Marchick Family DYI Haggadah for the Leader 2012

1. HAGGADAH
Marchick Family Haggadah
Passover in Stockton 2012/5752

2. In memory of our Papas Sam, Joe & Bernard, Grammy Celia, Ann, Lilian
& Ruth, Aunts Helen, Sarah, Gertrude, Mary, Arline & Faye, Uncles Ben,
Jacob, Frank, Jack & Herb ...& all the people that have taught us to be
here together, we remember as a blessing
04.04.2012
01:53
All content and images © 2012 DIY Holiday Co.,
LLC., except where otherwise noted.

3. ORDER OF THE SEDER
Welcome................................................. 1
Light the Candles ................................. 3
Bless the Wine ...................................... 3
Wash the Hands Without Blessing... 4
Dip the Green Vegetable .................... 5
Break the Middle Matzah ................... 6
Tell the Story.......................................... 7
The Four Questions ............................. 7
The Exodus Journey............................. 9
The Ten Plagues..................................12
The Escape...........................................14
Wash the Hands with a Blessing ....16
Bless the Matzah ................................17
Dip the Bitter Herbs ..........................18
Hillel’s Sandwich .................................19
Eat the Meal.........................................20
Share the Afikomen ...........................21
Blessing After the Meal .....................22
Praise.....................................................23
Conclusion ...........................................25

4. 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.
LEADER INSTRUCTIONS:
At some Seders, there’s a leader who runs the show. At others, guests take
turns reading the different parts. Now’s a good time to decide which approach
works best for your group.
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.
1 | DIYSeder.com Welcome

5. 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.
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. 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.
Welcome: Seder Plate DIYSeder.com | 2

6. 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 אלֹהינו ּ םֶֽל ֶך ְ העוֹלם אשׁר קד ּשנו‬
ָ ְ ִ ֶ ֲ ָ ָ ֵ ֱ ָ ּ ַ ּ ָּ
.‫ב ְּמצ ְוֹתיו וצ ִונו ּ ל ְהדליק נר שׁל יוֹם טוֹב‬
ֶ ֵ ִ ַ ָּ ְ ָ ִ
Blessed are You, God or the Universe (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!
3 | DIYSeder.com Light the Candles

7. 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 God or the Universe (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.
LEADER INSTRUCTIONS:
Recite the blessing, and then drink your glass of wine or grape juice.
Throughout the Seder we will be making blessings before we eat or drink.
.‫ברוך ְ אתה יי אלֹהינו ּ מל ֶך ְ העוֹלם ב ּוֹרא פרי הַג ָפן‬
ֶ ִ ְּ ֵ ָ ָ ֶ ֵ ֱ ָ ּ ַ ּ ָּ
Baruch Atah Adonai Eloheinu melech ha’olam borei
pri hagafen.
Blessed are You, God or the Universe (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•‫ור ְחץ‬
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.
Wash the Hands Without Blessing DIYSeder.com | 4

8. LEADER INSTRUCTIONS:
Take a cup or pitcher of water in one hand and pour it over the other hand.
You can do this at a sink, or with a cup and basin at the table. If you prefer,
you can have just one person symbolically wash their hands for everyone.
DIP THE GREEN
VEGETABLE
Karpas•‫כ ַּר ְפס‬
ַּ
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 water, we symbolically taste the tears of the
Israelites’ hardships — slavery and desperation — while remembering the path to freedom that awaited them.
LEADER INSTRUCTIONS:
Take some greens, e.g., celery, parsley, pepper or lettuce, from the Seder plate,
or pass around a separate bowl of vegetables, followed by a bowl of salt
water. As many of our ancestors lived in places where green vegetables were
hard to find, potatoes can also be used, even though they’re not green. Say the
blessing and then eat the vegetable.
Blessed are You, God or the Universe (GOU) ,
Divine Presence, who creates the fruit of the earth.
‫ברוך ְ אתה יי אלֹהינו ּ מל ֶך ְ העוֹלם ב ּוֹרא פרי‬
ִ ְּ ֵ ָ ָ ֶ ֵ ֱ ָ ּ ַ ּ ָּ
.‫הָאדמה‬
ָ ָ ֲ
Baruch Atah Adonai Eloheinu melech ha'olam borei
pri ha'adamah.
5 | DIYSeder.com Dip the Green Vegetable

