One of the items on the Seder list is Yachatz – we break the middle Matzah, putting away the bigger piece to be eaten later for the afikomen (Tzofun).

 

When we eat the afikomen (Tzofun), the Poskim suggests that we eat two Kazeisim instead of one. The reason for this is because there is a Machlokes (dispute) about the reason for the Afikomen. Some say it is to remember the eating of the Korban Pesach in the times of the Beis Hamikdosh. Others maintain that it is in fact to remember the Matzah that was eaten with the Korban Pesach. To cover both opinions we eat two Kazeisim.

 

 

 

This dispute raises the following question: We believe with great Emuna that the final Geula with Moshiach is imminent. We hope that even this Pesach we will be in Yerushalayim with the Beis Hamikdosh and eat the Korban Pesach. One fascinating area of Pesach learning is to explore the changes that will be made to the Seder when we have a Beis Hamikdosh. Will we still do Yachatz?

Let’s break this down:

 

Presumably, we will still need a broken Matzah to say the Haggadah over “poor man’s bread”. So, it makes sense that we will break a Matzah before Maggid in order to achieve this.

 

But the instruction of Yachatz goes further. It tells us to put the bigger half away for the Afikoman. This is where the above dispute becomes relevant. If the Afikoman is to remember the eating of the Korban Pesach then Yachatz in that way becomes irrelevant as Tzofun will not be with Matzah but rather with the meat of the Pesach. However, if it is to remember the Matzah eaten with the Korban, then it makes sense that the practice of Yachatz with still apply as that Matzah will still be there.

 

May we be Zoche that we should have the Geula very soon and Moshiach will guide us on how to make the changes to the Seder in times of Geula.

 

 

Chag Kosher Vesomeiach

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