Submitted by Rabbi Douglas Krantz

To be read after Yachatz

Our mothers and fathers ate the bread of affliction every day when our ancestors were in Egypt. Tonight we gather around tables filled with the bounty of food, and the warmth of love, and endeavor to see ourselves as if we ourselves went forth from Egypt, with minds and bodies nurtured only on the bread of affliction.

We are aware of Israelis who hunger for security, who are afflicted with terror, and who yearn for acceptance in our world as a people of a nation with a sacred mission.

We are aware of Palestinians afflicted with poverty, who desire nothing more than to raise their families in an independent state, free of the burden of occupation, and able to build a future of their own choosing.

Only peace can feed the souls and salve the wounds of Israelis and Palestinians today.

Only peace can offer sustenance to two peoples struggling side by side, afflicted with anger, burdened with pain.

Only peace -- peace now -- can allow our brothers and sisters to escape the bondage of their violence.

When they are vulnerable, we are vulnerable.

When they are insecure, we are insecure.

For us to see ourselves as if we went forth from Egypt means to recognize that all of God's children hunger for justice, hunger to be free from the bonds of conflict that oppress the human spirit, and hunger to celebrate life with love and hope, bread and peace.



haggadah Section: Yachatz