9. 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 the Talmud. It says: This is the bread of
affliction that our 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 ל ַחְמא ענ ְיא די אכלו ּ אב ְהָת ָנא ב ְּאר ְעא‬
ָ ַ ָ ַ ָ ֲ ִ ָ ַ ָ ָ
ַ ְִ ֵ ִ ִ ָּ ְ ֵ ִ ִ ָּ
.‫דמצ ְר ָים. כל דכ ְפין ייֵתי וייֵכֹל, כל דצ ְריך ְ ייֵתי ויפ ְסח‬
ִ ִ ְ
‫הָשׁתא הָכא, ל ְשׁנה הַב ָּאה ב ְּאר ְעא דישׂר ָאל. הָשׁתא‬
ָּ ַ ֵ ְ ִ ְ ָ ַ ָ ָ ָ ָ ָּ ַ
.‫עב ְדי, ל ְשׁנה הַב ָּאה ב ְּני חוֹרין‬
ִ ֵ ָ ָ ָ ֵ ַ
Ha lachma anya, di achalu avahatana, b’ara
d’mitzrayim. Kol dichfin yeitei v’yeichul, kol ditzrich
yeitei v’yifsach. Hashata hacha, lashanah haba-ah
b’arah d’yisrael. Hashata avdei, lashanah haba-ah
b’nei chorin.
Break the Middle Matzah DIYSeder.com | 6

10. LEADER INSTRUCTIONS:
Children often steal the Afikomen and hide it, then make the adults search for
it at the end of the meal. The adults then have to pay a ransom to get it back,
as the Seder is not complete without sharing the Afikomen. (Tip: Consider
taking a digital photo of the Afikomen to keep any “sneaky” family members
honest when they later claim a ransom!)
“If you can't feed a hundred people, then just feed one.” — Mother Teresa
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
LEADER INSTRUCTIONS:
The Four Questions are traditionally sung by the youngest person at the table,
but if there are no children present, feel free to have everyone sing together,
since many of us probably have the same questions. The Haggadah encourages
people to ask questions to stimulate thoughtful conversation. Asking (and
answering) questions helps reveal new insights into the story of Passover.
ֵּ ָּ ִ ּ ֶ ָ ְ ָ ּ ְּ
?‫מה נ ִּשׁת ַנה הַל ַּילה הַזה מכל הַלילוֹת‬
ַ
Mah nishtanah halailah hazeh mikol haleilot?
.‫שׁב ְּכל הַלילוֹת אנו ּ אוֹכ ְלין חָמץ ומצה, הַל ַּילה הַזה - כ ּולוֹ מצה‬
ּ ָּ ַ ּ ֵ
1 ָּ ַ ֶּ ָ ְ
Sheb'chol haleilot anu ochlin chametz u'matzah. Halailah hazeh kulo matzah.
ִ ָ ֵּ ָ ֶ
.‫שׁב ְּכל הַלילוֹת אנו ּ אוֹכ ְלין שׁאר ירקוֹת, - הַל ַּילה הַזה מרוֹר‬
2 ָ ֶּ ָ ְ
Sheb'chol haleilot anu ochlin she'ar yirakot. Halailah hazeh maror.
ָ ְ ָ ְ ִ ָ ֵּ ָ ֶ
.‫שׁב ְּכל הַלילוֹת אין אנו ּ מטבילין אפילו ּ פעם אחת, - הַל ַּילה הַזה שׁתי פ ְעמים‬
3 ִ ָ ֵ ּ ְ ֶּ ָ ְ ָ ֶ ַ ַּ ִ ֲ ִ ִּ ְ ַ
Sheb'chol haleilot ein anu matbilin afilu pa'am echat. Halailah hazeh sh'tei f'amim.
ֶ ֵ ֵּ ָ ֶ
.‫שׁב ְּכל הַלילוֹת אנו ּ אוֹכ ְלין בין יוֹשׁבין ובין מסבין, - הַל ַּילה הַזה כ ֻּלנו מסבין‬
ִּ ֻ ְ ֵ ּ ִ ְ
4 ִּ ֻ ְ ָ ֶּ ָ ְ ֵּ ִ
Sheb'chol haleilot anu ochlin bein yoshvin u'vein m'subin. Halailah hazeh kulanu m'subin.
ָ ֵּ ָ ֶ
7 | DIYSeder.com Tell the Story

