The genius of the Hillel sandwich: in the bitterness of slavery, there was also the hope and promise of freedom.

There was a difference of opinion between Hillel and his contemporaries as to whether the matzah and maror should be eaten separately or together. The view that they should be eaten separately holds that these are distinctive commands, neither of which should diminish or detract from the other. Matzah symbolizes freedom; marorrepresents slavery. They have different tastes. They are opposite experiences. They do not belong together.

Hillel, however, thought otherwise, and out of respect for his opinion we do as he did as well. Hillel was guided by his understanding of the biblical verse that one should eat the Paschal offering “with matzot and bitter herbs” (Num.9:11), suggesting that all three be eaten together. Perhaps, too, he was reminding us of the Jewish experience of history. Within the bitterness of slavery there was also the hope and promise of freedom. Within freedom, we are also commanded each year never to forget the taste of slavery, so that we should not take liberty for granted, or forget

Excerpted from the Jonathan Sacks Haggadah, p.103 “those who are still afflicted“.