Ha Lachma Anya--"This is the Bread of Affliction"

We begin the retelling of the Passover story with the recital of “Ha Lachma Anya” in which we invite whoever is hungry to come and eat. In this ritual, the matzah plays a starring role. As the blessing is recited, it is customary to lift up the matzah, drawing attention to the physical representation of slavery and freedom. In several Sefardic countries, the guests and the matzoh all move to the front door while the blessing is being said as a symbolic invitation to those outside who may need a place to celebrate.  

The Pesach Seder is a celebration of our redemption and we are all guests of honor.  To prevent the guests from feeling beholden to the  “host” which would inhibit their involvement and participation in the evening, we encourage all our guests to invite others.  So please ejoin me by reading aloud:

"This is the bread of affliction that our ancestors ate in the land of Egypt. All those who are hungry, let them enter and eat. All who are in need, let them come celebrate the Passover. Now we are here. Next year in the land of Israel. This year we are enslaved. Next year we will be free."


haggadah Section: -- Exodus Story