While it would be impossible to list all of the Halachot of the Seder in this guide, certain Halachot deserve special attention. For a more thorough treatment of the laws and customs of the Seder, refer to the OU Pesach Guide.
The Seder may only begin after Shabbos has concluded at 8:13 p.m.
Every person should say the Kiddush, as the Kiddush is part of the mitzvos of Sippur Yetziat Mitzrayim and the 4 kosot. The Kiddush can be recited together by everyone at the table.
One must drink at least “rov kos” more than half of the cup of wine. The same Halacha applies to each of the 4 cups. There is a difference of opinion as to whether grape juice can be used to fulfill this obligation. Therefore, wine should be used if possible.
Men: Remember to lean when eating matzah (even korech and the afikoman) and drinking the cups of wine! This is not just a custom, but also a Halacha. One does not properly fulfill the mitzvos of Matzah and Daled Kosot.
Women are obligated in the retelling of the story of the Exodus. They should minimally join the Hagada recitation with “Rabban Gamliel said,” "Three things must be mentioned…” but should preferably take part in the entire discussion. They are also obligated in Matzah, Maror and the eating of the Afikoman.
An olive’s worth of matzah must be eaten in a certain time period to fulfill the mitzvah of eating matzah. One should eat half of a Shemurah matzah as quickly as possible after saying the berachos over the matzah. One should not talk or get involved with anything else until the matzah is swallowed.
The use of Romaine Lettuce is preferable for Maror (even though it doesn’t hurt going down). However, one absolutely must check for bugs on this lettuce. The lettuce should be soaked rinsed thoroughly and then checked leaf by leaf for bugs. One can also clean one’s lettuce by rubbing each side forcefully with a sponge and soap. The leaves can then be rinsed off and do not need to be checked. If this process is too difficult - go back to the old horseradish. One should eat an olive’s worth of horseradish. With lettuce, this works out to 8”x10” of the leaves, or 3”x5” of the stalks.
The charoset represents both mortar and blood. It should therefore be brought to the table in its traditional form and then loosened with the addition of wine right before the Maror is dipped into it.
Remember that Shulchan Orech (the meal) is part of the Seder and part of our praise of Hashem. This should be reflected in the tone of the meal and conversation at the meal.
Each person should eat an olive’s worth of matzah for the Afikoman. The piece of matzah hidden away should be divided up and matzah added to it to complete the kezayit. One should be sure to leave a little room for the Afikoman so that it not be eaten after one is already stuffed. The Afikoman should be consumed before chatzot / halachic midnight which falls out at 12:52 AM.
We do not eat after the Seder in order to allow the taste of the Matzah to remain in our mouths.
A Chag Kasher v’Sameach to all!!
Thu, May 15 2025 17 Iyyar 5785