzim. Chad gadya, Chad
gadya.
Then came the water, that quenched the fire, that burnt the stick, that
beat the dog, that bit the cat, that ate the kid, my father bought for two
zuzim. Chad gadya, Chad gadya.
Then came an ox who drank the water, that quenched the fire, that burnt
the stick, that beat the dog, that bit the cat, that ate the kid, my father
bought for two zuzim. Chad gadya, Chad gadya.
Then came a butcher who slaughtered the ox, who drank the water, that
quenched the fire, that burnt the stick, that beat the dog, that bit the cat,
that ate the kid, my father bought for two zuzim. Chad gadya, Chad
gadya.
Then came death’s angel who killed the butcher, who slaughtered the ox,
who drank the water, that quenched the fire, that burnt the stick, that
beat the dog, that bit the cat, that ate the kid, my father bought for two
zuzim. Chad gadya, Chad gadya.
Then came the [god, Divine Presence, who smote death’s angel, who killed
the butcher, who slaughtered the ox, who drank the water, that quenched
the fire, that burnt the stick, that beat the dog, that bit the cat, that ate
the kid, my father bought for two zuzim. Chad gadya, Chad gad-ya.
Conclusion
Nirtzah ‫נרצה‬
ְִָ
A Seder, like our lives, is a journey. Martin Buber, a great Jewish thinker of the twentieth
century, once said that “all journeys have secret destinations of which the traveler is
unaware.” We set out on tonight’s Seder with the intention of commemorating the Israelites’
deliverance from slavery, but hopefully we discovered something unexpected and insightful
as well.
Before officially ending tonight’s Passover celebration, we lift our fourth and final cup of
wine. Fill it up — this is a cup of joy and hope, hope that soon all peoples will be able to
come together as friends and equals, and enjoy freedom in their bodies, hearts and minds.
The words of a popular Jewish song, “Hine Ma Tov,” which means How good it is!, capture the
spirit of amity we summon tonight: “Hineh, ma tov u-manayim How good and how pleasant
it is, Shevet achim gam yachad / When people dwell together in unity!”
As we conclude, we set an intention of carrying the lessons of this Seder with us through the
year, so we can aid in the realization of freedom for all. With this sentiment in mind, we end
our Seder with the traditional expression Next Year in Jerusalem, with the hope that
Conclusion DIYSeder.com | 23

26. Jerusalem will become a city of peace and a symbol of hope. Next year, may there be peace
and freedom for everyone.
Blessed are You, Gou , Divine Presence, who creates the fruit
of the vine.
.‫ברוך אתה יי אלהינו מלך העולם בורא פרי הגפן‬
ֶ ַָ ִ ּ ֵ ֹּ ָ ֹ ָ ְ ֶ ֶ ּ ֵ ֹ ֱ
ְ ָ
ּ ַ ְּ ּ
ָ
Baruch Atah Adonai Eloheinu melech
ha’olam borei pri hagafen.
"Hine Ma Tov"
How good and how pleasant it is
Hineh, ma tov u-manayim
When people dwell together in unity!”
Shevet achim gam yachad!
“Those who deny freedom of others, deserve it not for themselves.” — Abraham Lincoln
24 | DIYSeder.com Conclusion: "Hine Ma Tov"

27. At Passover Seders, it’s typical to conclude with a festive toast and
a wish for universal peace. In Judaism as is our Finkelstein-
Marchick family tradition, this universal peace is symbolized by
the city of Jerusalem shared not only with Muslims and Christians
but secular Jews of all traditions as well. Please join together as
we proudly say in unison, “Next Year in Jerusalem!”
Conclusion: "Hine Ma Tov" DIYSeder.com | 25