Long before the struggle upward begins,
there is tremor in the seed.
Self-protection cracks,
Roots reach down and grab hold.
The seed swells, and tender shoots
push up toward light.
This is karpas: spring awakening growth.
A force so tough it can break stone.
And why do we dip karpas into salt water?
To remember the sweat and tears of our ancestors in bondage.
To taste the bitter tears of our earth, unable to fully renew itself this spring because of our waste, neglect and greed.
To feel the sting of society’s refusal to celebrate the blossoming of women’s bodies and the full range of our capacity for love.
And why should salt water be touched by karpas?
To remind us that tears stop. Spring comes.
And with it the potential for change.
Feminine:
B’rucha at yahA name for God, as in "halleluyah" – praise God. Some people prefer this name for God as a non-gendered option. eloheinu ruachLit. Spirit. Some new versions of blessings call God "Spirit of the World" (Ruakh Ha’olam), rather than "King of the World" (Melekh Ha'olam). ha’olam boreit p’ri ha’adama.
Masculine:
Baruch atah adonai eloheinu melech ha’olam borei p’ri ha’adama.
You are Blessed, Our God, Spirit of the World, who creates the fruit of the earth.
The Journey Continues: The Ma’yan 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. can be purchased for $12 + $4 s/h by emailing Ma’yan, infomayan@mayan.org.
