In the Pesakh story, we hear over and over that Pharaoh’s heart was hardened. As result his capacity to empathize, to seek understanding, to care about others disintegrated. His hardened heart allowed him to act with ruthless brutality, to deceive and oppress.
In the world as it is right now, hardening our hearts can feel like a reasonable and unavoidable response. To love, to care, to even pay attention, can just feel too painful. However, our hardened hearts make it more difficult for us to act with compassion, patience and generosity. A hardened heart closes us to joy, turns us away from each other and keeps us from noticing the blessings that make life worthwhile.
The world needs our love, compassion, awareness and generosity.
The world needs our hearts strong and soft.
We raise each of the four cups with the intention of softening and strengthening our hearts for the sake of each other and all life.
Barukh atah Havayh Eloheynu melech ha-olam borei p’ri hagafen
We remember those we have sat with at the seder table.
We remember family and friends we love and cherish.
We remember people who have made a difference in our lives and in the life of the world.
May our memories soften, strengthen and inspire our hearts.
For the second cup, we pray with the news.
We each take notice of something that is weighing heavily upon our hearts. Then we lift our cups and
offer a prayer for the people, the land, the beings who are suffering as a result of turmoil, oppression and
tyranny.
We offer prayers for healing, justice and peace.
We offer prayers for kindness and generosity.
We offer prayers for well-being, dignity and equality.
May our hearts be softened by the lights that shine through awareness, empathy and compassion
GRATITUDE
We give thanks for the people, land and animals we love.
We give thanks to all those who love us.
We give thanks for the gifts we receive and are able to give.
We give thanks for the bounty and opportunities we enjoy and share.
May giving thanks bring joy and sweetness, softening and strengthening the heart
GOODNESS
As we lift the fourth cup, we share stories of goodness.
We share moments and encounters that inspire us.
We lift up acts of kindness and generosity.
We relate stories of people coming together to act for healing, justice and peace.
We acknowledge the goodness we bring into the world by sharing our gifts
May our hearts be strong and filled with courage.
May we guide each other into the expanse of hope and possibility.
Find more resources from Rabbi Yael Levy here.
