Blessing of the candles

Baruch Atah Adonai Eloheinu melech ha'olam, asher kidshanu b'mitzvotav v'tzeevanu l'hadlik shel (shabbat v'shel) yom tov.

We praise you Adonai our God ruler of the univers who has sanctified us with laws and commanded us to light the (Sabbath and) festival candles.

Passover is a most special time of year. We celebrate with family and friends so dear.

(Insert for the Saturday additional prayers)

Va'yhee rev va'yhee voter. Yom ha'sheeshee, va'ychulu ha'shamayim v'haaretz v'chol-tzva'am. Va'ychal Eloheem bayom hashvee'ee, m'lachto asher asah. Va'yshbot bayom hashvee'ee, michol-m'lachto asher asah. Va'y'varaych Eloheem et-yom hashvee'ee, va'y'kadaysh oto, kee vo schavot meekol m'lachti, asher bara Eloheem la'a'sot.

And it was evening and it was morning. On the sixth day the heavens and the earth and all their hosts were finished. And on the seventh day God ended His work which He had made; and He rested on the seventh day from all His work which He had made. And God blessed the seventh day and sanctified it; because he rested thereon from all His work which God had created and made.

Our God and God of our ancestors, we thank that you have enabled us to gather in happy fellowship again to observe the festival of Freedom. Just as for many centuries, the Seder has brought together families and friends to retell the events which led to our freedom so may we on this night be as one with Jews everywhere who perform this ancient ritual linking us with our historic past. As we relive each event in our people's ancient struggle and celebrate their emergence from slavery to freedom. We pray that all of us may keep alive in our hearts the love of liberty.


haggadah Section: Kadesh