Page "Passover" Paragraph 80

The afikoman — an integral part of the Seder itself — is used to engage the interest and excitement of the children at the table.

During the fourth part of the Seder, called Yachatz, the leader breaks the middle piece of matzo into two.

He sets aside the larger portion as the afikoman.

Many families use the afikoman as a device for keeping the children awake and alert throughout the Seder proceedings by hiding the afikoman and offering a prize for its return.

Alternatively, the children are allowed to " steal " the afikoman and demand a reward for its return.

In either case, the afikoman must be consumed during the twelfth part of the Seder, Tzafun.