Contradictory Meanings
The Egg: symbolizes birth and death (eaten in a house of mourning)
Matzah: symbolizes affliction and freedom
The Bitter Herbs: the sharp taste is mitigated by the sweetness of the charoset
Excerpts from, "For All These Things," by Israeli artist, Naomi Shemer
(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nCrNafNugFQ)
Every bee that brings the honey, Needs a sting to be complete
And we all must learn to taste the bitter with the sweet.
Keep, oh Lord, the fire burning, Through the night and through the day
For the man who is returning from so far away.
Chorus:
As the wind makes rustling night sounds, And a star falls in its arc
All my dreams and my desires, Form crystal shapes out of the dark.
Guard for me, oh Lord, these treasures, All my friends keep safe and strong,
Guard the stillness, guard the weeping, And above all, guard this song.
Chorus:
For the sake of all these things, Lord, Let your mercy be complete
Bless the sting and bless the honey, Bless the bitter and the sweet.
‘We Remember Them’ by Sylvan Kamens & Rabbi Jack Riemer
At the rising sun and at its going down; We remember them.
At the blowing of the wind and in the chill of winter; We remember them.
At the opening of the buds and in the rebirth of spring; We remember them.
At the blueness of the skies and in the warmth of summer; We remember them.
At the rustling of the leaves and in the beauty of the autumn; We remember them.
At the beginning of the year and when it ends; We remember them.
As long as we live, they too will live, for they are now a part of us as We remember them.
When we are weary and in need of strength; We remember them.
When we are lost and sick at heart; We remember them.
When we have decisions that are difficult to make; We remember them.
When we have joy we crave to share; We remember them.
When we have achievements that are based on theirs; We remember them.
For as long as we live, they too will live, for they are now a part of us as, We remember them.