There are three pieces of matzah stacked on the table. We now break the middle matzah into two pieces. The larger of the pieces is called the afikomen. This piece will be hidden, and after dinner the younger guests will have to hunt for the afikomen and “sell” it back to the host, in order to finish the meal..

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

The leader will now hold up the three pieces of matzah and we all 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.


haggadah Section: Yachatz