All Jewish celebrations include wine as a symbol of our joy, as well as a practical way to increase that joy. The seder starts with wine and then gives us three more opportunities to refill our cup and drink.

We praise God, Ruler of Everything, who chose us from all peoples and languages, sanctified us with commandments, and lovingly gave to us special times for happiness. God gave us holidays, including this time of celebrating the Holiday of Matzah, the time of liberation, reading our sacred stories, and remembering the Exodus from Egypt. For you chose us and sanctified us among all peoples. You have given us joyful holidays. We praise God, who sanctifies the people of Israel and the holidays.

בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יְיָ, אֱלֹהֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם, בּוֹרֵא פְּרִי הַגָּפֶן

Baruch Atah Adonai, Eloheinu Melech ha-olam, borei p’ree hagafen.

Thank you, God, for grapes, so we may drink this wine.

This first cup is called the Cup of Sanctification.

Drink the first glass of wine as you recline to the left.


haggadah Section: Kadesh