(Aurora & Vinayak) We raise our glass in solidarity with all those who experience injustice around the world and dedicate ourselves to bringing freedom together.

ָבּרוּךְ ַאָתּה ְיָי, ֱאלֵֹהינוּ ֶמֶלךְ ָהעֹוָֹלם,בֹּוֵֹרא ְפִּרי ַהָגֶּפן.

Baruch atah Adonai, Eloheinu Melech ha’olam boreh p’ri ha-gafen.

We praise You, O God, Sovereign of the Universe, Who brings forth the fruit of the vine.

(Leaning to the left, all drink the second cup of wine.)

We took up the struggle with our eyes wide open, under no illusion that the path would be an easy one...When I walked out of prison, that was my mission, to liberate the oppressed and the oppressor both. Some say that has now been achieved. But I know that that is not the case. The truth is that we are not yet free; we have merely achieved the freedom to be free, the right not to be oppressed.

We have not taken the final step of our journey, but the first step on a longer and even more difficult road. For to be free is not merely to cast off one’s chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others. The true test of our devotion to freedom is just beginning.

I have walked that long road to freedom. I have tried not to falter; I have made missteps along the way. But I have discovered the secret that after climbing a great hill, one only finds that there are many more hills to climb. I have taken a moment here to rest, to steal a view of the glorious vista that surrounds me, to look back on the distance I have come.

But I can rest only for a moment, for with freedom come responsibilities, and I dare not linger, for my long walk is not yet ended.

- Nelson Mandela, Long Walk to Freedom.


 


haggadah Section: -- Exodus Story