[[Uncover and hold up the three pieces of matzah]]

This is the bread of affliction, which our ancestors ate in the land of Egypt. Let all who are hungry come and eat; let all who are needy come and celebrate the Passover with us. Now we are here; next year may we be in a land of peace. Now we are slaves; next year may we be free. Traditionally, Seders require three matzot. Why three? Three are our patriarchs, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Three are the segments of the people of Israel, Kohen, Levi and Yisrael.

[[Break the middle piece of matzah and wrap the larger half in a cloth or napkin. This piece of matzah is now called the “afikoman,” and must be eaten before the Seder concludes. Often it is hidden away by adults, for the children to find; the children may collectively bargain for better gifts before giving it back]]


haggadah Section: Yachatz