There are three pieces of matzah stacked on the table. We now break the middle matzah into two pieces. We will wrap up the larger of the pieces and, at some point between now and the end of dinner, hide it. This piece is called the afikomen, literally “dessert” in Greek. This is the original Horcrux, an object which holds part of a person's soul and protects them from death.

We eat matzah in memory of the quick flight of our ancestors from Egypt. As slaves, they had faced many false starts before finally being let go. So when the word of their freedom came, they took whatever dough they had and ran with it before it had the chance to rise, leaving it looking something like matzah. Now, when we eat matzah, we can remember being enslaved and seeking freedom.  We can reflect on the progress we have made and the injustices yet to overcome.  We can recognize our own apathy and commit to do more.

Uncover and hold up the three pieces of matzah and say:

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. This year we are here; next year we will be in Israel. This year we are slaves; next year we will be free.


haggadah Section: Yachatz