[To be read before HaLachma Anya/ When we hold up the Matzah and begin to tell the story:]

This is the Bread of Our Affliction, HaLachma Anya,

This is the symbol of our shared story of suffering and freedom.

As we hold the matzah this year, whether with our families or completely alone,

may we experience more deeply our connection to the story of the Jewish people,

to our shared values and to our shared future.

As we partake in this bread of memory and hope, may we never forget our Exodus story

and our promise to ourselves that even in our new, more limited freedom,

we will not stand by when others are suffering.

Let all who are in need at this moment, know that we are with them.

As we taste this bread of affliction, let’s prepare ourselves to respond

to those who are suffering around the globe.

May all who are suffering whether from illness, hunger, domestic violence or any other plague,

know that we see you, we hear you, and we will work together to respond to you.

May all who are mourning find comfort and may we collectively find ways to console them.

May we continue to support medical personnel, as well as all service workers

who continue to respond with the fullness of their capacities, generosity, care and self-sacrifice.

May all who are in need, know that the Jewish people will respond with the best of ourselves.

May we find new ways to learn about each other and to learn together, even virtually.

Let us assure each other that we, the Jewish People, share a common destiny

and we will create it together.

May we look into the eyes of those around us and those who we see from afar,

and assure each other that we are mutually responsible for one another,

for the health and safety and spiritual well-being of ourselves, for our communities,

and for all of humanity. May we rise to this moment with the best

This year, we are here. We are broken apart,

but next year may we find new beginnings, a new commitment to each other,

a new wholeness, and a new common destiny.

[Created by Rabbi Rachel Sabath Beit-Halachmi, PhD for Our Common Destiny: www.OurCommonDestiny.org]


haggadah Section: Maggid - Beginning