D.A.F.'s Moadim section

Highlighted entries are Halachah-related

AFIKOMAN

1) Last food eaten -

Why is it important that the "Afikoman" Matzah (or in the times of the Beis Hamikdash - the Korban Pesach) be the last food eaten at the Seder, so as to leave the taste of the Mitzvah lingering in one's mouth?

1. Insights to Pesachim 119:1

2) Etymology -

What is the etymology of the word "Afikoman"?

1. Insights to Pesachim 119:2

2. Yerushalmi for Pesachim 119:1:f

3) The primary Matzah -

Is the primary Mitzvah of Matzah fulfilled at the beginning of the meal (Motzi-Matzah), or at the end of the meal (Tzafun/ Afikoman)? If one only has one k'Zayis of Matzah Shemurah, when should it be eaten?

1. Tosfos to Pesachim 120:1, parts a-c

4) Timing -

When is the latest time to eat the Afikoman?

1. Halachah for Pesachim 120:1:b:4

2. Halachah for Pesachim 119:1:c:5:ii

צָפוּן	Tzafun
בגמר הסעודה, לוקח כל אחד מהמסבים כזית מהמצה שהייתה צפונה לאפיקומן, ואוכל בהסבה. וצריך לאוכלה קודם חצות הלילה. לפני אכילת האפיקומן יאמר: זֵכֶר לְקָרְבָּן פֶּסַח הָנֶאֱכַל עַל הָשׂוֹבַע.	After the end of the meal, all those present take a k'Zayis from the Matzah that was concealed for the Afikoman, and eat while reclining. (Supplement with extra Matzah as necessary, so that all present receive the required amount.) Before eating the Afikoman, one should say: "In memory of the Pesach Offering, which was eaten when satiated."