The Passover ritual of the afikomen – breaking the middle matzah, declaring a portion of it to be afikomen , hiding it, sending people to find it, then re-dividing it and sharing it with everyone – is wonderfully playful and deeply profound. So, too, is the progression of afikomen events consistent with the essentials of great storytelling. We introduce the elements of the subplot, build anticipation, step back from the game, return to the seder, create even more suspense, reopen the search, try to keep up with any number of those looking for the hidden matzah, and finally rejoice in the afikomen being found. Like other elements of this game-like ritual, the return of the afikomen teaches that we are mutually dependent on one another for a positive outcome.

 

What else does the afikomen hunt teach?

 

It teaches that finding requires seeking.

 

That seeking, in and of itself, is worthwhile and fun.

 

That discovering new meaning demands that we keep looking.

 

That we can’t bring anything to a satisfying conclusion without the patience and persistence needed to get there. 

 

Our children need to know that we’re still interested in seeking, and we need to remember that where we put things will surely have an effect on the ability of others to find them.

 

-Rabbi David Wirtschafter


haggadah Section: Tzafun