Shulchan Orech, Tzafoon
Shulchan Orech - The Meal
In ancient times, eating the Paschal lamb was the heart of the Seder service. Today, the table is like an altar and eating the meal in the right spirit becomes an act of worship.
Some families start the Passover meal with a boiled egg dipped in salt. There are several explanations for this custom. Some say it was adopted from the Romans who started their meals with an hors d'oeuvres. Some say the egg is symbolic of Spring. Some say the egg replaces the special festival sacrifice which can no longer be offered since the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem. And the salt water symbolizes our tears for the destruction of the Temple.
Tzafoon - Afikomen
The Afikomen is the half matza put aside earlier. It is customary to hide this piece of matza and to give a prize to the child who finds it. This helps to keep the children interested in the Seder until the end.
The Afikomen represents the Paschal lamb. The Paschal lamb was traditionally the last thing eaten at the Seder so that one would remember its taste. Therefore, the Afikomen should be the last bite everyone takes during the Seder.
In ancient times, eating the Paschal lamb was the heart of the Seder service. Today, the table is like an altar and eating the meal in the right spirit becomes an act of worship.
Some families start the Passover meal with a boiled egg dipped in salt. There are several explanations for this custom. Some say it was adopted from the Romans who started their meals with an hors d'oeuvres. Some say the egg is symbolic of Spring. Some say the egg replaces the special festival sacrifice which can no longer be offered since the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem. And the salt water symbolizes our tears for the destruction of the Temple.
Tzafoon - Afikomen
The Afikomen is the half matza put aside earlier. It is customary to hide this piece of matza and to give a prize to the child who finds it. This helps to keep the children interested in the Seder until the end.
The Afikomen represents the Paschal lamb. The Paschal lamb was traditionally the last thing eaten at the Seder so that one would remember its taste. Therefore, the Afikomen should be the last bite everyone takes during the Seder.
