…and to unify You in love.

Israel, if you did not eat the poverty-bread in joy,  
one who did not do the first may do the second.

The righteous man was buried in the land;  
forever the day was set — one returning to purity can celebrate redemption now.  
Holy One, I thank You for only Your hand can purify me.  
One who did not do the first may do the second.

One on a distant path or in impurity will not be cut off;  
while one who was prevented or mistaken is liable to be cut off but they also should obey.^[1] A poetic retelling of Mishnah Pesaḥim 9:1   
What is “distant?” From the threshold they established;  
therefore the letter hei is dotted^[2] In Numbers 9:10 the word “distant” — רחוקהׄ — is written with a dot over the hei.  as the grammarians will spell it.^[3] A poetic retelling of Mishnah Pesaḥim 9:2   
The First differs from the Second — burning ḥamets and hallel while eating were not mandated;  
but hallel while preparing is required for both and the Sabbath is overridden when they fall on one day.  
Matsot and bitter herbs accompany it, roasted as You commanded me.^[4] A poetic retelling of Mishnah Pesaḥim 9:3   
One who did not do the first may do the second.

The commandment is given to our hands in the love of the Ancient of Days,  
for They know our desires that are not imperfect.  
God, Merciful Parent, Master of Mercies,  
please return us to celebrate the Second in the House of Eternities!  
Be strong, beloved ones, for my ransom has already been paid!  
One who did not do the first may do the second.

Blessed are You, Cause, who chooses…
to the reading of the Shema