There are three pieces of matzah stacked on the table. We now break the middle matzah into two pieces. The larger half is called the afikomen, literally “dessert” in Greek.  We will save it for the end of the meal - if we can find it!

We eat the unleavened matzah in memory of the quick flight of our ancestors from Egypt. When word of their freedom finally came, they took whatever dough they had and ran with it before it had the chance to rise.

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.

These days, matzah is a special food and we look forward to eating it on Passover. 


haggadah Section: Yachatz