Ha Lachma Anya

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Ha Lachma Anya (Aramaic: הָא לַחְמָא עַנְיָא) is a traditional declaration recited at the beginning of the Passover Seder. The phrase translates to "This is the bread of affliction" and refers to the matzo, the unleavened bread that is a central symbol of the Passover holiday.

Text and Translation

The full text of Ha Lachma Anya is recited in Aramaic, the vernacular language of the Jewish people during the time of the Talmud. The declaration invites all who are hungry to come and eat, and all who are in need to join in the celebration of Passover.

The text reads: Ha lachma anya di achalu avhatana b'ara d'Mitzrayim. Kol dichfin yeitei v'yeichol, kol ditzrich yeitei v'yifsach. Hashata hacha, l'shana haba'ah b'ara d'Yisrael. Hashata avdei, l'shana haba'ah b'nei chorin.

Translation: This is the bread of affliction that our ancestors ate in the land of Egypt. Let all who are hungry come and eat; let all who are in need come and celebrate Passover. This year we are here; next year in the land of Israel. This year we are slaves; next year we will be free people.

Significance

Ha Lachma Anya serves as an introduction to the Passover Seder and sets the tone for the evening. It emphasizes themes of freedom, community, and hospitality. The invitation to the hungry and needy reflects the Jewish value of tzedakah (charity) and the importance of communal responsibility.

Historical Context

The recitation of Ha Lachma Anya dates back to the time of the Talmud, when Aramaic was the common language spoken by Jews. The use of Aramaic in the Seder is significant because it made the declaration accessible to all participants, ensuring that the message of freedom and redemption was understood by everyone.

Ritual Practice

During the Passover Seder, Ha Lachma Anya is recited after the Kadesh (sanctification) and Urchatz (washing of hands) steps, and before the Yachatz (breaking of the middle matzo). The recitation is often accompanied by the lifting of the Seder plate or the matzo itself, symbolizing the "bread of affliction."

Related Topics

• Passover
• Seder
• Matzo
• Talmud
• Aramaic
• Tzedakah
• Freedom
• Redemption

See Also

• Haggadah
• Four Questions
• Dayenu
• Afikoman

External Links

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