What do you call someone who derives pleasure from the bread of affliction?

A matzochist.

(Via aish.com.)

This is the point in the seder when matzah makes its first appearance. Matzah is symbolic of the Israelites' swift exit from Egypt. They didn't have time to wait for their bread to rise, instead carrying it with them and letting it bake in the sun as they traveled. Over recent weeks, we've probably all had to make quick decisions about the food we're shopping for, preparing, and eating. Maybe we abandoned plans for a meal because the grocery store didn't have all the ingredients we needed, or maybe we've decided to reheat prepared foods  just to be on the safe side, or maybe we decided to skip the seder plate this year. We aren't fleeing Pharaoh, but we're certainly trying to escape the novel coronavirus.

If you have matzah on your table, uncover it and 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 isolated in our homes; next year may we be together, whether in Israel or sitting around a table. This year we are slaves; next year we will be free.

Traditionally there are three pieces stacked on the table and we break the middle matzah into two pieces, wrapping half in a cloth and hiding that half, the  afikomen, somewhere in our homes to be found at the end of dinner. Because it's likely there is nobody to hide the afikomen from, this year let's symbolically hide it. Share with your dining companions what you think is the best afikomen hiding place in your home.


haggadah Section: Yachatz