Matza: Setting it Aside
This custom of setting aside half of the matza was unknown before the thirteenth century. It has since become an exciting part of the Seder ceremonies, for the children traditionally "steal" the afikoman and hide it from the leader. The Seder service cannot continue until the leader finds it or offers the children a ransom for its return."
(The Concise Family Seder. Prepared by Rabbi Alfred J. Kolatch. Jonathan David Publishers, Inc. Middle Village, New York. © 1997 by Alfred J. Kolatch)
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