11. 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 Matzah? We eat only
1 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 only maror, a bitter
2 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 we dip them twice?
3 We dip in salt water tonight first to remember the tears and bitter lives of our ancestors, and second,
their unending hope for freedom.
On all other nights, we eat sitting or reclining. Why, on this night, do we recline? We make ourselves
4 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 | 8

12. 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.
9 | DIYSeder.com Tell the Story: The Exodus Journey

13. 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 | 10

14. "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, God or the Universe (GOU) told Moses what
Way down in Egypt land, to do,
Tell ol’ Darth Vader, Let my people go,
Let my people go! He led the people of Israel through,
Let my people go.
As Israel stood by the waterside,
Let my people go, Go down Moses,
At God or the Universe (GOU) ’s command it Way down in Egypt land,
did divide, Tell ol’ Darth Vader,
Let my people go. Let my people go!
11 | DIYSeder.com Tell the Story: "Let My People Go"

15. 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:
LEADER INSTRUCTIONS:
Dip your finger, or a spoon, into your wine glass (which should be full), and
spill a drop of wine onto your plate. We do this ten times, as we recite the
names of each of the plagues.
Blood Frogs
1 ‫ דם‬Dom
ָּ
2 ‫ צ ְפ ֵר ְד ּע‬Tz’fardayah
ַ ֵ
All the water turned to blood, leaving Frogs were everywhere, inside and out.
people and animals without clean water The noise from the croaking was
to drink, bathe in or water their crops unbearable. No one could sleep or move
with. around in peace.
Lice Wild Beasts
3 ‫ כ ִּנים‬Kinim
ִ
4 ‫ ערוֹב‬Arov
ָ
Lice attacked people and animals, biting, Wild beasts stormed the land, snorting,
sucking blood and spreading disease. No growling, biting and clawing. These
amount of scratching could calm the savage animals destroyed homes and
overwhelming itchHail, a deadly farms and attacked anyone in their way.
combination of fire and ice, destroyed
Boils
everything in its path. 6 ‫ שׁחין‬Shechin
ִ ְ
Cattle Disease Boils, a painful skin disease, caused
5 ‫ ד ּבר‬Dever
ֶ ֶ people’s flesh to burn and itch.
Cattle disease brought sickness to rams,
Locusts
horses, camels, cows, sheep and other
animals. All livestock died as there was
8 ‫ אר ְבה‬Arbeh
ֶּ ַ
no cure. Swarms of locusts blackened the sky and
destroyed all crops.
Hail
7 ‫ ברד‬Barad
ָּ
Tell the Story: The 10 Plagues DIYSeder.com | 12

16. Hail, a deadly combination of fire and ice, Death of the Firstborn
destroyed everything in its path.
10 ַּ ַ
‫ מכת בכוֹרוֹת‬Makat Bechorot
ְּ
Every first-born Egyptian — whether
Darkness
9 ְ ‫ חשׁך‬Choshech
ֶ
human or animal — suddenly died. The
Israelites were spared the angel of death,
Total darkness created chaos. Without which passed over their homes, as their
the sun, the cold was bone-chilling. doorposts had been marked with the
blood of the sacrificial lamb.
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
13 | DIYSeder.com Tell the Story: The 10 Plagues

17. 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"
.‫אל ּו ּ הוֹציאנו ּ ממצ ְר ָים, ד ּינו‬
ּ ֵּ ַ ִ ִּ ִ ָ ִ ִ
Ilu hotzianu mimitzrayim. Dayenu.
mimitzrayim.
Had God or the Universe (GOU) only brought us out
of Egypt. Dayenu.
.‫ולֹא נ ָתן לנו ּ את הַשׁבת, ד ּינו‬
ּ ֵּ ַ ָּ ַּ ֶ ָ ַ ְ
Ilu n atan lanu et hashabbat. Dayenu.
natan
Had God or the Universe (GOU) only given us
Shabbat. Dayenu.
.‫ולֹא נ ָתן לנו ּ את הַתוֹרה, ד ּינו‬
ּ ֵּ ַ ָ ּ ֶ ָ ַ ְ
Ilu n atan lanu et hatorah. Dayenu.
natan hatorah.
Had God or the Universe (GOU) only given us the
Torah. Dayenu.
.‫ולֹא הִכ ְניסנו ּ ל ְארץ ישׂר ָאל, ד ּינו‬
ּ ֵּ ַ ֵ ְ ִ ֶ ֶ ָ ִ ְ
Ilu n atan lanu et hatorah. Dayenu.
natan hatorah.
Had God or the Universe (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.
Tell the Story: The Escape DIYSeder.com | 14

