Liberation Then and Liberation Now: Social Justice Reading for Your Seder

The American Jewish World Service invites you to incorporate this reading into your Seder as you drink the first glass of wine.

On Passover, we celebrate our redemption from slavery and revel in our freedom: we gather around the Seder table with our loved ones, telling stories of our people’s miraculous passage from Egypt, to Sinai, to the Promised Land. At this time of rejoicing, we also remember the great responsibility that freedom creates: to harness the power of our privilege on behalf of the oppressed and marginalized.

As we recite the prayers over the first cup of wine, let us also pray for and work towards the moment when all human beings will celebrate their liberation in comfort and plenty.

As we recline in comfort this night and remember our suffering in Egypt

We commit to support those who suffer today in the darkness of disasters and strive to rebuild in Haiti and Pakistan.

As we enjoy bountiful food and drink this night and remember our starvation in Egypt

We commit to support those who struggle today with the horrors of hunger and fight to sustain their families in Bolivia and Ethiopia.

As we joyfully learn with our children this night and remember the decree against our baby boys in Egypt

We commit to support boys and girls who are denied a childhood today and deserve the opportunities of education in Darfur and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

As we celebrate our unprecedented freedom this night and remember our chains of slavery in Egypt

Today, we commit to stand in solidarity with all those across the developing world who seek to unshackle themselves from poverty, disease and discrimination and who strive for an empowered future.