Greens symbolize Spring, renewal, rebirth, and life itself. Green is the blood of plants. The chlorophyll structure is almost identical to the blood of humans and is used in transfusions when needed. Eating and drinking greens renew, rejuvenate, and heals the body. Without a strong and healthy body, any journey will be difficult. We must care for the ground in which we put our seeds, and from which our desired future nourishment will grow (physical and spiritual). That ground is our body and our mind. Cherishing and nurturing those gifts constitute the ADAMA the ground, the earth upon which we walk our path. and from which the ADAM in us heals renews and grows.

We dip the greens in salt water to remember that there is no real transformation without sweat and tears. Detaching from the old and moving towards an unknown new one usually involves fear, worries, pain, and hard work. Whether our tears are tears of suffering or of joy there will always be salty and so is our sweat. as without salt and the minerals in it, there cannot be life. 

Intention: Dip the Greens in saltwater and acknowledge the blessings (the fruits) in your life. Commit to nourishing the ADAMA or the ground from which they grew and recite the following blessing:

בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יי אֱלֹהֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם, בּוֹרֵא פְּרִי הָאֲדָמָה

Baruch Atah Adonai, Eloheinu melech ha’olam, borei p’ri ha’adamah.

Blessed are You, Lord, our God, Ruler of the universe, who creates the fruit of the earth.


haggadah Section: Karpas