The top Matzoh and bottom Matzoh represent the two loaves of challah that we bless on Shabbat. They serve as a reminder of the two portions of manna that the Hebrews received in the desert every Friday before Shabbat.  When the dough for the week is prepared, the dough would be split in half to form two balls, then in each ball would be split in half again to form 4 balls, and then each ball would be split in half one last time to make 8 loaves, allowing for one loaf for each day of the week and two for the Shabbat. 

But what is the middle matza for? That's for the sedar. We call it the bread of affliction, Just like the unleavened bread we ate as we fled slavery.

Break the middle Matza, Take one half to hide.

We will eat one half now, as we remember the hardships of slavery and the bravery in the choice to leave the comforts of the known.

After the meal, we will search for the Afikomen. When we find it, we eat the Afikomen together, as we celebrate our history as well as our present.

Raise one half and say:

This is the bread of affliction. Let all who are hungry come and eat.


haggadah Section: Yachatz