Chapter 10:

Pesach Eve and the Seder

Chapter 10:

Pesach Eve and the Seder

  1. Eating Matzah on Erev Pesach
  2. One should not eat matzah after dawn on the morning of the 14th (Erev Pesach) until the seder.1 Some begin this prohibition the night before Pesach.2

Eruv Tavshilin

  1. When the first seder occurs on Wednesday night in the disapora,3 one needs to make an Eruv Tavshilin on Wednesday afternoon before Yom Tov. This procedure permits preparation and cooking on Friday/Yom Tov for Shabbat.4
  2. The procedure is as follows:5
  3. Take a sheet of matzah (or any baked food) together with any cooked food and recite the following blessing: Baruch ata Adonai, Eloheinu melech ha-olam, asher kideshanu b’mitzvotav v’tzivanu al mitzvat eruv.
  4. Then make the declaration: Through this eruv, we shall be permitted to bake, cook, wrap, light fires/flames/kindle flames, prepare, anything that is necessary on the holiday for the sake of the Shabbat.6
  5. Put aside these 2 foods and preferably eat them on Shabbat.7

Commandments at the Seder

  1. One should have in mind to fulfill at least 4 special commandments at the seder:8
  2. The Torah obligation to tell the story of the Exodus from Egypt (via the ‘Magid’ section of the Haggadah)9
  3. The Torah obligation to eat matzah on the first night of Pesach10
  4. The rabbinical obligation to drink the 4 cups of wine11
  5. The rabbinical obligation to eat the Maror.12

When to Begin the Seder

  1. One should ideally begin the 1st seder immediately after nightfall (i.e. Tzeit Hakochavim.)13 However, if necessary, it is permissible14 to start the 1st seder immediately after sunset, especially if there are young children who may not be able to participate meaningfully if you wait until nightfall.15 If absolutely necessary, one may begin after plag hamincha.16 If you start the seder before nightfall, at least part of Magid should be read after nightfall,17 and the first kezayit of matzah (i.e., Motzei Matzah) should be eaten after nightfall.18
  2. Unlike the 1st seder (in most years),19 one may not begin the 2nd seder before nightfall (Tzeit Hakochavim.)20
  3. If the 1st seder takes place on Saturday night, one should not prepare or cook for the seder until after nightfall (Tzeit Hakochavim – 42 minutes after sunset in Philadelphia.)21

Preparation of a Flame

On the afternoon before Yom Tov begins (erev Yom Tov), one should light a long-lasting candle (such as a yahrtzeit candle) that will burn for at least 2 days22 in order to have a fire source for lighting candles and cooking for the 2 days of Yom Tov.23

Matzah

  1. One must eat shmura matzah to fulfill the mitzvah of matzah at the seder.24 While some opinions prefer handmade matzah,25 machine-made shmura matzah may be preferable because it is less prone to becoming chametz and is significantly less expensive than handmade matzah.26
  2. One must eat the equivalent of at least a quarter,27 preferably one-third,28 of a typical machine matzah, for the mitzvah (Motzi Matzah), for the Korech, and for the Afikomen,29 each within 3 minutes.30 One should lean to the left while eating the matzah.31
  3. If necessary, one may drink water to assist with the swallowing of the matzah (if someone has swallowing issues or wants to eat the matzah quickly.)32

Wine

  1. One may dilute wine with grape juice or use grape juice for the 4 cups.33
  2. Ideally, for each cup, one should drink the entire cup or >50% of the cup (rov kos),34 but if not, one needs to drink at least 2.65 oz.35 One should lean to the left while drinking each cup.36

Maror

  1. One must eat romaine/wild lettuce, approximately equivalent to one mid-sized leaf, for the mitzvah of maror (about 6’x2’.)37
  2. To avoid eating prohibited ‘tolaim’ (worms/insects) often found on many types of lettuce, one should rinse the leaves of all visible debris/insects and then soak the leaves in lukewarm/salted/soapy water for 1-2 minutes.38 If Pesach falls on Shabbat, it is preferable to check for and remove insects before Shabbat, but if one did not do so, one may first rinse the leaves well, then soak (in this order)39 and inspect the leaves (and repeat if necessary) to ensure they are free of visible insects.
  3. If your custom is to eat horseradish, you must eat at least [a heaping]40 1/3 of a teaspoon of fresh grated horseradish.41
  4. If necessary, one may grate horseradish on Yom Tov before the seder42 in a slightly unusual manner.43 On Shabbat Pesach, you can cut it into small pieces with a knife.44

Charoset

Enough charoset should be prepared before Pesach for both seder nights. If necessary, charoset may be prepared on Shabbat Pesach or Yom Tov.45 (See footnote for details.)

