Rabbi Gamliel taught that when we tell the story of the Exodus, we must also explain the meaning of the most important symbols: zeroah, matzah, and maror. (Leader holds up each symbol as the designated portion is read.)

Zeroah (Paschhal Lamb) is a roasted shank bone, which reminds us that God told the Israelites to put lamb’s blood on our doors to escape the tenth plague, the slaying of the first born.

We eat matzah because there was not enough time for the Israelites to allow their bread to rise before they fled Egypt from slavery into freedom.

Maror are bitter herbs, reminding us how the Egyptians embittered the lives of the Israelites.

At Seder tonight, we recognize these traditional symbols as reminders of our obligation to work for the day when all people are free from injustice and oppression 

B’chol dor v’dor chayav adam lirot et atzmo k’ilu hu yatzah mi’Mitzrayim.

In every generation, we are obligated to view ourselves as if we were the ones who went out from Egypt, as it is said: And on that day tell your child, saying “For this purpose Adonai labored on my behalf, by taking me out of Egypt.” 

It was not our ancestors alone who were delivered.  We were also delivered with them. We were there and we are here in the present doing our part to pursue justice and freedom.  


haggadah Section: Motzi-Matzah