The recitation of the kiddush blessing over a glass of wine or grape juice. The words kadesh and kiddush are derived from the word kadosh. Though commonly translated as holy or sanctified, kadosh actually means separate or distinct.

The first piece in our puzzle--Kadesh--summons us to step into the distinctive world of Passover. A world filled with feelings, mitzvahs, (commandments), customs, and ideas, all of which point the way to freedom. This very act of separation begins to move us towards a deeper awareness of ourselves and what it will take to achieve the prized freedom of Passover.

Sometimes, "just getting away from things" is precisely what is needed to gain a fresh perspective on the situation of our lives. By separating ourselves from routine, we are able to reflect on where we are, how we got there, what's driving us, and what our goals are. Then, with a bit more clarity, we can address the question, "Where do we go from here?"

On the Seder night we "get away" to a place filled with Jewish ideas about freedom and about life. From there we look back and imagine a life empowered by our noblest inclinations and vivified by a commitment to making the world the kind of place Judaism believes it can be.

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