Salt Water

Enough salt water should be prepared before Pesach for both seder nights. If necessary, salt water may be prepared on Shabbat Pesach or Yom Tov.46

Preparation for the 2nd Seder

  1. It is generally prohibited to prepare on the first day of Yom Tov for the second day,47 so it is preferable to complete all preparation for the 2nd seder before the beginning of Yom Tov.
  2. Once the first day of Yom Tov begins at sundown, one generally should not prepare or cook for the 2nd seder until after nightfall of the 2nd night.48 Preparation for the seder that does not involve melacha49 may begin during bein hashmashot50 on the second night.
  3. However, one may prepare on the first day of Yom Tov for the 1st or 2nd day of Yom Tov, a non-melacha activity which also serves a purpose for the first day/Shabbat.51 Thus, it is permissible to spruce up your home or to wash dishes (in a permissible manner),52 to tidy your kitchen, or for hygienic purposes.
  4. One may also prepare on the 1st day of Yom Tov for the 2nd day of Yom Tov, if the non-melacha activity will become more difficult to accomplish if you wait until after the first day. Thus, one may remove frozen food from the freezer during the 1st day in order to cook it on the 2nd day (at night) if there won’t be enough time for the food to defrost if you first remove the frozen item after nightfall.53
  5. According to these guidelines, a family with young children may prepare on the first day for the 2nd seder via non-melacha activities if these activities will enable them to start the 2nd seder as early as possible after nightfall.
  6. See below chapter 12 “When Erev Pesach Falls on Shabbat” and/or chapter 13: “When the First Day of Pesach Falls on Shabbat” for the procedures to follow when these special situations occur.

Notes

  1. Rama OC 471:1, see MB 471:12.

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  2. i.e., 24 hours prior to Pesach. (Magen Avraham OC 471:6.)

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  3. This would not be relevant in Israel, since Friday is Chol Hamoed.

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  4. See S”A OC 527.

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  5. See S”A ibid.

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  6. It is important that one understands this declaration, so if you do not understand Aramaic (which is the language used in most traditional prayer books), you should recite it in English or in a language you understand. See Rama OC 527:12.

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  7. See MB 527:48.

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  8. It is questionable whether the reciting of Hallel at the seder, leaning at the seder, or eating the Afikoman are considered separate mitzvot. For Hallel, see S”A and Rama OC 487:4. Also see Shu”t Rimigash 44, Rambam Sefer Hamitzvot Asei 157, Sefer Hachinuch 21, etc., cf. Chidushei HaRashba Brachot 11a, Tur OC 473, etc. For leaning, see S”A and cf. Rama OC 472:7, Chidushei Hagri”z Chametz U’Matzah 7:7, cf. Tzafnat Paneach ibid, etc. For the Afikoman, see S”A and Rama OC 477:1-2, Rashi Pesachim 119b s.v. “ain”, Tosefot ibid s.v. “baachrona”, Rosh Pesachim 10:34, Maharal Gevurot Hashem 63.

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  9. MT Chametz U’Matzah 7:1.

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  10. Shemot 12:18, Pesachim 28b and 120a, MT Chametz U’Matzah 6:1, S”A OC 475.

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  11. Pesachim 117b, S”A OC 472.

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  12. Pesachim 120a, MT Chametz U’Matzah 7:12, S”A OC 475:1.

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  13. MB 472:1.

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  14. Assuming the 1st seder does not fall on Motzei Shabbat. If it does, we concluded below that one should not begin the seder before Tzeit Hakochavim. See chapter 12, “When Erev Pesach falls on Shabbat” for details regarding that scenario.

