Parshas Tzav (Shabbos HaGadol) 5786
- Torah Tavlin
- 4 days ago
- 2 min read
Relevant Psakim and Halachos of Chag HaPesach (3)
Here are a number of practical tips for the Pesach Sedorim.
1) Everyone should be well rested, both adults and children.
2) It helps if the matza amounts that will be eaten are measured out and put in bags before Yom Tov. Then, at the Seder, one adds a small piece of the top and middle matza to each portion to fulfill Lechem Mishna and the poor man’s broken bread. This can also be done for the portion of matza for the Korech sandwich. This saves a lot of time at the Seder and minimizes the break between the berachos and the mitzvos of eating.
3) Have in mind with the beracha of Shehecheyanu in Kiddush to thank Hashem for the Yom Tov, and the mitzvos of relating the exodus from Mitzrayim, eating matza multiple times, eating marror, saying Hallel, and drinking the four cups of wine.
4) Having a clear head on Pesach night is a must, and should not be hampered with drowsiness due to the wine. If one is not sure if he can handle wine, he has other choices. Low alcohol wine is fine. Mixing one-third wine and two-thirds grape juice is also good. Plain grape juice is also good according to most Poskim.
5) Those who have the custom of stealing the Afikoman must make sure it doesn’t ruin the night. If one child is a winner and the other is not, he will not be receptive to listen to what needs to be listened to, and then we are all losers. The best way is to make up that all the children will get a prize for not stealing it, or that they all are one group, with everybody being a winner.
6) Very Important. After the children (and adults where it is done) ask the four questions, the adults say the paragraph “Avadim Hayinu...” After saying it, the one leading the Seder should stop and tell the children that we just answered your four questions. You asked why we eat marror? Because we had a bitter time as slaves. You asked why we eat matza? Because we left in a hurry and there was no time to bake proper bread, and now we remember that rushed trip. You asked why we lean and dip? Because we became free and noble people that night, and noble royalty lean and dip their foods. These are the basic answers and many details will be added as we proceed.
7) The Haggada shel Pesach is not just a two-night “crash course” but rather it is to be studied the whole eight days of Pesach. This is inferred from the posuk (Devorim 16:3) where matza is referred to as lechem that is talked about for seven days.