18. Blessed are You, God or the Universe (GOU) ,
Divine Presence, who creates the fruit of the vine.
.‫ברוך ְ אתה יי אלֹהינו ּ מל ֶך ְ העוֹלם ב ּוֹרא פרי הַג ָפן‬
ֶ ִ ְּ ֵ ָ ָ ֶ ֵ ֱ ָ ּ ַ ּ ָּ
Baruch Atah Adonai Eloheinu melech ha’olam borei
pri hagafen.
15 | DIYSeder.com Tell the Story: "Dayenu"

19. "Dayenu"
ּ ‫אלו ּ הוֹציאנו ּ ממצ ְרים ולֹא עשׂה ב ָּהם שׁפ ָטים, ד ּיינו‬
ֵ ַ ִ ְ ֶ ָ ָ ְ ַ ִ ִ ָ ִ ִ
.‫אלו ּ עשׂה ב ָּהם שׁפ ָטים, ו לֹא עשׂה באלֹהיהם, ד ּיינו‬
ּ ֵ ַ ֶ ֵ ֵ ָ ָ ִ ְ ֶ ָ ָ ִ
ּ ‫אלו ּ עשׂה באלֹהיהם, ולֹא הָרג את בכוֹריהם, ד ּיינו‬
ֵ ַ ֶ ֵ ְּ ֶ ַ ְ ֶ ֵ ֵ ָ ָ ִ
ּ ‫אלו ּ הָרג את בכוֹריהם ולֹא נ ָתן לנו ּ את ממוֹנם, ד ּיינו‬
ֵ ַ ָ ָ ֶ ָ ַ ְ ֶ ֵ ְּ ֶ ַ ִ
ּ ‫אלו ּ נ ָתן לנו ּ את ממוֹנם ולֹא קרע לנו ּ את הַים, ד ּיינו‬
ֵ ַ ָּ ֶ ָ ַ ָ ְ ָ ָ ֶ ָ ַ ִ
ּ ‫אלו ּ קרע לנו ּ את הַים ולֹא הֶעבירנו ּ בתוֹכוֹ ב ֶּחָר ָבה, ד ּיינו‬
ֵ ַ ָ ְּ ָ ֵ ֱ ְ ָּ ֶ ָ ַ ָ ִ
ּ ‫אלו ּ הֶעבירנו ּ בתוֹכוֹ ב ֶּחָר ָבה ולֹא שׁקע צ ֶַָרנו ּ בתוֹכוֹ, ד ּיינו‬
ֵ ַ ְּ ֵ ַ ְ ְ ָ ְּ ָ ֵ ֱ ִ
ּ ‫אלו ּ שׁקע צ ֶַָרנו ּ בתוֹכוֹ ולֹא ספק צ ָר ְכנו ּ ב ּמדבר אר ְב ָּעים שׁנה, ד ּיינו‬
ֵ ַ ָ ָ ִ ַ ָּ ְ ִ ֵּ ֵּ ִ ְ ְּ ֵ ַ ִ ִ
ּ ‫אלו ּ ספק צ ָר ְכנו ּ ב ּמדבר אר ְב ָּעים שׁנה ולֹא הֶאכילנו ּ את הַמן, ד ּיינו‬
ֵ ַ ָּ ֶ ָ ִ ֱ ָ ָ ִ ַ ָּ ְ ִ ֵּ ֵּ ִ ִ
ּ ‫אלו ּ הֶאכילנו ּ את הַמן ולֹא נ ָתן לנו ּ את הַשׁבת, ד ּיינו‬
ֵ ַ ָּ ַ ֶ ָ ַ ְ ָּ ֶ ָ ִ ֱ ִ
.‫אלו ּ נ ָתן לנו ּ את הַשׁבת, ולֹא קר ְבנו ּ ל ִפ ְני הר סיני, ד ּיינו‬
ּ ֵ ַ ַ ִ ַ ֵ ָ ֵ ְ ָּ ַ ֶ ָ ַ ִ
ּ ‫אלו ּ קר ְבנו ּ ל ִפ ְני הר סיני, ולֹא נ ַָתן לנו ּ את הַתוֹרה, ד ּיינו‬
ֵ ַ ָ ּ ֶ ָ ַ ְ ַ ִ ַ ֵ ָ ֵ ִ
ּ ‫אלו ּ נ ַָתן לנו ּ את הַתוֹרה ולֹא הִכ ְניסנו ּ ל ְארץ ישׂר ָאל, ד ּיינו‬
ֵ ַ ֵ ְ ִ ֶ ֶ ָ ִ ְ ָ ּ ֶ ָ ַ ִ
ּ ‫אלו ּ הִכ ְניסנו ּ ל ְארץ ישׂר ָאל ולֹא ב ָנה לנו ּ את בית הַב ְּחירה, ד ּיינו‬
ֵ ַ ָ ִ ֵּ ֶ ָ ָ ְ ֵ ְ ִ ֶ ֶ ָ ִ ִ
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•‫ר ַחְצה‬
ָ
We wash our hands now for the second time tonight, doing so as we prepare to bless and eat the food.
LEADER INSTRUCTIONS:
It’s a tradition to make a blessing when washing one’s hands before eating
bread, so even though tonight’s “bread” is matzah, we still wash our hands
followed by a blessing. You can choose to have one person wash for everyone,
like you did earlier, but then everyone should join together to say the blessing.
Wash the Hands with a Blessing DIYSeder.com | 16