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  15. See Chatam Sofer Pesachim 99b. Also see S”A OC 472:1 – the term “Mishetechshach” in S”A may refer to sunset, not nightfall - for example see S”A OC 489:2. Also see Ran Pesachim 21b.

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  16. 1 ¼ halachic hours before sunset. Visit Myzmanim.com for the calculation of this time.

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  17. Preferably beginning with the section of “Rabban Gamliel used to say: Whoever does not discuss the following three things on Passover has not fulfilled his duty, namely: Passover (the Passover-sacrifice), Matzah (the unleavened bread) and Maror (the bitter herbs.)” (Poskim.)

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  18. Inferred from Chatam Sofer Pesachim 99b.

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  19. The exception being when Erev Pesach falls on Shabbat. In those years, even the 1st seder must begin at nightfall. See Chapter 12 below.

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  20. It would seem inappropriate to diminish the sanctity of the first day of Yom Tov Rishon by effectively replacing it at the end with an early observance of the second day of Yom Tov, which holds a lower halachic status, as it is a rabbinic requirement. See Shu”t L’Horot Natan 5:13–17. (Additionally, see ibid. 9:60, where he suggests that this prohibition may apply only on Motzei Shabbat.) Regarding Yom Tov Sheini

    being of a lower status, see Rashi (Beitza 4b s.v. asura), Mishneh Torah (Yom Tov 1:21, 6:14; Kiddush HaChodesh 5:5), as well as Maharshal 68 and Taz OC 668:1.

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  21. Preparation that does not involve melacha may begin during Bein Hashmashot or 21 minutes after sunset in Philadelphia. Certain non-melacha activities are permitted on Shabbat in preparation for Yom Tov. See below, Preparation for the 2nd Seder. Also, see below chapter 12 “When Erev Pesach Falls on Shabbat”, and chapter 13 “When Pesach Falls on Shabbat.”

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  22. 3 days if Pesach begins on Wednesday night or Saturday night. In the latter case, one would need to prepare the candle on Friday afternoon before Shabbat Erev Pesach.

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  23. Although it is permissible to transfer from a previously lit fire on Yom Tov, it is prohibited to ignite a new flame. (See S”A OC 502:1, MB 502:1)

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  24. S”A OC 453:4.

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  25. Because of the obligation to have “lishma” intent. See Shu”t HaElef Lecha Shlomo Hashmatot 32 etc.

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  26. I heard this from a well-known Posek. See Shu”t Mikraei Kodesh 8:2:3. Also, unlike other mitzvot, ‘lishma’ by matzah may refer to being extremely careful about ‘chimutz’ (as opposed to ‘intent’) per MT Chametz U’Matzah 5:9, Ritva Pesachim 40b and S”A ibid. Many machine matzot not labeled “shmura” are still acceptable for the Seder (S"A 453:4,) therefore, in extenuating circumstances, regular machine matza may be used. If possible, consult the certifying agency to confirm if a specific brand qualifies as “shmura.”

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  27. Heard from a well-known Posek.

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  28. According to the most stringent opinions one does not need to eat more than a half-matzah. Heard from a well-known Posek. See Sefer Hiddurei HaMiddot Ch. 7.

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  29. See Sefer Hiddurei HaMiddot Ch. 7. Also see Sefer Shiurim Shel Torah 11 and Orchot Rabbeinu 2. These sources indicate that a larger amount is not required for the d’Oraita obligation.

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  30. See Igrot Moshe OC 4:41, Chazon Ish (according to R. Chaim Kanievsky in Orchos Rabbeinu, Pesach, 2:70.) If necessary, one may eat the matzah within up to 9 minutes. (For opinions regarding the time limit to eat the matzah and foods that requires halachic achila/eating, see Shu”t Chatam Sofer 6:16 (9 minutes), 16:23 (2-9 minutes), Bikurei Yaakov 639:13 (7.5 minutes), Shu”t Tzemach Tzedek miluim 9 (6 minutes), R. Chaim Naeh Shiurei Torah 3:15, Kaf Hachaim 210:8 (4 minutes), Marcheshet 1:14 (3.6 minutes), AH OC 202:8 (3-4 minutes), Halichot Shlomo 9:86 (2-4 minutes).)

