(To be recited during the Seder at Yachatz-when breaking the middle Matzah)
Pesach is a wonderful time to be together as one Jewish family, connecting our symbols with our actions, our rituals with our ethics.
We recall springtime as we eat the green vegetable Karpas. May we remember that it symbolizes a renewal of nature and the human spirit.
We recall our people's tears and suffering as we dip into the saltwater. May we remember our people's past oppressions and care for those who still have tears and pain.
We recall the bitterness of slavery as we eat the Maror. May we remember the plight of the poor and the downtrodden and alleviate their distress.
We recall out servitude to Pharaoh as we eat the Matzah, the bread of affliction. May we remember God's redemption of our people and how Matzah became the first food eaten in freedom.
Pesach is a beloved holiday, not only because we recall our freedom, but also because we share our concerns for all in need. We cannot only taste the foods. We have to remember our responsibilities as Jews to reach out and assist others with our tzedakah, our charitable obligations, and through our gemilut hasadim, our acts of loving kindness.
Let us now take the middle Matzah and divide it in half. As we break this Matzah and set it aside, we link ourselves symbolically with all Jews throughout the world, especially those who were broken from the community of Israel for so long and have only recently rejoined Klal Yisrael, in their native lands and in the land of Israel.
Our Seder meal will not conclude until the missing piece of Matzah is found and returned to the table. The Matzah, when restored shows the desire of our people to be together as one at peace. As Jews we are a people with a sacred connection. May this Passover be a time of recommitment to our people and our faith.