Hallel: Ma’ariv Pesach: Consecration VIII

We sing this final paragraph of Hallel as the Children of Israel sang as they offered the original Korban Pesach. They sang in stages: 1) Gratitude, 2) Their story and its lessons, 3) Their feelings of joy and possibility, and 4) As a prayer for the future. We declare our intention to celebrate the Seder as a Symphony in Parts, in the same stages:

Gratitude – First Cup of Wine

“Give thanks to God Who is good, for His kindness is forever!

Let Israel declare that His Kindness is forever!

Let the House of Aaron declare that His kindness is forever!

Let those who are in awe of God declare that His kindness if forever!

Our Story – Second cup of Wine: Maggid

I called to the Creator of Heaven and Earth from a tight spot, and He answered me broadly. God is with me, I have no fear; what can people do to me? God is with me to help me, so I can confront my enemies. It is better to depend in God than to trust people. It is better to depend on God than to trust people in power. All the nations surrounded me but I survived them in God’s Name. They surrounded and encircled me but I survived them in God’s Name. Though they surrounded me like a swarm of bees, they were snuffed out like burnt thorns. I survived them in God’s Name. I was pushed to fall but God helped me. The Creator of Heaven and Earth is my Help and my Hammer, and became my Savior. Song and victory sound in the tents of the just. God’s Hand makes victory. God’s Hand is supreme. God’s Hand makes victory! I will not die but live, and tell of the doings of the Creator of Heaven and Earth. The Creator afflicted me to direct me but did not destroy me. Open the gates of justice for me, I will enter and thank the Creator. This is the gate to God, the just may enter here.

Joy & Possibility – Third Cup of Wine: Bareich

I thank You for answering me, You became my salvation. The stone rejected by the builders became the cornerstone. This happened because of God; it is wondrous in our eyes. This is the day God made; let us sing and be happy with it.

Prayer for The Future – Fourth Cup of Wine: Hallel

Please God; Save us! Please God; Make us successful! Bless those who come in God’s Name; we bless you from God’s House. God  is The Power and gave us Light. Wave your holiday branches up to the corners of the altar. You are my Power and I thank You, My Lord and I will exalt You. Give thanks to God Who is good, for His kindness is forever!”