Bread of affliction
Why do we eat Matzah?
We eat matzah in memory of the quick flight of our ancestors from Egypt. As slaves, they faced many false starts before finally securing their freedom. 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, letting it bake in the sun, and thus creating matzah.
This bread forms a bond between us all and reminds us of all those who are still facing affliction.
The host uncovers and holds up the three pieces of matzah and says:
This is the bread of affliction, the poor bread, which our ancestors ate in the land of Egypt. All who are hungry, come and eat; all who are in want, come and celebrate Pesach with us. This year we are here; next year may we be in Israel. This year we are in bonds; next year may all be free.
The middle matzah on the plate is broken in half. One half is put back with the stack; the other half is placed in a napkin and the designated the Afikomen is put aside.
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