Changes

==Symbolism==

==Symbolism==

''Tzafun'' ("hidden"), the eating of the afikoman, has tremendous significance. The matzah eaten at the beginning of the meal is symbolic of the past and of the deliverance from Egypt. The matzah reserved as the afikoman and eaten at the end of the meal is symbolic of future redemption. The hiding of the afikoman can be said to be symbolic of the hidden nature of the future redemption in Judaism, such as the uncertainty of knowing when the Messianic era will arrive and how it will come to pass.<ref>''Ransoming the afikoman'' United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism</ref>  

''Tzafun'' ("hidden"), the eating of the afikoman, has tremendous significance. The matzah eaten at the beginning of the meal is symbolic of the past and of the deliverance from [[Egypt]]. The matzah reserved as the afikoman and eaten at the end of the meal is symbolic of future redemption. The hiding of the afikoman can be said to be symbolic of the hidden nature of the future redemption in Judaism, such as the uncertainty of knowing when the Messianic era will arrive and how it will come to pass.<ref>''Ransoming the afikoman'' United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism</ref>  

Only after eating the afikoman can the ''Birkat Ha'Mazon'' ("Blessing after Meals") be recited, and the symbolic invitation be given to [[Elijah]], the harbinger of the Messiah, to join the seder table.

Only after eating the afikoman can the ''Birkat Ha'Mazon'' ("Blessing after Meals") be recited, and the symbolic invitation be given to [[Elijah]], the harbinger of the Messiah, to join the seder table.

In [[Christian]] and [[Messianic Judaism|Messianic]] seders, this becomes the symbol of [[Jesus Christ]], much as the bread of the [[Eucharist]]. In these seders, it is considered that it is about the afikomen that Jesus said "''This is my body which is given for you; do this in remembrance of me.''" ([http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke%2022:19;&version=9; Luke 22:19]) The Passover cannot be completed without the afikomen, just as Christian [[redemption]] is not complete without Jesus, the Bread of Life.  

In [[Christian]] and [[Messianic Judaism|Messianic]] seders, this becomes the symbol of [[Jesus Christ]], much as the bread of the [[Eucharist]]. In these seders, it is considered that it is about the afikomen that [[Jesus]] said "''This is my body which is given for you; do this in remembrance of me.''" ([http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke%2022:19;&version=9; Luke 22:19]) The Passover cannot be completed without the afikomen, just as Christian [[redemption]] is not complete without Jesus, the Bread of Life.

==References==

==References==

{{reflist|2}}

{{reflist|2}}

[[Category:Judaism]][[Category:Pesach]][[Category:Food and Drink]]

[[Category:Judaism]][[Category:Pesach]][[Category:Food and Drink]]