There are three pieces of matzah stacked on the table. We now break the middle matzah into two pieces. We take the larger piece, cover it and save it for the Afikomen. As you know, we can't finish tonight until we all eat from the Afikomen.

We eat matzah in memory of the quick flight of our ancestors from Egypt. As slaves, they had faced many false starts before finally being let go. So when the word of their freedom came, they took whatever dough they had and ran with it before it had the chance to rise, leaving it looking something like matzah.

(Uncover and hold up the three pieces of matzah and say:

הא לחמא עניא די אכלו אבהתנא בארעא דמצרים

Hoh Lachma Anyah Dee Achalu Avhatanah Beyarah Dimitrayim

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
Source: JewishBoston.com