Afikoman facts for kids
Handmade shmura matzo used at the Passover Seder especially for the mitzvot of eating matzo and afikoman
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The Afikoman (pronounced ah-fee-KOH-mahn) is a special piece of matzo eaten during the Passover Seder. It comes from a Greek word meaning "that which comes after" or "dessert."
During the Seder, a piece of matzo is broken in half. One half is put aside and saved. This saved piece is the afikoman. It's eaten as the very last food of the Seder meal.
Long ago, the afikoman took the place of the Passover sacrifice eaten in the ancient Temple in Jerusalem. Jewish law says that after eating the afikoman, you shouldn't eat any other food. This helps you remember the taste of the matzo.
Many families have fun traditions around the afikoman. These traditions often help keep children awake and excited until it's time to eat this special matzo.
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What is the Afikoman?
The afikoman is a half-piece of matzo. It's a special flatbread eaten during the Jewish holiday of Passover. The word afikoman comes from ancient Greek. It means "that which comes after" or "dessert."
This special matzo is the very last thing eaten at the Passover Seder. The Seder is a festive meal where Jewish families remember the story of the Exodus from Egypt.
Why is the Afikoman Important?
The afikoman is very important in the Seder. It reminds people of the Passover sacrifice that was eaten in the Temple in Jerusalem long ago. That sacrifice was always the last food eaten at the Passover meal.
After the Temple was destroyed, Jews started eating a piece of matzo instead. This matzo is now called the afikoman. It helps keep the tradition alive. It makes sure that the taste of the matzo stays in your mouth.
The Meaning of the Word Afikoman
The word afikoman comes from a Greek word. Scholars have two main ideas about its exact meaning.
One idea is that it means "dessert." This makes sense because the afikoman is the last thing eaten at the Seder.
The other idea is that it means "after-dinner party" or "entertainment." In ancient times, people like the Romans and Greeks would sometimes move from one party to another after a meal.
Jewish law says that after the afikoman, no other food should be eaten. This helps show that the Jewish Passover Seder is different from those ancient parties. It's a serious and holy event.
How the Afikoman is Used
The afikoman is prepared during a part of the Seder called Yachatz.
Preparing the Afikoman
- The Seder leader takes the middle piece of matzo from a stack of three.
- They break this matzo into two pieces.
- The smaller piece is put back with the other matzos.
- The larger piece is set aside. This larger piece is the afikoman.
- It's often wrapped in a napkin and hidden.
Eating the Afikoman
The afikoman is eaten much later in the Seder. This part is called Tzafun, which means "Hidden." It happens right after the main meal.
- After the meal, the Seder leader gives a piece of the afikoman to everyone.
- Each person should eat at least an olive-sized piece.
- Many people eat two pieces. One piece remembers the Paschal lamb. The second piece remembers the matzo eaten with the lamb.
- Like other parts of the Seder, the afikoman is eaten while leaning to the left. This shows freedom.
- It's important to eat the afikoman before midnight. This is because the ancient Paschal lamb was also eaten before midnight.
- After the afikoman, no other food is eaten for the rest of the night. Only the last two cups of wine, or drinks like water or tea, are allowed.
Fun Traditions with the Afikoman
Many families have special customs involving the afikoman. These traditions are often meant to keep children interested and awake during the long Seder.
The Custom of "Stealing"
A popular tradition, especially among Ashkenazi families, is to hide the afikoman. Children then search for it. When they find it, they "steal" it and ask for a reward to give it back!
This custom comes from an old teaching. It says that grabbing the matzos helps children stay awake.
Some people also say this custom shows how much we love the mitzvah (commandment) of eating the afikoman. Other stories connect it to Jacob in the Bible. He received blessings in a tricky way, and some say this happened on Passover. So, children "steal" the afikoman to get a "blessing," which is often a present from their parents.
Other Traditions
In some Mizrahi families, the afikoman might be tied in a cloth and carried on a child's back during the Seder. This can also be a fun way to involve children.
