The Global Diversity HaggadahLit. "Telling.” The haggadah is the book used at the seder table on Passover to tell the story of the Exodus, the central commandment of the holiday. It is rich in song, prayer, and legend. There are many different version of the Haggadah produced throughout Jewish history. was created to provide a personal window into my life and identity as a Jew. It provides my perspective as a black Jew, related to the multicultural celebration of freedom. This haggadah contains diversity themed poems and TorahThe Five Books of Moses, and the foundation of all of Jewish life and lore. The Torah is considered the heart and soul of the Jewish people, and study of the Torah is a high mitzvah. The Torah itself a scroll that is hand lettered on parchment, elaborately dressed and decorated, and stored in a decorative ark. It is chanted aloud on Mondays, Thursdays, and Shabbat, according to a yearly cycle. Sometimes "Torah" is used as a colloquial term for Jewish learning and narrative in general. verses. It may be used as a supplement to a traditional sederLit. Order. The festive meal conducted on Passover night, in a specific order with specific rituals to symbolize aspects of the Exodus from Egypt. It is conducted following the haggadah, a book for this purpose. Additionally, there an ancient tradition to have a seder on Rosh Hashanah, which has been practiced in particular by Sephardi communities. This seder involves the blessing and eating of simanim, or symbolic foods. The mystics of Sefat also created a seder for Tu B'shvat, the new year of the trees. or as the primary resource. Below is an excerpt from the haggadah.
Candle Lighting
Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the Universe, who has sanctified us with His commandments and commanded us that we kindle the Yom TovA festival or holiday. Most of the restrictions that apply on Shabbat also apply on a yom tov, with the exception of the prohibitions against cooking and carrying. (holiday) lights.
Barukh Atah Ado-nai, Elo-heinu Melekh Ha-olam, Asher Kid’shanu B’mitzvotav V’tzivanu L’hadlik NerCandle Shel Yom Tov
Global Light
From the depths of darkness
and oppression
we prayed for the light
we were sad and weary
we were depressed and dreary
tonight, we light this candle
and remember
we break the darkness
to shatter the dread
we choose the light
so, we may see the colorful world
and not lose sight
of the beauty of our people
our diversity all over the world
Our diaspora
is the light around the globe
bright and bold
warm and inviting
and melts the cold
hearts
that no longer beat
of love
We shine
just like this light
after generations of persecution
of our black, brown, yellow, and white people
relentless in
their fight
Tonight, we light
the candles to never forget
the power of our people
we appreciate our freedom
from slavery
and recognize G-d’s right
to his people
Tonight, we bring light into this world
to represent
G-d’s miracles
our hope
and freedom.
I see G-d in you
(pour wine into the cup of the person sitting next to you and repeat these words after the leader)
As I serve this wine to you
I share with you my love
and I honor the G-d in you
I respect how we are different
and the same
Just as our people journeyed
in the desert
to just be who they are
free to be
Jewish
I pour you this wine
to celebrate the Israelite in you.
I serve this drink
for you to sip while leaning
to the left
because you are special
and you have royal blood
running through your veins
your uniqueness is regal
and you are a perfect image
of our G-d.
