Leader: In breaking the matzo, we break the chains of our slavery.  No more will we remain silent when confronted with oppression. No more will we reach look away when we should reach out our hands. No more will we work to free ourselves in ways that, in turn, cause the enslavement of others. For the sake of our                                   redemption, we say together the ancient words which join us with people everywhere and with the beggar in the street– for our   redemption is bound up with the deliverance from bondage of all people, everywhere.

 (The matzo is broken)

 ALL: This is the bread of affliction. This is the poor people’s bread that our ancestors ate as they fled from slavery. All who are hungry, come and eat. All who are in need, come celebrate with us and share in the hope of Passover.

 (The door is opened)

 Leader: Let us open our door not only to the spirit of the prophet Elijah, who it is said will prepare the path of Messiah, but also to the poor, the outcast, the hungry. For how could we decide which is  is the more honored guest? Just as the prophet Elijah teaches us that all true paths lead to peace, so does the prophetess Miriam speak to us today. It was upon her merits that the children of Israel were given a well to ease their thirst as they wandered through the desert. Miriam teaches us to be vigilant during times of hardship and to sing in times of joy.

 (The Leader takes up the broken matzo)

 Leader: This is called the afikomen and will be hidden so that the children may search for it later. The afikomen is a reminder that what is broken off is not really lost, so long as we teach our children to remember and to seek.

 


haggadah Section: Yachatz
Source: Unitarian Universalist Haggadah