Question:
Is the custom of “stealing the afikoman” a contradiction to the spiritual lessons of the night of the Seder? Is it possible to forego this custom somewhat? Or, to the contrary, is this a custom that only creates a positive experience at the Seder which can bring the family closer to fulfilling the mitzvos [of the Pesach Seder] with greater joy?
Answer:
The custom should not be foregone. However, one should find a positive point in this custom which he can focus on [for the family] and emphasize at the Seder. For example, one can explain to the family that taking the afikoman is a parable of how we need to search in our own “hidden places” [to do soul-searching]. This is actually the deeper intent of the ceremony of “Tzafon” at the Sefer, which, on a deep level, is about the “light which is hidden for the tzaddikim in the future” [the ohr hatzafun, the “hidden light”].
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