Uncover the matzot and lift the seder plate for all to see.

All read: This is the bread of affliction that our ancestors ate in Mitzrayim. All who are hungry, let them come and eat. All who are in need, let them come and celebrate Passover with us. Now we are here; next year may we be in the land of Yisrael / Freedom. Now we are slaves; next year may we be free people.

(Ashkenazi pronunciation) Ha lachma anya di achalu avhatana b’arad’Mitzrayim. Kol dichfin yeitei v’yechol. Kol ditzrich yeitei v’yifsach. Hashata hacha lashanah haba’ahb’ara d’Yisrael. Hashata avdei lashanah haba’ah b’nei chorin.

Reader: This is matzah, the bread of oppression and rebellion that our foremothers baked and ate at a time when they had to be organizing and preparing and resisting and running. There was no time for the bread to rise. Each year we eat matzah to remind ourselves of their struggle, and that our struggle continues. ... When we transform our matzah into journey bread and learn to turn our survival skills towards our goal, our dream, then we become free.

Reader: This is matzah, the bread of affliction and oppression. Let all people who hunger to know and express their nature and strength, all people who seek to find their meanings and place in tradition—come and join our celebration. For the sake of liberation we say these ancient words together:

All: This is the bread of affliction, let all who are hungry come and eat.

Reader: For these words join us with our people and with all who are in need, with those imprisoned, those under occupation, and those forced to live in the streets. For our liberation is bound up with the deliverance from bondage of people everywhere.

Reader: This year we are here seeking a path towards freedom and dignity. Next year, may we live in a world made whole and free, part of a larger community which strengthens and sustains us.


haggadah Section: -- Four Questions
Source: Adapted from Love and Justice in Times of War Haggadah