The playfulness of finding the afikomen reminds us that we balance our solemn memories of slavery with a joyous celebration of freedom. 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.

Searching for the afikomen is also a very spiritual part of the seder. In contrast with the strict order of the preparation and dinner, we can go and search for the afikomen without any rules or regulations. This resembles the inner search for meaning that is a key part of growing up. As we eat the afikomen, our last taste of matzah for the evening, we are grateful for moments of silliness and happiness that carry over into our adult lives.


haggadah Section: Tzafun