Created in partnership with Josh Feinberg and Sara Wolkenfeld
מוזגים כוס ראשון. המצּות מכוסות.
קַדֵּשׁ
בחול מתחילין:
סַבְרִי מָרָנָן וְרַבָּנָן וְרַבּוֹתַי. בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה ה', אֱלֹהֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם בּוֹרֵא פְּרִי הַגָּפֶן.
בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה ה', אֱלהֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם אֲשֶׁר בָּחַר בָּנוּ מִכָּל-עָם וְרוֹמְמָנוּ מִכָּל-לָשׁוֹן וְקִדְּשָׁנוּ בְּמִצְוֹתָיו. וַתִּתֶּן לָנוּ ה' אֱלֹהֵינוּ בְּאַהֲבָה (לשבת: שַׁבָּתוֹת לִמְנוּחָה וּ) מוֹעֲדִים לְשִׂמְחָה, חַגִּים וּזְמַנִּים לְשָׂשוֹן, (לשבת: אֶת יוֹם הַשַׁבָּת הַזֶּה וְ) אֶת יוֹם חַג הַמַּצּוֹת הַזֶּה זְמַן חֵרוּתֵנוּ, (לשבת: בְּאַהֲבָה) מִקְרָא קֹדֶשׁ זֵכֶר לִיצִיאַת מִצְרָיִם. כִּי בָנוּ בָחַרְתָּ וְאוֹתָנוּ קִדַּשְׁתָּ מִכָּל הָעַמִּים, (לשבת: וְשַׁבָּת) וּמוֹעֲדֵי קָדְשֶׁךָ (לשבת: בְּאַהֲבָה וּבְרָצוֹן) בְּשִׂמְחָה וּבְשָׂשוֹן הִנְחַלְתָּנוּ.
בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה ה', מְקַדֵּשׁ (לשבת: הַשַׁבָּת וְ) יִשְׂרָאֵל וְהַזְּמַנִּים.
שותה בהסיבת שמאל ואינו מברך ברכה אחרונה.
We pour the first cup. The matsot are uncovered
On weekdays, begin here:
Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the universe, who creates the fruit of the vine.
Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the universe, who has chosen us from all peoples and has raised us above all tongues and has sanctified us with His commandments. And You have given us, Lord our God, [Sabbaths for rest], appointed times for happiness, holidays and special times for joy, [this Sabbath day, and] this Festival of Matsot, our season of freedom [in love] a holy convocation in memory of the Exodus from Egypt. For You have chosen us and sanctified us above all peoples. In Your gracious love, You granted us Your [holy Sabbath, and] special times for happiness and joy.
Blessed are You, O Lord, who sanctifies [the Sabbath,] Israel, and the appointed times.
Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the universe, who has granted us life and sustenance and permitted us to reach this season.
Drink while reclining to the left and do not recite a blessing after drinking.
For Discussion:
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Where do you think these men are? What are they doing?
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A mezuzah marks the doorway of a Jewish building or home. What does it mean to you to see a mezuzah on a doorway? What does the mezuzah signify for you?
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Many people kiss a mezuzah (or kiss their hand and touch the mezuzah) when they enter a Jewish building or home. What do you think is the significance of that act?
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What does a mezuzah have in common with the kiddush blessing? What does it mean to be “sanctified”? Are all forms of sanctification equal?
For Further Reflection:
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Judaism's symbols and rituals are designed to encompass every aspect of our lives. The Shema, a central piece of the Jewish liturgy, describes the Jewish faith as something that is meant to accompany us throughout our day. You can read the verses here. What moments in your life feel most like touchpoints for your Judaism? When do you feel closest to your faith?
- "Kiddush" means "sanctification." The text of the kiddush refers to Passover as a "holy convocation" -- a holy occasion that was given to us by God. The Torah describes the holidays as occasions called out by God, but which we also have a responsibility to call out, to mark, and to designate as special. What are the ways in which you make holidays special in your home or community?
Tell Your Own Story:
Take a picture with this question in mind: What Jewish objects bring holiness into your home or daily routine? After you take your photo, give it a caption. You can find some helpful photography tips here.