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  31. S”A OC 472:7. If you did not lean while eating the matzah, ideally eat another required amount while leaning. If you did not or cannot do so, you have fulfilled your obligation (bidieved) even if you didn’t lean. (Rama OC 472:7.)

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  32. Heard in the name of several Poskim. See S"A OC 461:4.

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  33. S”A OC 272:2. See Mishneh Halachot 10:87.

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  34. Raavya Pesachim 108b.

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  35. See Sefer Hiddurei HaMiddot Hakdama, in the name of HaRav SZ Auerbach zt’l.

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  36. S”A OC 472:7. If you did not lean while drinking the wine/grape juice, ideally drink another required amount while leaning. If you did not or cannot do so, you have fulfilled your obligation (bidieved) without drinking again. (Rama OC 472:7.)

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  37. Estimated based on Sefer Hiddurei HaMiddot.

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  38. See Igrot Moshe YD 2: 146, Shu”t Tuv Taam V'Daat 3:1:160, Shu”t Ktav Sofer YD 63, Minchat Shlomo 2:61, Shu”t Imrei Baruch YD 100, Shu”t Mishkenot Yaakov YD 30, AH YD 100:13-18 for many reasons for leniency regarding the issue of insects in fresh vegetables.

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  39. In this order because it is best to not soak the leaves until you rinse them of obvious debris and/or insects because of possible issues of ‘borer’. See S”A OC 319:8. Also see Igrot Moshe OC 1:125, Shemirat Shabbat Kihilchata 3:48,54, Ayil Meshulash 15:10,22 etc. See Shevet Halevi 1:52:2, Tzitz Eliezer 6:37. Also see Eglei Tal Borer 16, MB 316:41. If you see insects in the water or after inspection, you should rinse, soak, and inspect again until the leaves are insect free to the naked eye in a lit room.

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  40. Sefer Hiddurei HaMiddot seems to indicate that the 1/3 teaspoon should be heaping.

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  41. See Sefer Hiddurei HaMiddot Ch. 7.

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  42. As long as it is for the next meal. See AH OC 321:8-9.

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  43. For example, on a napkin instead of a plate. See MB 321:45.

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  44. Rama OC 321:12, AH OC 321, Igrot Moshe OC 4:74 (tochein):8-9.

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  45. If necessary, one may grate apples or nuts on Yom Tov before the seder with a slight change from the norm (shinui) if possible. On Shabbat Pesach, you can cut these foods into very small pieces with a knife. See above note regarding horseradish. When making charoset on Shabbat Pesach, make the charoset a little more runny than usual to avoid issues regarding the prohibition against lisha/kneading. See S”A, Rama OC 321:16.

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  46. This is because salt water for the seder is usually prepared in small quantities. See S”A OC 321:2.

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  47. See S”A OC 503:1-2, Rama OC 667:1.

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  48. Tzeit Hakochavim – 42 minutes after sunset in Philadelphia.

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  49. See Yom Tov Sheini K’Hilchato 1:21 in the name of RSZ Auerbach and RYS Elyashiv that a melacha d’Rabanan is permissible during bein hashmashot between the 2 days of Yom Tov.

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  50. 21 minutes after sunset in Philadelphia. See zmanim

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  51. MB 514:33.

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  52. There are differing opinions about how one can wash dishes on Shabbat. For some sources on this topic, see Igrot Moshe YD 2:33, OC 5:20:4, Shmirat Shabbat Kihilchata 1:39, 12:8,15, Shu”t Divrei Dovid 87:15, MB 325:30, Yabia Omer 4:27,30:19, AH OC 326:11, Kaf Hachaim 326:43, Be’er Moshe 1:43, etc.

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  53. Because in all these instances, it either serves a purpose for Shabbat as well (see MB 514:33), or there is a reason you need to do the activity on the first day which has nothing to do with “saving time” after Shabbat. See Maharshag 1:61, Minchat Yitzchak 8:24, Tzitz Eliezer 14:37, Nitei Gavriel Yom Tov 26:9. Also see Chayei Adam 153:6, Kaf Hachaim 503:2, Ben Ish Chai Tzav Erev Pesach Shechal B’Shabbat 7.

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