Yachatz -   Break the middle matzo

Matzah symbolizes bittul, suspending oneself for a higher purpose. Its ingredients are water and flour; water represents the soul and the Torah, while flour represents the body. The antithesis of Matzah is Chametz (leavened bread) that is allowed to rise, representing the inflated ego, which is mostly “air.” Matzah on the other hand is the bare minimum of flour and water without any airs about it.

We eat the Matzo to remember our ancestors who left in such a rush in their hurry to escape from Egypt that they did not have time to let their bread rise, and so they ate it without leavening, as we do tonight. 


haggadah Section: Yachatz