Tzafun

צָפוּן

After the meal, the children search for the hidden Afikoman.  The Afikoman is hidden in one of the common rooms of the household wrapped in a napkin and nothing should needc to be moved or opened in order to find it.  Once the Afikoman is found it should be divided and eaten as the very last thing consumed at the seder.

It is forbidden to drink or eat anything (except the remaining cups of wine) after eating  the Afikoman.

In some Ashkenazi traditions, the Afikomen is hidden during the meal, for the ‘children’ to find later. This ceremony reminds us that what is broken can be repaired and that what is lost can be regained, as long as we remember it and search for it

Searching and finding the matzah is a symbol of a child growing up. It is tradition for the children to search for and find the afikomen, and when they do, they are given a reward by the adults. The act of leaving the table and searching for the matzah represents the Israelites coming out of Egypt, and the finding of the afikomen represents giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai.

The playfulness of finding the afikomen reminds us that we balance our solemn memories of slavery with a joyous celebration of freedom. As we eat the afikomen, our last taste of matzah for the evening, we are grateful for moments of silliness and happiness in our lives.


haggadah Section: Tzafun