Afikomen

A. The Afikomen at the Jewish Seder has numerous meanings attached to it and deep symbolism. It has absolutely nothing to do with Jesus (Yeshua).

According to Jewish custom the middle Matzah is taken and broken into two pieces prior to starting the "Magid - Recitation" portion of the Seder. The larger piece of the middle Matzah is wrapped for use as the Afikomen, to be eaten at the end of the meal. The smaller piece of Matzah is used as the visual symbol for the "Bread of affliction and poverty" (the term used for Matzah), while reciting the Exodus story. Symbolically, this Matzah is not left whole as a reminder that a poor person does not have enough food for a "full portion." They often save some for later use, in this respect, for the Afikomen. It is also the custom of certain Jews (such as Sephardim), to take the Afikomen and put it over their shoulder and walk around the room to experience the "Exodus" and to personally go from bondage to freedom.

The Afikomen is the "Tzafun" (13th section) of the Seder. It is a reminder of the Korban Pesach (Passover Sacrifice) which was the last thing to be eaten at the Passover meal during Temple times. The Biblical requirement for fulfilling the Seder is to partake in the three rituals of "Pesach (Passover Korban), Matzah and Maror (Biter Herbs)." Tzafun also means "Hidden.."- Signifying that our National Redemption is two fold: the first, took place during the Exodus from Egypt, and the final redemption, we still await.

Blessings using Matzah:

We use the top (first) and bottom (last) unbroken Matzah for the "Hamotzie" (Blessing over bread).

The Blessing for the actual mitzvah of EATING Matzah, we use the remaining smaller piece from the second Matzah.

Chag Kosher V'Sameach!

(For further information and resources on these, and other Jewish topics, please see the Jewish Resource Links below.)