On the one hand, the matzah reminds us of our slavery in Egypt. For this reason, matzah is called “lechem oni” “the bread of our affliction.” At the same time, the matzah reminds us of our liberation, for it was only at the moment of escape from slavery that our ancestors baked matzah to bring with them on their journey.

In symbolizing both oppression and liberation, the matzah reminds us to celebrate our
liberation, and to continue fighting the oppression that remains.
We each break off a piece of matzah and together recite:

בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יי אֱלֹהֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם הַמּוֹצִיא לֶחֶם מִן הָאָרֶץ

Baruch atah Adonai Eloheinu Melech Ha’Olam hamotzi lechem min ha’aretz.
Blessed are you, Sovereign of the Universe, who brings forth bread from the earth.

בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יי אֱלֹהֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם, אֲשֶׁר קִדְּשָנוּ בְּמִצְוֹתָיו וְצִוָּנוּ עַל אֲכִילַת מַצָּה

Baruch atah Adonai Eloheinu Melech ha’Olam asher kid’shanu b’mitzvotav
v’tzivanu al achilat matzah.
Blessed are you, Sovereign of the Universe, who has sanctified us with your
commandments and commanded us to eat matzah.