There are three pieces of matzo stacked on the table. We now break the middle matzo into two pieces and hide one half for the Afikomen, 'dessert' in Greek. After the meal, we will find the Afikomen and everyone will share a taste of it.

(break middle matzo, reserve one half for Afikomen)

We eat matzah in memory of the quick flight of our ancestors from Egypt. As slaves, when word of their freedom came they took whatever dough they had and ran before it had the chance to rise, leaving it looking something like matzo.

No matter where people live, sharing bread is a way of saying, "You are my friend." It is also a way of sharing what we have with others who may not have as much. On this night of Pesach, we say to the poor and hungry:

All:   This is the bread of poverty which our ancestors ate in the land of Egypt. All who are hungry, come and eat; all who are needy, come and celebrate Passover with us. As we celebrate here, we think of Jews everywhere. This year all Peoples are not yet free. Let all share with us the hope and freedom of Pesach: next year all shall be free.


haggadah Section: Yachatz
Source: A Children's Haggadah, JewBelong