We break the middle matzah into two pieces, assuming that we can find a piece of matzah in the box that is not already broken. If you cannot find an unbroken piece, you can always whip up a new batch of matzah by following the recipe in the back of this Haggadah,1 but keep in mind that this may delay the actual meal by approximately two days.
It is also permissible, with a note from your rabbi, to reconstruct a complete sheet of matzah from the pieces in the box, assuming that you use a glue that is both nontoxic and kosher for Passover.
Wrap and set aside the larger piece. It is now the afikomen, the envy of all the other matzah shards in your household. The afikomen is the “dessert matzah,” to be eaten at the end of the meal; the word afikomen is actually Greek for dessert. If you have any lingering doubts about how bad things were for the Israelites during their bondage and wanderings, the phrase “dessert matzah” ought to clear them right away. The smaller piece of matzah is returned to its place with the other two.
(Uncover the plate of matzah with a flourish, but not so much of a flourish that a matzah shard—this happens more than you might think—flies off the plate and puts somebody’s eye out.)
Translation: This is the bread of poverty, which our ancestors ate in the land of Egypt.2 All who are hungry, come and eat.3 All who are needy, come celebrate Passover with us.4 Now we celebrate here. Next year may we be in the land of Israel.5 Now we are slaves. Next year may we be truly free.
(Fill the wine cups for the second time.)