Kadesh directly translates to "sanctify." Kadesh is the prayer of wine, and you say it during the seder. First, you have someone fill your glass with wine, but make sure to return the favor. Next, everyone stands and recites the Kiddush together. (Prayer is below) Then, you drink and recline on a cushion to your left side. While you say the Kadesh you remember the ancient times and how even though we weren't free back then we are now. The Kadesh means, the beginning of all journeys is separation. You’ve got to leave somewhere to go somewhere else. It is also the first step towards freedom. I feel that the Kadesh is important because it signifies that we are free from Pharoah and get to live a nice, free life away from slavery. During the Passover Seder I find it as a time to remember what we went through as Jewish people, and remember the ways we are free now.


haggadah Section: Kadesh