Source of Mercy, the world feels different now. Since that dark day, grief and terror have settled into our bones. We have seen too much suffering, too much loss, too many hearts broken open by pain. Hold us in Your infinite compassion. Teach us how to breathe again in a world that feels forever changed.

We remember every life torn away, every family waiting for news, every soul still held captive in body or in spirit. Bring them home, Holy One. Bring healing to those who mourn, courage to those who despair, and rest to those whose hearts can no longer carry the weight of sorrow.

Plant in us the seeds of peace. Help us see the divine image even in one another’s tears. Spread Your shelter of safety over all who dwell in fear, in Israel and in Gaza, and in every place touched by violence. Oseh shalom bimromav, may the One who makes peace in the heavens make peace for us, for our neighbors, and for this fragile, aching world. Amen.

Kadesh U-Urchatz

Karpas and Yachatz

Magid and Rachatzah

Motzi matzah, motzi matzah

Maror Korech

Shulchan Orech

Tzafun, Ba-a-rech

Hallel Nirtzah… Hallel Nirtzah!

In the Haggadah, before the meal

We think about how things were

And the experience makes us feel

The miracles that occurred

Kadesh U-Urchatz

Karpas and Yachatz

Magid and Rachatzah

Motzi matzah, Motzi Matzah

Where’s my Haggadah…

Maror Korech

Shulchan Orech

Tzafun, Ba-a-rech

Hallel Nirtzah

Next: Chad Gadya

That’s the Haggadah

This is the first ritual washing of the seder. You do it whether your hands are clean or dirty, because you’re about to consume some food for the first time since you sat yourselves down for the meal/exploration of history. The act of washing prepares you for the enjoyment and exploration ahead. And this probably goes without saying, but be careful not to spill on any local witches — while scientists do not know if all bearers of magic have a water allergy, better safe than sorry. It’s also practical to protectively shield your characters at the beginning of the narrative, because if they melt no one learns anything.