We now eat a piece of the matzah, signifying the partnership between God and humanity. Even though we did not allow our bread to rise in our haste to leave Egypt, we still had food to eat in the form of matzah and later, manna. 

The familiar hamotzi blessing marks the formal start of the meal. Because we are using matzah instead of bread, we add a blessing celebrating this mitzvah.

Baruch Atah Adonai, Eloheinu Melech ha-olam, hamotzi lechem min ha-aretz.

We praise God, Ruler of Everything, who brings bread from the land.

Baruch Atah Adonai, Eloheinu Melech ha-olam, asher kid’shanu b’mitzvotav v’tzivanu al achilat matzah.

We praise God, Ruler of Everything, who made us holy through obligations, commanding us to eat matzah.

(Everyone takes a piece of the top or middle matzah and eats it.)


haggadah Section: Motzi-Matzah