The 10 Plagues

Suffering and Affliction

As we read the 10 plagues, we spill drops of wine from our cups, mourning the suffering the Egyptians endured so that we could be free. This year, as these drops spread across our plates, let us turn our hearts toward the millions of people around the world suffering today’s plagues of hatred, prejudice, baseless violence and war.

Dam—Blood

We comfort and mourn those whose blood has been spilled.

Tzfardeiya—Frogs

We protest the proliferation of violence.

Kinim—Lice

We stop infestations of hatred and fear.

Arov—Wild Animals

We appeal to all people to act with humanity.

Dever—Pestilence

We overcome the sickness of racism and bigotry.

Shechin—Boils

We tend to those who suffer from disease.

Barad—Hail

We respond to storms and disasters that claim lives.

Arbeh—Locusts

We fill the air with voices for change.

Choshech—Darkness

We bring light to those who live in the shadows.

Makat B’chorot—Death of the Firstborn

We inspire the next generation to carry on the struggle for a better world.