The Signs


Pharaoh was unwilling to release his labor supply.

Pharaoh thought himself a god. He believed he could do whatever he wanted to with individuals or entire peoples. He needed to learn there was a Source of Power beyond himself.

Thus, our redemption did not take place without a struggle. Due to that struggle, the resultant plagues and loss of life, we take drops from our full cups of wine-this, then, symbolizes the diminution of our joy.

We remember also those who have died in their struggle for freedom. Our joy is diminished because of their sacrifice.

Who can we name who dedicate thier lives to the struggle for freedom?

These are the ten Signs that the Holy One brought upon Egypt.

 

Remove a drop of wine from our cups as we weigh in our hearts and recite each action against the Egyptians.



  1. Blood dam
  2. Frogs tsfarday'a
  3. Lice keeneem
  4. Wild Beasts arov
  5. Pestilence dever
  6. Boils shkheen
  7. Hail barad
  8. Locusts arbeh
  9. Darkness choshech
  10. Killing the First Born maccat b'chorot

We have seen these old plagues made real in our own time.

Darkness descended over the Persian Gulf states. A physical, tangible darkness in the middle of the day.

Rivers of blood flow in once peaceful villages and cities. Other rivers burned red with flame, pollutants igniting what should give life.

Oppression still exists. We all feel the plagues that remind us of its presence.

Apathy, Brutality, Cruelty, Despair, Envy, Falsehood, Greed, Hatred, Insincerity, Jealousy...

These plagues afflict us in the world of politics about us as well as in the relationships we share with friends and families. There are even ways in which we oppress ourselves.

 

Can we name the other sixteen?

K
L
M
N
O
P
Q
R
S
T
U
V
W
X
Y
Z


Our ancestors heeded the signs they saw about them in their day, will we respond to the signs we experience today as well?


Haggadah and Liberation

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Last modified on March 30, 2000