(Leader breaks matzah and holds up the smaller broken piece. The larger piece is set aside as the Afikomen.)

LEADER: This broken matzah reminds us that our world is broken. We recall those who are poor, whose uncertainty about their future compels them to put aside the “broken half” for later use. We are shaken out of our complacency as we recall God’s words: “Remember that you were slaves in the land of Egypt.”

Through service to others, we meet the immediate needs of those who are struggling. But direct service can only alleviate some of the pain of hunger.

Charity alone is not the answer. The charitable sector provides important but insufficient resources to meet the substantial needs of those experiencing food insecurity in this country. Only the government has the capacity to solve a problem with the magnitude of hunger— and each of us carries the responsibility to see that goal brought to fruition.

We must amplify and learn from marginalized voices and the experiences of those who are left behind due to systemic failures. 

We must advocate for effective and enduring public policies that provide vital nutrition assistance to struggling families and individuals.

We must let the commandment tzedek, tzdek tirdof — “justice, justice you shall pursue” — be a drumbeat in our ears and drive our feet and direct our actions. Justice is the core of MAZON’s national approach to ending hunger.


haggadah Section: Yachatz
Source: Mazon: Hunger Seder