In the spiritual world, brokenness can be an asset; it signifies humility, resilience, and a drive for growth
During the Seder, we break the middle matzah and set aside the larger portion for the afikomen, which will be eaten at the end of the meal. The afikomen serves as a remembrance of the Korban Pesach, of which every Jew was required to partake during the time of the Beis Hamikdash.
If the afikomen represents such a central part of the Seder, why do we use a broken piece of matzah?
Wouldn’t an intact, whole matzah be more fitting?
The Kotzker Rebbe, Rav Menachem Mendel Morgenstern (1787–1859), taught: “There is nothing as whole as a broken heart.”
Dovid Hamelech writes in Tehillim (51:19): “Zivchei Elokim ruach nishbarah, lev nishbar v’nidkeh Elokim lo tivzeh [The sacrifices G-d desires are a broken spirit; a heart broken and humbled, O G-d, You will not despise].”
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