Yachatz

Haggadah Section:

Yachatz is the breaking of the matzah. It is the fourth step of the Seder. The word yachatz means dividing. There are three matzot (the plural of matzah in Hebrew) on the table to symbolize Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. The three pieces of matzah are uncovered and the middle one is broken. We do this to symbolize the binding of Isaac, which is when God told Abraham to sacrifice Isaac to test him and see if he would do it. Don't worry, this didn't actually happen! When Abraham was about to sacrifice him, God told Abraham to stop and Isaac was saved.

The bigger piece is then hidden somewhere in the room. You will be looking for it later in the Seder. This piece is called the afikomen, a word that comes from the Greek word for "dessert." It is not called that because it is sweet, but because it is the last item of food eaten at the Seder. The practice of hiding the afikomen was introduced during the Middle Ages by Jewish families to make the Seder more entertaining and exciting for children. The smaller piece is kept in the matzah bag with the other two matzot.

Afikomen is eaten during the Tzafun (which comes from the word hidden) step, because it has been hidden away, from the beginning of the meal until the end of the meal.

(Psalms 31:20): How great is the goodness that you have hidden for those who fear you. We hide it in cushions to symbolically guard it, in fulfillment of the verse: And you shall guard the matzot (Exodus 17).

Discussion question:
For what other reasons could there be three matzot?

Source:  
Google

Inspired to create
your own Haggadah?

Make your own Haggadah and share with other Seder lovers around the world

Have an idea
for a clip?

People like you bring their creativity to Haggadot.com when they share their ideas in a clip

Support Us
with your donation

Help us build moments of meaning and connection through
home-based Jewish rituals.

OUR TOP CONTRIBUTORS

contributor image
Esther Kustanowitz
4 Haggadahs38 Clips
contributor image
JQ International
1 Haggadah40 Clips
contributor image
MAZON: A Jewish Response to Hunger
5 Haggadahs109 Clips
contributor image
18Doors
1 Haggadah13 Clips
contributor image
JewishBoston
1 Haggadah78 Clips
contributor image
Truah: The Rabbinic Call for Human Rights
1 Haggadah36 Clips
contributor image
American Jewish World Service
1 Haggadah44 Clips
contributor image
JewBelong
3 Haggadahs57 Clips
contributor image
Repair the World
12 Clips
contributor image
HIAS
5 Haggadahs48 Clips
contributor image
Be'chol Lashon
2 Haggadahs27 Clips
contributor image
PJ Library
1 Haggadah17 Clips
contributor image
Jewish World Watch
3 Haggadahs42 Clips
contributor image
Secular Synagogue
10 Clips
contributor image
SVIVAH
1 Haggadah9 Clips
contributor image
The Blue Dove Foundation
12 Clips
contributor image
ReformJudaism.org
24 Clips
contributor image
Jewish Emergent Network
1 Haggadah22 Clips

Passover Guide

Hosting your first Passover Seder? Not sure what food to serve? Curious to
know more about the holiday? Explore our Passover 101 Guide for answers
to all of your questions.

Haggadot

Haggadot.com by Recustom, is a free resource for all backgrounds and experiences. Consider making a donation to help support the continuation of this free platform.

Copyright © 2024 Custom and Craft Jewish Rituals Inc, dba Recustom, dba Haggadot.com.
All Rights Reserved. 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization. EIN: 82-4765805.