20. Blessed are You, God or the Universe (GOU) ,
Divine Presence, who sanctifies us with
commandments and commands us to wash our
hands.
ּ ‫ברוך ְ אתה יי אלֹהינו ּ מל ֶך ְ העוֹלם, אשׁר קדשׁנו‬
ָ ְ ִ ֶ ֲ ָ ָ ֶ ֵ ֱ ָ ּ ַ ּ ָּ
.‫ב ְּמצ ְוֹתיו וצ ִונו ּ על נ ְטילת ידים‬
ִ ַָ ַ ִ ַ ָּ ְ ָ ִ
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).
LEADER INSTRUCTIONS:
Take what’s left of the middle matzah, break it into pieces, and pass them
around for everyone to eat after you say the blessings together.
Blessed are You, God or the Universe (GOU) ,
Divine Presence, who sanctifies us with
commandments and commands us to eat
unleavened bread.
17 | DIYSeder.com Bless the Matzah

21. ‫ברוך ְ אתה יי אלֹהינו ּ מל ֶך ְ העוֹלם הַמוֹציא ל ֶחם מן‬
ִ ֶ ִ ּ ָ ָ ֶ ֵ ֱ ָ ּ ַ ּ ָּ
.‫הָארץ‬
ֶ ָ
Baruch Atah Adonai Eloheinu melech ha’olam
hamotzi lechem min ha’aretz.
Blessed are You, God or the Universe (GOU) ,
Divine Presence, who brings forth bread from the
earth.
ּ ‫ברוך ְ אתה יי אלֹהינו ּ מל ֶך ְ העוֹלם, אשׁר קד ּשנו‬
ָ ְ ִ ֶ ֲ ָ ָ ֶ ֵ ֱ ָ ּ ַ ּ ָּ
.‫ב ְּמצ ְוֹתיו וצ ִונו ּ על אכילת מצה‬
ָּ ַ ַ ִ ֲ ַ ָּ ְ ָ ִ
Baruch Atah Adonai Eloheinu melech ha’olam asher
kid’shanu b’mitzvotav v’tzivanu al achilat matzah.
DIP THE BITTER
HERBS
Maror•‫מרֹור‬
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.
LEADER INSTRUCTIONS:
If you like spicy foods, or just want to bring real tears to your eyes, consider
peeling and grating your own fresh horseradish (with a bit of white vinegar so
it sticks together) on the day of the Seder. If you keep it sealed until you use it,
your guests will surely thank you for clearing their sinuses.
Blessed are You, God or the Universe (GOU) ,
Divine Presence, who sanctifies us with
commandments and commands us to eat the bitter
herb.
Dip the Bitter Herbs DIYSeder.com | 18

