Lighting the Candles

Contributed by Linda Schneider

The seder officially begins with a physical act: lighting the candles.  In Jewish tradition, lighting candles and saying a blessing over them marks a time of transition, from the day that is ending to the one that is beginning, from ordinary time to sacred time.  Lighting the candles is an important part of our Passover celebration because their flickering light reminds us of the importance of keeping the fragile flame of freedom alive in the world.

Baruch Atah Adonai Eloheinu melech ha'olam asher kid'shanu b'mitzvotav, v'tzivanu l'hadlik ner shel Yom Tov.

Blessed are You, Adonai our God, Ruler of the Universe, who has sanctified us with laws and commanded us to light the festival lights.

As we light the festival candles, we acknowledge that as they brighten our Passover table, good thoughts, good words, and good deeds brighten our days.

Special blessing

Baruch Atah Adonai, Eloheinu Melech ha-olam,
she-hechiyanu v’key’manu v’higiyanu lazman hazeh.

We praise God, Ruler of Everything, who has kept us alive, raised us up, and brought us to this happy moment.

Blessing for healing

Mi shebeirach avoteinu, m'kor habracha l'imoteinu

May the source of strength who blessed the ones before us help us find the courage to make our lives a blessing.

Bless those in need of healing with r'fua sh'leima,
The renewal of body, the renewal of spirit, and let us say, amen.

Source: templesolel.net "Prayers for Healing". Music by Debbie Friedman.

(Usually the handwashing comes here, but I'm guessing you already washed your hands!)

Blessing over the wine

Baruch Atah Adonai, Eloheinu Melech ha-olam, borei p’ree hagafen.

We praise God, Ruler of Everything, who creates the fruit of the vine.

Drink the first glass of wine!


haggadah Section: Kadesh