Leader:

There are three pieces of matzah stacked on the table. As we break the middle matzah into two pieces, one half was traditionally concealed as the afikomen. Our afikomen is already hidden. Later, we will share the afikomen, as among people everywhere, sharing bread forms a bond of fellowship. In fellowship with each other, we acknowledge our fellowship with all of humanity, with those who are in need, with the wrongly imprisoned, and the beggar on the street.

Group:

This is the bread of affliction,

the poor bread,

which our ancestors ate in the land of Egypt.

Let all who are hungry come and eat.

Let all who are in need

share the hope of Passover.

As we celebrate here, we join with our people everywhere.

This year we celebrate here.

Next year in the land of Israel.

This year we are slaves.

Next year we will be free.

Leader:

At this moment, this is the bread of poverty. As we go through the Seder, the matzah will be transformed. It will cease to be the bread of affliction and it will become the bread of hope, courage, faith, and possibility.

And the transformation begins with a breaking.

[Break the matzah.]

Group:

May our eyes be open to each other’s pain.

May our ears be open to each other’s cries.

May we live with greater awareness.

May we practice greater forgiveness.


haggadah Section: Yachatz