Haggadah:Yachatz/1

Yachatz

Introduction

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Unknown Origins

"Yachatz" (the breaking the middle matzah before Maggid, the concealing of the larger of its pieces as the Afikoman, and its attempted "theft"), is one of the most eagerly anticipated parts of the Seder, especially for many of its younger participants.  The origins of this custom, however, are far from clear.  In contrast to most of the other sections of the Seder which have ancient roots found already in the Mishna, there is no explicit reference to the institution of Yachatz in either Tannaitic or Amoraic literature.  Interestingly, Rambam's Mishneh Torah also betrays no awareness of the existence of such a custom.