Blessing before the Seder Meal

[Leader raises a slice of matzah and says:]

Why do we eat matzah on this night? It is because the King of Kings, the Holy One, revealed Himself to our fathers and redeemed them before their dough had time to ferment, as it is written:

They baked the dough which they had brought out of Egypt into unleavened cakes; for they were driven out of Egypt and could not delay, nor had they prepared any provision for their journey.

(Shemot/Exodus 12:39)

In the New Testament, a symbolic meaning for leaven is given. Leaven is a picture of the sin nature that permeates, perverts, and inflates our human nature.

Baruch atah Adonai, Eloheiynu melech ha'olam,
Hamotzi lechem ha'arets.

Blessed are you Lord our God king of the universe
Who brings forth bread from the earth.
 

A specific blessing for matzah only said on Seder night is now said:

Baruch atah Adonai, Eloheinu Melech ha'olam,
Asher kid’shanu b’mitzvotav v’tzivanu al achilat matzah.
Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the Universe,
Who has sanctified us in His commandments and commanded us to eat matzah.

[The matzah is passed among the Seder participants and eaten. The serving can be supplemented by extra pieces of matzah.]


haggadah Section: Motzi-Matzah