22. ּ ‫ברוך ְ אתה יי אלֹהינו ּ מל ֶך ְ העוֹלם, אשׁר קד ּשנו‬
ָ ְ ִ ֶ ֲ ָ ָ ֶ ֵ ֱ ָ ּ ַ ּ ָּ
‫ב ְּמצ ְוֹתיו וצ ִונו ּ על‬
ַ ָּ ְ ָ ִ
‫.אכילת מרוֹר‬
ָ ַ ִ ֲ
Baruch Atah Adonai Eloheinu melech ha’olam asher
kid’shanu b’mitzvotav v’tzivanu al achilat maror.
HILLEL’S
SANDWICH
Koreich•ְ ‫כ ּוֹר ֵך‬
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.
LEADER INSTRUCTIONS:
Take the bottom matzah to make this unusual sandwich. Feel free to use
additional pieces of matzah if you need them.
“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
19 | DIYSeder.com Hillel’s Sandwich

23. 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!
LEADER INSTRUCTIONS:
Kids, if you haven’t already taken and hidden the Afikomen, now’s the time to
do it. Work together so you are in the strongest position to get what you want.
The grown-ups need to have that Afikomen back in order to end the Seder.
Grown-ups, feel free to make this into a treasure hunt, but be prepared to
strike a deal at the end, so you can be sure you get the Afikomen back. If there
are no children present, consider using this game of hide and seek as an
opportunity to donate to your favorite charity.
Seder Zinger
Enough lessons! Enough symbols! Let’s eat!
Eat the Meal DIYSeder.com | 20

24. 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.
LEADER INSTRUCTIONS:
Once it is found, break the Afikomen into many small pieces so that everyone
at the Seder gets a taste.
“My humanity is bound up in yours, for we can only be human together.” — Desmond Tutu
21 | DIYSeder.com Share the Afikomen

25. BLESSING AFTER
THE MEAL
Barekh•ְ ‫ב ָּר ֵך‬
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, God or the Universe (GOU) ,
Divine Presence, who creates the fruit of the vine.
‫.ברוך ְ אתה יי אלֹהינו ּ מל ֶך ְ העוֹלם ב ּוֹרא פרי הַג ָפן‬
ֶ ִ ְּ ֵ ָ ָ ֶ ֵ ֱ ָ ּ ַ ּ ָּ
Baruch Atah Adonai Eloheinu melech ha’olam borei
pri hagafen.
LEADER INSTRUCTIONS:
At some Seders, everyone pours a little wine or grape juice from their cups into
Elijah’s cup. If there are very small children at the Seder, sometimes grown-ups
lightly shake the table so it looks like Elijah is actually drinking.
“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
Blessing After the Meal DIYSeder.com | 22

26. PRAISE
Hallel•‫הַלל‬
ֵּ
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 God or the Universe (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 Movement in
the 1960s, and is thought to have originated as a folk song among newly liberated African-American slaves
following the Civil War.
23 | DIYSeder.com Praise

27. “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.
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.
Praise: “Oh Freedom” DIYSeder.com | 24

28. 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•‫נ ִר ְצה‬
ָ
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 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, God or the Universe (GOU) ,
Divine Presence, who creates the fruit of the vine.
‫.ברוך ְ אתה יי אלֹהינו ּ מל ֶך ְ העוֹלם ב ּוֹרא פרי הַג ָפן‬
ֶ ִ ְּ ֵ ָ ָ ֶ ֵ ֱ ָ ּ ַ ּ ָּ
25 | DIYSeder.com Conclusion

29. Baruch Atah Adonai Eloheinu melech ha’olam borei
pri hagafen.
LEADER INSTRUCTIONS:
There are many different songs that you can sing here that symbolize hope.
Some families sing the traditional “L’shana Hab’a’ B’yerushalyim” — Next Year
in Jerusalem. Some sing the Israeli national anthem, called “Hatikvah,” which
means <em>hope</em>. Others have a tradition of singing what became
known as the Partisan song during WWII, which also signified hope and
defiance in the face of all evil. Although everyone’s tired, it’s nice to finish your
Seder with a song, so choose one that works for your family.
"HINE MA TOV"
How good and how pleasant it is
Hineh, ma tov u-manayim
When people dwell together in unity!”
Conclusion: "Hine Ma Tov" DIYSeder.com | 26

30. Shevet achim gam yachad!
“Those who deny freedom of others, deserve it not for themselves.” — Abraham Lincoln
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!”
27 | DIYSeder.com Conclusion: "Hine Ma Tov"