As each plague is mentioned, take a drop of wine from the cup and recite:
[A Night of Questions, A Passover Haggadah, page 61]
Blood.
Frogs.
Lice.
Wild Beasts.
Pestilence.
Boils.
Hail.
Locust.
Darkness.
Slaying of the First-born.
As Jewish progressives, throughout the whole year, we speak out for those who do not have the strength or capacity to speak out on their own. We add our voices of support for those who need it most. We stand in solidarity with those who are seeking rights. This year has had no shortage of such people and causes. Eman al-Obeidy, a Libyan woman, whose courage captured and humbled people worldwide. The Fukushima nuclear plant workers, who rose up to meet their own personal tragedies, as well as those of a nation. Wisconsin workers, who inspire us, with their creative perseverance and their fight for a better future. At their core, these were all human tales of universal struggles and aspirations. Likewise, at its core, the Passover story is a human tale, one of suffering, struggle and hope.
It is because of our progressive values and intentions that the story of the ten plagues can be especially difficult to reconcile with our modern beliefs. How do we synthesize this section of the story with how we act during the rest of the year?
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