Reader:  Our seder recalls the long night of waiting during the 10th plague. Pharaoh finally agrees to “let my people go.” The Israelites leave quickly, carrying what they can. A full moon lights the way. They take the bread that slaves eat—one that has no time to rise—matzah.

Reader: They head towards the Sea of Reeds. As tyrants often do, Pharaoh changes his mind and comes after them with his army in their chariots. The people are terrified! Even Moses is frightened.

Reader:  But we are taught that one person, Nachshon, steps into the sea. Then God parts the waters for the Israelites to cross safely to the other side. When Pharaoh and his army follow, the sea closes over them and they drown. Miriam and the other women lead the Israelites in a new song of praise and gratitude.

ALL: Dayenu!

Reader:  Our journey from Mitzrayim, the biblical name for Egypt, is the moment of our birth as a people. We teach this central story of the Jewish people year after year so that we will all remember and better understand what it is like to be oppressed and to hope for freedom.

ALL: If only hope...Dayenu!

Reader:  Because we were once slaves, we must oppose slavery. Because we know what it is like not to have a voice, we must speak out for the voiceless. ALL: If only a voice...Dayenu! Reader: This moment is our narrow place. May we emerge from our bondage to a new understanding of the work we must do to make the world a better place for all.


haggadah Section: -- Ten Plagues