Our sedar begins with the physical act of lighting the candles. The lighting of the candles signifies a moment of transition, from before to during. From apart to together, from our every day brain space to a space of mindfulness, and if you choose, a transition from an ordinary time to a holy one. The flame reminds us of our own flickering flame, and how we must care for it to keep it alive.

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.

The sedar has now truly begun, and like I tell my students before rehearsal, you are welcome and empowered to leave the stress of your everyday life with the shoes by the door. I promise they'll be there to pick up later if you need them, or you can just forget them with us.


haggadah Section: Introduction